Word Meaning
सफ़ीना
safīna
Meaning
A boat, ship, or vessel; metaphorically, the journey of life.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'safīna' denotes a boat or ship, often symbolizing human life or the lover's vulnerable heart traversing the perilous ocean of worldly trials. In Ghalib's verse, it refers to the vessel of existence finally arriving at shore despite the captain's oppression. It can also historically refer to an oblong notebook containing collected verses.
Etymology
Arabic (سَفِينَة, safīnah), from the root s-f-n pertaining to scraping or paring the surface of the sea.
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, 'safīna' is frequently paired with 'nākhudā' (captain) and 'bahr' (sea) to express vulnerability against destiny.
Examples
The fragile vessel remained adrift in the tempest.
The shore appeared just as the boat was about to drown.