Rubaiyat of Gazi Abdulla-hel Baqui

 

Rubaiyat of Gazi Abdulla-hel Baqui

Original: Professor Nandalal Sharma

 Translation: Noor Nahar, 

 M.A. in Education Studies, University of Portsmouth, England

Gazi Abdulla-hel Baqui, a student and distinguished professor in the field of English language and literature, is recognized not only as a poet but also as a skilled translator. His profound understanding of Iranian literature is unmatched. Beyond poetry, his significant contributions extend to essays and literary critiques. Within his personal life, Professor Baqui reflects the essence of Sufi ideals as a contemplative seeker of knowledge. He has devoted a considerable period of time to exploring the depths of the renowned Rubaiyat belonging to Iran's rich literary heritage. Therefore, his authority in crafting productions of Bangla Rubaiyat is unquestionable. His efforts in this regard have yielded remarkable success. In the realm of Persian poetry, he stands shoulder to shoulder with luminaries such as Omar Khayyam, Hafiz Shirazi, Sheikh Saadi, Jalaluddin Rumi, and others, embodying their ethos and mystic elements. Widely acclaimed for his expertise in Sufi literature and philosophy, he has earned a doctoral degree through an insightful work on Omar Khayyam.

Poet Baqui embarked on his exploration of Persian literature during his student years, laying the foundation for his proficiency in composing quatrains in Bangla in the authentic form of Rubaiyat. So, it was only natural that his efforts in this domain would yield noteworthy success. His work Rubaiyat-i-Gazi Abdulla-hel Baqui, comprising 200 quatrains, was initially published in 2006. A second edition enriched with 1570 quatrains and spanning 410 pages, was released in 2014.

Within the book, almost every Rubai unfurls with the essence of Sufi wisdom and spiritual enlightenment, manifesting through its profound theme and eloquent language. Even the readers with a modest familiarity with Sufism in Persian literature will find themselves irresistibly drawn into its narrative, ultimately unable to tear them away from its captivating charm. Each Rubai casts a mesmerizing spell, offering readers a profound journey into the heart of Sufism intertwined with the rich fabric of Persian literary tradition. The language, rhythm, and emotive depth of these Rubaiyat can bewitch the reader's imagination. Here lies the poetic genius and scholarly triumph of poet as well as Rubai-composer Baqui.

By immersing oneself in the vast expanse of over fifteen hundred original Rubaiyat contained within this book, the readers will gain a profound understanding of the richness and thematic complexity of Iranian as well as Bangla poetic tradition. It is worth emphasizing that none of the Rubaiyat featured here are translations; they are all original and authentic productions, reflecting only Persian technique of composing Rubaiyat. Thus, the Rubaiyat within the book under discussion offers a compelling fusion of the poet's lifelong commitment to Sufi practices and personal insights. While there may not be any similar poetry collection in Bangla, there have been instances of a few collections of original Rubaiyat by a handful of authors being published. Nonetheless, since the 1970s, Baqui has not only been the path-finder, but also a pivotal figure in shaping the landscape of Rubaiyat composition in Bangla in our country Bangladesh.

The Rubaiyat resonates with the soul of Iran. Professor Baqui skillfully employs words such as shab-sharaab (night and wine), saqi (cupbearer), kujo (goblet), asheq (ardent lover), mashuk (beloved), golap (rose), bulbul (nightingale), and more, commonly associated with Iranian poetry. To the casual readers, these may appear as translations of Iranian verses. But not at all, here poet Baqui’s brilliance shines. Baqui's work serves as a brilliant testament to the seamless fusion of both Bangla and Iranian aesthetics into his Rubaiyat. While the essence and a good number of words may be Persian, the book adds a refreshing absolute dimension to Bangla literature, offering a unique blend of Persian and Bangla sensibilities. Despite its Persian flavour, the book reverberates deeply with the joys and sorrows, celebrations, and struggles of absolutely Bangla life. Each Rubai within the pages paints a vivid picture of present Bangladeshi culture and social life, making for a delightful and insightful read.

Poet Baqui's Rubaiyat compositions echo the harmonious blend of Sufism with Baul and Vaishnav philosophies of Bangla tradition. Through his quatrains, he portrays the tapestry of Bangla life, capturing its moments of joys and sorrows, laughter and tears, societal dynamics, and the innate connection with nature and the environment. Under the skilled pen of this accomplished poet, Bangla Rubaiyat has flourished alongside their ancient Persian counterparts. In essence, Baqui’s Bangla Rubaiyat can be taken into account as a unique creation, offering a new dimension to traditional Rubaiyat composition. While Persian Rubaiyat belongs to the medieval era, Poet Baqui's compositions are distinctly modern. With acclaim in both English and Bangla literature, and renowned for his original poetic faculty and adherence to mystic philosophy, it has been possible for Baqui to achieve such a remarkable and rare feat in the world of poetry.

In Baqui's Rubaiyat collection, the essence of Sufi spiritual consciousness is expressed through the following quatrain:

If you do not become free, you will remain confined to your own cage,

You will see only shadows of the moonlight, pierced by the arrows of pain.

The day when your true love's image will blossom in your own mirror,

You will behold the shore at a distance; the warmth of the day will hug you.

These lines exemplify how Baqui embodies purely mystic awareness in his quatrains, conveying profound truths about liberation, self-realization, and the transformative power of love.

A lay reader might easily mistake such a Rubai of Baqui for a translation of Omar Khayyam's Rubai. It serves as a testament to the poet's profound immersion in the realm of Rubaiyat, be they Persian, or of Rubaiyat composed in any other language, showcasing the depth of his understanding and adherence to its form. The rhyme scheme, maintaining the pattern AABA, resonates with the classic Rubai structure. Yet, amidst such adherence, there exist nuanced departures. In Bangla literature, luminaries such as Kanti Ghosh, Narendra Deb, Kazi Nazrul Islam, and Sikandar Abu Zafar have immortalized themselves by translating Omar Khayyam's Rubaiyat. While a few Bangla poets have ventured into the original Rubaiyat composition, Baqui's distinction lies here in that his number of published Rubaiyat exceeds theirs, and also his Rubaiyat have become so charming and attractive, for his unwavering fidelity to maintaining the original Persian characteristics of Rubai composition including rhyme scheme pattern. Thus, poet Baqui could be able to make his Rubai compositions bloom so gracefully and beautifully that his Rubaiyat will outlast as the "dazzling white dome on the cheek of eternity".

Banglalee poet Baqui has ventured into Rubaiyat composition within the realm of Bangla poetry, transcending the thematic confines of Persian literature. In his Rubaiyat, he encapsulates the essence of our existence, blending spiritual contemplation with modern artistic finesse. His verses, crafted in the meter of Persian Rubaiyat, pulsate with the flavor of contemporary English and Bangla poetry, showcasing his versatility. Thus, his writings are a testament to his ability to bridge the gap between different literary traditions:

In this world, all humans shall converge one day,

Such a lie wise Einstein would believe in his own way.

When the fight will cease to stop and all will seek peace,

But, still discord lurks ahead, and bad days will usher.

The meticulous selection of words, drawing from Persian, Sanskrit, Arabic, regional and indigenous vocabulary by the poet, captivates the readers. His adept use of language with apt figures of speeches captures the attention of the readers across diverse backgrounds, transcending linguistic barriers. By following Persian model in Bangla context, the poet has enriched the literary landscape, ensuring that despite the extensive lexicon, readers remain engrossed rather than overwhelmed. His skill in captivating readers reflects his deep understanding of their preferences, making his epic poetic works i. e. now a great number of creations of about two thousand and above original Rubaiyat, a cherished gift to Bangla literature, destined to be immortalized in the history of Bangla literature. May the poet enjoy a long and healthy life, his pen continuing to flourish with vitality and vigour.