In the Loving Memory of Ahmed Faraz

By Mwaqar

Ahmad Faraz born Syed Ahmad Shah on 14 January 1931 in Kohat, died 25 August 2008 was a Pakistani Urdu poet. He was acclaimed one of the modern Urdu poets of the last century. 'Faraz' is his pen name, (in Urdu takhalus). He died in Islamabad on 25 August 2008. He was awarded Hilal-e-Imtiaz, Sitara-i-Imtiaz and after his death Hilal-e-Pakistan by the government.He was not only romantic but also a great revolutionary poet.

I started listening to the ghazals of Faraz with a heavy heart after hearing news of his death, what a incredible loss. Then somehow came away feeling more at peace than before after replaying his ghazals like, "Ab ke hum Bichhray’’ And "Ye alam shoke ka dekha na jaie." It was indeed a shock for every progressive-minded person in Pakistan. Faraz was not just a romantic poet

but also a poet of revolution, struggle and he never hesitated to challenge dictators through his poetry. Faraz not only supported the struggle against dictatorship, issue of civic movements or movement of lawyers through his poetry but he himself participated in these movements. The amazing thing about Ahmed Faraz is that he is still able to provide consolation even when we are mourning for him. He will never stop speaking to us and enriching our lives. Just try listening to “Sunna hai log usse ankh bhar ke deykhte hain” without smiling…it’s not possible. Faraz poetry is both traditional as well as liberal.

Collections of his poetry have been quite popular and some of these have won major literary awards. He is widely acclaimed and admired because of the essence of his classical poetry. His poetry verses recite life. The way he wrote on social issues is appreciable. Nature had placed the magical magnificence, reflecting truly in his poetry. Faraz was also a literary man. Faraz was best known for his progressive political poetry, with his poem Mohasara (The Siege), written in criticism of Pakistan's political regime, perhaps his most widely praised work. But he also wrote romantic poetry, and his poem "Dekhtay Hain" (Let us gaze) is seen today as a classic of modern romance. Ahmad Faraz was a passionate and popular voice for progress and change. His death is a great tragedy, at the time when Pakistani nation is already short of people with dynamic thinking, losing Faraz is another blow from the blue. Ahmed Faraz was not mere a poet, he was a Pakistani with keen eye on pros and corns of the nation. Ahmed Faraz, a man of principle, a man of words, a man whom we say proudly a true Pakistani. He is the true chain linking from Ghalib, Meer, Iqbal to Faiz, and I pray as his soul rest in peace, the link of positive and constructive thinking should continue. Faraz was not scared of dictators and narrow-minded people. One day Faraz heard loud banging at his door. He rose hurriedly to open it, only to see four or five bearded men in white skullcaps. “Can you recite the Kalima?” one asked. “Why, has it changed?” Faraz inquired. He had to spend many years in exile during the period of dictator Zia. During his life Ahmad Faraz received a number of honours, including the Hilal-i-Imtiaz in 2004. He returned this award to President Musharraf two years later, saying that his conscience would never forgive him for associating with a military dictator. He always remained active to safeguard the basic human rights, freedom of opinion and promotion of the democracy. From Ayub, through Yahya, through Bhutto and down to Musharraf, Faraz was always viewed by the establishment as the rebel he was. He was never afraid to write what others only whispered about and he never let adversity stray him from the path he had chosen for himself. More of his poetry is remembered and recited by his admirers. Few people know that in 1947 when the uprising in Kashmir against the Maharaja’s rule began, among the volunteers who went in to fight on the side of the Kashmiris was the teenager Ahmed Faraz from Kohat. He had the courage to stand up for what he believed in. It was an admirable quality. Faraz was indeed a leader of revolution in Pakistan, a revolution which is needed in Pakistan. Future revolutionaries will find fiery slogans in Faraz’s poetry, as will hapless lovers groping for the right phrase to convey the most sublime of their emotions. Faraz’s burning poetry pitted itself against the injustices of dictatorships and authoritarian regimes — and certainly, Pakistan has provided plenty. His work will command a following so long as love itself lives, and the Muse finds a voice through a poignant Urdu ghazal. He was in the true sense a poet of masses, not just a poet of romance and love. A poet, whose revolution didn't stop in his Divan, rather a crusader who fought against oppression, raised his voice against injustice and never shied away from taking on the establishment. This Pathan poet never compromised in life. Syed Ahmed Shah, who was known as Ahmed Faraz, had become a legend in his life time. I offer my condolences to his family. Ahmed Faraz, was a good man, good soul, and one of the greatest poet ever. He will live for ever. May his soul rest in peace.