The Magical Quill Of Waseem Barelvi

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 17 February 2024 "Sukhanvari, Chahe Woh Kisi Bhi Zabaan Mein Kyon Na Ho, Apne Aaghaaz Se Vasl Aur Firaq Se Kahin Na Kahin Vaabasta Rahi Hai Aur Kyon Na Ho? Aakhir, Muhabbat Har Shakhs Ki Ruhani Zaroorat Hai, Lekin Mera Maan-Na Hai Ki Shayari Agar Hayaat Ke Doosre Aur Zyada Sanjeeda Pahluon Ko Chhuey Aur Zindagi Ki Haqeeqaton Ko Alfaaz De Toh Shayar Apne Chand Hi Asha'ar Se Humesha Ke Liye Logon Ke Dilon Mein Ek Makhsoos Jagah Bana Leta Hai..." Khaleel-Ur-Rahman Azmi, the eminent Urdu critic and poet who mentored Akhlaq Muhammad Khan 'Shahryar' (Poetry, whichever language it may be, has been associated with love and separation right from the beginning and why shouldn't it be? After all, love is every individual's soulful requirement. But to me, if a poet also deals with more serious issues of life and depicts its eternal truths, he can leave an ineradicable impression and carve a permanent niche for himself in the hearts of his admirers and connoisseurs) When one reads the poetry of Zahid Hussain, better known as Waseem Barelvi, one's reminded of Azmi's aforementioned observation. Though Waseem Barelvi has written a lot and his poetry also doesn't sound perfunctory, there have been a few couplets by the most popular contemporary poet that compel you to think deeply: Jahan Rahega Wahin Roshni Lutayega Kisi Charaagh Ka Apna Makaan Nahin Hota (Wherever it'll be, it'll spread light and effulgence/ A lamp never has its own home in a true sense) Thomas Fuller wrote, "Those who're good at heart/ Spread their goodness in every part." Here, lamp is an emblem; a symbol of goodness. Nice people spread and subsume their goodness wherever they're. Their kindness is not limited to a specific place. Nor is their benevolence meant for a select few. It's for all. To quote an unknown Urdu poet, "Baadal Hoon, Parvaah Nahin Karta/ Kis Khet Ko Bhigona Hai Kise Rakhna Hai Sookha" (I'm a cloud/ I don't care for drenching or drying fields - In other words, I drench all the fields). Goodness or benevolence is never selective. Aasmaan Itni Bulandi Pe Jo Itrata Hai Bhool Jaata Hai, Zameen Se Hi Nazar Aata Hai (The sky feels conceited of its lofty height/ Forgetting that it's the earth which provides this sight) One must remain firmly grounded however high he may soar. Parvaaz-e-Buland Mein Bhi Itna Toh Rakh Khyaal/ Zameen Se Kahin Naata Tera Toot Na Jaaye (Remember, even during a soaring flight / Don't sever your ties with the earth). One must never forget one's roots. This couplet of Waseem Saheb also urges us to have a sense of gratitude. Trees with deep roots can face all sorts of storms and a firmly anchored ship can withstand all tempests. Great heights are often achieved by humble steps. Those small steps must never be forgotten. Zara-Sa Qatrah Kahin Aaj Agar Ubharta Hai Samundaron Hi Ke Lahje Mein Baat Karta Hai (A few bubbles appearing as a grace of fate/ Behave like the sea in a spate) The upstarts, parvenues and nouveau riche are often full of I, me and myself. They're full of self-importance and behave as if they own the world or the entire world is their oyster. They forget that the sun is least bothered to display its fiery nature but the sand will scream to prove that it's hotter than the sun! One who inherits, never shows. But those who acquire, will paint the town red. And last but not least, "Shartein Lagai Jaati Nahin Dosti Ke Saath/ Kiije Mujhe Qubul Meri Har Kami Ke Saath" (There must never be any condition in a friendship/ Accept me with all my shortcomings). It's what we say in English: Love me, love my dog. To be extremely pernickety in relationships robs you of the thrill and excitement of togetherness. May your quill never face a writer's block, Waseem Saheb and you continue to write and gladden the hearts and minds of your innumerable readers and cognoscenti. Lastly, February 18 is 'believed' to be the birthday of famous Urdu poet Waseem Barelvi. But some entries show February 8 as well. Anyway, to quote Firaq Gorakhpuri, "Shayar Har Roz Apni Saalgirah Manata Hai, Tabhi Toh Woh Har Lamha Kuchh Naya Likh Paata Hai" (A poet celebrates his birthday every day and because of that, he can create something new every moment !). So very true. ----- 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/magical-quill-waseem-barelvi/d/131743 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