By: Dr. Maqsood Jafri
It is my proud privilege that some professors and researchers have done M. Phil and Ph. D on my poetry and philosophy in my life time while some are doing doctoral research on my thoughts. Mostly, the columnists and the researchers on my literary, political, religious and philosophical works ask me about my basic ideological concepts. As my 32 books in seven languages, on various subjects have been published and some more are under publication, the researchers on my ideology and personality contact me and pose questions. Today, I thought to briefly answer their questions, so that the literary scholars who are doing research work on me should get direct basic guidance and guide lines to easily grasp and comprehend the basics of my faith as a poet and enlightened thinker. The articles of my faith are seven.
1- Love
The first article of my faith is Love. Love wins all. The poets spread the fragrance of love, compassion, mercy, sacrifice and inclusiveness. Poetry is passion. It is intuition. Poets love all humans and give the message of peace. Poets are born. Poetry is universal. Great poets are international. They are immortal and belong to all nations. Love is life and Life is love for them. Love is the core and crux of my poetry and philosophy.
2- The second article of my faith is Beauty. John Keats is well known for his affection and admiration for beauty. He is called the “ Poet of Beauty.” Beautiful objects attract all and sundry. Whether, it is natural beauty or human beauty, it attracts and gravitates, not only poets or hyper sensitive souls, but even to a common spectators. I am very much sensitive in this matter. Beautiful objects mesmerize me. The beauty of damsels maddens me. As a poet, the adoration of beauty is in my nature and I frankly admit it. The beauty of women is the prime of creation.
3- Democracy
I have visited many countries. Human dignity is preserved in democratic states. The monarchies and authoritarian states are more than hell. These states promote the culture of Silence. Their inhabitants are dumb and deaf. In these countries, their is no freedom of speech, writing and expression. Theses states are like jails. Democracy is not Mobocracy. Democracy needs some pre- requisites and they are education, social justice and tolerance. Democracy is not only a political system, it is a culture as well. I am a democrat and strongly condemn all undemocratic states and societies.
4- Justice
Justice is the pivot and pillar of human edifice. Whether, it is social justice, economic justice, political justice or judicial justice, with out justice, life is the life of beasts and brutes. It is said: “ Justice delayed is Justice denied.” I say:” Justice delayed is Justice degraded.” The mission of all prophets and philosophers was to provide, promote, protect and procure justice.
5- Freedom
Freedom is the natural law. The rivers flow freely. The birds fly freely. People are born free. Why are they made slaves? When might overcomes right and “ Might is Right” becomes the order of the day, then slavery becomes the fate of the oppressed and suppressed nations. Imperialism and colonialism are the curses which had been dominating weaker nations and sucking their blood like leeches and bugs. Human freedom is the boon, bliss and blessing. We must oppose slavery and fight for the freedom of all oppressed nations without prejudices.
6- Humanity
We are all humans. We must love and respect all humans. Humans are one family. Religious extremism and racial discrimination make us the enemies of each other. The human history is replete and soaked with the blood of humans in the name of religion. For me: “ One God means Oneness of humans.” As a poet and philosopher, Through out my life I have propounded and promoted human rights and humanity. One of my English poetry book titled “ The Songs of Humanity” was published by Author House, Indiana, USA. The very title of the book shows my commitment to humanity. A true humanitarian and humanist is secular, liberal, universalist and moderate. “ I am a Poet of Humanity,” is my slogan, my mission, my manifesto and my mantra. The man who does not love Man, does not love God.
7- Equality
All humans as humans are equal and respectable. Racism is a devilish coinage. There is no superiority of white over black. Class society is a curse. We must provide equal opportunities to all humans in the race of life. The supremacy of elite class is a social evil. Merit must prevail. Feudalism and capitalism are the root cause of inequality. The state that does not give honor to merit, can not survive. Equality is incumbent for a healthy culture and successful state.
These are the articles of my faith and I strongly and strictly adhere to theses cherished goals as a humanist. I am inspired by these enlightened humanitarian ideals and wish that all humans should discard extremism, sectarianism terrorism, intolerance, inequality, racism, feudalism, capitalism, parochialism, nationalism monarchy, slavery and fascism. Let us make our earth a Heaven, instead of making it a Hell.
