Meaning of
shama
शमा' • شمع
English
candle; light; beacon
Hindi
मोमबत्ती; प्रकाश; दीपक
Urdu
شمع; روشنی; چراغ
Origin
Arabic
Ash'aar
abhii tum shama jalne do zaraa der
abhii betaab parwaane bahut hain
9
phir nazar men phool mahke dil men phir shamayen jali
phir tasavvur ne liya us bazm men jaane ka naam
34
abhii rone do shammo ko mat roko
ye parwaane ka maatam kar rahi hain
31
hawa KHafaa thii magar itni sang-dil bhi na thii
humeen ko shama jalane ka hausla na hua
28
ab tak dil-e-khush-fahm ko tujhse hain ummeedein
ye aakhiri shamaein bhi bujhaane ke li.e aa
28
zaraa rooth jaane pe itni khushamad
qamar tum bigaadoge aadat kisi ki
27
pyaar ki jot se ghar ghar hai charaaghaan warna
ek bhi shama' na raushan ho hawa ke dar se
22
ye intizaar nahin shama' hai rifaqat kii
is intizaar se tanhaaii KHoob-soorat hai
20
main Dhoondh raha hooñ mirii vo shama' kahaan hai
jo bazm ki har cheez ko parwaana banaa de
19
raat bhar dard ki shama' jaltee rahi
gham ki lau thartharati rahi raat bhar
17
abhii tum shama jalne do zaraa der
abhii betaab parwaane bahut hain
9
phir nazar men phool mahke dil men phir shamayen jali
phir tasavvur ne liya us bazm men jaane ka naam
34
Nuance
In its original sense, 'shama' refers to a candle, a source of light that flickers gently in the darkness. In poetry, it embodies the delicate dance between light and shadow, often symbolizing hope, guidance, or the soul's inner light.
Poetic Usage
Poets often use 'shama' to evoke themes of enlightenment and the transient nature of life. It contrasts with 'parwana', the moth, which is drawn to the flame, symbolizing passion and sacrifice.
Closing Insight
In the flicker of 'shama', poets find the eternal dance of life and death, a beacon of hope amidst the shadows.