Word Meaning
शमाइल
shamā'il
Meaning
Personal traits, natural qualities, or physical features and bearing.
Detailed Meaning
'Shama'il' fundamentally refers to intrinsic traits, disposition, or physical demeanor. In Urdu poetry, it frequently combines with 'shakl' (as in 'shakl-o-shama'il') to encompass someone's overall physical appearance, habits, and outward presentation. In this couplet, it is used satirically to mock the Sheikh's unappealing countenance and peculiar demeanor.
Etymology
Arabic plural of 'shimāl' or 'shīmah', meaning innate disposition, character, or natural qualities.
Usage
In classical ghazal, it commonly forms the compound 'shakl-o-shama'il' used either in praise of the beloved's grace or in satirical sketches of religious pretenders like the Sheikh.
Examples
shakl-o-shama'il of the pious ascetic
the radiant countenance and noble shama'il