Habib Jalib: A Revolutionary Poet of the Masses

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 13 March 2023 “Poetry has the power to survive the onslaught of time. In fact, gliding time lends a kind of an aura that justifiably glorifies the poet and his poetry." Dr Matthew Arnold On Homer's Poetry The same can be said about the poetry of Habib Jalib who passed on three decades ago on March 12, 1993. But his poetry is still read, quoted and recited by those who're discerning connoisseurs of Urdu poetry. Even a dilettante into Urdu poetry is aware of these couplets of Habib Jalib: Dushmanon Ne Jo Dushmani Ki Hai/ Doston Ne Bhi Kya Kami Ki Hai And Log Darte Hain Dushmani Se Teri/ Hum Teri Dosti Se Darte Hain. Habib Jalib ---- Ghalib told Altaf Hussain Hali ' Panipati ', “Main Kisi Ko Sukhanvari Ka Mashvara Nahin Deta Lekin Aap Ke Baare Mein Kahoonga Ke Aap Ko Shayari Karni Chahiye" (Though I don't advise anyone to write poetry, I'd like to advise you that you must write poetry). Faiz Ahmad Faiz suggested the same to Habib Jalib when they met for the first time. Some people are born to write poetry because it's their internal urge. Poetry was Jalib's embedded vocation which gave voice to his Paiham Iztiraab (continuous restlessness). A little inspired by Faiz's poetry, Jalib perpetuated the former's legacy through his revolutionary Nazmen. “Kahin Gas Ka Dhuan Hai / Kahin Golion Ki Baarish/ Shab-E-Ehd-E-Kum Nigahi/ Tujhay Kis Tarah Sarahein (There is smoke of teargas in the air/ and the bullets are raining all around/ How can I praise thee the night of the period of short-sightedness). Jalib's poetry was the voice of the masses. In a way, he was people's spokesman and a blend of Cicero and Seneca. “Main Aawaaz Apni Buland Karta Rahoonga/ Insaaf Jab Tak Na Har Ek Shakhs Ko Mile" (I'll continue to raise my voice/ Till every individual gets justice). True poetry is an expression of collective angst and a manifestation of zeitgeist. It goes beyond the sighs of self and merges into people's sighs. In other words, poetry is not subjective but universal. “Aahon Ka Dariya Le Ke Chala Hoon/ Zeest Se Zyada Zamane Ka Hai Gham Mujhe” (I carry a river of sighs/ Sufferings of the world are more important to me than my own pain). Jalib's poetry also had a quaint mixture of longings and witfulness: Paa Sakenge Na Umra Bhar Jis Ko/ Justajoo Aaj Bhi Usi Ki Hai (Whom I'll never get till the end/ Yet, I still long for that person). At the same time, his poetry had a trace of Frost's pragmatism and Faiz and Sahir's matter-of-factness: Kuchh Aur Bhi Hain Kaam Humein Gham-e-Jaanaan/ Kab Tak Koi Uljhi Hui Zulfon Ko Sanware (Beloved, I've other things to do as well/ How long shall one continue to disentangle your tresses). Jalib's sense of resignation and reconciliation with reality made him a poet of emotions as well: Uss Sitamgar Ki Haqeeqat Hum Pe Zaahir Ho Gayee/ Khatm Khushfahmi Ki Manzil Ka Safar Bhi Ho Gaya (That tormentor's reality dawned on me/ The journey of enchantment also came to an end). It was Jalib's poetic versatility and his ability to relate to the masses that made him such a popular name in the subcontinent. To quote a misra from his couplet that aptly encapsulates his persona and poetic genius: Mere Asha'ar Kabhi Yaad Dilayenge Meri (My couplets will remind you of me). They'll always remind us of you, Jalib saheb. You'll forever reside in the crevices of our consciousness. ------ A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/habib-jalib-revolutionary-poet-/d/129308 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism