Modern Urdu Poet Altaf Hussain Hali Biography & Poetry 

Introduction

Altaf Hussain Hali, born in 1837 in Panipat, India, was a prominent figure in the world of Urdu poetry during the 19th century. He was not only a poet but also a critic, teacher, and reformer. Hali is often celebrated for his role in rejuvenating Urdu poetry and infusing it with contemporary themes while maintaining a connection to its classical roots.

Early Life and Education:

Hali's early life was marked by a strong affinity for literature. He displayed a remarkable intellect and passion for learning from a young age. His education was greatly influenced by his father, who was a scholar himself. Hali was well-versed in Arabic and Persian, which laid a strong foundation for his later literary endeavors

Move to Delhi and Association with Sir Syed Ahmad Khan:

Hali's journey took a significant turn when he moved to Delhi, a hub of cultural and intellectual activities. Here, he became closely associated with Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, a prominent reformer and educator. Hali's association with Sir Syed exposed him to new ideas and perspectives, shaping his outlook on literature, society, and culture.

Contribution to Urdu Poetry

Yadgar-e Ghalib

Hali's most celebrated work is "Yadgar-e Ghalib," a biography and tribute to the legendary Urdu and Persian poet, Mirza Ghalib. This work not only showcases Hali's literary prowess but also highlights his deep admiration for Ghalib's artistry. It serves as an insightful exploration of Ghalib's life, thoughts, and poetry, solidifying Hali's position as a prominent literary figure.

Reformation of Urdu Poetry

Hali is credited with initiating a reform movement in Urdu poetry. He recognized the need for modernization while preserving the essence of classical Urdu poetry. Hali's poetry introduced socio-political and cultural themes, addressing the changing dynamics of society during the British colonial era. This innovative approach paved the way for future poets to blend tradition with contemporary subjects.

Madd-o-Jazr-e-Islam

Another notable work by Hali is "Madd-o-Jazr-e-Islam," which translates to "The Rise and Fall of Islam." This poem delves into the historical decline of the Muslim community and implores Muslims to introspect and seek revival. Hali's eloquent verses served as a wake-up call, urging societal and cultural renewal.

Literary Criticism and Thought

Hali's contributions extended beyond his own poetry. He was a keen literary critic who wrote extensively on the works of his contemporaries. His critical insights and analytical prowess enriched the Urdu literary landscape. Hali believed that literature should reflect the realities of the time while carrying forward the legacy of the past, a belief that resonates in his own literary works.

Teaching and Advocacy

Hali's passion for education and reform led him to become a teacher at Aligarh Muslim University, an institution founded by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. He not only imparted knowledge but also instilled a sense of pride in the Urdu language and its literature. Hali's teaching efforts contributed to the growth of Urdu as a language of intellectual and literary discourse.

Legacy and Influence

Altaf Hussain Hali's legacy lives on through his poetry, prose, and literary philosophy. He played a crucial role in the evolution of Urdu literature from classical to modern forms. His integration of social and cultural themes laid the groundwork for subsequent generations of poets to engage with contemporary issues through their art. Hali's emphasis on preserving the essence of language while adapting to changing times continues to inspire writers and thinkers.

Conclusion

Altaf Hussain Hali's life journey is a testament to his dedication to literature, education, and social reform. His innovative approach to poetry and literary criticism reshaped Urdu literature's trajectory and remains relevant even in the present day. Hali's ability to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity makes him a true luminary in the world of Urdu literature, influencing generations to come.

Sample Of Poetry 

Ghazal No 1 

hay  jstjokh khob say hay khob tr khan

ab  thhrte  hay  dekheay  ja  kr  nzr  khan

hen dor jam aol shb men khode say dor

hote  hay  aaj  dekheay  hm  ko  shr khan

ea rb as akhtlat ka anjam ho bkher

tha as ko hm say rbt mgr as qdr khan

ak amr chahee'ay kh goara ho nesh ashq

rkhe hay aaj lzt zkhm jgr khan

bs ho chka bean ksl o rnj rah ka

kht ka mray joab hay aay namh br khan

kon o mkan say hay dl ohshe knarh ger

as khanman khrab nay dhonda hay ghr khan

hm js ph mr rhay hen oh hay bat he kchh aor

aalm men tjh say lakh she to mgr khan

hote  nhen  qbol  daa    trk ashq  ke

dl  chahta  nh ho  to  zban men  asr khan

haleؔ nshat nghmh o may dhondhtay ho ab

aae'ay ho  oqt sbh  rhay   rat  bhr  khan

Altaf Hussain Hali

Ghazal No 2

jetay je mot kay tm mnh men nh jana hrgz 

dosto dl nh lgana nh lgana hrgz 

ashq bhe tak men betha hay nzr bazon ke 

dekhna sher say aankhen nh lrrana hrgz 

hath mlnay nh hon pere men agr hsrt say 

to joane men nh yh rog bsana hrgz 

jtnay rstay thay tray ho ge'ay oeran aay ashq 

aa kay oeranon men ab ghr nh bsana hrgz 

koch sb kr ge'ay dle say tray qdr shnas 

qdr yan rh kay ab apne nh gnoana hrgz 

tzkrh dhle mrhom ka aay dost nh chherr 

nh sna jae'ay ga hm say yh fsanh hrgz 

dhondta hay dl shoredh bhanay mtrb 

drdangez ghzl koe'e nh gana hrgz 

shbten agle msor hmen yad aae'en ge 

koe'e dlchsp mrqa nh dkhana hrgz 

lay kay dagh aae'ay ga senay ph bht aay seah 

dekh as shhr kay khndron men nh jana hrgz 

chpay chpay ph hen yan gohr ykta th khak 

dfn hoga khen atna nh khzanh hrgz 

mt ge'ay teray mtanay kay nshan bhe ab to 

aay flk as say zeadh nh mtana hrgz 

oh to bholay thay hmen hm bhe anhen bhol ge'ay 

aesa bdla hay nh bdlay ga zmanh hrgz 

hm ko gr to nay rlaea to rlaea aay chrkh 

hm ph gheron ko to zalm nh hnsana hrgz 

aakhre dor men bhe tjh ko qsm hay saqe 

bhr kay ak jam nh peason ko plana hrgz 

bkht soe'ay hen bht jag kay aay dor zman 

nh abhe nend kay maton ko jgana hrgz 

kbhe aay alm o hnr ghr tha tmhara dle 

hm ko bholay ho to ghr bhol nh jana hrgz 

shaare mr chke ab zndh nh hoge yaro 

ead kr kr kay asay je nh krrhana hrgz 

ghalbؔ o shefthؔ o nerؔ o aazrdhؔ o zoqؔ 

ab dkhae'ay ga yh shklen nh zmana hrgz 

momnؔ o aloeؔ o shbae'eؔ o mmnonؔ kay bad 

shar ka nam nh lay ga koe'e dana hrgz 

kr dea mr kay yganon nay yganh hm ko 

ornh yan koe'e nh tha hm men yganh hrgz 

daghؔ o mjrohؔ ko sn lo kh phr as glshn men 

nh snay ga koe'e blbl ka tranh hrgz 

rat aakhr hoe'e aor bzm hoe'e zer o zbr 

ab nh dekho gay kbhe ltf shbanh hrgz 

bzm matm to nhen bzm skhn hay haleؔ 

ean mnasb nhen ro ro kay rlana hrgz 

Altaf Hussain Hali

Ghazal No 3

dl say kheal dost bhlaea nh jae'ay ga 

senay men dagh hay kh mtaea nh jae'ay ga 

tm ko hzar shrm she mjh ko lakh zbt 

alft oh raz hay kh chhpaea nh jae'ay ga 

aay dl rzae'ay gher hay shrt rzae'ay dost 

znhar bar ashq athaea nh jae'ay ga 

dekhe hen aese an ke bht mhrbanean 

ab hm say mnh men mot kay jaea nh jae'ay ga 

may tnd o zrf hosl ahl bzm tng 

saqe say jam bhr kay plaea nh jae'ay ga 

raze hen hm kh dost say ho dshmne mgr 

dshmn ko hm say dost bnaea nh jae'ay ga 

keon chherrtay ho zkr nh mlnay ka rat kay 

pochhen gay hm sbb to btaea nh jae'ay ga 

bgrren nh bat bat ph keon jantay hen oh 

hm oh nhen kh hm ko mnaea nh jae'ay ga 

mlna hay aap say to nhen hsr gher pr 

ks ks say akhtlat brrhaea nh jae'ay ga 

mqsod apna kchh nh khla lekn as qdr 

eane oh dhondtay hen jo paea nh jae'ay ga 

jhgrron men ahl den kay nh haleؔ prren bs aap 

qsh hzor say yh chkaea nh jae'ay ga

Altaf Hussain Hali