Echoes of Wisdom: A Poetic Glimpse by Dr. Khapluvi

By Syed Shams Uddin [A pertinent and truly marvellous piece of poetry, retrieved on 16.10.2024] I came across a poetic expression by one, Dr. Khapluvi, perhaps about two and a half years ago, and noted down his wonderful poetic portrayal of events, which, given its pith and substance, compels me to reproduce it here. However, I don’t recall the exact date or source.He writes: ‘Ahle Jahan ko barsar-e-paikar mat bana... Is zindagi ko baees-e-azar mat bana... Rugbat hay kam jinko pehlay kam apnay deen say...Ab aor inko deen say baizar mat bana...Tehreer say na kar kabhi jazboonka qatal-e-aam... Apnay qalam ko zulom ke talwar mat bana... Ahle shabab ko na ta'assub ka daras day... En shugufta rohonko baimar mat bana... Jo tairay gird hain enhain mazhab kay nam par... Har Vaqt sar pharool par tayyar mat bana.... Mansab jo ek mila hay tujay es ke qadar kar... Aor esko waqaf-w-rahat-e-pindar mat bana...Logon kay dil qareeb agar la sakay to la...Nafrat kay enkay beech may deevar mat bana... Deen ka madar hay amal-e-naik par teray... Deeno ko namood jubba-vo-dastar mat bana... Roze-e-azal say dushman-e-aiman-o-deen hain jo.... Phir apnee aasteen ka enhain mar mat bana...Har maslay main faham-e-farasat say kam lay... Bandook apnay futovoon ke khudkar mat bana. The English rendering with an emphasis on the poetic and philosophical essence of the lines: Dr. Muhammad Naeem Khapluvi’s Counsel: Do not make the people of the world adversaries in constant strife; Do not let this life become a source of anguish and rife. Those already distant from faith and virtue's embrace, Do not further alienate them; show them the beauty of grace. Never let your writings commit a massacre of passion; Do not wield your pen as a sword of oppression. To the youth, do not preach the poison of prejudice and hate; Do not let these vibrant souls bear such a tragic fate. Those around you, in the name of religion's guise, Do not make them ever-ready for conflict to rise. Honor the position that has been bestowed on you; Do not turn it into a tool for self-serving pursuits. If you can bring hearts together, then bridge the divide; Do not build walls of hatred that alienate and deride. Faith finds its foundation in noble deeds and care; Do not reduce religion to mere robes and outward flair. Those who have always opposed belief and its flame, Do not turn them into allies cloaked in betrayal’s name. In every matter, rely on wisdom and insight; Do not let your courage turn recklessness into gunfights. This translation retains the spiritual and moral gravitas of the original, emphasizing values of tolerance, wisdom, and unity while rejecting conflict and prejudice. Memory updated It was so interesting that I couldn’t help preserving his poetic expression all these years! Poetry with such lasting impact often resonates deeply with our thoughts and emotions. Given it pith and substance, it needs be delved deeper into the themes of Dr. Muhammad Naeem Khapluvi’s poetic expression, focusing on the values and ideals conveyed in the lines referenced. Unity Over Division Dr. Khapluvi’s poetry laments the divisiveness in society, urging humanity to transcend conflict and discord. The line, “Do not make the people of the world adversaries in constant strife,” advocates for a vision of collective harmony. By portraying life as inherently meant for joy and purpose, the poet condemns the transformation of this gift into a source of anguish. • Expanded View: Khapluvi appeals to leaders, thinkers, and influencers to heal divides rather than exacerbate them. He emphasizes that even in a fractured world, fostering understanding is not only possible but imperative for progress. The Role of Leadership and Influence The poet’s advice to honor positions of responsibility—“Honor the position that has been bestowed on you”—is a timeless reminder for ethical leadership. He critiques those who exploit authority for personal gain or as a weapon of division, urging leaders to align their actions with the collective good. • Expanded View: Leadership, according to Khapluvi, is a sacred trust that should inspire hope and provide relief to others. His words are particularly poignant in today’s context, where the misuse of power often fosters inequality and injustice. Faith Beyond Appearance One of the most profound themes is the call to align faith with action: “Faith finds its foundation in noble deeds and care; Do not reduce religion to mere robes and outward flair.” This echoes a universal principle: that the essence of spirituality lies in compassion, integrity, and service to others—not in superficial rituals or empty displays of piety. • Expanded View: Khapluvi critiques those who use religion as a façade while neglecting its core teachings of love, mercy, and justice. His poetry serves as a call to revive the moral essence of faith, urging believers to embody their principles through meaningful actions. Rejection of Prejudice and Hate In addressing youth, Khapluvi warns against teaching hatred and prejudice. By advising against sowing the seeds of bias in young hearts, he champions tolerance and coexistence. • Expanded View: This is an insightful reflection on the dangers of indoctrinating the younger generation with divisive ideologies. Khapluvi envisions a world where the vibrancy and optimism of youth are channeled toward building bridges, not barriers. Wisdom Over Recklessness “Do not let your courage turn recklessness into gunfights.” Here, the poet advocates for reason and wisdom as guiding forces in decision-making. He warns against impulsive actions fueled by anger or blind zeal, which can lead to irreversible consequences. • Expanded View: This theme underscores the value of discernment, particularly in times of conflict. By urging readers to rely on intellect and insight, Khapluvi champions a balanced approach to solving problems. Bridging Divides, Not Building Walls The recurring metaphor of building walls of hatred versus creating bonds of love speaks to Khapluvi’s universalism. His call to bring hearts closer resonates as an antidote to the increasing polarization in the world. • Expanded View: By envisioning a society built on mutual respect and empathy, Khapluvi aligns his poetic vision with timeless values of peace and unity. In short, Dr. Muhammad Naeem Khapluvi’s poetry is a testament to the enduring relevance of wisdom, compassion, and justice. His words challenge readers to introspect and rise above personal biases and societal discord. They call for thoughtful action, ethical leadership, and a rekindling of humanity’s shared values. In your preservation of his poetry, you’ve kept alive an eloquent reminder of the transformative power of words. This verse doesn’t merely reflect its time—it transcends it, offering lessons that are as pertinent today as they were when written. Certainly! Dr. Muhammad Naeem Khapluvi’s poetic expression, though grounded in moral and social concerns, also resonates with mystical undertones. Mysticism often emphasizes the inward journey, unity of existence, and transcending the material world. Let us explore the mystical aspects embedded within his verses: 1. The Call for Inner Transformation "Faith finds its foundation in noble deeds and care; Do not reduce religion to mere robes and outward flair." This couplet reflects a mystical critique of superficial religiosity, advocating for an inward connection to divine principles. In mysticism, external appearances are seen as distractions from the real journey, which is internal and spiritual. The emphasis here is on living faith through compassionate actions rather than ritualistic displays, which aligns with the Sufi idea of ihsan (excellence in deeds and worship). • Mystical Insight: The poet’s call to align actions with inner virtue mirrors the Sufi aspiration to transcend ego and embody divine attributes like mercy, justice, and love. It suggests that the essence of religion lies in its transformative potential for the soul. 2. Unity and the Oneness of Being "Do not make the people of the world adversaries in constant strife." This line echoes the mystical idea of the unity of all creation (wahdat al-wujud). By urging humanity to transcend divisions, Khapluvi draws on the mystical belief that all beings are interconnected and emanate from the same divine source. Conflict, therefore, is seen as a misunderstanding of this underlying unity. The poet invites readers to embrace a higher consciousness, one that dissolves boundaries of race, religion, and class. In doing so, he channels the Sufi ideal of seeing the divine reflected in every soul. 3. The Symbolism of Youth as Pure Souls "To the youth, do not preach the poison of prejudice and hate; Do not let these vibrant souls bear such a tragic fate." Mystics often view youth as a metaphor for the untainted, original state of the soul before it becomes clouded by worldly attachments and prejudices. By warning against corrupting young minds with hatred, the poet highlights the sanctity and purity of the soul, which mysticism seeks to preserve and refine. • Mystical Insight: The verse reflects the mystical belief in nurturing the innate goodness within individuals. Protecting the youth from prejudice parallels the Sufi practice of guarding the heart from spiritual toxins like arrogance and hatre • 4. The Role of Wisdom and Discernment "In every matter, rely on wisdom and insight; Do not let your courage turn recklessness into gunfights." Mysticism prizes hikmah (wisdom) as a divine gift that enables one to navigate life with balance and foresight. This couplet rejects impulsive actions driven by the lower self (nafs) and instead encourages decisions rooted in divine guidance and reason. • Mystical Insight: The call to discernment resonates with the Sufi emphasis on self-awareness and mindfulness. The poet implores readers to tame their egos and act in harmony with the greater good, reflecting the mystical journey toward spiritual maturity. 5. Transcending Ego and Materialism "Honor the position that has been bestowed on you; Do not turn it into a tool for self-serving pursuits." The poet critiques the misuse of power and authority, a theme often addressed in mysticism as a struggle against the ego (nafs al-ammara). Positions of influence are seen as divine trusts, to be used selflessly for the benefit of others. • Mystical Insight: Khapluvi’s counsel aligns with the mystical teaching that true leadership is an act of servitude. The mystic strives to efface the ego, recognizing that all power and authority ultimately belong to the Divine. 6. Building Bridges Through Love "If you can bring hearts together, then bridge the divide; Do not build walls of hatred that alienate and deride." Love is central to mystical thought, often described as the force that binds creation to the Creator. This verse reflects the mystical ideal of love as the ultimate remedy for human divisions. By advocating for unity and understanding, the poet echoes the Sufi principle of ishq-e-haqiqi (divine love) as a means to overcome separations. • Mystical Insight: The poet’s call to bring hearts together underscores the transformative power of love, which mystics regard as the highest spiritual state. Hatred and division are seen as barriers to realizing divine unity. 7. Surrender and the Trust in Divine Order "Do not let this life become a source of anguish and rife." Mystics often teach surrender (tawakkul) to the divine will as a way to transcend life’s trials and tribulations. This line reflects the mystical notion that human strife stems from attachment to the material world and a lack of trust in the divine order. • Mystical Insight: By encouraging readers to avoid turning life into a source of suffering, the poet subtly advocates for detachment from worldly anxieties and a focus on the eternal peace found in the divine. 8. The Pen as a Sacred Tool "Do not wield your pen as a sword of oppression." In mysticism, the pen symbolizes divine wisdom, as reflected in the Quranic verse, “By the pen and what they inscribe” (Surah Al-Qalam, 68:1). Khapluvi elevates the pen to a sacred status, cautioning against its misuse for harm. • Mystical Insight: The poet’s advice aligns with the mystic’s reverence for the creative act as a reflection of divine will. Writing is seen as a way to spread truth, beauty, and enlightenment, not a tool for sowing discord. Conclusion: A Mystical Perspective Dr. Khapluvi’s poetry serves as a profound reminder of humanity’s higher purpose: to transcend ego, nurture love, and align with divine principles. His themes resonate with the Sufi emphasis on inner purification, unity, and the transformative power of wisdom and compassion. Through his verses, he invites us on a spiritual journey to rediscover the divine within ourselves and in the world around us. This mystical lens enriches the timeless wisdom of his words, offering deeper insights for seekers of truth. It is worth noting that, to me, this happens to be the sole versification by Dr. Khapluvi, as I have neither encountered any other work of his before or after this piece nor have I ever met him. Be it as it may, the versification under reference holds an axiomatic validity as follows:'Regardless of whether you observe or believe in the religious festivals of those who hold different faiths, or even if it's just another day for you, choose respect and embrace coexistence. Accepting diverse perspectives enriches humanity. Remember, imposing your views will not mend our fractured world. Instead, let love flourish where hate once lingered. Reflect on this deeply.'"