Word Meaning
तलब
talab
Meaning
Desire, yearning, quest, or seeking.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'talab' denotes an intense yearning, thirst, or spiritual quest for the beloved or divine truth. In this couplet, it appears in the construct 'ahl-e-talab' (the seekers), addressing those committed to the pursuit of love despite despair and taunts. It highlights a state of devotion where the act of seeking ultimately leads to the dissolution of the self.
Etymology
Arabic root ṭ-l-b (ط-ل-ب), signifying seeking, asking, requiring, or pursuing.
Usage
In Sufi and ghazal traditions, 'talab' often represents the primary stage or valley of the spiritual journey where the seeker abandons self-interest.
Examples
The path of quest demands the surrender of the ego
A heart restless with the thirst for union