PROGRESSIVE ELEMENTS IN THE POETRY OF REHMATULLAH DARD

Abstract

Rehmatullah Dard is a renowned modern Pashto poet, particularly recognized for his distinctive style in Ghazal poetry. He infused Pashto Ghazal with a simple, colorful, soft and melodious tone. His poetic diction reflects a blend of classical and modern elements. While much of his poetry revolves around traditional themes of flowers and nightingales, he also addresses many societal issues that align with progressive ideologies. This article highlights some progressive aspects of his poetry, such as social realism, purposefulness, and revolutionary thought.

In terms of subject matter, Rehmatullah Dard’s poetry touches on social consciousness and issues like class inequality, freedom of thought and expression resistance, justice, humanity, war, peace, and the impact of war on the Pashtun social environment and collective behaviors. He did not remain silent on these topics.

Within the frame work of Pashto and Islamic values, Dard expressed deep concern for humanity. He advocated for using the light of Islam to navigate through life’s dark paths and upheld the rights of the weak and oppressed. This compassionate concern for humanity was a significant part of his progressive outlook. Despite his progressive thinking, Dard remained a staunch advocate of eastern literature and did not align himself with communication or other political ideologies.  His progressive were focused on the betterment of humanity. Dard did not seek to “bring God down from the heavens” but rather aimed to dethrone tyrants and dictators. While he embraced new ideas and scientific thought, he never rejected Islamic ideas and scientific thought, he never rejected Islamic values. The poet of flowers and nightingales appreciated the beauty of dewdrops or petals and the sweat on a labor brow, yet he never justified the humiliation of a women forced into prostitution.

Rehmatullah Dard wielded the sword of social consciousness against authoritarianism, superstition, ignorance, and poverty. In his work, he skillfully addressed these themes without abandoning his progressive ideals; he sometimes applied direct and romantic expressions, at other time symbolic or fiery tones.