Ahmad Ali Saayein Explained

Ahmed Ali Saayein
Birth Name:Ahmed Ali
Birth Date:1842
Birth Place:Peshawar, Sikh Empire
Death Date:1937
Death Place:Peshawar, North-West Frontier Province, British India
Education:Illiterate
Occupation:Sufi poet
Known For:Hindko poetry

Ahmad Ali Saayein (1842 – 1937) was a Hindko sufi poet from Peshawar. He was a contemporary of the Urdu and Persian poet Muhammad Iqbal.

Early life and education

Born into a middle-class family in Peshawar in 1842, Saayein never had an opportunity for any formal school education. Facing financial hardships, he spent part of his life in Rawalpindi where he was accommodated by a friend.[1]

Career

Saayein used to recite his poetry orally and none of his works was published during his lifetime. He was illiterate but possibly familiar with the poetry of great Persian poets like Hafiz Sheerazi and Sheikh Saadi, as one can see their influences on his poetic themes. He participated in numerous poetry circles, including the renowned literary event "Bazm-e-Sukhan", which brought together poets, writers, and critics in the early 20th century Peshawar. Besides Peshawar city, he also had a fan following in the Pothohari region owing to his stay in Rawalpindi. His oral poetry was compiled in book form titled "Ganjeena Saayien" by the Gandhara Hindko Board in 2018.[2] [3] [4]

Poetic style

Saayein creates poetry primarily in the Hindko language, yet he can employ metaphors that had been used by Persian poets. He makes extensive use of Persian poets' common vocabulary, adjectives, ideas, metaphors, and allegories. His poetry reflects themes of Islamic mysticism and human values. Belief in classical monotheism is central to his poetic approach.[5]

Works

Death

Saayein died in 1937 in Peshawar. His burial place is located outside the Kohati Gate.[6]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Ahmad Ali Saaien . Gandhara Hindko Academy Peshawar . 10 January 2023.
  2. News: Rich tribute paid to poet Saeen Ahmad Ali . The News International . April 16, 2018.
  3. News: Dhareeja . Zahoor . صوفی احمد علی سائیں کا کلام . Daily 92 News . 8 June 2019 . ur.
  4. Web site: Manzar Ali Naqvi . Syed . ہندکو زبان و ادب . National Language Promotion Department Pakistan . ur.
  5. News: کراچی ،سائیں احمد علی کی یاد میں’’ مذاکرہ و مشاعرہ‘‘ کا انعقاد . Daily Pakistan . October 4, 2018.
  6. News: ہندکو زبان کے عظیم صوفی شاعر احمد علی سائیں کی82 ویں برسی کے حوالے سیتقریب . Daily Pakistan . April 15, 2019.