Word Meaning
मा-सिवा
mā-siwā
hinoun
Meaning
Besides, other than; in Sufi thought, everything other than God.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry and Sufi mysticism, 'mā-siwā' is short for 'mā siwā-Allāh', meaning all created existence other than the Divine Reality. In Mir's couplet, it questions the genuine existence or worth of anything outside of God. It implies that true gnostics are aware that everything derives its being solely from Him.
Etymology
Arabic compound: 'mā' (ما - that which) + 'siwā' (سِوَى - besides, other than).
Usage
Commonly used in mystical poetry to emphasize the ephemeral, illusory nature of the created world compared to the Divine.
Examples
The heart turned away from all that is besides Him.
Everything other than the Beloved is merely an illusion.
Synonyms
ग़ैरसिवाइलावा
Related Words
मा-सिवा-अल्लाहवहदततसव्वुफ़हक़