Word Meaning
अहबाब
ahbaab
Meaning
Friends, companions, or loved ones; plural of habib.
Detailed Meaning
In Urdu classical poetry, 'ahbab' denotes a circle of friends, intimates, or well-wishers. In this verse by Ghalib, the mocking laughter of friends ('khanda-e-ahbab') ironically serves as stitches mending the lover's torn collar. The word underscores the bitter paradox where those expected to console the lover instead ridicule his divine madness.
Etymology
Arabic (أَحْبَاب), broken plural of 'habīb' (حَبِيب), derived from the triconsonantal root ḥ-b-b (ح-ب-ب) meaning love or affection.
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, 'ahbab' often blend into the role of moralizers and advisors (naseeh) who misunderstand the lover's frenzy and mock his state.
Examples
The gathering of friends could not mend my wounded heart.
The laughter of friends turned into needles for my soul.