Word Meaning
सिदरा
sidra
Meaning
The heavenly lote-tree marking the utmost boundary of the seventh heaven.
Detailed Meaning
In Islamic cosmology and classical poetry, Sidra refers to Sidrat al-Muntaha, the heavenly lote-tree representing the boundary beyond which no created being can pass. In this couplet, it forms the compound 'ta'ir-e-sidra' (the bird of Sidra), an epithet for the Archangel Gabriel (Jibreel). The poet hyperbolicly implies that the beloved's eyelash-arrow is potent enough to reach the highest heavens and capture Gabriel himself.
Etymology
Arabic سِدْرَة (sidrah), meaning a single lote-tree (Ziziphus lotus).
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, Sidra represents the zenith of celestial altitude and angelhood, often outstripped by human love or pierced by the beloved's glances.
Examples
tā'ir-e-sidra kī parvāz
sidra se buland maqām