Kunwar Mohinder Singh Bedi's Poetic Love for the Prophet: His Na'at as a Call to Humanity

By Syed Amjad Hussain, New Age Islam 29 November 2024 Kunwar Mohinder Singh Bedi, Known As Sahar, Was A Poet Whose Works Emphasized Love, Unity, And Religious Harmony. His Naat In Praise Of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) And His Poetry Promoting Peace And Human Connection Continue To Inspire Across Cultural And Religious Divides Main Points: 1. Sahar’s poetry promotes unity, love, and spiritual awakening, transcending religious and national boundaries. 2. His Naat in praise of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad highlights his deep devotion and reverence. 3. Sahar advocated for human connection and peace, condemning division and hatred. 4. His works include themes of religious harmony and empathy. 5. Sahar’s legacy continues to inspire global audiences, promoting universal values of compassion and righteousness. ----- Book Cover of Yaadon Ka Jashn ----- The literary tradition of the Indian subcontinent is vast and diverse, with poets across centuries contributing to a rich tapestry of thought and reflection. Among the voices that have left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions is that of Kunwar Mohinder Singh Bedi, known by his pen name Sahar. Sahar was born on March 9, 1909, in Chak Bedi, Montgomery District, British India (now in Pakistan). Sahar's poetry overcomes the walls of culture, religion, and nationality. His works consist of themes such as universal love, religious harmony, and a deep longing for a united and peaceful world. It was his compassionate and empathetic approach that made him a ray of hope when politics and social conflicts were engulfing the Indian subcontinent. Sahar's poetry was not only a reflection of his personal experiences but also a powerful voice for social change. His works called for the unity of humankind, the shedding of sectarian differences, and a return to the universal values of love, truth, and justice. His words were a clarion call to revive the lost essence of humanity, to awaken the "sleeping" masses, and remind them of their shared purpose. It is through his spiritual and profound verses that Sahar seeks to connect with different religious traditions and proves that love, compassion, and righteousness are common threads for everyone. The Spiritual and Universal Message of Sahar's Poetry At a time when the entire world seemed to be in tumult of politics and religion, where human beings were trapped in the cycle of hatred, division, and conflict, Sahar's poetry acted as an intervention for God to inspire humanity in the pursuit of greater ideals. His verses were full of spiritual depth and told people how to rise above ignorance and violence and accept peace and righteousness. Sahar put it thus: "Khalq-E-Khuda Ko Raah Pe Laane Ke Waste Sote Huon Ko Phir Se Jagane Ke Waste" (To bring humans to the path of righteousness, To wake up the sleeping humanity) These lines talk so much about the mission behind his poetry. Sahar was of the opinion that humans had lost their path. Human beings were devoured by the negative forces of greed, power, and divisions. In these words, Sahar called on a higher power to restore human society back on track with their proper self and had been the main expression throughout all of his work: this belief was very deeply set, founded on spiritual awakening. Indeed, as expressed in the above verses, for this restoration of human nature on track, one must look up for heavenly guidance and wakefulness to moral truth. Sahar's use of metaphors and symbolic language makes him a beacon of hope for those suffering from confusion, injustice, and societal fragmentation. The idea of "awakening" humanity refers to spiritual resurrection—a call to break free from the shackles of materialism and intolerance and to return to the core values of love, respect, and peace. Through his lines, Sahar attempted to create a world where people would rise beyond their differences and recognize the shared humanity that binds them together. Inclusivity of Sahar's Thought What really sets Sahar's poetry apart from the conventional poetry of his time is his commitment to inclusivity. He did not confine his appreciation and worship to icons of only one faith tradition but included other spiritual gurus in the same line, respecting the global aspect of their preachings. He celebrates people like Guru Nanak, Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Ta’ala Wasallam), Lord Krishna, and Jesus Christ as epitomes of purity, righteousness, and divine love in his poems. Sahar writes: "Mardaan-e-Paakbaaz The Aabid The Nek The Nanak, Masih, Krishna, Muhammad sab ek the" (They were sinless people, pure and pious, Guru Nanak, Masih Jesus Christ, Lord Krishna, and Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) all were the same) This line is an excellent reminder of the universal values shared by the great personalities of the world. Sahar by equating the personalities like Guru Nanak, Jesus Christ, Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Ta’ala Wasallam), and Lord Krishna gives the message of spiritual unity. He argues that the real essence of these leaders was not limited to their religious identity but rested on universal values such as love, kindness, compassion, and the quest for righteousness. In this respect, Sahar's poetry is not just a tribute but a call to humanity for its own adoption of values that they represented. Sahar's inclusive stance is not only reflected in the way he venerates sacred figures but also in depicting religious practices and the concept of religious harmony. He understood that all religious traditions, per se, were preaching basically the same message of love and peace. His acknowledgment of figures from various religious fields was a challenge to sectarianism and religious bigotry. In a world increasingly defined by religious divides, Sahar's poetry is a reminder that humanity's shared moral fabric transcends the boundaries of individual faiths. A Life Shaped by History and Migration Sahar's life journey was deeply intertwined with the history of the Indian subcontinent, especially the painful period of Partition. Sahar was born in Montgomery District, which is now part of Pakistan. He witnessed first-hand the impact of Partition in 1947 and experienced it in his family's life. The violence, displacement, and anguish that accompanied the division of India and Pakistan became an important part of Sahar's life and poetry. His family migrated to Fazilka, India, after Partition, and the trauma of this forced migration deeply shaped his worldview and poetic voice. This personal history of migration and displacement is evident in Sahar's works, where themes of loss, exile, and the search for belonging often surface. His poetry reflected the deep empathy he felt for those suffering from the same anguish of uprooting, and his verses became a source of solace for the displaced and disenfranchised. His reflections on human suffering and the yearning for a home, both physical and spiritual, gave his poetry a universality that resonated with people across borders. Sahar’s ability to address personal pain while simultaneously appealing for unity and peace speaks to his larger poetic vision. Rather than being consumed by bitterness or resentment, his poetry serves as a call to overcome these divisions and create a new world built on understanding and empathy. This is the vision of a reconciled world that runs through Sahar's poetry, where political boundaries and religious labels are mere constructs that should not divide the human spirit. The Legacy of Sahar's Poetic Contributions Sahar's first major work, Tulu-e-Sahar (1962), meaning Advent of Daybreak, was a collection of poems that introduced his unique voice to the world of Urdu literature. Indeed, the very title, mentioning a "dawn" or "daybreak," also reflected Sahar's trust that renewal and spiritual awakening might be possible. The work found critical success, establishing the poet Sahar as capable of inspiring change both socially and politically through her work. Sahar's poems are not only good for expressive purposes but also work as a voice of call for a world urgently needing moral and spiritual direction. His later works remain a testament to his continued entanglement with human life, such as in Yadon Ka Jashn ("A Celebration of Memories") in 1983. This work is an autobiographical account that provides a glimpse of his own emotional and intellectual journey, capturing both personal reflections and general societal concerns. Sahar, with this work, asked the readers to celebrate the past, reflect on the present, and envision a future where peace and love could overcome division and hatred. Sahar's influence was not only in the literary world. People from all walks of life accepted his works. They cut across class, religion, and nation. In 1992, the Jashan-e-Sahar or "A celebration for Sahar" was held in the UAE in honour of his life and poetry. This gathering consisted of scholars, artists, and admirers of Sahar's work, in appreciation of his great contributions to Urdu literature and the cause of peace and unity. The Haryana Urdu Akademi honoured the legacy of Sahar's work by instituting the Kunwar Mohinder Singh Bedi Award, which is bestowed on individuals who have contributed much to the field of Urdu literature. This award is presented every year and testifies to the long-lasting influence Sahar has had on Urdu poetry and continues to leave in the minds of today's writers and poets. A Celebration of Empathy, Patriotism, and Poetry Sahar's poetry is a beautiful balance of patriotism and universalism. He had been a nationalist but loved people beyond his national boundaries. He saw poetry as a mode of deeper connecting people together, not just in one single nation but around the globe. His grandson, Ashwajit Singh, remembers Sahar as a very compassionate person whose poetry reflected his belief in the importance of love and patriotism. According to Ashwajit, "Poetry for him was larger than life and an integral part of his being." The beauty that Sahar dreamed of seeing all along-the beauty of a loveable and respectful world-echoes today in the reality it is becoming. In such times as those when all is threatened by forces of hate, religious and otherwise, Sahar's poetry resounds like an antidote to the powers of these divisive forces, reminding readers how different everyone really is. Sahar's legacy, as reflected in the timeless poetry, reminds all that love, compassion, and the pursuit of justice belong to no one religion or nation. They are the universal values that all people should hold dear, regardless of where they come from. It is in a world fast becoming polarized and divisive that Sahar's poems present hope—a call for unity within a fractured world. Sahar's Call to Revisit the Teachings of Great Men In today’s globalized but divided world, where conflicts over identity, politics, and religion seem to be intensifying, Sahar’s message remains as pertinent as ever. His call to revisit the teachings of great spiritual leaders like Guru Nanak, Prophet Muhammad, Lord Krishna, and Jesus Christ urges us to return to the core principles of these traditions: love, compassion, peace, and justice. For Sahar, these values transcended sectarian boundaries and were central to human fulfilment. In his poetry, Sahar invites us to reflect on the lives and teachings of these figures, who, regardless of the historical or cultural context, advocated for love, unity, and the well-being of all humanity. His work offers a powerful challenge to the contemporary world, where religion is often misused to justify conflict and violence. By focusing on the commonalities between different religious figures, Sahar encourages his readers to look beyond labels and see the universal truth that underpins all faiths. He further questions to reflect and do—implore humankind not to be silent toward these values but to undertake them in their lives. According to Sahar, spiritual maturity and moral awakening are nothing but actions and not musing. His poetry wasn't about feeling but about evoking the responsibility of those reading his poems toward making a world better for unity and peace in the midst of hatred and conflict. A Lasting Legacy: The Relevance of Sahar’s Poetry Today Sahar’s poetry offers profound insights that transcend the confines of time and place. In the context of modern-day challenges, his work can serve as a guide for how to navigate the complexities of identity, religion, and nationality. His poetry calls us to rise above narrow and divisive ideologies and to embrace the humanity that binds us all together. Perhaps one of the most striking aspects of Sahar's legacy is his absolute belief in the possibility of a better world. He never gave up on that, even in the face of enormous personal and collective tragedy. Instead, his poetry is filled with hope: hope that the human spirit can overcome adversity and that the principles of love and justice will prevail. Sahar's work inspires us to believe in the transformative power of compassion and kindness, to believe that change is possible even when it seems impossible. Sahar's poetry is not merely an artifact of the past; it is a living, breathing force that continues to inspire individuals around the world. His commitment to love, unity, and justice remains as relevant today as it was when he first wrote his verses. I am writing this in a time where nationalism, religious intolerance, and social injustice are all on the rise. And Sahar's work gives one a framework with which to begin to resist that hate, that division, that shrinking of our shared humanity. More broadly, Sahar's poems reflect how important art and literature are in bringing social change. He understood the power of the written word to shape hearts and minds, to challenge societal norms, and to provide comfort in times of distress. His ability to weave together the personal and the political, the spiritual and the worldly, makes his poetry a powerful tool for transformation. His verses are a language of resistance and hope for those who have been marginalized or oppressed; they give them the words they need to stand up for their rights and for a more just society. The Continued Impact of Sahar's Poetry in Contemporary Literature Sahar's influence has continued to be felt within the literary world, especially in the context of Urdu poetry. His unique blend of traditional themes with contemporary concerns sets him apart from many of his peers. While many poets focused on themes of love, beauty, and longing, Sahar's poetry deals with more profound existential questions like the nature of human suffering, the quest for spiritual awakening, and the search for social justice. His ability to address complex societal issues with simplicity and grace made his poetry accessible to a wide range of readers, from intellectuals to the common man. The other poets came to Sahar through his writings, who reflected the nationalist identity and the religiosity for harmony. It is really a witness that literature always remains in time, making it an apparatus for the social transformation tool. It is an inspirational factor as he delves into humanity, trying to bind those divergencies, and raises his voice for oneness and peace. In the years following the death of Sahar, the poet's work continues to be studied and appreciated with great fervour and his literary works have been translated in many languages across the globe where his message of peace and unity is able to reach global audiences. To further sustain the legacy of Sahar, the Haryana Urdu Akademi instituted the award in his name-the Kunwar Mohinder Singh Bedi Award. This award, with its cash prize, shawl, memento, and citation, celebrates excellence in Urdu literature and is a fitting tribute to the poet's enduring influence. Conclusion: A Poet for All Times Kunwar Mohinder Singh Bedi, or Sahar, remains one of the most profound and inspiring poets of the Indian subcontinent. His poetry, which spans a wide range of themes from love and longing to unity and peace, speaks to the universal aspirations of humanity. Sahar’s vision for a world united in love, righteousness, and spiritual awakening continues to resonate today, offering a beacon of hope in times of division and conflict. He is a poet for all times because of his commitment to the values of empathy, justice, and unity, as well as rejection of religious and national boundaries. His works challenge us to look beyond our differences, seek common ground, and strive for a world where the ideals of love, compassion, and peace reign supreme. As we grapple with the problems of the contemporary world—whether they be political, social, or religious—Sahar's poetry reminds us in no small measure of shared humanity, and it is an urgent reminder that, although we differ in so many ways, we are indeed part of one global community that needs to be recognized. In a world so often fragmented, Sahar's poetry reminds us in unison that the strength of love and compassion can cross even the largest divisions. In remembering Sahar, we not only honour a great poet but also reaffirm our commitment to the ideals that he so passionately espoused. His legacy lives on in every word of his poetry, in every life his verses have touched, and in the enduring call for unity and peace that his works continue to inspire. ----- Syed Amjad Hussain is an author and Independent research scholar on Sufism and Islam. He is currently working on his book 'Bihar Aur Sufivad', based on the history of Sufism in Bihar. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/books-documents/kunwar-bedi-poetic-love-prophet-naat-humanity/d/133857 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism