Legendary writer: Maulana Altaf Hussain Hali remembered

ISLAMABAD:

Being a poet, critic, teacher, reformer and an impressive prose-writer, Maulana Altaf Hussain Hali, occupies a unique position among the giants of Urdu literature.

Academicians and literati paid glowing tributes to the versatile poet on his 100th death anniversary in a literary programme titled “Bayad-e-Hali” (in memory of Hali) organised at the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) on Wednesday.

“Hali is a pioneer of contemporary Urdu literature. His earliest work constitutes of literary criticism in Urdu,” said Prof Fateh Muhammad Malik while presiding over the programme.

Malik said the mental change of Hali started at that time when he was affiliated with Ali Garh Movement. He narrated the bad situation of the Muslims in his poetry which is famous as “Mussadas-e-Hali” and presented successful examples of autobiography in Urdu literature.

Dr Ehsan Akbar said Hali felt the miseries of 1857 and portrayed the same.

Izharul Haq said Hali’s work towards predicting and preserving Islam was a great contribution. He was of the belief that the West progressed after following Islam’s teachings whereas we as a nation failed to do so.

For Muhammad Hameed Shahid, Hali played the role of a critic, which was very important for the development of a nation.  “He kindled the lamp of new criticism in Arabic and Persian” he said.

Before Hali, the Urdu prose was limited to stories from religious books, said Dr Najeeba Arif, adding that Hali brought a new vibe to Urdu poetry and his contribution will be remembered for years to come.

Zahida Parveen, director general PAL, said Hali has an important place in Urdu literature because of his versatility. Hamza Hassan Sheikh, Saeed Doshi, Farooq Haider and Athar Zia read different pieces of Hali’s poetry at the event.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 1^st, 2014.