Word Meaning
मन्नत
mannat
Meaning
Obligation, favor, debt of gratitude, or a supplicatory vow.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'minnat' (often vocalized as 'mannat' in popular usage) denotes an obligation, debt of gratitude, or a humble entreaty. In this couplet, it signifies carrying the obligation or favor of winglessness ('be-pari'), implying that being powerless has spared the lover from garden captivity. The poet paradoxically acknowledges a debt to his own helplessness.
Etymology
Arabic 'minnah' (مِنّة), meaning favor, grace, or benefaction; adopted through Persian into Urdu.
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, poets pride themselves on self-reliance and constantly refuse to bear the 'minnat' (obligation) of anyone, even of a healer or benefactor.
Examples
minnat-e-chāragar (obligation to the healer)
bār-e-minnat uṭhānā (to bear the burden of someone's favor)