Understanding common islamic closed forms Poetry

Ghazal

• A lyric poem with a fixed number of verses and a repeated rhyme, typically on the theme of love, and normally set to music.
• Consists of couplets, with each couplet ending on the same word or phrase (radif).
• The last couplet includes a proper name, often of the poet's.
• Traditional rules:
  • Opening couplet is called a Matla.
  • The last one or two words of every couplet must be exactly the same (or approximately similar).
  • In the first couplet, both lines must end with the same one or two words.
• Radif: The second-to-last word in every couplet should retain the same rhyme as every other couplet.
• Ends with the poet's name or Maqta, and is considered a "Noble" form of poetry.

Rubaiyat

• A poem composed of rhymed quatrains.
• Originated from Persia (modern-day Iran).
• The name "Rubaiyat" comes from the Arabic plural of the word for "quatrain," Rubá'íyah, which is derived from the Arabic word "Rubá," meaning "four."
• Traditional Rubaiyat:
  • Typically consists of 4-line stanzas with a specific rhyme scheme (AABA).
  • Often has a natural, conversational tone.
  • Usually explores themes related to nature.