Word Meaning
शैख़-साहिब
Shaikh-sahib
Meaning
Respected elder, cleric, or orthodox preacher, often addressed with satirical irony in poetry.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'Shaikh-sahib' denotes the pious orthodox elder or cleric, frequently treated with irony by intoxicated mystics and lovers. In this couplet, it mocks the superficial, theatrical piety of the preacher who merely knows physical leaps ('kud') rather than true mystical self-transcendence. It sets formal, rigid religiosity against the genuine ecstasy of spiritual company.
Etymology
Arabic 'shaykh' (elder, venerable leader) combined with Arabic-derived honorific 'sahib' (master, gentleman, companion).
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, Shaikh-sahib serves as the conventional satirical archetype of hypocritical or dry orthodoxy, placed in opposition to the sincere lover and wine-drinker.
Examples
Shaikh-sahib's advice had no effect on the intoxicated.
How did Shaikh-sahib find his way into the tavern?