Hamza Baba paid rich tribute

LAHORE: AMEER Hamza Shinwari, also known as Hamza Baba, was one of the greatest peace poets of Pashto language who acted as a bridge between classical and modern poetry and pioneered many genres in Pashto literature. Remembering the great services rendered by Hamza Baba for the development of Pashto literature, speakers at a session titled “In recognition of Hamza Shinwari: Literature and Sufism in Khyber- Pakhtunkhwa” on the second day of the seventh annual edition of Lahore Literary Festival (LLF19) at Alhamra here on Saturday highlighted his literary work.

Akbar Hoti said Hamza Baba followed the Rehmani school of thought (linked to Rehman Baba—one of the most revered Pashto poets) whose poetry reflected Sufism, nationalism, humanity, romanticism, mysticism and patriotism. H e said besides a poet, Ameer Hamza Shinwari was a prose writer and a dramatist who had also written dialogues for various Pashto films. He said Hamza Baba had inherited Sufi influence which reflected well in his work. Akbar Hoti, highlighting four different periods of Pashto literature, starting as early as 139 Hijri, said there was documentary evidence that the history of Pashto literature spread over 5,000 years. Kainat Khan, who moderated the session, said Hamza Baba was celebrated in his life which was a big achievement. She said Hamza Baba had diversity in his poetry and the themes of pluralism and mysticism could also be traced in his work. She said born in Landi Kotal in 1907, Ameer Hamza Shinwari started writing poetry during his school days. Another speaker, Ibrar Ghar, said Ameer Hamza Shinwari was a practical Sufi who followed pantheism and it was reflected in his poetry.

He said Hamza Baba had great respect for Ahle Bait as the same reflected in his poetic work. He said Hamza Baba used to play rubab (a lute-like musical instrument) very well. Neelam Afridi said like William Wordsworth, an icon in romantic poetry, Hamza Baba had impressed his readers with his pantheism. She also compared Hamza Baba’s poetry with Keats and Coleridge.

Dr Shahida Shah said Ameer Hamza Shinwari was the first Pashto poet writing ghazals and in his poetry Hamza Baba talked about women in a very balanced manner. She said he was a reformist. “He discourages lust and you will find love and beauty in his poetry,” she added. A large number of people from different walks of life attended the session and asked questions during the question-answer session.