Hafeez Jalandhari, a well-known Muslim poet, wrote the national anthem of Pakistan and is also famous for his work “Shahnama-e-Islam,” which tells the history of Islam. Despite being a devout Muslim, Hafeez often included Hindu themes in his poetry. He believed that all religions share a common message of kindness and empathy. In one of his poems, he mentions that prayers like Namaz, Haj, Yatra, and Puja are all valuable. He emphasises that whether one is a Sikh, Christian, Hindu, or Muslim, it is essential to understand and care for one another. This, he says, is the true prayer to God.
The Poem “Dussehra”
One of Hafeez’s notable poems is titled “Dussehra,” which is part of a children’s book called “Bahar ke Phool” (Flowers of Spring). This book contains poems about various Hindu festivals. In “Dussehra,” Hafeez describes the vibrant fair of Ram Lila, which takes place over several days. He paints a lively picture of the fair, filled with shops, toys, and delicious food. The poem also talks about the large and frightening effigies of Ravana and Meghnad, which are central to the celebrations.
The Story of Good vs. Evil
Hafeez explains the story behind the burning of these effigies. He respectfully narrates the tale of Lord Rama and his battle against Ravana, the king of Lanka. He writes about Ravana, who had ten heads, and how he was an enemy of Lord Rama. Hafeez also mentions Ravana’s son, who, despite being brave, was ultimately doomed by fate. The poem highlights that the Ramayana tells the story of this epic battle between good and evil. Hafeez concludes by noting that people continue to celebrate this victory every year, recreating the scene of the battle and remembering the triumph of truth over falsehood. The poem beautifully captures the spirit of the festival, reminding everyone of the importance of good over evil.
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