It is a wonder that Layla came to Qais's desert
He said with astonishment, "Does this also happen in the world?"
Ghalib, I feel pity for his delicate heart
Do not engage that infidel in testing love
This Urdu couplet evokes the legendary tragic romance of Laila and Majnu, a quintessential tale of obsessive love in Persian and Urdu literature. The first couplet describes Majnu's astonishment at Laila's unexpected arrival in his desert dwelling, a moment of profound wonder amidst his madness. The second couplet, addressing the iconic poet Ghalib, reflects on the beloved's indifferent or cruel nature, often termed 'infidel' (kafir) in this poetic tradition, and the lover's fragile heart, a recurring theme emphasizing the pain and intensity of unrequited or challenging love.
love & longing (ishq, judāī) · wonder & existence · the world's unfairness (shikwa)