The first comprehensive collection of poetry of famous Sufi poet Abdul Ahad Zargar ” Kulyat-e-Ahad Zargar”, was released on at a simple, yet an impressive function held here on Tuesday.
The function was organised by Kashmir Book Promotion Trust in collaboration with Meezan Publishers and was presided over by noted Islamic scholar Moulana Showkat Hussain Keng, while veteran journalist Javed Azar was chief guest on the occasion.
The book was released before a selected group of intellectuals including Noor Shah, Rafiq Raaz, Wehshi Syed, Prof. Majrooh Rashid, Javed Matjee, Rashid Rahil, Sofi Ali Mohammad, Javed Kirmani and others. Compiler of the book and son of Abdul Ahmad Zargar, Khursheed Ahmad and publisher Shabir Ahmad of Meezan Publishers were also present on the occasion. The 580 pages book, according to complier, is the first accurate and authentic collection of poetry of Abdul Ahmad Zargar as it is compiled and published after comparing entire content with voice recording of Late Ahad Zargar.
Speaking on the occasion, Rafiq Raaz threw light on the poetry of Ahad Zargar saying the book is the outcome of practical Sufi experiences of poet Ahad Zargar.
Khursheed Ahmad Zargar in his speech said that it was not easy to understand Sufi poetry without knowing the basics of Sufism and having proper guidance.
Journalist Javed Azar complimented and congratulated Meezan Publishers for publishing the book and hailed the efforts of the publishers in providing new and young writers platform for express their abilities. Moulana Showkat Hussain Keng in his presidential address said that Kashmir valley has a long and rich history in Sufi poetry and there are so many big names who have contributed a lot to Sufi poetry. According to him, these include Sheikh Yaqoob Sarfi, Khawaja Habibullah Nowshehri, Baba Dawood Khaki, Mirza Akmaluddin Khan Badakhshi and others.
Earlier, welcoming the guests Wehshi Syed said that a large gathering would have come to attend the function as Ahad Zargar is liked and loved by all in Kashmir. However, he added, due to prevailing situation only a limited number of guests were invited. Thanking guests for adding grace to the book release function, Director Meezan Publishers, Shabir Ahmad Matjee said that he was feeling relieved that a big responsibility by transmitting the poetry of Late Ahad Zargar to new generations in an accurate and impressive manner has been fulfilled today.