Word Meaning
मुख़्तारी
mukhtārī
Meaning
Free will, autonomy, authority, or power of independent choice.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'mukhtārī' denotes free will, independent agency, or sovereign power. In this couplet, it is portrayed as a false accusation leveled against humans, who are fundamentally helpless and constrained. The poet laments that while the Divine will governs all actions, humanity is unjustly blamed for having the freedom of choice.
Etymology
Derived from Arabic 'mukhtār' (chosen, possessing free choice, from the root kh-y-r) combined with the Persian abstract noun suffix '-ī'.
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, it is frequently juxtaposed with 'majbūrī' to explore the theological conflict between predestination (jabr) and human free agency (ikhtiyār).
Examples
The illusion of autonomy in a predestined world.
We bear the accusation of free will despite our helplessness.