Bâbâ Farîd’s Hymns in Granth Ṣâhib with Qur’ânic Backdrop: A Review

Bābā Farīd al-Dīn Ganj-i-Shakar, considered as the first Punjābī Sūfī poet, not only exercised his skill but also conveyed Qur’ānic and Prophetic (PBUH) message through his Punjābī poetry. His poetry is a rich source of Islamic teachings in lingua franca of the Punjab. The research intends to explore that whether the inclusion of his poetry in the Sikh scripture is recognition of Muslim mysticism or the poetry itself. The study attempts to examine the relation of the hymns of Bābā Ṣāhib with the teachings of Holy Qur’ān. Bābā Farīd, because of his high stature as an originator of Punjābī poetry, got a place in Granth Ṣāhib. The goal of this research is to highlight the pivotal position of Bābā Ṣāhib in connecting the two major religions of the world. The paper not only substantiates the historic position of Bābā Ṣāhib but also gives an insight to the services rendered by his poetry in promoting the interfaith harmony in the Sub-continent. This article focuses on Bābā Farīd as a literary and moral Canon, which led his work to be included in Sikh scripture. Moreover, it hints at the nuances of religious tolerance, mutual respect and love for knowledge, which lacks otherwise in a multi-religious society. In this article some of Bābā Ṣāhib’s verses in Granth Ṣāhib will be traced and analysed, taking into account their Qur’ānic interpretations. The comparative and somewhat historical approaches have been adopted to lay out a vivid analysis of his hymns in relation with the verses of the Holy Qur’ān and hence a message is extracted. Thus, he, evidently becoming part of one of the greatest anthologies of Punjābī poetry, attracted a huge outreach. The research question of this article is, whether the Holy Qur’ān is a basic source of Bābā Ṣāhib’s poetry or otherwise. It is strongly recommended that in order to attain actual harmony in our society, Bābā Ṣāhib’s work should be published in Shah-Mukhi script for the contemporary readership.

اردو ناول میں مذہبی عناصر: تجزیاتی مطالعہ

The present research work sets out to analyze representation of different religions in Urdu novel. Religion is pivot of life. So important is it in human life that its value cannot be overstated. In one way or other it reflects in all spheres of human life and controls all activities: may it be rituals of birth or death; wedding ceremonies or funerals. Literature, on the other hand is reflection of life. It takes stuff from society and portrays the way life actually goes on there. Realizing the important roles of religion and literature this research project attempts to analyse the way different religions are presented in Urdu novels (an important part of Urdu literature. This research work is divided into six chapters. The first chapter carries a wholesome discussion on major religions including: Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Christianity, and Islam. It covers detailed introduction of these religions, their basic belief system, rituals, religious personalities, and code of life. Second chapter mainly covers topics of modernity, equality, accountability, and ethics with respect to different religions. It also brings under discussion areas of goodness and badness; good, and evil; life and death as presented in Urdu novel. In third chapter spirituality and religions along with ways and value of preaching common people in the light of teachings of different religions as portrayed in Urdu novel is discussed. In fourth chapter extremism, sectarianism, intolerance etc. in religious context and concept of punishment and reward in different religions as presented in Urdu novel is discussed. Fifth chapter role of religious leaders and preachers, highlighting their positive and negative aspects has been analysed in relation to different religions. Finally, light has also been shed on status of women in different religions as represented in Urdu novels. It also covers exploitation of women in the name of their respective religions. Chapter six, "Conclusion" which is final chapter of this research work recapitulates the whole discussion. It not only comprehensively summarizes the previous chapters but also carries suggestions for future researchers in this field.