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
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