AHMAD FARAZ
Ahmad Faraz, born as Syed Ahmad Shah in 1931 in Kohat, Pakistan, stands among the most celebrated Urdu poets of the 20th century. His poetry captured the essence of love, sorrow, and the bitter truths of society, resonating deeply with audiences not only in Pakistan but also across South Asia and beyond. Often compared to Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Faraz is known for his romantic and revolutionary verses that combine an unyielding commitment to truth with a soft, lyrical quality.
Life and Legacy of Ahmad Faraz
Faraz’s passion for poetry emerged early in life. Inspired by poets like Faiz and Ghalib, he developed a style that blended tradition with a modern voice. His journey was not just of poetic exploration but one marked by resilience. Outspoken against oppressive regimes, Faraz was often at odds with the political establishment. His commitment to his principles earned him respect and admiration, but it also led to periods of imprisonment and exile. Despite these hardships, his poetry continued to flourish, creating a legacy that endures even today.
The Essence of Faraz’s Poetry
Ahmad Faraz’s poetry touches on universal themes of love, separation, longing, and human resilience, but what sets him apart is the raw honesty with which he confronts injustice and societal hypocrisy. His work speaks for the common man, expressing the anguish of those suppressed and giving a voice to the marginalized. His verses are known for their beautiful yet accessible language, allowing readers to feel a profound connection with his thoughts.
Faraz’s poetry offers solace to the broken-hearted and, at the same time, emboldens the soul to rise against oppression. This combination of romanticism and rebellion is what gives his work such a lasting impact.
Iconic Works of Ahmad Faraz
Here’s a look at some of Ahmad Faraz’s most celebrated works:
1. Ranjish Hi Sahi
Ranjish Hi Sahi is one of Faraz’s most iconic ghazals. With its theme of heartbreak, it captures the pain of unfulfilled love. The words, woven with gentle melancholy, bring forth the agony of separation, making it relatable to anyone who has experienced loss in love.
Famous Verse:
“Ranjish hi sahi, dil hi dukhaane ke liye aa,
Aa phir se mujhe chhod ke jaane ke liye aa.”
2. Mohabbat Ab Nahi Hogi
This ghazal speaks to the disillusionment with love and the bitterness that sometimes follows heartbreak. The lyrics are profound, capturing the poignancy of moving on, despite the lingering traces of love.
Famous Verse:
“Mohabbat ab nahi hogi, yeh kuch din baad mein hogi,
Guzar jaaye ga jab yeh saath tera, tab yaad mein hogi.”
3. Ab Ke Hum Bichday
This piece is one of Faraz’s masterpieces on the theme of separation and the harshness of parting. Ab Ke Hum Bichday is hauntingly beautiful, as Faraz uses his words to articulate the pain and inevitable longing after a loved one’s departure.
Famous Verse:
“Ab ke hum bichday toh shaayad kabhi khwabon mein milein,
Jaise sookhe hue phool kitabon mein milein.”
4. Suna Hai Log Usay Aankh Bhar Ke Dekhte Hain
In this ghazal, Faraz speaks of admiration, longing, and the bittersweet pain of a distant love. The imagery is delicate and poignant, exploring the emotions of seeing a beloved from afar, embodying unspoken passion and admiration.
Famous Verse:
“Suna hai log usay aankh bhar ke dekhte hain,
So uske shahr mein kuch din thehar ke dekhte hain.”
5. Mujh Se Pehli Si Mohabbat
Though this famous verse was written by Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Ahmad Faraz’s rendition has given it a life of its own. His recitations breathed new emotion into this timeless expression of lost love, making it a favorite among his admirers.
The Enduring Influence of Ahmad Faraz
Faraz’s poetry remains as relevant today as it was during his lifetime. Young and old alike continue to find solace, inspiration, and courage in his words. His verses appear in everything from poetry collections to graffiti, song lyrics, and social media quotes. Ahmad Faraz’s ability to speak to universal human experiences has made his poetry timeless, allowing it to transcend generations.Faraz passed away in 2008, yet his poetry lives on, a reminder of his unwavering spirit and empathy for the human condition. His legacy continues to inspire millions, making him one of Urdu’s finest and most beloved poets. Through his words, Ahmad Faraz reminds us of the enduring power of love, truth, and resilience, a legacy that will forever echo in the hearts of those who seek beauty, honesty, and freedom in poetry
