Word Meaning
रफ़्तगाँ
raftagān
Meaning
Those who have departed, the deceased; those beside themselves.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Persian and Urdu poetry, 'raftagān' literally signifies those who have departed or passed away from the world. In the idiomatic phrase 'az khwesh raftagān' seen in this verse, it refers to mystics or lovers who are beside themselves and lost in transcendent ecstasy. The poet contrasts the refined, silent etiquette of these self-transcended souls with the crude antics of the Sheikh.
Etymology
Persian: plural form of 'raftah' (departed/gone), from the infinitive 'raftan' (to go, depart), suffixed with the animate plural marker '-ān'.
Usage
Commonly used in classical ghazals either elegiacally for those who have died or mystically in 'az-khwesh-raftagān' for lovers in an ecstatic trance.
Examples
The footprints of the departed linger only in silent memories.
Learn true selflessness from those who are beside themselves with love.