Word Meaning
मुख़त्तत
mukhattat
Meaning
Marked with lines; inscribed; bearing faint down or youthful beard on the cheeks.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Arabic and Urdu, 'mukhattat' literally denotes something ruled, striped, or written in calligraphy. In Persian and Urdu ghazal tradition, 'rukh-e-mukhattat' refers to the face adorned with the tender down of youthful hair (khatt-e-sar-e-sabz), which poets compare to holy scriptures or elegant calligraphy. In this couplet, the beloved's lined or downy face is reverently likened to a handwritten copy of the Quran.
Etymology
Arabic, passive participle (مُخَطَّط) from the verbal root kh-t-t (خ-ط-ط), related to drawing lines, writing, or tracing characters.
Usage
In ghazal poetry, it specifically creates a sacred metaphor by comparing the beloved's sprouting down (khatt) to holy scripture or beautiful calligraphy.
Examples
rukh-e-mukhattat par fida hona (to be captivated by the calligraphed / downy face)
safha-e-mukhattat (a lined or inscribed parchment)