The Influence of Arabism on Urdu Culture
By HamidaBanu
Orinda, CA
Visiting Professor of Urdu, Indian Institute of Technology, Ahmedabad
Translated by Professor Nazeer Ahmed
CA
In every culture people greet each other in accordance with their own traditions. Some say, “Marhaba”. Others say, “Salam u Alaikum”. In some places, it is “Aadab”. In other places it is, “Namaste”. In Spain, the greeting is “Buenos Dias”. In Italy it is “Bon Jiorno”. Summarily, people greet each other in accordance with their own culture and their own tradition.
Similarly, when they part, words of safety and security are exchanged. In Kuwait and Dubai, they say “Fi Aman Allah”. In Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, they say “Khuda Hafiz”. In Saudi Arabia and Egypt, it is “Ma’asSalama”.
We say these words in accordance with our culture. It has no relationship with religion. For centuries, the Muslims of the subcontinent (as well as millions of non-Muslims) have said “Khuda Hafiz” when they part from each other.
About fifteen years ago, a Pakistani friend said to me, “When I say Khuda Hafiz to my mom and sisters in Karachi, they answer Allah Hafiz. Why is that so?” I said you should ask them. Upon inquiry, my friend was told, “Here, some people go door to door and say that ‘Khuda’ is not an Arabic word. It is a Persian word. It is not in the Qur’an. Therefore, instead of “Khuda Hafiz”, say “Allah Hafiz”. When some people objected, it resulted in scuffles and the people who said “Khuda Hafiz” were called kafirs. Therefore, you should also quietly start saying “Allah Hafiz”.
Investigations revealed that this was the work of a narrow minded group. Its roots were in politics and enmity with the people of Iran. In addition, it was discovered that this movement did not start with Pakistanis but was forced upon them from the outside. At that time, while Rahman Siddiqui Sahib was the editor (of Urdu Link), there was a lively debate in Pakistan Link about “Allah Hafiz” and “Khuda Hafiz”.
Thus it was that this issue was thrust upon people in Pakistan through compulsion, by the force of stick. It gradually spread and ultimately reached my hometown of Udaipur. When you ask (people in home town about this issue), many will respond that everyone says “Allah Hafiz” these days and therefore we say it too.
What is regrettable is that educated people, without reflection, have forsaken their own culture and have started to say “Allah Hafiz” when the word “Khuda” is also used (in Farsi and Urdu) to connote the same thought as “Allah” is used in Arabic.
I ask: Our ulema, MaulanaShibliNu’mani, Maulana Hali, MaulanaMaududi, MaulanaAbulKalam Azad, Allama Iqbal, how many names may I invoke, were they not conversant with the spirit of Islam? In their writings, speeches, sermons, letters, the word “Khuda” was used time and again. Let me offer some examples.
The poet (Allama Iqbal, NazmShikwa) addresses his Creator:
Aye KhudaShikwa e Arbab e WafaBhi Sun Le
Khugar e Hamd se Thodasa Gila Bhi Sun Le.
Let me offer another example from MaulanaMaududi, Tafheemul Qur’an, SuratulHashr, Footnote 25:
“This is a discourse about the second weakness of the hypocrites. The first weakness was that they were fearful. Instead of fearing “Khuda”, they were afraid of human beings. Unlike the people of faith, they did not have a noble vision before them.”
In summary, “Khuda” is an honored word in our literature and our culture. From where (which portion of our literature) are you going to remove it? Others things apart, HafeezJalandhari has integrated this word with Arabic words with such beauty and grace in the Pakistan National Anthem,
Sa’yayeKhuda e Zul Jalal
How beautiful does this verse resonate with the ears! May our Sustainer grant us guidance. May we use the brains that he has endowed us with so that we honor and guard our culture and traditions.
Khuda Hafiz.
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