Ahmed Faraz is not just a name; he is an era of Urdu literature that bridged the gap between the classical elegance of Ghalib and the revolutionary fire of Faiz. To understand Ahmed Faraz is to understand the soul of a Pakistan caught between romanticism and political resistance.
This comprehensive guide delves into the biography, life struggle, career, and legacy of the man whose verses became the heartbeat of millions.
The Legend of Ahmed Faraz: A Historical Journey through Life and Verse
Who is Ahmed Faraz?
Born Syed Ahmad Shah on January 12, 1931, in Kohat, British India (now Pakistan), Ahmed Faraz was destined to become the "Poet of the People." While his ancestors were Sufi saints, Faraz chose the path of the "Ghazalgo" (Ghazal writer) and the activist. He is widely considered one of the finest modern Urdu poets of the 20th century, famous for his romantic lyricism and courageous defiance against military dictatorships.
Biography and Life Struggle: From Kohat to Exile
Ahmed Faraz’s life was a constant tug-of-war between his sensitive heart and his stubborn conscience. Growing up in a Pashtun Syed family, he was deeply influenced by his father, Agha Syed Muhammad Shah Barq, who was himself a traditional poet.
However, Faraz's real struggle began when he used his pen as a weapon. His "life struggle" isn't just about financial hardship, but about political endurance. During the military regime of General Zia-ul-Haq, Faraz recited his defiant poem "Mahasara" (The Siege) at a public mushaira. This led to his arrest and subsequent six-year self-imposed exile in Europe and Canada.
Personal Profile: The Man Behind the Pen
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Syed Ahmad Shah |
| Pen Name | Faraz |
| Date of Birth | January 12, 1931 |
| Birth Place | Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan |
| Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
| Father | Agha Syed Muhammad Shah Barq |
| Siblings | Masood Kausar (Brother, former Governor of KPK) |
| Nationality | Pakistani |
| Height | Approx. 5’ 9” (175 cm) |
| Religion | Islam |
Education: The Shaping of an Intellectual
❤️ Early Education: Faraz attended the prestigious Edwardes College, Peshawar, where he first began to explore the depths of Urdu and Persian literature.
❤️ Higher Education: He earned his Master’s degrees in both Urdu and Persian from Peshawar University. It was during these years that he met his mentors, Faiz Ahmed Faiz and Ali Sardar Jafri, who transformed his poetic vision from purely romantic to socially conscious.
Career Path: From Radio to the Academy
❤️ Early Career Struggle: He started as a scriptwriter for Radio Pakistan Peshawar. He then moved into academia, serving as a lecturer at Peshawar University.
❤️ Career Peak: Faraz reached the pinnacle of his professional career when he became the founding Director General (and later Chairman) of the Pakistan Academy of Letters. He also served as the Chairperson of the National Book Foundation in Islamabad.
❤️ Career Stats: Author of 13 legendary books, including Tanha Tanha, Janan Janan, and Pas-e-Andaz-e-Mausam.
Family, Wife, and Children
Ahmed Faraz was a devoted family man despite his frequent political upheavals. He was married to Rehana Faraz (also known as Rehana Gill), who served as a high-ranking Grade 21 officer in the Pakistan government. The couple had three sons:
- Saadi Faraz
- Shibli Faraz (A prominent Pakistani politician, Senator, and former Federal Minister)
- Sarmad Faraz (A musician and creative artist)
Ahmed Faraz Net Worth and Lifestyle
While "net worth" is a term rarely applied to poets, Faraz lived a life of dignity. He was never wealthy in the material sense—often prioritizing the support of struggling artists over personal gain. His true wealth lies in his literary royalties and the thousands of books still sold today. Post-exile, he held high-ranking government literary positions which provided a stable lifestyle in Islamabad.
Top 10 Shair (Verses) of Ahmed Faraz
His poetry has been immortalized by singers like Mehdi Hassan and Jagjit Singh. Here are his most iconic lines:
❤️ Ranjish hi sahi dil hi dukhane ke liye aa, aa phir se mujhe chhod ke jaane ke liye aa.
❤️ Ab ke hum bichde toh shayad kabhi khwabon mein mile, jis tarah sookhe hue phool kitabon mein mile.
❤️ Suna hai log usay aankh bhar ke dekhte hain, so uske shehar mein kuch din thehar ke dekhte hain.
❤️ Zindagi se yahi gila hai mujhe, tu bahut der se mila hai mujhe.
❤️ Tum takalluf ko bhi ikhlaas samajhte ho Faraz, dost hota nahi har hath milane wala.
❤️ Kis ko fursat hai k phoolon ki hifazat karay, ab k gulshan mein naya hukam-e-saza aaya hai. (Political resistance).
❤️ Shikwa-e-zulmat-e-shab se toh kahin behtar tha, apne hissay ki koi shama jalate jaate.
❤️ Dil ko teri chahat pe bharosa bhi bahut hai, aur tujhse bichhad jaane ka darr bhi nahi jata.
❤️ Ham ne mana ke tagaful na karoge lekin, khaak ho jayenge hum tum ko khabar hone tak.
❤️ Mat qatal karo aawazon ko. (A call against censorship).
Scandals and Controversies
Ahmed Faraz’s "scandals" were almost entirely political.
❤️ The 2006 Award Return: In a bold move that shook the establishment, Faraz returned his Hilal-e-Imtiaz in 2006 to protest the policies of Govt .
❤️ The Chicago Rumor: Shortly before his death in 2008, a false rumor circulated that he had died in a Chicago hospital, which he later humorously dismissed before passing away weeks later in Islamabad.
Awards and Achievements
❤️ Adamjee Literary Award (His first major recognition).
❤️ Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Star of Excellence).
❤️ Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Crescent of Excellence - returned in protest).
❤️ Hilal-e-Pakistan (Awarded posthumously in 2010).
Death and Legacy
Ahmed Faraz passed away on August 25, 2008, in Islamabad due to kidney failure. He was buried in the H-8 Graveyard, Islamabad. His legacy lives on through his son Shibli Faraz and millions of fans. Today, his social media presence is maintained by various "Ahmed Faraz Foundations" and poetry portals like Rekhta.
FAQs: Everything You Want to Know About Ahmed Faraz
Q1: What is the real name of Ahmed Faraz?
His real name was Syed Ahmad Shah. He adopted "Faraz" as his takhallus (pen name).
Q2: Who was Ahmed Faraz's wife?
Ahmed Faraz was married to Rehana Faraz (Rehana Gill), who was a distinguished Grade 21 government officer in Pakistan.
Q3: How many children did Ahmed Faraz have?
He had three sons: Saadi Faraz, Shibli Faraz, and Sarmad Faraz. Shibli Faraz is a well-known politician and Senator.
Q4: What was Ahmed Faraz's height?
Ahmed Faraz stood at approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall.
Q5: What was the estimated net worth of Ahmed Faraz?
While he didn't possess vast corporate wealth, his "literary net worth" is immense. He held senior government positions (Grade 21/22) and his family remains influential. His primary financial legacy comes from his 13 published books and ongoing royalties.
Q6: Why was Ahmed Faraz arrested?
He was arrested for reciting poetry that criticized the military regime of General Zia-ul-Haq, specifically for his poem "Mahasara."
Q7: Where is Ahmed Faraz buried?
He is buried in the H-8 Graveyard in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Q8: Which singer made "Ranjish Hi Sahi" famous?
The legendary Ghazal singer Mehdi Hassan sang "Ranjish Hi Sahi," making it a global masterpiece.
Q9: Did Ahmed Faraz win the Nobel Prize?
No, he did not win the Nobel Prize, but he received Pakistan's highest civilian honors, including the Hilal-e-Imtiaz.
Q10: What was Ahmed Faraz's last book?
His last major publication was Shehr-e-Sukhn Aarasta Hay.
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