रू-ब-क़फ़ा

Meaning

With face turned backward; looking back while moving away.

Detailed Meaning

Literally meaning with one's face turned towards the back of the neck or behind, this term describes walking forward while continually looking backward. In this couplet, it portrays faithful lovers who are compelled to leave the beloved's street yet keep their gaze fixed behind them for as long as their sight can reach. It serves as a poignant visual metaphor for extreme reluctance and lingering devotion during departure.

Etymology

Compound formed from Persian 'roo' (face), the preposition 'ba' (to, towards), and Arabic 'qafaa' (back of the neck, rear).

Usage

In classical Urdu ghazal, it is a conventional motif for lovers who are driven out or must part from the beloved's street against their will.

Examples

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Related Words