Word Meaning
शैताँ
shaitaan
Meaning
Satan, the Devil, or Iblis who refused to prostrate before Adam.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'Shaitan' refers to Satan or Iblis, prominent here in the theological narrative of refusing God's command to prostrate before Adam. In this couplet, it questions that refusal by suggesting God's very manifestation might be veiled within Adam. The figure frequently serves as a motif for pride, rebellion, or Sufic paradoxes of singular devotion.
Etymology
Arabic origin (شيطان, shayṭān), denoting an adversary, rebel, or demon.
Usage
In the ghazal, it is frequently invoked in mythological and mystical paradoxes contrasting Adam's exalted station with Satan's obstinacy.
Examples
Beware the fleeting whispers of Shaitan.
He turned away from the prostration like Shaitan.