Word Meaning
मस्जूद
masjood
Meaning
One who is prostrated before; the object of adoration or worship.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu and Persian poetry, 'masjood' refers to the entity to whom prostration (sajdah) is offered. It can denote God, an idolized beloved, or humanity/Adam before whom the angels were commanded to bow. In this couplet, it highlights human self-regard and mystical dignity, deeming a mere handful of dust to be the true object of reverence.
Etymology
Arabic, passive participle from the trilateral root s-j-d (س-ج-د), meaning to prostrate or bow down.
Usage
Frequently employed in ghazals to evoke the Sufi motif of Adam's exalted station over angels or to exaggerate the sacred devotion owed to the beloved.
Examples
The beloved became the masjood of every prayer.
Dust transformed into the masjood of angels.