Faiz Ahmed Faiz (1911–1984) stands as one of the most revered poets of the Urdu language, renowned for his profound insights into the human emotions and his unwavering commitment to social justice. Born in British India, Faiz’s poetry bears witness to the tumultuous events of his time, including the partition of India and Pakistan, as well as periods of political unrest and oppression in Pakistan. Through his verses, Faiz masterfully captured the hopes, dreams, and struggles of his people, channeling the collective aspirations for freedom and dignity into eloquent expressions of poetry. His works explore themes of love, revolution, and resistance against Martial Law with a rare blend of lyricism and depth, resonating with readers across cultures and generations.
Faiz’s poetry is characterized by its richness of imagery, its evocative language, and its profound emotional resonance. His verses often reflect a deep empathy for the downtrodden and the dispossessed, speaking truth to power and offering solace to those who endure hardship and oppression. Despite facing censorship and persecution for his outspoken views, Faiz remained steadfast in his commitment to speaking out against injustice, using poetry as a powerful tool for social critique and transformation. His legacy continues to inspire countless poets, activists, and thinkers, who draw strength and inspiration from his timeless verses that continue to illuminate the human experience with compassion, courage, and hope. I am sharing one of my favorite pieces of poetry from Faiz’s work, Kuchh Ishq Kiyā Kuchh Kaam Kiyā.
vo log bahut ḳhush-qismat the
jo ishq ko kaam samajhte the
yā kaam se āshiqī karte the
ham jīte-jī masrūf rahe
kuchh ishq kiyā kuchh kaam kiyā
kaam ishq ke aaḌe aatā rahā
aur ishq se kaam ulajhtā rahā
phir āḳhir tañg aa kar ham ne
donoñ ko adhūrā chhoḌ diyā
Privileged were those, indeed
who thought of love as their business
or were in love with what they did.
I remained busy my whole life–
with some love, with some work.
Work came in the way of love
and love was often intertwined with work.
Then, finally, in antipathy, giving it all up,
I left them both, half done.