Word Meaning
बख़ील
bakhīl
Meaning
Miserly, stingy, parsimonious, or holding back generosity.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'bakhīl' describes a miser or an entity that grudgingly withholds favor, passion, or wealth. In this couplet, nature (fitrat) is accused of stinginess because, even amidst its supreme generosity, it withheld an active spark from the ruby, leaving it with silent flame instead. It captures a philosophical grievance against an inherent limitation within seemingly perfect creation.
Etymology
Arabic, derived from the root b-kh-l (ب-خ-ل), signifying parsimony, miserliness, or withholding (bukhl).
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, 'bakhīl' is often set in contrast with 'sakhī' (generous) to complain about the beloved's coldness or the heavens' lack of grace.
Examples
The stingy sky withheld its rain from our parched garden.
Do not be so miserly with a mere glance of grace.