Persian · noun · Faith & Sacred History

Dair

दैर
said DAIR-e-mu-GHAAN
also written: Dair-e-mughaan, dair-e-mughan, dair mughan, dair-e-mugaan
Meaning

A temple or monastery, especially of the Magians or idolaters; the tavern-shrine of the free lover.

Literally: the temple of the Magians; the fire-temple / tavern

Usage & notes

The dair-e-mughan is the 'temple of the Magians', the Zoroastrian wine-shrine — and in Sufi poetry the tavern of love itself, presided over by the pir-e-mughan, where the seeker is taught the religion of love that lies beyond the letter of every creed. Choosing this 'temple of the fire-worshippers' over the mosque is the poet's bold way of saying that true devotion is a matter of inner fire, not outward label. Iqbal uses the figure to elevate love-soaked faith above sectarian correctness.