Word Meaning
नसीम
nasīm
Meaning
A gentle, fragrant breeze or morning zephyr.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'nasīm' signifies a gentle, cool breeze, particularly the morning zephyr that carries fragrances and messages between separated lovers. In this verse, 'nasīm-e-Misr' refers to the breeze blowing from Egypt, bearing the miraculous scent of Yusuf's garment toward his grieving father Yaqub. The poet suggests that the breeze acts not out of genuine sympathy for Canaan's elder, but merely to test the power of that fragrance.
Etymology
Arabic, from the root ن-س-م (n-s-m), meaning to blow gently or breathe softly.
Usage
Commonly personified in the ghazal as an intimate messenger conveying scents and news between estranged lovers.
Examples
At dawn, the naseem carried the fragrance of the beloved.
The buds opened as the gentle naseem touched the garden.