A ghazal is a form of poetry that originated in Arabic literature and later became popular in Persian, Urdu, and other languages. It typically consists of a series of couplets, each expressing a self-contained thought or emotion. The themes often revolve around love, loss, and longing, and the structure usually includes a refrain and a rhyme scheme. Each couplet in a ghazal can stand alone, allowing for a diverse range of ideas within a single poem. The form is known for its lyrical quality and emotional depth, making it a cherished style in the works of poets like Rumi and Ghalib.