Word Meaning
माह-जबीं
māh-jabīn
Meaning
Moon-browed; having a radiant forehead like the moon; an exquisite beloved.
Detailed Meaning
A classical Persianate compound literally meaning 'moon-forehead', used to describe a beloved of luminous and supreme beauty. In this couplet, the poet questions why one would look up at the twinkling stars when the radiant beloved was present right before their eyes. It underlines the idea that the beloved's presence completely eclipses all celestial wonders.
Etymology
Persian compound from 'māh' (moon) and 'jabīn' (forehead, brow; ultimately from Arabic 'jabin').
Usage
A frequent trope in classical Urdu ghazal where the beloved's radiant forehead is likened to the luminous moon to highlight their celestial beauty.
Examples
A single glance from that moon-browed beloved illuminated the night.
The radiance of the moon-faced one outshone every star in the sky.