Word Meaning
शेख़
Sheikh
hinoun
Meaning
An elder, religious scholar, or preacher; archetype of orthodox piety.
Detailed Meaning
Literally an elder or spiritual guide, 'Sheikh' in classical Urdu poetry is often used satirically to represent orthodox religious dogmatism and moral hypocrisy. In this couplet, he represents the austere moralist who strictly forbids even the smallest poetic or ecstatic pleasure.
Etymology
Arabic (شَيْخ, shaykh), originally meaning an elder, tribal leader, or venerable Islamic scholar.
Usage
In classical Urdu ghazal, the Sheikh is a conventional stock foil to the free-spirited poet (rind), frequently mocked for superficial piety.
Examples
The sheikh turns his face away from the tavern.
Do not heed the austere advice of the sheikh.
Synonyms
ज़ाहिदवाइज़नासेह
Related Words
हरामरिंदसाक़ीमयकदा