In the present age of science and technology, when new researches and theories are coming forth, an important question surfaces. How literature can be made relevant to our day to day life. A human being has always been in search of solace and what better a refuge that art and literature. A piece of art that touches our emotions and leads us to right path, never becomes obsolete. In this backdrop, poets and artists must be loved and remembered during and after their life. One such personality is Fazil Kashmiri who will keep inspiring a whole lot of literature lovers in Kashmir.

 Ghulam Ahmad Fazil Kashmiri (August 3rd, 1916 - July 11, 2004) had drawn inspiration from the Holy Quran, which has regarded man the vicegerent of God on earth. Fazil stresses that the main object of man’s life is to realize his potential. Fazil has great respect and reverence for humanity. He treats all human beings equal without any discrimination of caste, colour and creed.

Having a huge contribution to his credit in the form of more than three dozen publications of different nature, his name, fame and reputation will rest on his remarkable collection of Naats-“Anwar-i-Muhammadi” (SAW) which elucidates his love for the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Most of its Naats Fazil has been privileged to present at Rouz-e-Aqdas while performing the duty of Haj in sixties. 

 Fazil seems highly influenced by the glorious and rich traditions of Naatgoi in all the four languages of Arabic, Persian, Urdu and Kashmiri. He considers “Anwar-i-Muhammadi” a real treasure of his entire life to be presented to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as a “Soughat” or “Armughan.” According to his will this treasure was kept along with him in his last resting place.

 Beauty has always proved the source of inspiration to great poets, whether it may be the beauty of nature or feminine beauty. Fazil’s two beautiful poems Kral-e-Koor (Potter’s Lass) and Pehel Koor (Shepherd’s Lass) written in 1934-35, are the best examples of rural feminine beauty. In these two poems the beauty of nature, and the beauty of two damsels seem means of adornment to each other. Kral Koor due to sincere emotions, high imagination, local colour, command on language and unique style of the poet has been regarded a master piece. Marvelous scenes of natural beauty have been depicted for the communication of messages of different nature through the poems like Harud, Gulmarg and Sonamarg etc.

 Fazil is a poet of children also. As a poet of the children he has written many versified stories to educate and develop moral values in children in a beautiful manner. He has also a contribution in the form of translation of Shri Japji Sahib and Sukhmani Sahib. As a humourist he has also contributed Kashmiri poetry with his collection “Asan Khangala”. His Krishan Leelas and translation of Shri Japji and Sukhmani Sahib have been highly appreciated by Hindu and Sikh scholars both.

 Versatility is one of the features of Fazil’s poetry, which distinguishes him not only from his contemporaries but also in the scenario of Kashmiri poetry. The language used by Fazil is simple and his usage of words seems like a cascade.

 Fazil, gifted with various potentialities by Almighty, was an institution in himself -- a calligrapher, an art designer, a teacher as well as administrator, and a poet, a music-lover, a humanist, a Mard-e-Qalander (always busy with his work, but at heart attached to Almighty). Nature has not been generous enough to produce personalities like Fazil.

Fazil was born on August 3rd 1916 at Dabtal, Maharaj Gunj. After a span of 88 years of his life that shining star completed its journey on July 11th,Sunday at 3:30 p.m, 2004. Rightly has been said that man is mortal just like a bubble of water. But death should not be considered the end of life. It is the gateway to the life ultimate. Fazil is no more, but he is going to live in the hearts for ever. With these words I pay tribute to this great poet of Kashmir.
Teri Khudi Say Hai Roshan Tera Hareem-e-Wajood

Lastupdate on : Thu, 15 Jul 2010 21:30:00 Mecca time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 15 Jul 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:00:00 IST