Word Meaning
हदफ़
hadaf
hinoun
Meaning
A target, goal, aim, or mark for an arrow or projectile.
Detailed Meaning
'Hadaf' refers to an archery mark, butt, or target, and by extension any intended goal or object of pursuit. In the given couplet by Iqbal, it represents the target for a half-drawn arrow, signifying a purposeless endeavor or undirected aspiration. It conveys the tragic futility of effort when there is no clear aim or object to hit.
Etymology
Arabic (هدف - hadaf), originally meaning an elevated object, mound, or butt set up as an archery target.
Usage
In classical Urdu poetry, 'hadaf' frequently symbolizes the lover's wounded heart becoming the target of the beloved's glance or fate's cruel arrows.
Examples
Arrow flew straight towards the target.
Without a target, every effort wanders in vain.
Synonyms
निशानामक़सदमंज़िल
Related Words
तीरकमानशिकारसैद