Word Meaning
हर-शम'अ
har-sham'a
Meaning
Every candle; each lamp or source of light.
Detailed Meaning
A determinative compound combining the Persian distributive 'har' (each/every) with the Arabic-origin 'sham'a' (candle). In this couplet, it refers to all the candles present in the intimate chamber, whose wicks seemed like piercing thorns upon the lantern's cloak in comparison to the beloved's radiant presence. It highlights the complete diminishment and helplessness of ordinary lights before supreme beauty.
Etymology
Compound of Persian 'har' (each, every) + Arabic 'sham'ah' (شمعة, wax candle, lamp).
Usage
In classical ghazal poetry, it is employed to portray the entirety of the assembly's illumination or to represent all burning lovers in contrast to the singular beloved.
Examples
The flame of every candle quivered in fear of the wind.
Before morning broke, the light of every candle had dimmed.