By Syed Shams Uddin
On the intellectual horizon, poets, writers, and journalists who truly espouse and champion the cause of humanity have, throughout human history, played a significant role. It is the intelligentsia that envisions noble sentiments, fostering a pluralistic society that cohesively strives for peace and progress—two ideals that are inextricably and inexorably linked. This class, in any society, is expected to work tirelessly to promote peaceful dialogue worldwide.
In a land like Gilgit-Baltistan, once a haven of serenity and peace, the longing for a return to harmony remains a persistent hope. The echoes of the past, where tranquility prevailed, still linger in the hearts of those who have witnessed the gradual erosion of unity. The region, historically known for its cultural richness and communal ties, now finds itself grappling with divisions and strife. Yet, amidst this turmoil, the voices of poets and thinkers continue to serve as beacons of wisdom, reminding people of the values that once bound them together.
Among these voices, Abdul Khaliq Taj stands out as a poet whose words powerfully capture the essence of this yearning for peace. His poetry, rich with deep emotions and thought-provoking themes, resonates with those who long for a return to a time when understanding and mutual respect defined human relationships. His verse:
"Mai shehree dajee khak bosomet,
Begonah jag adan hilak bosomet,
Naara bazee na they dorrodee veyama,
Chok thama mas laban napak bosomet."
challenges the silence in the face of destruction. Taj questions how long one should remain passive while cities burn and innocent lives are lost. His poetry forces society to confront its own inaction and compels individuals to reflect on whether they should continue to turn a blind eye or finally rise against injustice.
In another poignant couplet:
"Mas tut chinamus yar achak bosomet,
Bas khudas bandet chinain kachak bosomet."
Taj's unwavering love for his homeland is evident. The phrase "kachak bosomet" conjures the image of a vast, undulating ocean—symbolizing the depth and strength of love. This is not merely an emotion but a powerful force that binds individuals together, transcending geographical, social, and cultural barriers. Love, in this sense, is both a personal and collective experience—an eternal force that defines human existence.
Taj’s poetry does not merely express a nostalgic longing for the past; it serves as a call to action. His verses urge people to recognize the importance of unity and to resist forces that seek to sow discord. Through his words, he implores individuals to rise above superficial differences and embrace a shared sense of belonging. He emphasizes that true nationhood is not defined by territorial borders alone but by the unwavering bonds of its people. Patriotism, as articulated in his poetry, is not a passive sentiment but an active commitment to safeguarding the values that sustain a nation’s spirit.
His poetic vision aligns with universal ideals of humanity and compassion. One of history’s most revered figures, Abraham Lincoln, once spoke of the need for "love for all and hatred for none." Taj's poetry mirrors this sentiment, advocating for a world where love triumphs over hatred and individuals strive for harmony rather than conflict. Yet, he acknowledges that such love is not without sacrifice—it requires endurance, patience, and a willingness to stand firm in the face of adversity.
Love, as Taj beautifully illustrates, is the foundation of human existence. It is not a fleeting emotion but an eternal connection that links individuals to one another and to the divine. The Creator, the ultimate embodiment of love, serves as the eternal source of all affection. In this light, love transcends mere sentimentality; it becomes a guiding principle that informs every aspect of human interaction, shaping societies and fostering peace.
Throughout his life, Abdul Khaliq Taj remained steadfast in his commitment to peace and unity. He consistently denounced all forces that disrupted societal harmony, using his poetry as a tool to inspire change. His words continue to serve as a testament to his unwavering belief in the power of love and justice. Regardless of caste, color, or creed, his poetry speaks to all who long for a more harmonious world.
His legacy endures, reminding generations that true peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of justice, compassion, and mutual respect.
Glimpses of His Recent Poetry
"Kuch hain mazhab may gharaq, kuch zatoon may hain.
Dushmanan-e-qom har soo mukhtalif ghatoon may hain.
Aik bahana hay rasayee ka amir-e-shahar tak,
Hamko aapas may larhakar khud mulaqatoon may hain.
Taray lehjay ke khanak say jhoomti hay anjaman,
Kisqadar Raanayeyan janaan teeri baton may hain.
Jag hasayee ho choke hay inteshar-e-qom say,
Mufsedan-e-qom fir say jang ke baton may hain.
Ek khuda ke zat say wabasta hon jis din say may,
Tap say es dunya kay saray boot mere latoon may hain.
Shehr ke rangeeneyun may dhoondtay ho keyun khuloos,
Sooratain mehr-o-wafa ke Taj dayhatoon may hain."
Religious Harmony and the Path to Peace
One would concur with Sharafat Astori, who, in a recent Facebook post, wrote:
“In a diverse world, religious harmony is the foundation of peace, understanding, and coexistence. It fosters respect, acceptance, and cooperation among different religious beliefs, traditions, and practices. In an era where misunderstandings and intolerance often lead to conflicts, religious harmony is not just an ideal concept but a necessity for the survival and progress of humanity.
Religious harmony acknowledges the fundamental truth that all religions, despite their differences in beliefs and rituals, share common values such as love, compassion, justice, and truth. It is about recognizing that no single religion holds a monopoly on wisdom or morality. Instead, every religion contributes uniquely to the richness of human culture and spirituality.
The goal of religious harmony is not to eliminate differences or impose uniformity but to create an environment where followers of all religions—and even those who do not adhere to any religion—can live together peacefully, engage in meaningful dialogue, and work collectively for the common good.
Despite its importance, achieving religious harmony is not easy. Misinterpretation of religious texts, political exploitation of religious sentiments, and deep-seated prejudices often lead to division and conflict. Moreover, the rise of extremism and intolerance in certain parts of the world poses a significant threat to religious harmony.
Religious harmony is a dream that must be turned into reality, and this responsibility falls on every individual, society, and nation. It is not solely the duty of religious leaders or politicians; rather, every person must cultivate tolerance, love, and respect in their hearts. Only when we understand and respect each other's beliefs can we truly achieve a peaceful and prosperous world.
The path of religious harmony is the path that leads humanity from division to unity, from hatred to love, and from war to peace.”
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