Word Meaning
उलमा
Ulama
Meaning
Scholars, learned men, or authorities on religious and traditional sciences.
Detailed Meaning
'Ulama' is the Arabic plural of 'alim', denoting scholars deeply versed in religious, philosophical, and literary sciences. In this couplet, it appears alongside 'fuzla' (the erudite and virtuous) to denote an assembly of masters whose company cultivates refined expression and artistic discipline. It underscores that mastering such poetic style demands serious immersion in the presence of knowledgeable mentors.
Etymology
Arabic, broken plural of ‘ālim (scholar), from the root ‘-l-m (to know).
Usage
In Urdu ghazal, the ulama are cited as exemplars of traditional scholarship, though often playfully contrasted with the free-spirited lover (ashiq) or mystic (rind).
Examples
In the court, kings sought the counsel of the ulama.
He gained wisdom only by sitting among the ulama and fuzla.