Word Meaning
हम-कनार
ham-kanār
Meaning
Embracing, in close contact, bosom-to-bosom, or sharing a shore.
Detailed Meaning
Derived from the imagery of two edges or sides touching, it primarily denotes an intimate physical or spiritual embrace. In Iqbal's couplet, the finite rivulet begs the infinite ocean to either embrace it in close union ('ham-kanār') or grant it boundless expanse ('be-kanār'). It evokes the mystical desire of the individual soul seeking immediate proximity and absorption into the Divine.
Etymology
Persian compound formed from 'ham' (together, shared) and 'kanār' (shore, side, embrace).
Usage
Frequently used as a compound predicate with 'honā' or 'karnā' to depict romantic embrace, divine proximity, or attainment.
Examples
To be blessed and embraced by success
Either embrace me in union or make me boundless