'Josh' Malihabadi: A Radical Poetic Genius
By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam
6 December 2023
Har Rang Mein Iblees Saza Deta Hai
Insaan Ko Bahr-Taur Dagha Deta Hai
Kar Sakte Nahin Gunaah Jo Ahmaq Un Ko
Be-Rooh Namaazon Mein Laga Deta Hai
-Josh Malihabadi
(Satan punishes in every way/ He deceives humans in myriad
manners/ Those fools who can't commit a sin/ He engages them in soulless
prayers/Namaz)
Ghunche, Teri Be-Basi Pe Dil Hilta Hai
Sirf Ek Tabassum Ke Liye Khilta Hai
Ghunche Ne Kaha Ki Iss Chaman Mein, Baaba
Ye Ek Tabassum Bhi Kise Milta Hai
-Josh Malihabadi
(Oh bud, I shudder at your helplessness/ You bloom for just
one smile/ The bud said, my dear, in such a garden/ Even this smile is not
available to many)
Mere Rone Ka Jis Mein Qissa Hai
Umra Ka Behatareen Hissa Hai
(The phase when I cried/ Is the best phase in my life)
Insaan Ke Lahoo Ko Piyo, Izn-e-Aam Hai
Angoor Ki Sharaab Ka Peena Haraam Hai
(Drink the blood of humans, it's a general permission/ But
drink the wine of grapes, it's religiously prohibited)
((December 5 is the Birth Anniversary of "Josh' Malihabadi))
Two random quatrains and a brace of couplets are woefully
inadequate to fathom the poetic greatness of Shabbir Hasan Khan 'Josh'
Malihabadi. The man wrote prolifically; he wrote over 100, 000 couplets and
more than 1,000 Rubaiyaat (quatrains) in his lifetime. Known for his
liberal values and challenging the established order, 'Josh' did total justice to
his nom de plume and was full of ebullience and enthusiasm. He was a coeval of
Raghupati Sahay 'Firaq' Gorakhpuri. A lifelong agnostic, Josh could never
reconcile to the idea of an Islamic or Semitic god. "Zara Apni Aql Ka
Istemaal Karo/ Door Aasmaan Pe Baithe Khuda Se Mat Daro" (Apply your intelligence
a bit/ Don't be fearful of the god sitting far away in the sky). He penned this
simple couplet at the age of 15 and true to his words, never cared much for a
concocted god till he breathed his last at the age of 83 in 1982. "Bashar
Ke Zehan Pe Qarnon Se Jo Musallat Hain/ Badal Raha Hoon Gumaanon Mein Un
Yaqeenon Ko" (I'm changing the so-called beliefs into doubts that have
eclipsed the minds of humans for ages).
This Shayar-e-Inqilaab
never compromised with his ideals and values. A streak of revolution
continuously ran through the blood of this rebel poet. "Ho Chaahe
Insaan Ya Koi Khuda/ Sar Kabhi Kisi Ke Aage Na Jhuka" (Whether man or
god/ Never bow to anyone). But 'Josh' also wrote lovely romantic poetry: Suboot
Hai Ye Muhabbat Ki Saada-Lohi Ka/ Jab Us Ne Vaada Kiya Hum Ne E'tibaar Kiya
(This is the proof of love's naivete/ When she promised, I believed) or Kisi
Ka Ahad-e-Jawani Mein Paarsa Hona/ Qasam Khuda Ki Ye Tauheen Hai Jawani Ki
(When someone becomes a monk/mendicant/celibate at the zenith of youth/ It's an
insult to youthfulness).
This is really a very thought-stirring couplet from Josh's
quill as all those misguided followers of Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and other
faiths who become monks and mendicants- owing to some religious reasons-
actually belittle the robustness of their youth. Yet, those nincompoops call it
religious and spiritual duty!
This couplet of 'Josh' will get you thinking: Tabassum Ki
Saza Kitni Kadi Hai/ Gulon Ko Khil Ke Murjhana Pada Hai (The punishment of
a smile is so severe/ Flowers have had to wither after blossoming). 'Josh'
wrote brilliant prose.
His Sarguzasht (autobiography) Yaadon Ki Baraat
amply proves his mastery over this genre as well. The book is known for Josh's
candour. He spared none and even mildly criticized Rabindranath Tagore for his
artificiality and affected demeanour. 'Josh' Malihabadi will always be
remembered for his poetic genius, radicalism and outspoken attitude.
-----
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/josh-malihabadi-radical-poetic-genius/d/131261