Word Meaning
शराब
sharaab
Meaning
Wine or an intoxicating beverage, often symbolizing ecstasy or love.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'sharaab' denotes wine, frequently functioning as a metaphor for spiritual ecstasy, passion, and freedom from orthodox dogma. In this specific couplet, it refers to the stain or dregs of wine left in a goblet, which is evocatively compared to the dark pupil of an eye. The imagery contrasts this deep, luminous stain with the pale spot on the face of the moon.
Etymology
Arabic شَرَاب (sharāb), derived from the triconsonantal root ش-ر-ب (sh-r-b), meaning 'to drink'.
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, wine serves as an enduring metaphor for transcendent love, divine gnosis, and philosophical rebellion against hypocritical piety.
Examples
the dark stain of red wine upon the goblet
the tavern keeper pouring wine of divine ecstasy