'Khumaar' Barabankvi Encapsulated The Quiddity Of Life

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 16 September 2023 Doosron Par Agar Tabsira Keejiye Samne Aaina Rakh Liya Keejiye (Before finding fault with others/ Hold up a mirror before you) Had Se Badhe Jo Ilm Toh Hai Jahl Dosto Sab Kuchh Jo Jaante Hain Vo Kuchh Jaante Nahin (Excessive knowledge is also undesirable/ Those who know everything, know nothing) Charaghon Ke Badle Makaan Jal Rahe Hain Naya Hai Zamana, Nai Roshni Hai (Houses are on fire in lieu of the candles/ The era is new; so is the light) Mujhe Toh Un Ki Ibadat Pe Raham Aata Hai Jabeen Ke Saath Jo Sajde Mein Dil Jhuka Na Sake (I pity when I observe the piety of those who couldn't lower their heart along with their forehead while genuflecting before god) Connoisseurs of Urdu poetry have already guessed it correctly that the aforementioned couplets were penned by 'Khumaar' Barabankvi whose birth anniversary was observed on September 15. 'Khumaar' was an exceptional observer and poetry requires power of observation and insight (Quvvat-e-Rooiyat-o-Baseerat). Think over this couplet, "Aisa Nahin Ke Un Se Muhabbat Nahin Rahi/ Jazbaat Mein Woh Pahli-Si Shiddat Nahin Rahi" (Though I still love her/ Intensity has ebbed away). This is a proven fact of life and all human relationships. Any relationship, not just love, begins with a bang and ends with a whimper. Love is first idolized and then cauterized. 'Khumaar' encapsulated the quiddity of life in two lines. Like all Urdu poets, esp. his coevals, he subtly made fun of the preachers and religious people. This couplet exemplifies that, "Ek Guzarish Hai Hazrat-E-Naaseh/ Aap Ab Aur Koi Kaam Karein" (I beseech you, honourable preacher/ You had better find some other calling). "Aql-o-Dil Apni-Apni Kahein Jab 'Khumaar'/ Aql Ki Suniye, Dil Ka Kaha Keejiye" (When heart and mind opine/ Listen to your mind, but do as heart nudges). This underlines his prudence. 'Khumaar' was also very witty. "Haath Uthta Nahin Hai Dil Se 'Khumaar'/ Hum Unhein Kis Tarah Salaam Karein ' (Hand refuses to move from the heart/ How should I wish her?). His enigmatic way of not even desirous of the destination distinguishes him from other poets: "Mere Rahbar Mujh Ko Gumraah Kar De/ Suna Hai Ke Manzil Qareeb Aa Gayee Hai" (Mislead me, my guide/ It seems, destination is approaching). 'Khumaar' also wrote for Hindi films, albeit not much. He penned 50-odd songs for the movies. His immortal number being, 'Dil Ki Mahfil Saji Hai Chale Aaiye' (Film: Saaz aur Aawaaz, 1966, sung by Rafi and composed by Naushad Ali). It must be mentioned that though Naushad always teamed up with Shakeel Badayuni as a lyricist, he did team up with 'Khumaar' Barabankvi in 'Saaz aur Aawaaz' (produced by Naushad) and Love and God (1986). An Urdu critic aptly summed up the genius and popularity of Khumaar: "Khumaar Barabankvi Ki Shayari Ka Khumaar Shayaqeen Ke Dil-O-Dimagh Par Humesha Taari Rahega" (The intoxication of Khumaar's poetry will continue to intoxicate the hearts and minds of the lovers of poetry). There cannot be two views about that. ------- 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/spiritual-meditations/khumaar-barabankvi-encapsulated-quiddity-life/d/130689 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