#shah hussain

[kaalbela]

In the 16th century in Punjab, Shah Hussain, a Sufi poet and mystic met and fell in love with a Hindu boy called named Madho Lal. Though gay marriage was not legal anywhere in the world before this century, Hussain and Madho defied social conventions and lived together for six years till Hussain's death in 1599. Hussain's poetry is significantly inspired by his relationship with Madho, with some poems addressed directly to him. After Hussain's death Madho continued to live close to where he was buried in present day Baghbanpura in Lahore, and was buried next to Hussain after his death. They continue to lie buried side by side in the same enclosure to this day, and the enclosure is named Hazrat Madho Lal Hussain, embodying one soul living in two bodies.

The annual celebration called Mela Chiraghan or Festival of Lights is held in March in Lahore in order to celebrate the love of Madho and Hussain as well as Hussain's poetry. It is unknown how the ritual was established, but it dates as far back as the the 18th century: there are records of Maharaja Ranjit Singh leading a barefooted procession from the Fort to the mausoleum for this celebration. At present, the festival is conducted over three days and attracts large crowds. Cotton-seed oil lamps are lighted in the streets and houses of the city. Devotees sing and dance and read Hussain's poetry in order to commemorate the triumph of tolerance over forces of bigotry.

[desi-lgbt-fest]

Podcast by @queerasfact on sufi poet Shah Hussain from 16th century. Many consider him to be queer due to his poems apparently based on a male lover Madho Laal.

[beenasarwar]

A South Asia theatre festival in Boston

We had not planned to stay on beyond ‘Madho’ but couldn’t bring ourselves to leave - up next was a one-woman show by Pakistan-born York-based Natalya Samee, in which a data analyst uses spreadsheets to combat her romantic idealism.

Off-Kendrik started over 16 years ago, “committed to building a broad platform for South Asian theatre groups and the next generation of South Asian Americans through theatre and storytelling”.  PERSONAL POLITICALBy Beena Sarwar I went to see ‘Madho’ last night with my mother at the Third South Asia Theatre festival, SAATh 2024, in the Boston area. A musical play set in Lahore, it is written…

[golzar]

Aqsa Shah

[aiklahori]

‏اُٹھ شاہ حُسینا ویکھ لے اسیں بدلی بیٹھے بھیس

ساڈی جِند نماݨی کُوکدی اسیں رُݪ گئے وِچ پردیس

(اے شاہ حسین اٹھ کے دیکھ لے، ہم نے اپنے طور طریقے بدل لیے، تبھی تو ہماری جان بےسکون ہے اور ہم پردیس (دنیا) میں دھکے کھا رہے ہیں)

ساڈا ہر دم جی کُرلاوندا، ساڈی نِیر وگاوے اَکّھ-

اساں جیوندی جانے مرگئے، ساڈا مادھو ہویا وَکھ

(ہم ہروقت روتے رہتے ہیں اور آنکھوں سے آنسو جاری، ایسا لگتا ہے کہ مادھو (محبوب) کے بچھڑ جانے سے ہم جیتے جی مر گئے ہیں)

سانوں سپّ سمے دا ڈنّگدا، سانوں پَل پَل چَڑھدا زہر

ساڈے اندر بیلے خوف دے، ساڈے جنگݪ بݨ گئے شہر

(وقت کے زہریلے سانپ نے ہمیں ڈس لیا ہے تو زہر لمحہ بہ لمحہ بڑھتا جا رہا ہے، ہمارے اندر خوف نے ڈیرے ڈال لیے ہیں ہمارے شہر جنگل بن گئے ہیں)

اساں شوہ غماں وِچ ڈُبدے، ساڈی رُڑھ گئی ناؤ پتوار

ساڈے بولݨ تے پابندیاں، ساڈے سِر لٹکے تلوار

(ہم ایسے غموں میں ڈوبے کہ ہماری کشتی بھی پانی کے ساتھ بہہ گئی، ایسا دور آگیا ہے کہ سچ بولنے بلکہ کچھ بھی بولنے پر پابندی ہے اور کہیں سے حکم کی اک تلوار ہر وقت ہمارے سروں پر لٹکتی رہتی ہے)

اساں نیناں دے کھوہ گیڑ کے کِیتی وتّر دل دی بھوں

ایہ بنجر رہ نماننڑی، سانوں سجّݨ تیری سَونھ

(ہم نے آنکھوں کے کنویں چلا کر دل کی زمین کو وتر یعنی نم کیا (مطلب رو رو کر ہمارا دل نرم ہوگیا) لیکن اے میرے محبوب تیری قسم! یہ سب کچھ کرنے کے باوجود راہیں ویران اور بنجر ہی رہیں)

اساں اُتوں شانت جاپدے، ساڈے اندر لگی جنگ

سانوں چُپ چپیتا ویکھ کے، پئے آکھݨ لوک ملنگ

(ایسا لگتا ہے ہم باہر سے پرسکون ہیں لیکن ہمارے اندر جنگ لگی ہوئی ہے (موجودہ ملکی حالات کی عکاسی)، ہمیں خاموش دیکھ کے لوگ ہمیں ملنگ (بیوقوف) کہتے ہیں (لیکن وقت سب کچھ بتائے گا ان شاءاللہ)

اساں کُھبھے غم دے کھوبڑے، ساڈے لمے ہو گئے کیس

پا تاݨے باݨے سوچدے، اساں بُݨدے رہندے کھیس

(ہم غموں میں ایسے کھو گئے کہ ہمارے بال (زلفیں) لمبے ہوگئے، ہم تانے بانے بنتے رہتے ہیں کہ کھیس چادریں بنانے سے شاید کوئی بہتری ہو جائے)

ہُݨ چھیتی دوڑیں بُلھیا، ساڈی سوݪی ٹنگی جان

تینوں واسطہ شاہ عنایت دا، نہ توڑیں ساڈا ماݨ

(اے بابا بلھے شاہ جلدی آجائیے ہماری جان سولی پر لٹکی ہے، آپ کو شاہ حسین کا واسطہ ہمارا مان اور بھروسا نہ توڑنا)

اساں پیریں پا لئے کُعھنگرو، ساڈی پاوے جِند دھمال

ساڈی جان لباں تے اپّڑی، ہُݨ چھیتی مُکھ وِکھاݪ

(ہم نے پیروں میں گھنگھرو باندھ لیے ہیں اور ہم دھمالیں اور لڈیاں ڈال رہے ہیں، ہماری جان، جان بلب ہے، جلدی جلدی اپنا منہ دکھا دیجیے)

ساڈے سر تے سورج ہاڑھ دا، ساڈے اندر سِیت سیال

بَݨ چھاں ہُݨ چیتر رُکھ دی، ساڈے اندر بھانبڑ باݪ

(ہمارے سر پر گرم سورج ہے لیکن ہمارا اندر ٹھنڈا ٹھار ہے، چیت یعنی بہار کی چھاؤں بن کے ہمارے ٹھنڈے جسم گرم کر دیجیے)

اساں مچ مچایا عشق دا، ساڈا لُوسیا اِک اِک لُوں

اساں خُود نوں بُھلّے سانوݪا، اساں ہر دم جپیا توں

(ہمارے اندر اتنا عشق (محبت) ہے کہ ہمارا لوم لوم جل رہا ہے، اور ہم نے آپ کا اتنا نام پکارا ہے کہ خود کو بھول گئے ہیں)

سانوں چِنتا چِخا چڑھاوݨ دی، ساڈے تِڑکݨ لَگے ہَڈّ

پَھڑ لیکھاں برچھی دُکھ دی ساڈے سینے دتی گَڈ

(غموں نے ہمیں بہت دکھ دیئے ہیں اور ہماری ہڈیاں بولنے لگ گئی ہیں، قسمت نے دکھوں کی درانتی ہمارے سینے میں گاڑھ دی ہے)

اساں دُھر تُوں دُکھڑے چاکدے ساڈے لیکھیں لکھیا سوگ

ساڈی واٹ لمیری دُکھ دی، ساڈے عُمروں لمے روگ

(ہم ہمیشہ سے دکھ ہی دیکھتے آ رہے ہیں اور ہمارے مقدر میں سوگ اور غم لکھا گیا ہے، ہماری دکھ بھری زندگی کے روگ بہت لمبے ہیں)

ساڈے ویہڑے پھوہڑی دُکھ دی، ساڈا رو رو چویا نور

ایہ اوکڑ ساڈی ٹاݪ دے، تیرا جیوے شہر قصور

(ہمارے اندر اتنا دکھ ہے کہ رو رو کر آنکھوں کا نور ختم ہوگیا ہے، ہماری یہ مشکلات اللہ کرے ختم ہو جائیں اور آپ کا شہر قصور ہنستا بستا رہے)

آ ویکھ سُخن دیا وارثا، تیرے جنڈیالے دی خیر

اَج پُتر بولی ماں دے پئے ماں ناݪ رکھݨ وَیر

(اے دانش و سخن کی باتیں کرنے والے بابا وارث شاہ آپ کے جنڈیالہ شہر کی خیر ہو، آ کے دیکھ لے کہ ماں بولی (پنجابی) کے بیٹے ہی اپنی ماں کے دشمن ہیں)

اَج ہیر تیری پئی سہکدی، اَج کَیدو چڑھیا رنگ

اَج تخت ہزارے ڈھے گئے، اَج اُجڑیا تیرا جَھنگ

(اس دور میں آپ کی ہیر (عورت ذات) سسکیاں بھر رہی ہے اور کیدو (برے لوگوں) پر رنگ چڑھا ہوا ہے، اب تو کئی تخت ہزارے (جھنگ جیسے ہمارے شہر) بھی برباد ہو رہے ہیں)

اَج بیلے ہو گئے سُنجڑے، اَج سُکیا ویکھ چنھا

اَج پِھرن آزُردہ رانجھڑے، اَج کھیڑے کر دے چاء

(اب بیلے اور ڈیرے ویران ہیں اور راوی و چناب سوکھے پڑے ہیں، اب رانجھے (دوسروں کا خیال رکھنے والے لوگ) غمزدہ پھرتے ہیں اور کھیڑے (برے لوگ) خوشیاں منا رہے ہیں)

اَج ٹُٹی ونجݪی پریت دی، اَج مُکے سُکھ دے گِیت

بَݨ جوگی دَر دَر ٹوݪھیا، سانوں کوئی نہ مِݪیا مِیت

(اب تو پیار کی ��انسری بجانے والا بھی کوئی نہیں، سب بانسریاں اور سکون بھرے گیت ختم ہوگئے، ہم نے جگہ جگہ اچھا ساتھی ڈھونڈنے کی کوشش لیکن ہمیں ہمارا محبوب نہ ملا)

(بابا غلام حسین ندیمؔ)

(ترجمہ: قاسم سرویا)

source

[depressedraisin]

here's how armand can still be bengali

why do i think so? no other good reason than i am bengali myself and i want armand to be. (also assad zaman's family is from bangladesh. bengali solidarity!!!)

bengal: the region in south asia comprising present-day bangladesh and the indian states of west bengal, odisha, assam and parts of bihar.

armand said in the season one finale, that takes place in 2022, he is a 514 year old vampire. is it 514 years including or excluding his human years? let's go with including. that means armand would have been born in 1508.

now what was going on in india and bengal in 1508? well, the mughals hadn't come to india yet; it's still about two decades before babur makes his way here. delhi was under the rule of the lodi dynasty, the delhi sultanate was in its dying days. most of north india, mainly uttar pradesh and bihar was under the jaunpur sultanate. bengal was still it's own independent kingdom, called the bengal sultanate. alauddin hussain shah had just seized power and become the sultan of bengal in 1494, beginning the hussain shahi dynasty (they ruled in bengal till 1538 when the mughals captured the region).

india as a country did not exist yet. even it's conception would be a few centuries away still. the subcontinent was a collection of big and small kingdoms and sultanates, constantly warring amongst themselves, some ruled by hindu rulers others by muslims, each with their own distinct histories and cultures. bengal was one of the most prosperous and thriving among them. the bangla language and bengali culture was just beginning to develop.

vasco da gama had arrived in india in 1498, landing at kozhikode on the malabar coast. this began the arrival of the portugese in india, and soon other european colonialists followed. they soon set up their capital in goa, built forts all along the western coast and established trade through obtaining licenses and exclusive permits from local rulers. they first made their way to the bay of bengal region around 1516, with the first portugese representative- a guy called joao coelho- coming to chittagong (present day bangladesh). the first factory was set up in chittagong the next year.

the portugese traded in spices and cotton and fruits and muslin and also slaves. the european indian ocean slave trade began with the coming of the portugese in the early 16th century. slavery in south asian societies had obviously existed long before, and it was a deeply complex and diverse system of dependency and regimes of slavery. slavery of youth and children was also pretty prevalent: it would not be uncommon for poor, farming families to sell away themselves or their children to zamindars (landlords) and colonial overlords in desperation. there were many, many cases of young children being forced to get onboard ships where they'd be held agains their will and taken to europe, the americas or south-east asia. goa and lisbon were the two cities that linked the movement of goods and people between the indian and atlantic oceans, but goa wasn't the only place where enslaved children were traded in portugese india nor lisbon the only european they were taken to.

one of those kids might as well have been arun.

i know the brief glimpse at the talamasca files showed armand's origin to be in delhi but in this particular scene he clearly says that he was sent *to* delhi, thinking he was going to work on a merchant boat.

this is just a theory i have btw. armand could've been from maharastra or the deccan as well idk. anyway.

armand is a monster, a vicious, villanious creature of unfathomable powers and ferocity. but he is also so deeply tragic. he had been forcibly torn away from his people and his land. he has no memory of his family or his humanity. he has lived for over half a millenium. the india he might've known hasn't existed for centuries, and he never got to know the one that exists today. the bangla he might've spoken no one remembers anymore. he has nothing left of the human he was except that name.

further readings (STRONGLY SUGGESTED!!!):

[nakibistan]

List of notable Muslim allies of queer, trans or LGBTQI+ folks

Imam al-Nawawi – ally of Mukhannathun or trans femmes, female transsexuals and effeminate queers

Saint Khawaja Gharib Nawaz – ally and patron of Hijra and Khawaja Sara communities

Saint Baba Bulleh Shah – ally and patron of Muslim Khawaja Sira communities

Saint Lal Shabaz Qalander – patron of Khawaja Sira & trans Muslim communities

Abu Muhammad Ali Ibn Hazm – ally of queer Muslims

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini - ally of transgender & intersex folks

Sheikh Muhammad Sayyid Tantawi - ally of trans & intersex folks

Amina Wadud - ally of LGBTQI+ Muslims, founder of Queer Islamic Studies and Theology (QIST)

Gulbanu Khaki/Gul Khaki - ally of LGBTQ+ muslims, mother of a gay imam

Khaled Hosseini - ally of transgender & proud muslim dad of a transgender child

Siddika Jessa - LGBTQI+ activist, mother of a gay muslim son

Ani Zonneveld

Pamela Taylor

Laura Silver

Omid Safi

Kecia Ali

Ghazala Anwar

Ensaf Haider

Saleemah Abdul-Ghafur

Farid Esack

Zaitun Mohamed Kasim/Toni Mohamed Kasim

Anne-Sophie Monsinay

Imam Kahina Bahloul

Imam Philip Tuley

Scott Siraj al-Haqq Kugle

Farouk Peru

Abdennur Prado

Ingrid Mattson

Hasan Minhaj

Reza Aslan

Alia Bano

Zaid Ibrahim

Azahn Munas

Ayman Fadel

Inayat Bunglawala

Shahla Khan Salter

Nakia Jackson

Jeewan Chanicka

Taj Hargey

Michael Muhammad Knight

Maajid Nawaz

Shehnilla Mohamed

Mustafa Akyol

Writer Sabina Khan

Activist Jerin Arifa

Urvah Khan - LGBTQI+ ally, co-founder of Muslim Pride Toronto

Imam Khaleel Mohammed

Imam Tareq Oubrou

Imam Dr Rashied Omar

Shaykha Fariha Fatima al-Jerrahi

Shaykha Amina Teslima al-Jerrahi

Scholar Hussein Abdullatif

Maysoun Douas

Fátima Taleb

Aydan Özoğuz

Omid Nouripour

Özcan Mutlu

Ekin Deligöz

Cem Özdemir

Artist Nadia Khan

Marina Mahathir

Siti Musdah Mulia

Karima Bennoune

Grand Mufti Sheikh Assadullah Mwale

Muneeb Qadir

Dr. Amir Hussein

Dr. Sana Yasir

Dr. Sali Berisha

Dr. Omer Adil

Hashim Thaçi

Albin Kurti

Supermodel Nadia Hussain

Irish-Bangladeshi singer Joy Elizabeth Akther Crookes

Salma Hayek

Fouad Yammine

Pakistani Director Asim Abbasi

Pakistani Actress Nadia Jamil

Indian Actor Saqib Saleem

Indian Actor Irrfan Khan

Indian Actor Aamir Khan

Indian Actress Zeenat Khan/Aman

Indian Actress Shabana Azmi

Indian Actress Saba Azad

Indian Actress Sara Ali Khan

Indian Actress Huma Qureshi

Indian Director Zoya Khan

Pakistani Actor Furqan Qureshi

Bangladeshi Actress Azmeri Haque Badhon

Actor Muneeb Butt

Indian Actress Zareen Khan

Indian Actor Imran khan

Pakistani Actress Mehar Bano

Filmmaker Faruk Kabir

Filmmaker Saim Sadiq

Filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy

Riz Ahmed

Zayn Malik

Sally El-Hosaini

Malala Yousefzai

Hafid Abbas

Hojatoleslam Kariminia

Singer Sherina Munaf

Writer Alifa Rifaat

Writer Ismat Chughtai

Activist Nida Mushtaq

Activist Aan Anshori

Abdul Muiz Ghazali

Kyai Hussein Muhammad

Marzuki Wahid

Gigi Hadid

President Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur) - ally of waria or transgender females

Sinta Nuriyah - ally of trans & waria folks

Politician Keith Ellison

Mayor Sadiq Khan

Politician Ilhan Omar

Politician Rashida Tlaib

Politician Rushanara Ali

Politician Nabilah Islam

Politician Shahana Hanif

Politician Rama Yade

Politician Humza Yousaf

Politician Zarah Sultana

UK Sectratary General Zara Mohammed

Turkish politician Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu

Bengali Influencer Sobia Ameen

Shaykh Michael Mumisa

Muhammad Musharraf Hossain Bhuiyan

Mufti Abdur Rahman Azad - Hijra ally

Sheikh Hasina - Ally of hijra-intersex communities

Lawyer Iftikhar Chaudhry

Amani Al-Khatahtbeh

Professor Amel Grami

Professor Muhammad Aslam Khaki

Mohammad Hashim Kamali

Mehrdad Alipour

Lawyer Imaan Mazari/Iman Mazari

Shireen Mazari

Syed Murad Ali Shah

[bazm-e-ishq]

Would you recommend any good poetry books with English translation by the likes of Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Bulleh Shah etc?

Hi there, I know a few:

"Diwan-e-Ghalib" by Mirza Ghalib,translated by Sarfaraz K. Niazi

"The Rebel's Silhouette: Selected Poems" by Faiz Ahmed Faiz, translated by Agha Shahid Ali

"A Treasury of Urdu Poetry" edited by K. C. Kanda, translated by various authors

"A Nostalgist's Map of America: Poems" by Ghalib Lakhnavi, translated by Raza Mir

"The Sun That Rose from the Earth: Selected Poems of Allama Iqbal" translated by M. Hadi Hussain

"Master couplets of Urdu poetry" by K.C kanda

"The Taste of Word" by Raza Mir

"A Treasury of Urdu Poetry" by Kuldip Salil

"Best of Faiz" by Kuldip Salil

"Ghalib, a thousand desires" by Raza Mir

Happy reading!

[urdubooks24]

Online Treasure of Sufi and Sant Poetry

Introduction

Understanding the Essence of Sufi and Sant Poetry

Define Sufi Poetry

Define Sant Vani

Importance and relevance in modern times

Sufi/Sant Poetry: A Rich Heritage

Historical Background

Origins of Sufi Poetry

Development of Sant Vani

Famous Sufi Poets and Their Contributions

Bulleh Shah

Rumi

Amir Khusro

Renowned Sant Poets and Their Works

Kabir

Tulsidas

Guru Nanak

Sant Vani: The Spiritual Songs

Definition and Importance of Sant Vani

Connection with spirituality and daily life

Prominent Themes in Sant Vani

Love

Devotion

Humanity

Notable Compositions in Sant Vani

Kabir's Dohas

Guru Nanak's Bani

Tulsidas' Ramcharitmanas

Sufi Qawwalis: The Soulful Melodies

Origins and Evolution of Qawwali

Historical context and cultural significance

Famous Qawwals and Their Contributions

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

Sabri Brothers

Abida Parveen

Impact of Qawwalis on Society

Influence on music and cinema

Role in spiritual gatherings

Sufi Kalam: The Divine Verses

Meaning and Importance of Sufi Kalam

Spiritual and philosophical insights

Key Figures in Sufi Kalam

Rumi

Hafez

Shah Hussain

Popular Sufi Kalam Collections

Mathnawi by Rumi

Diwan-e-Hafiz

Heer Ranjha by Waris Shah

E-Books: Accessing the Treasure

Availability of Sufi and Sant Poetry E-Books

Benefits of digital access

Top Online Platforms for Sufi and Sant E-Books

Sufinama

RekhtaBooks

Project Gutenberg

Recommended E-Books for Sufi and Sant Poetry

"The Essential Rumi" by Coleman Barks

"Songs of Kabir" by Rabindranath Tagore

"The Conference of the Birds" by Attar of Nishapur

Conclusion

The Continuing Relevance of Sufi and Sant Poetry

Modern interpretations and adaptations

Influence on contemporary literature and art

Exploring Further

How to engage with and study Sufi and Sant poetry

Online resources and communities

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Understanding the Essence of Sufi and Sant Poetry

Sufi and Sant poetry are two deeply spiritual and philosophical traditions that have enriched the cultural and literary heritage of South Asia and beyond. Sufi poetry, often associated with mysticism and the quest for divine love, is known for its profound depth and emotional resonance. Sant Vani, on the other hand, comprises the devotional songs of the Sant tradition, emphasizing ethical living, devotion to God, and social equality.

These poetic forms have not only provided spiritual solace to millions but have also acted as a medium for social reform, challenging rigid societal norms and advocating for a more inclusive and compassionate worldview.

Famous Sufi Poets and Their Contributions

Bulleh Shah Bulleh Shah is one of the most celebrated Sufi poets whose verses transcend the boundaries of time and culture. His poetry, written in Punjabi, is a testament to his profound spiritual journey and his quest for unity with the Divine. Bulleh Shah’s works, such as "Bulleya Ki Jaana Main Kaun," are timeless classics that continue to inspire and resonate with readers around the world.

Rumi Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, more commonly known as Rumi, is perhaps the most famous Sufi poet in the world. His works, written in Persian, have been translated into numerous languages and are widely read across the globe. Rumi’s poetry, encapsulated in his magnum opus "Masnavi," explores themes of divine love, the soul’s journey towards God, and the nature of existence.

Amir Khusro Amir Khusro, a prolific Persian poet and a disciple of Nizamuddin Auliya, made significant contributions to Sufi literature and music. He is often credited with the invention of several musical instruments and the development of new genres of poetry. His ghazals and qawwalis are integral to the Sufi musical tradition and continue to be performed with great reverence.

Prominent Themes in Sant Vani

Sant Vani, the poetic expressions of the Bhakti saints, often revolve around themes of love, devotion, and social justice. The Bhakti movement, which gave rise to Sant Vani, sought to transcend the barriers of caste and creed, promoting a direct and personal relationship with the Divine.

Love and Devotion The Bhakti saints, such as Kabir and Guru Nanak, emphasized the importance of love and devotion in their teachings. Kabir’s dohas (couplets) are renowned for their simplicity and profound wisdom, urging individuals to seek the Divine within themselves and to practice love and compassion in their daily lives.

Humanity and Social Equality The Bhakti poets often used their verses to challenge societal norms and advocate for social justice. Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, composed hymns that spoke against the caste system and gender discrimination, promoting the ideals of equality and universal brotherhood.

Famous Qawwals and Their Contributions

Qawwali, a form of Sufi devotional music, has a rich history and a profound impact on South Asian culture. This genre, characterized by its repetitive and hypnotic melodies, is designed to induce a state of spiritual ecstasy and divine connection.

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is often hailed as the greatest qawwal of all time. His powerful voice and emotive renditions of Sufi poetry have captivated audiences worldwide. His contributions to qawwali music have not only preserved this ancient tradition but also brought it to the global stage, influencing musicians across various genres.

Sabri Brothers The Sabri Brothers, a legendary qawwali group from Pakistan, are known for their dynamic performances and soulful renditions of Sufi poetry. Their qawwalis, such as "Bhar Do Jholi Meri" and "Tajdar-e-Haram," are celebrated for their spiritual fervor and emotional depth.

Abida Parveen Abida Parveen, one of the most iconic female Sufi singers, has made significant contributions to the world of Sufi music. Her powerful and evocative voice has brought the poetry of Sufi saints to life, making her one of the most revered figures in the genre.

Recommended E-Books for Sufi and Sant Poetry

For those looking to delve deeper into the rich traditions of Sufi and Sant poetry, numerous e-books are available online. These digital collections provide a convenient way to explore the profound wisdom and spiritual insights of the Sufi and Bhakti poets.

"The Essential Rumi" by Coleman Barks This renowned translation of Rumi’s poetry by Coleman Barks captures the essence of Rumi’s mystical and spiritual insights. The book includes some of Rumi’s most famous poems, making it an essential read for anyone interested in Sufi literature.

"Songs of Kabir" by Rabindranath Tagore Rabindranath Tagore’s translation of Kabir’s dohas brings the profound wisdom of this Bhakti saint to a global audience. The book offers a selection of Kabir’s most insightful and thought-provoking verses, providing a glimpse into his spiritual teachings.

"The Conference of the Birds" by Attar of Nishapur This classic Persian poem, written by the Sufi poet Attar of Nishapur, is an allegorical journey of the soul towards enlightenment. The book, available in various translations, is a profound exploration of Sufi philosophy and spiritual quest.

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Police in Pakistan are pressuring a young Christian woman to withdraw charges against two Muslims who raped, blackmailed and tried to forcibly convert her to Islam, sources said.

The 26-year-old woman, a resident of Islamabad whose name is withheld as a rape victim, said Sub-Inspector Muhammad Mehboob was harassing and warning her to drop the charges against Raja Waleed and Shah Hussain, alias Badshah....

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“When Thou shinest, the whole world is lit” - Bulleh Shah

Lit World 19/11/2024 © All Rights Reserved by Jamil Hussain

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A Glance at Babrak Arghand's Short Story: "Music and Songs" 

A Glance at Babrak Arghand's Short Story: "Music and Songs" 

By Farhad Azad  June 2, 2024 

In سازها و آوازها "Music and Songs," ببرک ارغند Babrak Arghand, a noted novelist born in کابل Kabul in 1949 and passed away in Holland in 2019, crafts a magical realist tale of return. The narrator finds himself in the labyrinthine alleys of خرابات Kharabat, the musician's quarter nestled beneath Kabul's ancient Bala Hissar fortress. Amidst the decay of a seemingly abandoned courtyard, a flickering lantern reveals an old acquaintance, a musician playing the santoor alongside his mother.

The story unfolds, revealing a tale of heartbreak and societal constraints. In the societal structure of Kabul during the story's time, musicians occupied a lower social rung, often considered a caste apart. While wealthy families hired them to teach and perform, they maintained a strict distance, embodying the phrase "Kept by the door, fed by the door." This social hierarchy, with its rigid boundaries, plays a significant role in the narrative.

Arghand's narrative channels this societal divide, particularly the rare but tragic instances of musicians falling in love with women of higher social standing only to face harsh consequences. 

The story is imbued with the enchanting lyrics of the famed song من جان خرابات ام "I'm the soul of Kharabat," written by the 19th-century poet مستان شاه کابلی Mastan Shah Kabuli and popularized by the renowned Kabuli-born musician استاد محمدحسین سرآهنگ Ustad Mohammad Hussain Sarahang (1924-83). The lyrics, with their Sufi undertones of ego loss and spiritual seeking, perfectly complement Arghand's magical realist style, inviting the audience to appreciate the beauty and depth of this music.

Arghand's tale, written in exile, may be rooted in historical reality. Rare whispers persist of musicians from Kharabat daring to love women of higher social standing, only to face brutal reprisal. Theirs was a precarious existence, labeled as mere entertainers, or worse, سازنده "zanenda," a term dripping with disdain. 

In Arghand's hands, this becomes a haunting elegy for a vanishing world where music once soared, now echoing only in the memories of ghosts. They serenaded celebrations yet remained outcasts, forever tethered to the threshold, their melodies fading into the encroaching silence.

Arghand's use of language and narrative style, with its lyrical prose and evocative descriptions, enhances the emotional impact of the story and invites the reader to immerse themselves in the world of Kharabat and Kabul's inflicted hardboiled society.

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‎ہور وی نِیواں ہو، فقیرا 

O Seeker, Bow your head down even further in humility

‎اُچّا سرُو غرُور میں

There is great pleasure in holding the head high in arrogance

‎کدی نہ پَھل پائے، فقیرا

O Seeker, But, that pleasure will never be fulfilling

‎ہور وی نیواں ہو، فقیرا 

O Seeker, Bow your head down even further in humility

‎پائے گا دیدار صاحب دا

One day you will be bestowed with His presence

‎ہور وی نِیواں ہو

Bow your head down even further in humility

Ka’afii of Shah Hussain (R.A)

I remember Abba reciting it in front of me when I used to complain back in my school days that many of my classmates took my notebooks all the time when I didn't want to give it to them and was forced to do so.

Abba told me that it was not a big deal if I was the one who was giving it because it’s an attribute that shows your humbleness which should be the most important part of one’s nature because too much pride can make me snobbish.

At that time, this was a bit too complex for me but I only remembered that it made me believe that helping others isn’t a bad thing, but if it brings smile on someone’s faces or relieves someone’s pain, then it’s an amazing thing. I remember repeating these strangle attractive lines times and again, but never understanding the true meaning behind them. Now that I get to the true meaning behind this, I am wondering how people conveniently forget humility and kindness once they achieve success. Maybe this can be a beautiful reminder for all that no matter what, kindness is the most important thing to exhibit whether it’s rewarding or not because in the end, Allah SWT does reward you for it.

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Pakistani Actor Yasir Hussain Trolls Shah Rukh Khan Pathaan Calls A ‘Storyless Video Game’!

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20 Saal ke Intezaar ke Baad, 4 Baar hui hai Altaf ki Shah Rukh Khan se Mulaqat, Khammam ke Rehne Wale Altaf ka Khawaab hua Purra

Suniyeh Altaf Hussain ki Zubani

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Chaudhry (2022) 1080p HDRip Full Urdu Movie [2.5GB]

Chaudhry (2022) 1080p HDRip Full Urdu Movie [2.5GB] IMDB Ratings: 8.0/10Directed: Azeem SajjadReleased Date: 24 June 2022 (PK)Genres: History, Action, CrimeLanguages: UrduFilm Stars: Tariq Islam Khan DSP, Sana Fakhar, Nawal Saeed, Yasir Hussain, Shamoon Abbasi, Adnan Shah TipuMovie Quality: 1080p HDRipFile Size: 2510MBStory : A Biopic for police officer Aslam Chaudhry who was killed in 2014 in a…