'Josh' Malihabadi: A Radical Poetic Genius

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 6 December 2023 Har Rang Mein Iblees Saza Deta Hai Insaan Ko Bahr-Taur Dagha Deta Hai Kar Sakte Nahin Gunaah Jo Ahmaq Un Ko Be-Rooh Namaazon Mein Laga Deta Hai -Josh Malihabadi (Satan punishes in every way/ He deceives humans in myriad manners/ Those fools who can't commit a sin/ He engages them in soulless prayers/Namaz) Ghunche, Teri Be-Basi Pe Dil Hilta Hai Sirf Ek Tabassum Ke Liye Khilta Hai Ghunche Ne Kaha Ki Iss Chaman Mein, Baaba Ye Ek Tabassum Bhi Kise Milta Hai -Josh Malihabadi (Oh bud, I shudder at your helplessness/ You bloom for just one smile/ The bud said, my dear, in such a garden/ Even this smile is not available to many) Mere Rone Ka Jis Mein Qissa Hai Umra Ka Behatareen Hissa Hai (The phase when I cried/ Is the best phase in my life) Insaan Ke Lahoo Ko Piyo, Izn-e-Aam Hai Angoor Ki Sharaab Ka Peena Haraam Hai (Drink the blood of humans, it's a general permission/ But drink the wine of grapes, it's religiously prohibited) ((December 5 is the Birth Anniversary of "Josh' Malihabadi)) Two random quatrains and a brace of couplets are woefully inadequate to fathom the poetic greatness of Shabbir Hasan Khan 'Josh' Malihabadi. The man wrote prolifically; he wrote over 100, 000 couplets and more than 1,000 Rubaiyaat (quatrains) in his lifetime. Known for his liberal values and challenging the established order, 'Josh' did total justice to his nom de plume and was full of ebullience and enthusiasm. He was a coeval of Raghupati Sahay 'Firaq' Gorakhpuri. A lifelong agnostic, Josh could never reconcile to the idea of an Islamic or Semitic god. "Zara Apni Aql Ka Istemaal Karo/ Door Aasmaan Pe Baithe Khuda Se Mat Daro" (Apply your intelligence a bit/ Don't be fearful of the god sitting far away in the sky). He penned this simple couplet at the age of 15 and true to his words, never cared much for a concocted god till he breathed his last at the age of 83 in 1982. "Bashar Ke Zehan Pe Qarnon Se Jo Musallat Hain/ Badal Raha Hoon Gumaanon Mein Un Yaqeenon Ko" (I'm changing the so-called beliefs into doubts that have eclipsed the minds of humans for ages). This Shayar-e-Inqilaab never compromised with his ideals and values. A streak of revolution continuously ran through the blood of this rebel poet. "Ho Chaahe Insaan Ya Koi Khuda/ Sar Kabhi Kisi Ke Aage Na Jhuka" (Whether man or god/ Never bow to anyone). But 'Josh' also wrote lovely romantic poetry: Suboot Hai Ye Muhabbat Ki Saada-Lohi Ka/ Jab Us Ne Vaada Kiya Hum Ne E'tibaar Kiya (This is the proof of love's naivete/ When she promised, I believed) or Kisi Ka Ahad-e-Jawani Mein Paarsa Hona/ Qasam Khuda Ki Ye Tauheen Hai Jawani Ki (When someone becomes a monk/mendicant/celibate at the zenith of youth/ It's an insult to youthfulness). This is really a very thought-stirring couplet from Josh's quill as all those misguided followers of Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and other faiths who become monks and mendicants- owing to some religious reasons- actually belittle the robustness of their youth. Yet, those nincompoops call it religious and spiritual duty! This couplet of 'Josh' will get you thinking: Tabassum Ki Saza Kitni Kadi Hai/ Gulon Ko Khil Ke Murjhana Pada Hai (The punishment of a smile is so severe/ Flowers have had to wither after blossoming). 'Josh' wrote brilliant prose. His Sarguzasht (autobiography) Yaadon Ki Baraat amply proves his mastery over this genre as well. The book is known for Josh's candour. He spared none and even mildly criticized Rabindranath Tagore for his artificiality and affected demeanour. 'Josh' Malihabadi will always be remembered for his poetic genius, radicalism and outspoken attitude. ----- 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/josh-malihabadi-radical-poetic-genius/d/131261 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