Iqbal Ashhar: Wielding A Formidable Quill

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 26 October 2024 Years ago, the redoubtable Raghupati Sahay 'Firaq' Gorakhpuri wrote, "Yoon Toh Hujoom Shayaron Ka Nazar Aata Hai/ Kaun Waaqai Shayar Hai Ye Sawaal Rah Jaata Hai" (Though there's a crowd of poets/ But who's an actual poet remains to be answered). Poet Iqbal Ashhar turns 59 on October 26 ------ Yes, there's a mushrooming of poets not just in Urdu, but in all languages who can't even be called penpushers or apologies for poets. Despite that, there're a few names who indeed deserve to be called poets. Delhi-based Iqbal Ashhar is one such Urdu poet whose name cannot be overlooked. Though one of the most sought after Urdu poets across the country, Iqbal Ashhar's regular presence at poetic gatherings doesn't make him a poet of renown. It's his Kalaam that makes him stands out. His poetry is bereft of lush wordiness and ornate language. The sincerity of emotions, truthfulness of experiences and clarity of expressions make Iqbal Ashhar a luminous name in the galaxy of poets. One of his most beautiful and profound couplets is: Na Jaane Kitne Charaghon Ko Mil Gai Shohrat/ Ek Aaftaab Ke Be-Vaqt Doob Jaane Se (Many a lamp hogged the limelight/ When the sun set prematurely): Mediocrity thrives when the true creativity dies. One of his philosophical couplets makes you think, "Kisi Ko Kho Ke Paa Liya/ Kisi Ko Paa Ke Kho Diya/ Na Intiha Khushi Ki Hai Na Intiha Malaal Ki" (I found her having lost and also lost after having found her/ There's no extremity in happiness and unhappiness). Iqbal Ashhar's stoicism reminds you of Sahir's poetic and emotional insouciance: Barbadiyon Ka Sog Manana Fuzool Tha; Barbaadiyon Ka Jashn Manata Chala Gaya (Main Zindagi Ka Saath Nibhata Chala Gaya, Film: Hum Donon). This hedonistic indifference is required in relationships. Or this one, "'Azeem Log Thay Toote Toh Vaqaar Ke Saath/ Kisi Se Kuchh Na Kaha Bas Udaas Rahne Lage" (They were truly greats who faced hardships with a sense of dignity and loftiness/ They said nothing; just remained silent). Very true. Someone rightly said in Urdu, "Buland Kirdaar Wale Maut, Maatam, Mamta, Muhabbat Aur Malaal Ko Sikke Ki Maanind Nahin Uchhala Karte" (People of character don't display their emotions the way a coin is tossed around). One of his simple but emphatic couplets is: Sabhi Apne Nazar Aate Hain Ba-Zaahir Lekin/ Roothne Wala Hai Koi Na Manane Wala (Though apparently all appear close to me/ There's neither one to be angry with me nor is there anyone to assuage my piqued feelings). The poet Iqbal Ashhar is right because existentially speaking, we're all alone. This one expresses his wistfulness so beautifully, "Le Gayeen Door Bahut Door Havaein Jis Ko/ Wahi Baadal Tha Meri Pyaas Bujhane Wala" (The cloud pushed far away by the breeze was the one to quench my thirst). I wind it up with his lovely couplet, "Teri Baaton Ko Chhupana Nahin Aata Mujh Se/ Tu Ne Khushboo Mere Lahje Mein Basa Rakkhi Hai" (I cannot hide your sweet tidbits/ You've instilled fragrance into my words). Happy birthday to Iqbal Ashhar. The conversations of connoisseurs are scented and peppered with your Ghazals, Nazms and couplets. May your formidable quill ensue an endless flow of refined and thought-stirring poetry. ----- 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://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/iqbal-ashhar-formidable-quill/d/133549 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