सिफ़्ला

Meaning

Mean, vile, base, ignoble, or contemptible.

Detailed Meaning

In classical Urdu poetry, 'sifla' denotes someone of base, petty, or ignoble character. In the provided couplet, it serves as an epithet for the heavens or fate ('falak-e-sifla'), describing it as mean-spirited and indifferent to human suffering. It conveys the poet's grievance against cruel, unfeeling destiny.

Etymology

Arabic origin, from the root s-f-l (س-ف-ل) meaning low, inferior, or ignoble.

Usage

In the ghazal tradition, 'sifla' often qualifies fate ('falak' or 'charkh') to decry how the unworthy prosper while noble souls suffer.

Examples

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Related Words