Word Meaning
बे-सवाल
be-sawaal
Meaning
Unasking, without petition, making no request or demand.
Detailed Meaning
The compound 'be-sawaal' literally signifies without asking or without an explicit petition. In Ghalib's verse, it qualifies the lips ('lab-e-be-sawaal') of the silent seeker or sinner who has uttered no plea, yet divine mercy steps forward as their advocate unprompted. It conveys a theological and poetic paradox where silent restraint evokes greater divine benevolence than outspoken request.
Etymology
Compound of the Persian privative prefix 'be-' (without) and the Arabic noun 'su'āl' (asking, petition, question).
Usage
In classical Urdu poetry, 'be-sawaal' often elevates the lover or sinner who avoids the indignity of begging, relying instead on unspoken grace.
Examples
Even upon unasking lips, the gaze of grace descended.
Everything was granted unasked through silent surrender.