Today’s Dictionary.com word of the day has multiple applications depending on who you ask. Fard as first presented is a noun as well as a verb, originating in the mid 1400’s or so, from the old French term farder, meaning “to apply makeup” or as a word for the makeup itself. An archaic definition is also cited; its meaning, “to gloss over.”

It is a simple, sort of silly sounding word that truly gets interesting when Google is consulted. 

The urban dictionary, for example provides a myriad of definitions ranging from the combination of a certain expletive with the word “hard” (meaning something “very hard”), to the description of crude bodily functions. Most memorable is its application when describing a fart so powerful it vibrates nearby body parts (paraphrased here to avoid utter crudeness!) Think about that when you are applying makeup (aka fard) to your face! 

But we’re not finished. Wikipedia elevates the discussion with a loftier take:

“Fard is an Islamic term which denotes a religious duty commanded by Allah (God). The word is also used in Persian, Turkish, and Urdu (spelled farz) in the same meaning. Muslims who obey such commands or duties are said to receive hasanat, ajr or thawab each time for each good deed.” 

I think it’s safe to assume this application of the word does not include farting!

But there is more! According to another wiki reference, in India a fard is a document that provides revenue details for property. It is not proof of ownership per se, like a deed, but can provide documentation when attempting to establish owenership.

What an interesting little word. To be safe I should probably stick with dictionary.com’s initial definition for my haiku. But I might slip in a few references of its other meanings just to make this challenge FARD!

Fard – A Haiku

A daily practice…
Farding one’s wan face with fard
It’s only skin deep.

kat ~ 27 May 2016