Word Meaning
वाइ'ज़
waa'iz
hinoun, masculine
Meaning
A preacher, sermonizer, or religious moralist; often depicted as a hypocrite.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, the waa'iz is a stock character representing orthodox piety, moralizing sermons, and puritanical virtue. In this couplet, Ghalib satirizes him as a hypocrite who preaches sobriety yet is caught slipping away from the tavern.
Etymology
Arabic, active participle of the root w-'-z (و-ع-ظ), meaning to preach, admonish, or counsel.
Usage
The waa'iz consistently appears as the puritanical antagonist to the rind (unfettered mystic or lover) in the ghazal tradition.
Examples
The preacher's counsel has no sway over the lover's heart.
Yesterday, even the preacher was seen wandering toward the tavern.
Synonyms
नासेहख़तीबपंद-गो
Related Words
वा'ज़नसीहतरिंदमय-ख़ाना