Nakhal- E - Noor. Reading Rafiq Raaz Through Ghani Ghayoor's Reflective Lens

Nakhal- E - Noor

READING RAFIQ RAAZ THROUGH GHANI GHAYOOR'S REFLECTIVE LENS

Dr Basharat Khan

سادہ کاغذ پہ کیا چمکتا ہوں

نوک سے کس قلم کی ٹپکا ہوں

تیز رفتار کوئی دریا ہوں

اور تصور میں اپنے بہتا ہوں

میں جہاں پر دکھایی دیتا نہیں

میں وہاں پر سنایی دیتا ہوں

اپنے پیچھے غبار چھوڑا ہے

دشت سے اس طرح میں گزرا۔ہوں

آیینہ دیکھتا ہوں جب بھی کبھی

میں کوئی دوسرا ہی لگتا ہوں

(Rafiq Raaz) 

Exploring poetry involves examining its building blocks like structure, language, themes, and imagery to uncover deeper meanings. It is like peeling layers of an onion to reveal its essence. This exploration offers insight into the techniques and motivations of the poet.

Diving into the historical, cultural, and societal context surrounding a poem serves as a beacon, illuminating the intentions of the poet and the intricate significance woven into its themes and symbols. Through the lens of critical analysis, readers are beckoned to embark on a transformative voyage, peeling away the layers of interpretation to expose the profound depths of meaning hidden beneath the surface thereby enriching their experience with the poetic masterpiece.

By examining the style and choices in form, language, and structure, readers gain a greater appreciation for the artistry and complexity. Ultimately, critical analyses of poetry enrich our understanding of the human experience, showcasing the ability of language to convey complex emotions and ideas, and fostering a deeper connection between reader and text.

اجالا رات کو بیرون زندان ہوگیا ہوگا

فقط یہ رخنۂِ دیوار دیوار حیران ہوگیا ہوگا 

يارب سیاہ پوش نہ ہو شعلۂِ سکوت 

روشن تمام رات رہے خیمہ سکوت

آنکھیں عقیق ہائے یمن ہیں کہ دو چراغ

میرا وجود ہے کہ کوئی روضۂ سکوت

یہ دشت جا نماز ہے وہ غار درسگاہ

یہ سلسلہ جبال کا ہے سورۂ سکوت

ایک لشکر حروف نے فوراً ہی دھرلیا

ہم قلعۂ سکوت سے جوں ہی رہا ہوۓ

(Raafiq Raaz)

The light poures outside the prison.

Perhaps only the prison aperture gets puzzled.

O Lord, may the flame of silence never fade out.

So that the tent of the night remains illuminated 

Eyes, like Yemeni agates, or the twin lanterns.

My being is like a garden of solitude.

This dessert is a prayer rug, and that cave is an institution.

That range of mountains is a passage of solitude.

An army of letters overpowered us.

As soon as we escape from the fortress of solitude.

Rafiq Raaz, a luminary in Kashmiri and Urdu literature, creates enchanting works that deeply resonate with readers. His notable publications, such as 'Nai Che Nalan' (1995), 'Dastaveize' (2006), and 'Sor-e-Samaan' (2024), have garnered critical acclaim and touched the hearts of readers worldwide.

Recognized for his literary brilliance, Rafiq Raaz has received prestigious awards, including the Sahitya Academy Award (1997) and the Best Book of the Year from J&K Cultural Academy (1997). His contributions to literature have further been honored with accolades like the Sadiq Memorial Award (1983) and the Aarzoo Lucknowi Award (2012)."

Ghazal poetry occupies a unique position in the realm of literature, captivating audiences with its intricate structure and profound emotional depth. While some may view composing Ghazal poetry as a straightforward task, Ghani Ghayoor challenges this perception in his critical analysis of Rafiq Raaz's Ghazals, titled Nakhal e Noor.

روشنی سے نکل کے آئے ہیں

ہم ہیولے نہیں ہیں سائے ہیں

جن پہ تالے لگے تھے باہر سے

ہم نے وہ در بھی کھٹکھٹائے ہیں

عالم غیب کے مناظر پر

چشم بینا نے ظلم ڈھائے ہیں

جن پر کوئی بھی چل نہ پاۓ گا

ہم نے وہ راستے بنائے 

آئے تو تھے وجود میں کب کے

منظر عام پر اب آۓ ہیں

(Raafiq Raaz)

We emerged from within the light.

We are not phantoms, but reflections.

The doors locked from the outside,

We tapped even those as well.

Upon the scenes of the hidden world...

The eyes of the wise inflicted persecution.

We paved such paths

No one will dare to tread upon.

Though we came into being long ago.

But came into the limelight recently."

Nakhal Noor is a collection of one hundred Ghazals of Rafiq Raaz, accompanied by detailed essays that offer valuable insights into his creative expression.

Ghani Ghayoor argues that true Ghazal poetry transcends mere rhyme and superficial emotion. He contends that crafting living poetry; poetry that evokes a sense of freshness and overwhelms the reader with a cascade of emotions; is a daunting endeavor that demands a deep connection to personal experiences and observations. In this magical realm of poetry, each verse becomes a captivating journey, inviting readers to engage in multiple readings and discover new layers of meaning with each encounter.

پگھل کے آنکھ سے ٹپکے ہیں اشک بن کر ہم

بدل کے بھیس قفس سے فرار ہوگئے ہیں

غنیم ضفت سے نکلتے ہی مجھے چڑھ دوڑا

رجز کی رسم ہی دنیا نے اب بھلا دی ہے

کل رات جلوہ گہہ میں قیامت کی دھند تھی

دیکھا تو میری اپنی بصارت کی دھند تھی

 ہماری طرح حروف جنوں کے جال میں آ 

 کبھی تو جلوہ گہ نون جیم دال میں آ

(Rafiq Raaz)

We melted and trickled down from the eyes,

In disguise, escaped away from the cage.

All of a sudden, the opponent emerged from his column,

The world has now forsaken the custom of War cry ("rajaz")

Last night, an extreme smog ensnared the scene.

I found my eyesight was blurred.

Like me get enmeshed in the letters of frenzy.

Sometimes show up in the desert of "Najd"

Ghani Ghayoor's analysis delves beyond the surface. He explores the realm of true artistry, where enchantment is complemented by the presence of metaphors and dialectical words. According to Ghayoor, these elements act as safeguards against the passage of time, ensuring that Ghazal poetry remains relevant and enduring despite the temporal decay that affects lesser works.

Ghani Ghayoor's exploration of Rafiq Raaz's poetry reveals the poet's profound thoughtfulness and sophistication. Raz's verses are characterized by clarity and precision, with deep layers of meaning embedded within each line.

Renowned critic Shamsur Rahman Faruqi's recognition of Rafiq Raaz's departure from the traditional Ghazal style underscores the poet's bold innovation and his endeavor to breathe new life into genre often constrained by its adherence to simplicity and sweetness. Each verse penned by Raaz exudes vitality, serving as a testament to his unwavering commitment to infuse the poetic realm with a diverse spectrum of emotions and intellectual depth.

‏کب سے ہوا کے سامنے ہےیہ ڈٹا ہوا

کس مٹّی کا چراغ ہے میرا بنا ہُوا

منہ پر یونہی سکوت کا تالا پڑا نہ تھا

اک گنج بے قیاس تھا مجھ میں گڑا ہُوا

دوزخ بجھادیا ہے کسی اہلِ غم نے کیا

میدان حشر کا ہے دھواں سا اٹا ہُوا

پہلے زمین ہم پہ ہوئی تنگ اور پھر 

یک لخت آسمان کا بھی رخ کڑا ہُوا

جانے کہاں سے جوئے معانی ہوئی رواں 

اک آن میں حروف کا جنگل ہرا ہوا

گذرے ہیں اس مقام سے کچھ اہلِ غم ضرور

اس دشت میں ہے دیکھ تو سبزہ اگا ہُوا

(رفیق راز)

"For so long, fearlessly facing the gusts of wind,

From what kind of clay am I fashioned?

The lock of silence didn't befall my mouth without reason.

An immense trove was buried within me.

Have any sorrow-stricken soul smothered the fire of hell? 

the site of judgment was shrouded in smoke.

At first, the earth was shriveled upon us, 

and then.........

the sky too grew stern.

From where did the rivulet of poignancy begin to flow?

In a mere whisper, the forest of letters turned verdant.

Some mourners must have moved on from this place

Behold, in this desert, verdure has blossomed." 

Raaz's mastery isn't solely the result of persistent effort; it is cultivated over decades of meticulous refinement, drawing inspiration from the boundless reservoir of creativity and astute observation. Through seminal collections such as "Anhaar," "Mishraq," and "Nakhl-e-Ab," he extends an invitation to readers to embark on a journey of self-exploration and introspection, with every poem acting as a reflective mirror illuminating the intricacies of human experience.

Going beyond the superficial, Raaz's verses plumb the depths of the human psyche, offering profound insights and contemplative musings. Utilizing allegory and symbolism as exemplified in "Kalami Raaz," he weaves intricate narratives that resonate deeply with readers, prompting them to ponder life's existential mysteries and philosophical quandaries. In essence, Rafiq Raaz's poetry stands as a testament to his creative vision and literary prowess, solidifying his status as a luminary in contemporary Urdu literature.

میرا چراغ شہر سخن میں چمکتا کیا

گہری یہاں بہت ہی سیاست کی دھند تھی

پڑا رہ بدن کے دریچے نہ کھول 

مری انگلیوں میں ہوس ناکی ہے

ابھی تو بر سر پیکار موج آب سے ہوں

ابھی ہوں بیچ میں اس پار دیکھئے کیا ہو

اٹھو کہ جوش پر آئی ہوئی ہے وہ رحمت

یہ وقت دست کے کشکول میں ہے ڈھلنے کا

یہ جو آنسو ابھی ابھی ٹپکا

استعاره ہے شادمانی کا

سبزہ تو دیکھ موسم گل میں بھی زرد ہے

آہستہ چل زمین کی چھاتی میں درد ہے

اٹھی ہے تو محال اب اسکا بیٹھنا

دو قافلوں کے بیچ میں حائل جو گرد ہے

(رفیق راز)

How could my lamp have gleamed within the city of poetry?"

The political haze here ran thick and profound.

Stay silent; don't unlatch the windows of the body. 

My fingers are laden with lust.

 Right now, I am battling with the waves amidst the sea. 

Still I am in the middle; let's see what will happen on the other shore.

 The tear that has just fallen...

...is a metaphor of joy.

Behold, even the grass is yellow in the season of bloom.

Stroll slowly; the bosom of earth is in pain.

Once risen, now settling down seems impossible.

The dust that wafts between the two caravans"

In Rafiq Raaz's enchanting poetry, one embarks on a journey beyond the ordinary. His verses, intricately laced with keywords and timeless metaphors, resonate with the spirit of Persian literature while carving out new avenues of understanding. With each meticulously crafted stanza, Rafiq Raaz defies convention, breathing fresh life into familiar words with profound meaning. However, to fully grasp the depth of his poetic canvas, one must venture beyond the confines of traditional interpretation

Embedded within Rafiq Raaz's verses lies a tribute not only to the beauty of language but also to the profound depths of his being. Like a skilled craftsman, he subtly hints at mysteries, imparting the delicate fragrance of silence onto the page. Amidst this lyrical panorama, he depicts scenes of celestial splendor and shares secrets whispered in the valleys below. Each line serves as a testament to his artistry, whether he delicately gathers scattered papers like a seasoned poet or nurtures golden seeds, bringing forth trees in the most unassuming corners of the world. Through his poetry, Rafiq Raaz beckons us to embark on a voyage of discovery, where every word becomes a stepping stone toward enlightenment, and each verse reveals the limitless expanse of the soul.

The author is a writer, translator, columnist and critic. He can be reached at chogalwriter76@gmail.com