'Khumaar' Barabankvi Encapsulated The Quiddity Of Life
By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam
16 September 2023
Doosron Par Agar Tabsira
Keejiye
Samne Aaina Rakh Liya Keejiye
(Before finding fault with
others/ Hold up a mirror before you)
Had Se Badhe Jo Ilm Toh Hai
Jahl Dosto
Sab Kuchh Jo Jaante Hain Vo
Kuchh Jaante Nahin
(Excessive knowledge is also
undesirable/ Those who know everything, know nothing)
Charaghon Ke Badle Makaan Jal
Rahe Hain
Naya Hai Zamana, Nai Roshni
Hai
(Houses are on fire in lieu of
the candles/ The era is new; so is the light)
Mujhe Toh Un Ki Ibadat Pe
Raham Aata Hai
Jabeen Ke Saath Jo Sajde Mein
Dil Jhuka Na Sake
(I pity when I observe the piety
of those who couldn't lower their heart along with their forehead while
genuflecting before god)
Connoisseurs of Urdu poetry have already guessed it
correctly that the aforementioned couplets were penned by 'Khumaar' Barabankvi
whose birth anniversary was observed on September 15.
'Khumaar' was an exceptional observer and poetry requires
power of observation and insight (Quvvat-e-Rooiyat-o-Baseerat). Think
over this couplet, "Aisa Nahin Ke Un Se Muhabbat Nahin Rahi/ Jazbaat Mein
Woh Pahli-Si Shiddat Nahin Rahi" (Though I still love her/ Intensity
has ebbed away).
This is a proven fact of life and all human relationships.
Any relationship, not just love, begins with a bang and ends with a whimper. Love
is first idolized and then cauterized. 'Khumaar' encapsulated the
quiddity of life in two lines. Like all Urdu poets, esp. his coevals, he subtly
made fun of the preachers and religious people. This couplet exemplifies that,
"Ek Guzarish Hai Hazrat-E-Naaseh/ Aap Ab Aur Koi Kaam Karein" (I
beseech you, honourable preacher/ You had better find some other calling).
"Aql-o-Dil Apni-Apni Kahein Jab 'Khumaar'/ Aql Ki Suniye, Dil Ka
Kaha Keejiye" (When heart and mind opine/ Listen to your mind, but do
as heart nudges). This underlines his prudence. 'Khumaar' was also very witty.
"Haath Uthta Nahin Hai Dil Se 'Khumaar'/ Hum Unhein Kis Tarah Salaam
Karein ' (Hand refuses to move from the heart/ How should I wish her?). His
enigmatic way of not even desirous of the destination distinguishes him from
other poets: "Mere Rahbar Mujh Ko Gumraah Kar De/ Suna Hai Ke Manzil
Qareeb Aa Gayee Hai" (Mislead me, my guide/ It seems, destination is
approaching). 'Khumaar' also wrote for Hindi films, albeit not much. He penned
50-odd songs for the movies. His immortal number being, 'Dil Ki Mahfil Saji
Hai Chale Aaiye' (Film: Saaz aur Aawaaz, 1966, sung by Rafi and
composed by Naushad Ali).
It must be mentioned that though Naushad always teamed up
with Shakeel Badayuni as a lyricist, he did team up with 'Khumaar' Barabankvi
in 'Saaz aur Aawaaz' (produced by Naushad) and Love and God (1986). An
Urdu critic aptly summed up the genius and popularity of Khumaar: "Khumaar
Barabankvi Ki Shayari Ka Khumaar Shayaqeen Ke Dil-O-Dimagh Par Humesha Taari
Rahega" (The intoxication of Khumaar's poetry will continue to
intoxicate the hearts and minds of the lovers of poetry). There cannot be two
views about that.
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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/khumaar-barabankvi-encapsulated-quiddity-life/d/130689