Word Meaning
मानूँ
maanoon
Meaning
To accept, esteem, acknowledge, or believe (first-person singular subjunctive form).
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu grammar, 'मानूँ' (maanoon) is the first-person singular subjunctive form of the root verb 'मानना' (to accept, acknowledge, or value). In this couplet, it is employed rhetorically ('क्या ज़ोहद को मानूँ...') to challenge the inherent worth of external piety, asking why one should esteem asceticism if it is ultimately motivated by greed for heavenly reward. It underscores the poetic posture of questioning transactional or self-serving piety.
Etymology
Derived from Sanskrit 'मन्यते' (manyate) / 'मानयति' (mānayati - to honor, think, esteem) via Prakrit 'मण्णइ' (maṇṇaï) into Hindustani मानना.
Usage
In classical ghazal, it is frequently combined with interrogative words like 'क्या' or 'क्यों' to express rhetorical skepticism, defiance, or unwillingness to conform.
Examples
How can I believe your promise of love?
Why should I esteem the preacher's hollow sermon?