Meaning
A Christian monk or hermit; the recluse of the monastery in the ghazal world.
Literally: monk, ascetic recluse
Usage & notes
The raahib, monk of the cloister, joins the cast of the religiously devoted in poetic imagery. Iqbal can use such a withdrawn figure to question a piety that retreats from the world rather than transforming it.
Related words
PERSIAN
Darvesh
A Sufi ascetic who lives in poverty and devotion, often attached to an order.
PERSIAN
Dair
A temple or monastery, especially of the Magians or idolaters; the tavern-shrine of the free lover.
ARABIC
Sufi
A Muslim mystic who seeks direct experience of the Divine through purification of the heart and love of God.