Qasim • 8 years ago
A non learner in Urdu poetry can relate such lines to great poets.. None is true.. can you please share a reference of your excerpt? Its all fake and copy pasted from Social Websites.
Ghalib[1] Sharab Peene De Masjid Mein Beth Ker,
Ya Wo Jagah Bata Jahan Khuda Nahi
(the poet Ghalib – Allow me to drink alcohol sitting in this mosque, or tell me the place where there is no God)
Response from Iqbal[2] Masjid Khuda Ka Ghar Hai Peene Ki Jagah Nahi,
Kafir K Dil Mein Ja Wahan Khuda Nahi
(Pakistan’s national poet Iqbal responds: the mosque is house of God not a drinking place, go to the hearts of infidels where there is no God)
This elicits a response from Faraz[3] Kafir K Dil Se Ayah On Ye Dekh Ker Faraz,
Khuda Mojood Hai Wahan Per Usay Pata Nahi
(Faraz clarifies: I have been and seen the hearts of the infidels, God lives there but they know it not)
The dialog exists but it is internal and passive.
I don't agree with the lack of external dialog, but it is understandable. Romani, Jews, Indian Americans and other ostracized minorities also behaved the same way within their respective host societies in a way to "protect themselves from the [bad] influences".
When we will be able to see a small town in France or Spain authorize the creation of a mosque with minarets over the roof of the village as they authorize church bell towers, then, the Muslim community will fell free to debate with the society they share a home about alcohol and much more.
History teach us something else too: The medieval Islam in Spain and Iraq were tolerant of the, then minorities, Christians and Jews... it is easy to be tolerant when you are the majority. The Islamist societies became more intolerant when the constant west meddling in their countries. You mentioned Pakistan for instance, those poets were pre-70s, when most Pakistanis and Afghans enjoyed progressive views. A CIA backed general, Zia-ul-Haq, introduced in the late 70s the Saudi fundamentalism in the region that we observe even today.
Liked the article though, very well written.