Arabic · noun · Love & Longing

Ulfat

उल्फ़त
said ul-FAT
also written: ulfat-e, olfat
Meaning

Fondness, affection, the intimacy that grows from familiarity and attachment.

Literally: affection, fondness, intimacy

Usage & notes

Ulfat is affection — the warm, settled fondness and intimacy that grows between two hearts, gentler and more companionable than the burning ishq. It is love as closeness and familiarity, the bond that ripens with time and nearness. Where ishq scorches, ulfat warms; the ghazal uses it for the tender attachment that underlies passion, the quiet love within the loud one.