Word Meaning
लिखना
likhnā
Meaning
To write, record, describe in writing, or inscribe.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu and Persian poetry, 'likhnā' refers to the act of recording, inscribing, or chronicling feelings, divine attributes, or predestined fate. In this couplet, it signifies the impossible task of enumerating the boundless qualities of the Divine, even if every tree were a pen and every ocean were ink. It alludes to a well-known scriptural metaphor demonstrating the infinity of divine praise against the limitations of human expression.
Etymology
Sanskrit 'likh' (लिख्, to scratch, write) via Prakrit 'likkhaï'.
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, it appears both in the romantic context of love letters and in fatalistic musings on predestination.
Examples
Even if oceans turned to ink, writing would remain unfinished.
Whatever destiny has written cannot be erased by human hands.