Prayers (G.A. Mehjoor)
About the Author
Ghulam Ahmad Mehjoor, affectionately known as the Shair-e-Kashmir (Poet of Kashmir), was born on August 1, 1887, in Mitrigam, Pulwama. A visionary figure in Kashmiri literature, Mehjoor is hailed as the herald of didactic poetry in the Kashmiri language. He was the first poet to introduce themes that resonated deeply with the everyday lives of the people of his time, distinguishing his work from the traditional poetry that preceded him. Yet, his lyrical beauty remains as captivating as that of the celebrated poetess, Habba Khatoon.
Mehjoor's poetry stands as a testament to the strength of nationalism, often reflecting a deep connection with his homeland. He represents a pivotal transition in Kashmiri literature, bridging the gap between the old and the new, imbuing the region's poetry with modern sensibilities while retaining its timeless appeal.
Mehjoor’s immense popularity is underscored by the fact that he remains the only Kashmiri poet to have had a full-length movie made about him, cementing his legacy as a cultural icon. His poetry continues to inspire generations, with its profound messages of truth, love, and devotion. Through his evocative verses, Mehjoor remains a towering figure in Kashmiri literature, celebrated not only for his poetic mastery but also for his enduring impact on the cultural and spiritual landscape of Kashmir.
Poem Introduction
The poem is addressed to God. The poet makes certain wishes before the Almighty. He implores Him to lead him to the path of truth and pour on him the nectar of knowledge. He requests Him to save him from sloth and infirmity. Being a firm believer in God, the poet asks his Lord to always keep him under His umbrage and protection. The poet does not bother if people betray or abandon him but he cannot bear any kind of separation from his Lord.
Poem
Lord! You are my hope and trust, lead me to the way of truth;
How long shall I dwell in ignorance! Pour me the nectar of knowledge.
Lend ear to my wailing and pleas, cure me of ills and pains;
Be kind each moment to me; let me never fall in want.
Save me from sloth, infirmity and doubt,
Surcharge my heart with passion, zest and hope.
Let me not ever chant the sleep-inducing tales;
Let me sing the songs which infuse life into the dead.
Let me sing of that which inspires people with love,
And causes all bitterness and hatred to vanish.
You brought me to bloom with the earliest vernal breeze;
Let not the burning heat of summer wither me grey.
Like dew, how long shall I wait for the first flash of the sun?
Awaken me with flowers in the first stroke of the dawn.
In form I am a man, in substance far from humanity,
Subject me not to trials, shame not my human form.
Forsaken by men am I, and so they call me Mehjoor,
People may desert me thus but You don't abandon me Lord!
(Translated from Kashmiri by Prof. G.R. Malik)
Explanation of Mehjoor's "Prayer"
1. "Lord! You are my hope and trust, lead me to the way of truth;"
The poet begins by addressing God as his ultimate source of hope and reliance. He seeks divine guidance to walk the righteous path, emphasizing his yearning for spiritual enlightenment and truth.
2. "How long shall I dwell in ignorance! Pour me the nectar of knowledge."
Frustrated by his lack of understanding, the poet pleads for liberation from ignorance. He likens knowledge to nectar, a life-giving elixir, symbolizing its transformative and divine nature.
3. "Lend ear to my wailing and pleas, cure me of ills and pains;"
Here, Mehjoor cries out to God, asking for His compassion. The poet seeks relief from his physical and emotional suffering, portraying God as the ultimate healer.
4. "Be kind each moment to me; let me never fall in want."
The poet humbly requests God’s continuous kindness and provision, expressing his dependence on divine mercy to sustain him through life’s hardships.
5. "Save me from sloth, infirmity and doubt,"
Acknowledging his human vulnerabilities, Mehjoor asks for protection from laziness, weakness, and uncertainty, as these are obstacles to achieving his potential and fulfilling his purpose.
6. "Surcharge my heart with passion, zest and hope."
He implores God to fill his heart with enthusiasm, energy, and optimism, traits essential for a meaningful and productive life.
7. "Let me not ever chant the sleep-inducing tales;"
The poet rejects mundane, uninspiring narratives, desiring instead to focus on themes that awaken and energize the human spirit.
8. "Let me sing the songs which infuse life into the dead."
This line symbolizes his wish to create work that rejuvenates and inspires, breathing new life into those who feel hopeless or disconnected.
9. "Let me sing of that which inspires people with love,"
Mehjoor expresses a desire to inspire love and unity through his poetry, addressing humanity’s universal need for compassion and understanding.
10. "And causes all bitterness and hatred to vanish."
The poet sees his art as a means to dissolve animosity and spread harmony, reflecting his hope for a world free of division and malice.
11. "You brought me to bloom with the earliest vernal breeze;"
Mehjoor acknowledges God as the source of his vitality and creativity, comparing his awakening to the blossoming of flowers in spring.
12. "Let not the burning heat of summer wither me grey."
He fears the harshness of life (symbolized by summer’s heat) and prays for protection from forces that could drain his vitality or dim his spirit.
13. "Like dew, how long shall I wait for the first flash of the sun?"
This metaphor reflects his longing for divine illumination and guidance, comparing himself to dew awaiting the sun’s warmth to fulfill its purpose.
14. "Awaken me with flowers in the first stroke of the dawn."
The poet yearns for a new beginning, where beauty, inspiration, and hope emerge like flowers at dawn, marking a fresh chapter in his life.
15. "In form I am a man, in substance far from humanity,"
Mehjoor humbly admits his imperfections, recognizing that true humanity lies not just in physical form but in embodying virtues like kindness, wisdom, and empathy.
16. "Subject me not to trials, shame not my human form."
He pleads with God to spare him from challenges that might expose his flaws, showing his vulnerability and a desire to uphold dignity.
17. "Forsaken by men am I, and so they call me Mehjoor,"
The poet reflects on his solitude and estrangement from people, embracing his identity as Mehjoor, the one who carries this burden with grace.
18. "People may desert me thus but You don't abandon me Lord!"
In last line of supplication, Mehjoor makes a heartfelt supplication to God, pleading that even if the entire world forsakes him, he cannot bear the thought of being abandoned by God. He implores the Almighty to remain his constant source of support and protection, reflecting his deep reliance on divine companionship amidst human fallibility. This prayer embodies his unwavering faith and absolute trust in God’s mercy and presence.
Theme of the Poem Prayer
The theme of “Prayer” by G.A. Mehjoor revolves around faith, spiritual longing, and the search for enlightenment. The poet expresses a deep trust in the Lord, seeking guidance, knowledge, and protection from life’s struggles. He prays for inner strength, hope, and inspiration to overcome challenges like ignorance, laziness, and doubt. Another key theme is the desire for transformation and renewal, as the poet asks to sing songs that inspire love and remove hatred.
Summary of Mehjoor’s "Prayer":
In this heartfelt poem, Mehjoor turns to God with a deep and sincere supplication. He seeks guidance to walk the path of truth and asks for the divine gift of knowledge to free him from ignorance. Crying out for relief, he pleads for healing from all pain and for God’s constant kindness and care.
The poet prays to be saved from laziness, weakness, and doubt, asking instead for his heart to be filled with passion, energy, and hope. He wishes to create works that inspire, rejuvenate, and spread love, erasing bitterness and hatred.
Acknowledging God as the source of his vitality, he prays for protection against life’s hardships that could diminish his spirit. He yearns for a dawn of inspiration and beauty, where he is awakened to his purpose.
Mehjoor humbly admits his flaws, asking not to face trials that could shame his humanity. Despite feeling abandoned by people, he prays fervently to God, asking never to be forsaken, as only divine companionship can sustain him.
Through this prayer, Mehjoor expresses a profound faith in God’s mercy and a yearning for a life of purpose, love, and connection with the divine.
Thinking About the Poem
1. In which way does the poet implore his Lord to lead him to?
The poet implores his Lord to lead him to the path of truth. He seeks guidance to overcome ignorance and desires the divine gift of wisdom and knowledge to enlighten his soul and align him with righteousness.
2. Name the blessings that the poet prays for.
The poet prays for several blessings:
Freedom from ignorance by receiving the nectar of knowledge.
Relief from ills, pains, sloth, infirmity, and doubt.
Passion, zest, and hope in his heart.
The ability to inspire love, eradicate hatred, and infuse life into the lifeless through his songs.
Eternal protection under God’s care and to never be abandoned by Him.
3. What is it that the poet wants to sing?
The poet wants to sing songs that inspire life in the lifeless, fill hearts with love, and eradicate bitterness and hatred. He desires to create poetry that uplifts, unites, and spreads hope and harmony among people.
4. The poem is in the form of a prayer. Recall and write a prayer which you often say.
(This is subjective; here’s an example response.)
"Dear God, grant me wisdom to make the right choices, strength to overcome challenges, and kindness to spread love and compassion to those around me. Guide me always and let me be a source of positivity and inspiration in this world."
5. “Subject me not to trials, shame not my human form.” Explain.
In this line, the poet humbly acknowledges his human frailty and prays not to face trials that could bring shame or diminish his dignity. He asks God to preserve his humanity by protecting him from hardships that might compromise his integrity or moral standing.
You're absolutely right—thank you for pointing that out. Here’s a revised and more comprehensive analysis of the literary devices in Mehjoor’s "Prayer":
Thinking about the Literary Devices
1. Similes:
"Like dew, how long shall I wait for the first flash of the sun?": The poet compares himself to dew, highlighting his fragile and transient state as he waits for enlightenment or divine guidance.
"Awaken me with flowers in the first stroke of the dawn": While not a direct simile, the imagery evokes a comparison between the poet’s awakening and the freshness of flowers blooming at dawn.
2. Metaphors:
"Pour me the nectar of knowledge": Knowledge is metaphorically compared to nectar, symbolizing its purity, sweetness, and nourishing qualities.
"Let me sing the songs which infuse life into the dead": The poet’s words are metaphorically described as capable of bringing revival and inspiration to lifeless beings.
"You brought me to bloom with the earliest vernal breeze": The poet compares himself to a flower, symbolizing growth, renewal, and divine care.
3. Imagery:
The poem is rich with visual and emotional imagery:
"Awaken me with flowers in the first stroke of the dawn" conjures the beauty of morning.
"Let not the burning heat of summer wither me grey" evokes the hardships that can drain one’s vitality and spirit.
"Surcharge my heart with passion, zest, and hope" creates a powerful image of an energized and optimistic spirit.
4. Personification:
Abstract concepts are given human-like qualities:
"Sloth, infirmity, and doubt" are personified as forces that the poet asks God to protect him from.
The "burning heat of summer" is personified as a destructive force that could harm his vitality.
5. Alliteration:
"Passion, zest, and hope": The repetition of the "p" and "z" sounds creates a rhythmic flow, adding musicality to the prayer.
"Songs which infuse life into the dead": The repetition of the "s" sound enhances the lyrical quality.
6. Symbolism:
"Dawn": Represents new beginnings, spiritual awakening, and hope.
"Summer heat": Symbolizes challenges, trials, and hardships.
"Vernal breeze": Symbolizes rejuvenation, divine blessings, and the arrival of good times.
7. Tone:
The tone of the poem is devotional, humble, and reflective, reflecting the poet’s deep faith and earnest supplication.
8. Repetition:
Certain ideas, such as guidance, protection, and inspiration, are repeated throughout the poem to emphasize the poet’s longing and desperation for divine help.
9. Contrast:
The poet contrasts:
Ignorance with knowledge.
Sloth and infirmity with passion and zest.
Bitterness and hatred with love and harmony.
10. Themes:
Faith and devotion: The poet’s reliance on God’s mercy.
Self-improvement: A desire to overcome weaknesses and live a life full of purpose and inspiration.
Love and unity: A longing to eradicate hatred and bitterness.