Word Meaning
मग़्फ़िरत
maghfirat
Meaning
Forgiveness of sins; divine pardon or absolution after death.
Detailed Meaning
In Islamic theology and classical Urdu poetry, 'maghfirat' denotes divine pardon, mercy, and remission of sins, especially granted to the deceased. In Ghalib's couplet, 'haq maghfirat kare' is a conventional prayer for absolution uttered over the speaker's own unburied corpse. It introduces a poignant contrast between orthodox piety and the poet's non-conformist, free-spirited life.
Etymology
Arabic, from the triconsal root غ-ف-ر (gh-f-r), signifying to veil, cover, or pardon.
Usage
Commonly invoked in classical poetry as part of the formulaic funerary prayer 'haq maghfirat kare' (May God grant forgiveness), often used ironically by poets speaking of their own deaths.
Examples
Pray that the Almighty grants divine forgiveness to the departed soul.
Tears shed in the dead of night with hope of absolution.