As the Israel-Palestine war rages on,  poet, Imran Pratapgarhi, comes out firing on all cylinders.  And he does it with the only weapon at his disposal- lyrical prowess. He succeeds in igniting emotions with his poignant and moving verses. His new nazm mirrors the pain and suffering of Palestinians like nothing else.

The renowned bard known for his protest poetry paints a vivid picture of the suffering and anguish being experienced by the Palestinian people, drawing a somber parallel to the iconic poem Lab pe aati hai dua by Allama Iqbal.

As the world is shocked by the relentless turmoil in Palestine, Imran Pratapgarhi takes up the pen to channel the collective pain and torment of the Palestinians. His latest nazm is a haunting testament to the enduring struggle for justice and freedom in the embattled region

The poem, inspired by the timeless work of Allama Iqbal, rekindles memories of Lab pe aati hai dua, which has resonated with generations of poetry enthusiasts. However, Pratapgarhi’s composition breathes new life into this revered tradition of Urdu poetry by addressing the contemporary Palestinian predicament. Sample the verse:

Lab pe aati hai dua bun ke tamanna meri

Sun le tu aaj ye fariyad Khudaya meri

Tere mehboob ne jis simit kiye the sajde

Hukum se tere wo ashabe Nabi ke sajde

Sainkadon gham lye seene main hai ghamgeen khada

Ab faqat tere sahaare hai Falasteen khada

Kash duniya samajh pati ye jhagda kya hai

Aap ke ghar pe kisi ghair ka khabza kya hai

Tu jo chahe to har ek baat ko bahtar karde

Ek nazar daal ke halaat ko bahtar kar de

Imran Pratapgarhi’s words serve as a stark reminder that the issues of the past still linger in the present. His poem seeks to shed light on the illegal occupation of the Palestine land and the painful reality of life in the conflict-ridden region. Through his touching verses, he unfurls a tapestry of human suffering, resilience, and hope in the face of adversity.

The last stanza of the poem takes the breath away and moves one to tears. In a throwback to the Quranic story of Ashabe Feel (105th chapter) when Allah destroyed the army of pagans which came riding on elephants to raze down the Ka’ba. But the King Abraha army was destroyed by the huge flocks of Ababeel ( Common Swift bird) sent by Allah which dropped tiny stones of baked clay over elephants. See how Imran Pratapgarhi uses the historical event to plead the cause of Palestine. He says:

Doodh-mohe bachon ke bhi khwab huva Karte hain

Jung karne ke bhi aadab huva karte hain

Hum nahin kehte hamein koee paiyamber dey dey

Tere hi aage jo jhuke hum ko sar de de

Lashkare feel jahalat pe utar aaya hai

Aye Khuda phir se ababilon ko kankar de de

Kaun kehta hai nafrat se chalegi duniya

Tu dikha de ke mohabbat se chalegi duniya

What stands out in the whole nazm is the poetic genius of Imran Pratapgarhi and his ability to capture the raw emotions of the Palestinian struggle along with the depth of their aspirations. His words bridge geographical and cultural gaps, connecting people from all walks of life with the shared yearning for peace and justice.

In a world where the Palestinian-Israeli conflict continues to be a subject of debate, Imran Pratapgarhi’s new composition transcends boundaries and resonates with the hearts of those who yearn for an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people. Moreover his poem serves as a poignant reminder of the power of poetry to transcend borders and touch the core of our collective humanity, offering solace and solidarity to those whose lives have been forever altered by the tumultuous events in the region.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in Siasat.com portal.

Dated October 22,2023

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 In the realm of literature, the power of words is undeniable. They can create, inspire, console, and incite. What matters is how one wields them. In the hands of an expert poet words can become a soothing balm or a sharp blade.

Prof Muzaffar Ali Shahmiri, however, chooses to differ. He uses the power of words not to make or mar, heal, or hurt but to awaken the depths of human consciousness. He skillfully sifts the chaff of obfuscation through his linguistic prowess to reveal the kernel of truth.

The other day he cast a spell on the audience through his imagistic poetry. He left the circle of Urdu aficionados, who gathered at Lamakaan for the Bazm-e-Sukhan session, bemused and shell-shocked with his typically short free verse poems. No, there is no talk of gul-o-bulbul, saqi-o-maikhana or passion for lovelorn in his poems.  Breaking away from the rules of bahr (meter), matla and maqta (the first and last sher), Shamiri’s poetry takes on a whole new format. He doesn’t beat about the bush but comes to the subject directly. The words are succinct and to the point – evoking concrete images.

Sample this poem:

Jub tumhari nazr

Rangon mein farq karna bhool jaye

Aur jub wo

Har rang  mein

Ek hi rang dhoondne lag jaye

To samajh lena ke

Duniya ko be-rang hone mein

Ab ziada der nahin lage gi

One can draw any inference from this poem. It can be about the state of affairs in the present regime or any other thing.  Shahmiri leaves it to the reader’s imagination

A former Vice-Chancellor of Dr. Abdul Haq University in Rayalaseema, Shahmiri is now dishing out poetry enriched with vivid imagery and raw emotion, a testament to the transformative potential of the Urdu language. His verses are laden with pain, anguish, and suffering, yet they speak in a voice that is uniquely powerful and poignant. The wordsmith meticulously chooses each word to convey the depths of human emotion, making his poetry a cathartic experience for readers.

“I can write poetry only this way. I can never think in words but only in images,” says Shahmiri, who is influenced by American poets, Ezra Weston Loomis Pound and Hilda Doolittle. For the last four decades, he has been writing imagist poetry which he calls in Urdu ‘Paikari Nazm’ packing complex emotions into concise verses. Brevity is the soul of wit. And sure enough one can find the economy of words in his poems – which are both refreshing and impactful. For instance, he translated Ezra Pound’s famous poem ‘In a Station of the Metro’ in just 12 words, two less than the words used by the legendary poet.

Are such poems never written in Urdu? Yes, they are. But they are written under ‘Nasri Nazm’ (prose-poem) category. Shahmiri wants such poems to be separated and given a new identity since imagist poetry is distinguished by concrete words, concrete images, and clear-cut ideas. There are no metaphors or similes here – only images to evoke sensory perceptions. Read this poem which is a good commentary on the present times.

Tum agar apne desh ko

Peechey lejana chahte ho to lejao

Tumhari marzi

Magar itna yaad rakho

Ke peachy-peechey jate jate

Itne peeche na chale jana ke

Pathar ka zamana aajaye

This short poem like many of his other verses evokes a wealth of feelings. The reader is left to ponder and reflect on the essence of the human condition.  Shahmiri makes a telling commentary about the insensitivity of the powers-that-be in this poem – Aur More Nachta Raha (And the peacock kept dancing). Sample some lines:

Saari zamin dal-dal ho rahi thi

Aur more nachta raha

Shab-o-roz bijlian

Zamin mein dhans rahi thi

Aur more nachta raha

Zaherli hava mein

Insan hava ko tarasta raha

Aur more nachta raha

Hatta ke uski apni zamin bhi

Khisakti rahi

Aur more nachta raha

What distinguishes Shahmiri’s poetry is its directness. There are no convoluted metaphors or obscure allusions; his words pierce through the heart with the precision of a surgeon’s scalpel. In a world inundated with complexities and obscurities, his straightforward approach is like a breath of fresh air. His poetry is a lifeline for those seeking solace and understanding.

Prof. Shahmiri’s forthcoming book ‘Paikarah,’ is full of imagist poetry. This collection is a treasure trove of emotions conveyed through the prism of vivid and precise language. Usually a book is first published, reviewed and then presented to public. But Shahmiri has chosen the other way round. He presented a select few poems from his yet-to-be-published work and sought to know the people’s reactions. The book promises to be a poignant exploration of life’s complexities.

The rhythm and flow of words contribute to the effectiveness of his poetry. Shahmiri’s verses have an almost musical quality that resonates with readers on a visceral level. They invite them to embark on a journey through the labyrinth of human emotions..

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in Siasat.com portal.

Dated October 12,2023

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This influential Muslim panel has made it abundantly clear that it will not be taking sides in the upcoming elections nor endorsing any political party. Instead, it likes to focus on a message of unity and social harmony, calling for voting out forces that spread hatred.

In the run-up to elections, when political parties vie for support and endorsements from various groups and organizations, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has chosen to remain neutral. This influential Muslim panel has made it abundantly clear that it will not be taking sides in the upcoming elections nor endorsing any political party. Instead, it likes to focus on a message of unity and social harmony, calling for voting out forces that spread hatred.

The AIMPLB, under the leadership of its president, Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani, has resolved to maintain a steadfast commitment to its core mission of safeguarding the personal laws and rights of Muslims in India. Therefore, its stance on elections transcends political considerations and delves into the realm of social responsibility.

By refraining from endorsing any specific political party or candidate, the Board would like to ensure that it remains an impartial and inclusive organization. This position is in tune with the democratic ethos of the country, where every citizen has the right to make their own political choices based on their beliefs and values.

“The Board wants to underscore the importance of electing leaders and parties that prioritize social cohesion and national unity over divisive rhetoric,” is all that Maulana Rahmani would say.

The Board’s decision not to instruct Muslims on how to vote reflects a commitment to the democratic principles of individual agency and choice. It trusts the electorate to make informed decisions based on their own assessment of candidates and parties, rather than imposing a top-down endorsement. By advocating removal of hate-driven forces, it sends a powerful message that goes beyond politics and underscores the importance of unity in a diverse democracy.

Stick to Sharia

Under the present situation when attempts are being made to interfere in the personal laws of the community, Maulana Rahmani wants Muslims to strictly adhere to the Sharia principles. They should voluntarily enforce the Sharia doctrine in their life no matter what law the government enacts. Be it marriage, divorce, khula or inheritance Muslims should follow the Sharia in letter and spirit. Sharia has fixed the share of sons to double that of daughters in inheritance. If the law of the land says otherwise Muslim women should insist on taking only that much share which Sharia gives them, even if there is a worldly loss. “Such a spirit towards Sharia needs to be developed in these challenging times when attempts are on to deprive Muslims of their personal laws,” he remarked.

He called on the community to work to build bridges of friendship with fellow countrymen. Every Muslim should develop good relations with at least five non-Muslim brethren. They should engage with members of other faiths and share their joys and sorrows. In keeping with the Islamic morals, they should respect elders, women and show compassion to children belonging to other religions. This will create a ripple effect of goodwill across the country in a short span of time.  Such a move will also dispel misconceptions about Islam and help build a tolerant society.

Citing the example of the Prophet of Islam, he called the community to reach out to the oppressed regardless of their beliefs. In matters of human rights, Islam doesn’t make any distinction on the basis of religion. Wherever there are riots be it in Gujarat or Manipur, Muslims should stand by the victims. Muslims are not the only oppressed community in India. Other minorities, particularly Dalits, are also being targeted. The condition of Dalits is more pitiable as they are not even considered human. Even if a Dalit becomes the country’s President, he can’t enter the temple.  “This is an insult to humanity, and it is the duty of Muslims to stand by all those who are wronged,” Maulana Rahmani said.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in Siasat.com portal.

Dated October 3,2023

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