Word Meaning
मसाइब
masā'ib
Meaning
Misfortunes, afflictions, calamities, hardships, or adversities.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'masā'ib' (the plural of 'musībat') denotes worldly tribulations, calamities, and hardships. In the couplet, the poet contrasts typical external misfortunes with the profound, singular shock of losing one's heart. It highlights that ordinary griefs are bearable, whereas the devastation of the heart is an unparalleled catastrophe.
Etymology
Arabic, broken plural (jam'-e mukassar) of 'muṣībah' (مُصِيبَة), derived from the triconsonantal root ṣ-w-b (ص-و-ب), signifying to strike, hit, or befall.
Usage
Frequently employed in classical ghazals to encompass the myriad worldly sufferings and tests of fate that the lover must endure.
Examples
Bearing the afflictions of the world
Unaware of the misfortunes of the era