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 five to fifteen couplets, each expressing a complete thought or idea. The themes often revolve around love, loss, and longing, and the couplets are usually self-contained, allowing them to stand alone. Each couplet in a ghazal follows a specific rhyme scheme, with the second line of each couplet rhyming with the last word of the first line. The poet often includes a signature or pen name, known as a takhallus, in the final couplet, adding a personal touch to the work.