BY HANNAH SHARIQ 

 

 

FOR THE world, Ahmad Faraz was particularly known for his romantic and revolutionary verses and a symbol of resistance through his powerful poetry that often critiqued social and political injustices. Many revered him as a luminary in the realm of Urdu poetry who left an indelible mark on the literary landscape through his poignant verses. But for me, Faraz will always be a poetic sorcerer who, with his language, invited me into a world where emotions cascaded like a gentle river. Before encountering his enchanting words, Urdu language seemed like an uncharted territory. Little did I know that Faraz would be the alchemist who would transform my indifference into an enduring love affair with Urdu. His verses; ‘suna hai us ko bhi hai sher o shaayri se shaghaf, so hum bhi mo’jize apne hunar ke dekhte hain’. (Shaghaf : interest; mojaze : miracles) Aptly describes my newly-found (hopefully everlasting) love for the language and my awe for the poet. I distinctively recall my failed endeavour to paint vivid images of passion, pain through words. What a disastrous attempt it was! However, in the process, Ahmad Faraz - with his poetic prowess - became an architect of my admiration for Urdu.

 

It was as if each ghazal was a key unlocking the door to a realm where emotions created a bond between my soul and the rich tapestry of Urdu expression. After listening to his poetries in his warm and painful voice, an emotional alchemy occurred that made me an ardent admirer of Urdu’s lyrical charm. Faraz’s literary journey unfolded during a tumultuous period in Pakistan’s history.. Throughout his career, Ahmad Faraz remained committed to social causes. His works often addressed issues like censorship, dictatorship, and the suppression of freedom. Faraz’s outspokenness resulted in periods of exile and imprisonment, as he fearlessly criticised authoritarian regimes. Faraz was arrested for writing poems that criticised military rulers and later he went into a self-imposed exile. However, after returning to Pakistan he was appointed on several important positions. Despite facing adversity, his resolve to speak truth to power remained unwavering. Unlike other poets of his time, he detested and refrained from endorsing any religious ideology. Some of Faraz’s compositions articulate his fearless critique of societal injustice, using poetic metaphors to reveal the scars of solitude.

 

His unwavering commitment to social justice is well reflected in his verses; “Mera Qalam Nahi Tasbeeh Us Muballigh Ki, Jo Bandagi Ka Bhi Her Dum Hisaab Rakhta Hai.” (Blasphemy unintended). His contributions to Urdu literature are immortalised in classics such as “Suna hai log”, “Ranjish Hi Sahi,” “Ab ke hum beechde”, ‘Isse pehle ke bewafaa hojaye” that articulate the pain of unrequited love, and “Mera Qalam,” was undisputedly an anthem of resilience in the face of political oppression. Faraz’s exploration of the complexities of love extends to “Samne uske kabhi uski sataesh na ki’,” where he unveils the layers of the human heart. His legacy is not confined to the pages of books but resides in the emotions stirred, the tears shed, and the laughter echoed. Through his verses, he has bridged the gap between language and emotion.