Makhz (Research Journal)

Tasawuf and Pashtun Society

Nagina Bibi — 2025-01-06

Human life comprises of the material and spiritual sides, which are both separate as well as connected to each other. The evolutionary history of human life proves that spiritual vigor is necessary for leading a good practical life. Every religion has a strategy for the spiritual training and education of its followers. Tasawuf (or sufisim) is a system for increasing spiritual training and increase its strength in Islam. It has been defined in different contexts, however, according to Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh Hajweri “it is such a narrative and interpretation of Safa where there is no doubt or complaint. The apparent meaning of Safa is light, and Sufism is the interpretation of this meaning”. This article discusses the concept of tasawuf in the pashtun society. Briefly, it describe that the literary work on tasawuf in the Islamic world reached zenith in the 3rd to 7th century, however, its intensity declined later. In India, Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh name is worth noticing and his book “Kashf al-Mahjub” is a beacon for the followers of tasawuf. Many other notable personalities following this path flourished in the Delhi Sultanate. Pir Rokhan is the pioneer who started preaching tasawuf in the pashtun society. Pir Baba and Akhund Derweza, though opponents of Pir Rokhan, are other notable names in the preaching of tasawuf in Pashtun society. The preachers of tasawuf are respected in the pashtun society because these people possessed good manners and high morals, teaching the same to the people as well.

The Poetic Universe of Mast Tawakli: In the Context of a Poem

Rahim Bakhsh Mehr — 2025-01-15

Mast Tawakli is widely regarded as a prominent figure in Balochi classical poetry, celebrated for his unique contributions to the literary tradition. While many poets of his era composed poetry influenced by Persian and Arabic, Mast Tawakli stood apart for his distinctive style and his dedication to expressing himself in pure Balochi language. His poetry reflects a deep connection to his cultural roots, enriched by similes and metaphors crafted from his keen observations of the world around him. As a naturalist poet, Mast Tawakli found profound inspiration in nature, which he eloquently described through his verses, capturing its essence with remarkable precision. This research article explores Mast Tawakli’s poetry through the lens of environmental criticism, shedding light on his portrayal of the natural world and its intricate relationship with human existence. For this purpose, one of his poems has been carefully selected and analyzed to highlight how he observed and depicted the universe in exquisite detail. His vivid imagery and environmental themes resonate deeply with modern critical perspectives, offering a timeless appreciation of the natural world. Through this examination, Mast Tawakli emerges not only as a master of poetic diction but also as a visionary who celebrated the beauty and complexity of the environment through his art.

Proverbs in the Poetry of “Da Lawango Rashy” By Dr. Smandar Yousafzi

Shahab Udin — 2025-01-24

The word "Proverb" refers to a short, wise saying OR phrase that express a general truth, piece of advice or guidance. Proverbs in Urdu kahawt (Urdu) zarb-ul-misl (Urdu) are concise, wise saying reflecting cultural values, traditions and life experiences. They convey valuable lessons, guidance and insights. Dr Samandar yousafzi use of Proverbs in his poetry in simple words. His poetic expression, rich in proverbs, beautifully convey complex emotions, making his work even more captivating.

Third Gender Issues and Transgender Phobia in Pakistan (in the Context of Selected Urdu Novels)

Antal Zia — 2025-02-08

Transgender people in Pakistan face many difficulties, including discrimination, lack of acceptance, and limited opportunities. Despite legal recognition through the 2009 Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, they still struggle with violence, unemployment, and social exclusion. Many transgender individuals find it hard to access education, healthcare, and basic rights due to societal stigma. This research article is an attempt to highlights the challenges faced by transgender people in Pakistan and the needs for their protection and support. The study is in light of Urdu fiction and novel.

Allusive Gestures in Book “Ghar-E-Hira Main Aik Rat” by Mustansar Hussain Tarar

Ruqia Bano — 2025-02-14

Mustansir Hussain Tarar was born in Lahore. He belonged to the Merchant Family. Mustansir Hussain Tarar’s status is like a school of thought in Urdu Literature because his services in Urdu literature are as novelist, fiction writer, dramatist and travel writer. He has also shown the essence of his acting on T.V. As a reward for his services, he has also been awarded the presidential award for best performance by the government of Pakistan. In this research the use of Allusive Gesture has been brought out which he has used as sign in his book.

A Background Study of Social Awareness in Urdu Poetry

Qurat ul ain Azam — 2025-02-14

Social awareness has an infinite association with Urdu literature. Exactly, no one discussed social awareness? What is it? What is the association between awareness and Urdu literature. What is convenient for Urdu literature and social awareness. Urdu literature and social awareness are imperfect without one another. Every poet who is owned by society has feelings about the dissimilar aspects of class, poverty, and traditions. They write what they feel and how they feel, what is right or wrong in society they takes stand against it through there writing and poetry. In this research article, I have tried to discuss what social awareness is? It's a relationship with Urdu literature and its convention in Urdu poetry with special reference in Urdu poetry.

Dr. Aslam Ansari as a Critic

Surayya Fareed — 2025-02-18

Dr. Aslam Ansari was a distinguished literary critic whose profound insights significantly contributed to Urdu literary criticism. His analytical approach blended classical literary traditions with modern theoretical frameworks, allowing him to offer in-depth interpretations of poetry and prose. He had a keen eye for symbolism, metaphorical depth, and philosophical undertones in literary works, often exploring how writers embedded existential and intellectual themes within their art. His critiques were not merely evaluative but deeply exploratory, shedding light on the structural, thematic, and linguistic intricacies of a text. He believed that literature was not just a reflection of society but also a medium to question, challenge, and redefine human experiences. His writings on Urdu poetry, in particular, revealed his ability to uncover hidden layers of meaning, making his criticism an essential resource for scholars and students alike. Dr. Aslam Ansari’s work continues to inspire literary discourse, cementing his legacy as a critic who bridged the gap between tradition and modernity in Urdu literature.

The beginning of Pashto Literary Societies in Southern Pashtoonkhua and Pashto Adabi Ghorzang Quetta

Shabir Ahmed Kakar — 2025-02-28

Southern Pashtoonkhwa has remained a part of Kandahar throughout history, meaning that the academic and literary center of this region was Kandahar. So we can say that the Pashto literature was begun from southern Pashhtoonkhua and then spread out to the rest of Pashtoon_Afghan Land. The first literary society in Southern PashtoonKhua was formally established in 1914 in the city of Loralai under the name of “Adabi Majlis Bazm”. This society was established by Inayatullah Ayagh, Yousuf Popalzai, and Fateh Chand Naseem. A formal Pashto literary society in South Pakhtunkhwa was formed in April 1952 in Chaman city by the name of “Bazmi Adab Chaman” under the leadership of Sajjad Jafari, Tufail Sarwar, Sultan Muhammad Durrani, Amin Saba and Mian Muhammad. From 1952 until 2002 Pashto literary societies did a lot of work for Pashto literature in South Pakhtunkhwa through various societies. Despite active organizations like Pashto Academy Quetta, Pashto department UOB Quetta and Malgari likwal Quetta, Still there was a gap in Pashto literature that South Pakhtunkhwa needed to have an educational and training center through which Pashtoon youth could learn their native language and have a free Pashto library. To fill this gap, on January 20, 2002, a Pashto writer and poet, Muhammad Sadiq Zhark establishes a literary society “Pashto Adabi Ghorzang Quetta” with the help of a few friends.

The Reclamation of Women in Urdu Literature: A Feminist Critique - An Overview

Zara Kiren — 2025-03-13

This research paper explores the representation of women in Urdu Literature through a feminist lens. This study critically examine how female have been depicted across various literary genres including fiction, poetry, drama, and novels. This research examines the critical perspective of feminist critics on the evolution of female narratives highlighting the shift in literary discourse that challenges the gender biases. By analyzing key feminist interpretation, study sheds light on how Urdu literature has responded to socio-cultural changes and the feminist movement. The findings reveal that while progress has been made in redefining women’s capacity and power to make choices, take action and influence their own life and surrounding in literature, there remains a persistent struggle against entrenched stereotypes. This study contributes to the ongoing discussion on gender representation in Urdu literature, emphasizing the need for a more equitable literary framework that represents diverse voices, perspective and experiences so that all genders feel acknowledged and valued.

A Cultural Analysis of Mustansar Hussain Tarar's Travelogue "Chitral Dastan"

Mehak Paras — 2025-03-15

Mustansar Hussain Tarar is a renowned Urdu travelogue writer novelist and columnist. He has introduced Northern Pakistan in rest of the country by writing many travelogues about these areas. "Chitral Dastan" is one of the most important travelogue of Mustansar Hussain Tarar. In this travelogue, he had beautifully explained the culture and civilization of Gilgit, valley gopis and Kafirstan. This is the reason that depicted the concept history, culture and civilization in Chitral Dastan. In this article, I have critically analyzed the important elements of culture and civilization of Chitral.

Dr. Rafi-ud-Din Hashmi’s place and Status in the Promotion of Iqbal Studies

Talib Hussain Hashmi — 2025-03-18

I had a close acquaintance with Dr.Rafi-Ud-Din Hashmi. His personality was full of tenderness, humility, gentleness, selflessness, and good intentions. And endless sincerity was the distinguishing feature of his personality. He was always determined and dynamic, had a high gaze, spoke with a heart-warming voice, and had a burning soul. He was handsome in appearance, but he was a mountain of knowledge. The very respected Dr. Rafi-Ud-Din Hashmi is a reliable reference as an Iqbal scholar. Rafi-Ud-Din Hashmi was charming. He was a memorizer of the Quran. He was the embodiment of patience and contentment. The qualities of sincerity and love, civilization and decency, and knowledge of value were deeply embedded in him. He was a great admirer of scholars. He single-handedly did as much scientific and research work on Allama Iqbal as any institution could have done. Undoubtedly, the most reliable and authoritative name in the entire country regarding Iqbal understanding and Iqbal studies is Rafi-Ud-Din Hashmi. The nation should be grateful to him for understanding the secrets and thinker of the nation, Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal, well and then enlightening the elite and the public here with different aspects of his personality and various aspects of his thought.

An Ontological Study of Meer’s Ghazals

AKhtar Ali — 2025-03-14

Ontology is the fundamental branch of metaphysics that deals with the nature of being and existence. Just as philosophy is a quest for truth and metaphysics seeks to understand realities beyond human intellect, ontology focuses on the first reality, absolute existence, or, in other words, God. Due to its foundational significance, it is often referred to as the "first philosophy." The human mind has long been occupied with questions such as: What is God like? Where is He? What does He do? How does He govern the universe? These inquiries form the basis of ontological thought in metaphysics. Since such questions intrigue even the common man, they naturally become a subject of deep reflection for poets. Many classical Urdu ghazal poets have expressed these concerns in poetic form, but among them, Mir Taqi Mir holds a unique place. His ghazals frequently explore the themes of existence, divine reality, and the nature of the self in relation to the cosmos. Mir's poetry presents a philosophical depth that aligns with ontological inquiry. His verses not only reflect an intense personal search for meaning but also engage with the larger metaphysical concerns of existence and the divine. If one examines his poetic corpus in its entirety, it becomes evident that his ghazals can be viewed as a poetic expression of ontological thought. This article aims to present an ontological study of Mir’s ghazals, analyzing how his poetry embodies the philosophical discourse on being and existence.

Western Influences on Majeed Amjad's Poetry

Sadaf Arooj — 2025-03-25

Majeed Amjad is one of the most prominent modernist poets of Urdu literature and is often celebrated for his unique style and profound thematic depth. While his work is deeply rooted in the cultural and philosophical traditions of South Asia, it also reflects significant Western influences, particularly from European literary and intellectual movements. This study explores the extent to which Western thought, literature, and poetic techniques shaped Amjad's poetry, focusing on his engagement with modernism, existentialism, and symbolism. His exposure to Western literature, mainly through translations of European poets like T.S. Eliot, Maria Rilke, and Charles, played a pivotal role in shaping his poetic vision. His work often mirrors the fragmented, introspective, and existential themes characteristic of Western modernism while also incorporating symbolist techniques to evoke complex emotional and philosophical states. Additionally, Amjad's use of free verse and his departure from traditional Urdu poetic forms can be traced to his engagement with Western literary innovations.

Ahmad Adil: A Representative Poet of Ghazal in the Gulf

Rabia Saher — 2025-03-25

Ghazal is one of the most distinguished forms of Urdu poetry. From the celebrated classical poet Wali Dakni to the present day, poets have continuously explored and contributed to this art form. National and international mushairas serve as important milestones in this ongoing journey of ghazal.Among the notable contemporary poets, Ahmad Adil holds a significant place. His ghazals stand out for their traditional essence, yet they carry a distinctive and unique style. His poetry delves into themes of spirituality, introspection, external realities, optimism, beauty, and a deep appreciation for life. A sense of balance and depth is evident in his verses. Ahmad Adil has made his mark on both national and international platforms, particularly in the Middle East, where his distinctive poetic expression has established him as a leading voice in modern ghazal.

An Analysis of Woman as Manifestation of God by Annemarie Schimmel

Sidra Niamat — 2025-03-26

The symbolic significance of love, beauty, and divine mystery has always been central to literary and mystical traditions. In classical Arabic and Persian literature, the gender of the beloved often remains ambiguous, creating a space for profound symbolic interpretation. In Persian poetry, descriptions of the beloved transcend gender norms, with features like the emerging beard of a youth being seen as symbolic rather than literal. In tales like Laila and Majnun, the intense passion of love is often portrayed as an allegory for divine love in a Sufi context. Majnun’s madness and yearning for Layla are mirrored in the spiritual seeker’s longing for union with the Divine. Similarly, spiritual practices such as Hajj have been likened to the journey of love, where the Kaaba is metaphorically envisioned as a bride. Great Sufi philosophers like Ibn Arabi emphasized the feminine as a manifestation of divine attributes. For him, perceiving God in a feminine form was among the closest ways to experience the divine essence. This duality—manifested in beauty and majesty, or the principles of Yin and Yang—can be observed in all aspects of life. Thus, literature and Sufi philosophy elevate love from mere emotional experience to a divine connection. The beloved becomes a symbol of the fusion between human desires and divine qualities, reflecting a deeper spiritual truth. This perspective not only enriches our understanding of love but also offers a path to transcendence through its universal and timeless symbolism.

Aagay Samandar Hai: Metaphor of the Urban Life of Karachi

Iqbal Ahmed Shah — 2025-03-30

Intizar Hussain is very prominent among the contemporary fiction writers due to his unique writing style. He draws the creative content from his civilization and culture. This trend is particularly present in his Novels. Most of his Novels represent the civilization of Lahore but his Novel "Aagay Samandar Hai"can be termed as the metaphor of the cultural life of Karachi. In this Novel he has elegantly elaborated the problems of Karachi, such as identity crises, nostalgia, street crimes and terrorism. This Novel of his can be called a master piece of his creative intellect.