Word Meaning
मादूद
ma'dūd
hiadjective
Meaning
Numbered, counted, limited, or very few.
Detailed Meaning
Derived from the concept of being counted, 'ma'dud' denotes something finite, scarce, or limited in number. In the context of this couplet, it functions substantively to mean 'only a countable few' who comprehend the mystical secret (ramz) of divine manifestation. It underscores the profound rarity of spiritual insight.
Etymology
Arabic (مَعْدُود), passive participle of the root ع-د-د ('a-d-d), meaning to count, enumerate, or reckon.
Usage
In classical Urdu ghazal, it is typically employed to emphasize the rarity of genuine lovers or the fleeting, countable nature of human breaths.
Examples
ma'dud hain jo is raaz-e-haqiqat ko samajh sake
zindagi to bas ma'dud saanson ka silsila hai
Synonyms
क़लीलमहदूदगिने-चुनेअंगुश्त-शुमार
Related Words
अददतादादइस्तेदाद