Bint e Haider
Sabir Afāqī’s book was published in 2010, and he passed away in 2011. Regrettably, he is no longer among us, having faced the challenges of the vast unknown.
Before writing this review, there were ongoing discussions about his other books. I had the honor of sharing a meal with Dr. Saab, and he also provided encouragement. However, given the current circumstances of his absence, seeking guidance from him regarding the references and background of the book is not feasible.
The following review is not just a claim but my sincere effort to navigate the intricate ocean of his writings.
Nevertheless, as I put these words to paper, my eyes fill with emotion, and my hands shake with the recognition that this book from Dr. Saab serves as a parting gesture for all of us. Enclosed within its pages is a verse from a poem, echoing something along these lines:
یہ الگ بات ہے کہ کوئی حادثہ گزرے
میں ان سے بچھڑنے کا ارادہ نہیں کرتا۔
Translation
In fate’s unfolding script, each incident does unfold,
Yet, I harbor no intent to part, a truth I firmly hold.
Regrettably, that incident has transpired, and Dr. Afaqi has departed from us. Commending the book ‘Hama Aftab Beenam,’ Amjad Islam Amjad remarks:
“I include Sabir Afāqī in this exclusive list, where lessons and fresh ideas intertwine. Despite being distant from major literary centers, his name and work require no introduction. Sabir Afāqī has embraced love, peace, and humanity, already possessing sincerity and a love for knowledge. Although the book on literature and poetry leans towards the educational system of the new generation, I still anticipate that readers will appreciate this book.”
Some excerpts from the great Pakistani poet Bedil Hydari about the book are included in the form of commentary:
‘He is a high-ranking poet; his observation is very deep and knows how to critically analyse through the smallest of issues۔
Dr. Sabir Afāqī, despite not being a native Urdu speaker and disavowing expertise in the language or perfectionism, manages to imbue his poetry with the essence and precision reminiscent of language experts.
Even though he remains down to earth (Sabir) and indifferent to fame, his poetry, universal in its essence (Afaqi), delves into numerous discussions on social and human issues within the pages of ‘Hama Aftab Beenam.’ Sabir Afāqī’s primary theme revolves around the intricacies of human existence and the challenges they confront.
With a profound love for humanity and its values, his audience encompasses every common person, as his concerns revolve around the everyday issues of the common man. Through his poetry, he skillfully weaves a universal connection, resonating with the essence of humanity, as reflected in the following verses:
تم دعوے کر رہے ہو جہاں نکھار کے،
تم سے ایک چمن بھی نکھارا نہیں گیا۔
اوار ہن پھر رہا ہے ابھی تک خلاؤں میں،
انسان کو زمین پر ابھی تک اتارا نہیں گیا۔
Translation
You’re claiming to embellish the world with grace,
Yet, not a single garden blossoms from your trace.
Wandering still within the void’s abyss,
Humanity, on Earth, you’ve yet to kiss.
Sabir Afāqī, a poet with deep contemplation, shared a profound connection with the land. His poetry carried the teachings of love for humanity, aiming to eradicate hatred and power struggles.
In the bustling markets of humanity, the messengers of love tread, and the pages of love do not merely descend from human tongues. As times evolve and values shift, individuals deeply rooted in their destinies and enamored by their culture exhibit a mature understanding. They hold onto the cherished symbols of their homeland with great affection, resisting separation from the echoes of the past.
For Sabir Afāqī, love and affection were sacred sentiments, guarded by moral destinies, and he remained steadfast in upholding these ethical principles. Recognizing children as the genuine guardians of nature, he drew inspiration from the vibrancy of the universe emanating from their blossoms. The absence of childlike mischief, a source of joy for many, left the renowned poet disheartened.
In the contemporary era, as humanity grapples with the complexities of materialistic friendships and relationships, Sabir Afāqī stands apart, deeply valuing the sacred duty of nurturing genuine connections. His sincere concern on this matter finds expression in the following words:
کچھ فالتو ہے عقل میرے پاس نہ فرست،
ملتا نہیں لوگوں سے میں گھر ہوتے ہوئے بھی۔
Translation
Wisdom, a vacant space in my mind, alas,
Even in the presence of people, loneliness does amass.
In the face of contemporary challenges marked by social issues fueled by bigotry and narrow-mindedness, Sabir Afāqī expresses profound concern. His aspirations revolve around eliminating prejudice, narrow-mindedness, ignorance, and conflicts, advocating for the elevation of love. He desires to familiarize humanity with the harmonies of love, aiming to remove obstacles along humanity’s path, allowing the flowers of harmony and understanding to flourish.
جو بھی ہے جنگ و تعصب کو مٹانے والا،
دور ہوکر بھی وہ ہے میرے گھر آنے والا۔
Translation
He who dispels war and prejudice’s reign,
Even from afar, is destined my abode to gain.
Sabir Afāqī is driven by a commitment to cultivate love among humans, possessing a keen understanding of the art of sharing affection, and taking pleasure in it. His innocent mischiefs serve as a catalyst for resolving decades-old enmities.
He, reflecting on the scourge of suicidal attacks, expresses his deep concern, describing them as an arsenal of destruction inflicting the worst torments of this century on humanity.
عبادت کہ رہے ہیں خود کشی کو،
ارے یہ تو اذاب دوسرا ہے۔
Translation
In devotion, they persist in self-inflicted pain,
Oh, this anguish is but another’s bane.
Sabir Afāqī’s heart laments witnessing societal inequalities and injustices. In moments of distress and anger over the absence of equality and fairness, he raises his voice:
امیر زادہ جرائم میں چھوٹ جائے گا،
پکڑ کے لائیں گے مزدور کو سزا کے لئے۔
Translation
The prince will get away with crimes,
They will catch the laborer for the crime.
Through his work, he advocates for respect towards humanity, imparting essential lessons in compassion. With a fervent desire for global unity, he passionately promotes harmony among religions.
سارے دھرموں کے پجاری مل کے بیٹھے ایک ساتھ،
دشت و دہشت میں کوئی ایسا باغ بھی ہو۔
سب سروں سے جو نکالے قتل وغارت کا جنوں،
اب ضرورت ہے زمانے میں دماغ ایسا بھی ہو۔
Translation
The worshippers of all faiths united in one congregation,
In wilderness and terror, may there be a garden of salvation.
Extricating from the madness of killing and plunder,
Now, a need arises for minds to ponder.
Kashmir, the paradise on earth, is more than just a geographical entity for Sabir; it is his faith and love. The loss of young lives in the decades-old conflict profoundly impacts him, prompting exclamations of sorrow when precious lives are cut short. He exclaims:
باشندگان وادئے کشمیر کو بچاؤ،
سنتے ہیں ہم روز ہی دو چار مرگئے۔
Translation
Save the inhabitants of the Kashmir Valley,
Hear us, for every day, more lives are at peril.
Within this anthology by Dr. Sabir Afaqi, a poetic tribute to the renowned Pakistani poet Ahmed Faraz is encapsulated.
Sabir’s participation in a poetry competition, orchestrated by the Ministry of Information and featuring nine poets, resulted in him clinching the first prize. The inaugural lines of his awarded poem resonate:
ہمارا عشق یہی ہے، بیان عشق بھی یہ،
ہمیشہ خواب نجات بشر کے دیکھتے ہیں۔
Translation
This is our love, the expression of love,
Always dreaming of humanity’s salvation.
And the last lines read:
سنا ہے قیمتیں امن اماں ہے جان عزیز
یہ بات سچ ہے تو جان سے گزر کے دیکھتے ہیں۔
Translation
Heard that peace is precious, life is dear,
If this is true, let’s see it through with our hearts near.
Following the 2005 earthquake, endeavors persisted to relocate Muzaffarabad and obliterate its historical footprint. Amidst this transformation, Afaq Sahib, fueled by an ardent affection for every facet of his homeland, steadfastly opposed the move. Driven by this passion, he authored a book titled ‘Muzaffarabad,’ chronicling the city’s history to assert its enduring existence over centuries and advocated against its relocation.
In view of the book, a poem dated August 14 is included, and some lines are as follows:
جتنے بھی دفاتر ہیں یہیں رہنے دیں انکو،
تاریک جو، جو گلیاں ہیں انہیں کہکشاں دیں
جتنے بھی تعصب ہیں مٹائیں انہیں یکسر۔
اس خطہ فردوس کو وحدت کا نشاں دیں۔
Translation.
Let the offices stay, let them thrive right here,
In the dark lanes, let them be constellations clear.
Dissolve the biases, let them all disappear,
This land of bliss, a symbol of unity, let it appear.
A very interesting poem by Afaq Sahib included in this collection is a response to some poetry attempt by the Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee. Some lines are:
کوئی ہے امن کا داسی
کوئی عزت ہی کرتا ہے
کوئی حتیا نہیں کرتاِکا l
وئی رسوا نہیں کرتا
Translation
Someone’s a servant to peace,
Someone bestows honor with ease.
No one resorts to cruelty,
Such a one brings no shame, surely.