Word Meaning
सौम
saum
Meaning
Fasting; the religious act of ritual abstinence from food and drink.
Detailed Meaning
In Islamic terminology, 'saum' denotes fasting, which is one of the fundamental pillars of the faith. In this couplet, it appears in the traditional compound 'saum-o-salaat' (fasting and prayer) to represent external religious obligations and orthodox piety. The poet contrasts these formal deeds with divine grace, asserting that true hope for sinners rests in God's mercy rather than rituals.
Etymology
Arabic root ṣ-w-m (ص-و-م), meaning to abstain or refrain from food, drink, and speech.
Usage
In classical ghazal, 'saum' is most commonly paired with 'salaat' to signify orthodox ritualism, often subtly contrasted with mystical love or divine mercy.
Examples
The ascetic spent his days in fasting and night in prayers.
Beyond outward fasts and rituals lies the path of love.