Word Meaning
लाग
laag
Meaning
Attachment, longing, self-serving desire, or covetous expectation.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu and Hindustani poetry, 'laag' denotes attachment, an underlying motive, greed, or emotional entanglement. In this couplet, it specifically refers to the selfish craving and expectation of heavenly rewards (wine and honey) that compromises sincere worship. The poet advocates for selfless devotion, free of transactional desire.
Etymology
From Sanskrit लग्न (lagna, 'attached/clinging'), through Prakrit into Old Hindi and Urdu verb लगना (lagnā).
Usage
Frequently deployed in ghazals to signify personal bias, ulterior motive, or covetous desire, and often contrasted with detachment in the compound 'be-laag'.
Examples
A heart untainted by the greed for paradise
Speaking the truth without bias or hidden attachment