शरअ

Meaning

Divine law, religious doctrine, or canonical jurisprudence.

Detailed Meaning

In Urdu poetry, 'shar‘' refers to formal religious jurisprudence and the moral code. In this couplet, it represents the formal legal apparatus of society, juxtaposed against the arbitrary, fatal charm of the beloved. The poet reflects that while civil and moral order rely on law and regulation, such rules are utterly powerless against a murderous lover.

Etymology

From Arabic ش-ر-ع (sh-r-‘), relating to establishing a path, ordaining, or prescribing law.

Usage

In the classical ghazal tradition, 'shar‘' is frequently set in opposition to 'ishq' (love), representing dry orthodoxy versus transcendent passion.

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