Revolutionary Urdu Poet Habib Jalib Biography 

Introduction 

Habib Jalib, a prominent name in Urdu literature, is celebrated for his revolutionary poetry that fearlessly challenged political oppression, social injustice, and the abuse of power. Born on March 24, 1928, in Hoshiarpur, British India, Jalib's journey from a humble background to becoming a voice of the masses exemplifies his commitment to using the power of words to ignite change and inspire hope.

Early Life and Education 

Habib Jalib's early life was marked by the tumultuous period of British colonial rule and the subsequent partition of India. Raised in a family with a passion for literature, he developed a keen interest in poetry from a young age. Despite facing financial constraints, he pursued his education with determination, which laid the foundation for his later poetic prowess.

Poetry as Resistance 

Jalib's poetry became an instrument of resistance against the various forms of oppression that plagued society. He used his verses to highlight the struggles of the working class, the suppression of fundamental rights, and the erosion of democratic values. His unique ability to blend traditional poetic forms with contemporary themes garnered him a wide audience, transforming him into a revolutionary icon.

Defying Dictatorships 

One of the most remarkable aspects of Habib Jalib's life was his unyielding defiance against dictatorial regimes. His poetic outpourings resonated deeply with those who felt the weight of censorship and authoritarianism. During General Ayub Khan's regime in the 1960s, Jalib's poem "Dastoor" (System) became an anthem of protest, critiquing the erosion of democratic principles and the concentration of power.

Imprisonment and Resilience 

Jalib's commitment to his ideals came at a personal cost. He faced imprisonment multiple times for his outspoken poetry that challenged those in power. However, incarceration only fueled his determination to continue his poetic struggle for justice. His time behind bars transformed into a source of inspiration, giving birth to verses that exposed the hypocrisy of the rulers.

Zia-ul-Haq Era: A Test of Courage 

The oppressive era of General Zia-ul-Haq saw Jalib emerging as a symbol of courage and resilience. His poem "Musheer" (Advisor) directly confronted the military regime's policies, which aimed to stifle dissent and suppress artistic expression. Despite facing censorship and threats, Jalib's verses continued to circulate through underground channels, galvanizing the spirit of resistance.

Legacy and Influence 

Habib Jalib's legacy lives on, transcending his lifetime. His words remain relevant, echoing the struggles against injustice and inequality. His poems have been sung by prominent folk and contemporary musicians, solidifying his place in popular culture. Furthermore, his fearlessness has inspired subsequent generations of poets, writers, and activists to stand against tyranny and uphold the values of democracy.

Conclusion 

Habib Jalib's life and work stand as a testament to the power of poetry to ignite change and challenge the status quo. His journey from a small town to becoming an iconic figure in Urdu literature is a story of resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment to justice. In a world where voices of dissent are often silenced, Jalib's verses continue to remind us of the importance of speaking truth to power and fighting for a more just and equitable society.

Sample Of Poetry 

Ghazal No 1 

bhla bhe day asay jo bat ho ge'e pearay 

ne'ay chragh jla rat ho ge'e pearay 

tre ngah psheman ko kesay dekhon ga 

kbhe jo tjh say mlaqat ho ge'e pearay 

nh tere yad nh dnea ka ghm nh apna kheal 

ajeb sort halat ho ge'e pearay 

adas adas hen shmaen bjhay bjhay saghr 

eh kese sham khrabat ho ge'e pearay 

ofa ka nam nh lay ga koe'e zmanay men 

hm ahl dl ko agr mat ho ge'e pearay 

tmhen to naz bht doston ph tha jalbؔ 

alg thlg say ho kea bat ho ge'e pearay ۔

Habib Jalib

Ghazal No 2 

as shhr khrabe men ، ghm ashq kay maray

zndh hen ،  yhe bat ،  brre bat hay pearay

eh hnsta hoa chand ، yh  pr  nor  staray

tabndh o  pae'ndh hen ، zron kay sharay

hsrt hay ، koe'e ghnchh hmen pear say dekhay

arman hay،koe'e  phol  hmen  dl say  pkaray

hr sbh ، mre sbh ph rote rhe shbnm

hr rat ـــــ mre rat ph hnstay rhay taray

kchh  aor  bhe  hen  kam  hmen  aay ghm  janan

kb tk koe'e ، aljhe hoe'e zlfon ko snoaray

Habib Jalib

Ghazal No 3 

bhtay lho men sb tera mfhom bhh gea

chodh agst srf tera nam rh gea

jlna hay ghm ke aag men hm ko tmam shb

bjhta hoa chragh sr sham khh gea

hota agr pharr to lata nh tab ghm

jornj as ngr men yh dl hns kh shh gea

gzray hen as dear men yon apnay rozoshb

khorshed bjh gea kbhe mhtab ghna gea

shaar hzor shah sbhe sr kay bl ge'ay

jalb he as gnah say bs dor rh gea

Habib Jalib

Ghazal No 4 

khan tote hen znjeren hmare

khan bdle hen tqreren hmare

otn tha zhn men zndan nhen tha

chmn khoabon ka yon oeran nhen tha

bharon nay de'ay oh dagh hm ko

nzr aata hay mqtl bagh hm ko

ghron ko chhorr kr jb hm chlay thay

hmaray dl men kea kea ololay thay

eh socha tha hmara raj hoga

 mhnt kshan pr taj hoga

nh lotay ga koe'e mhnt kse ke

mlay ge sb ko dolt zndge ke

nh chaten ge hmara khon mshenen

bnen ge rshk jnt yh zmenen

koe'e gohr koe'e aadm nh hoga

kse ko rhznon ka ghm nh hoga

lte hr gam pr amed apne

mhrm bn ge'e hr aed apne

mslt hay sron pr rat ab tk

ohe hay sort halat ab tk

Habib Jalib 

Ghazal No 5 

nh gftgo say nh oh shaare say jae'ay ga

asa athao kh fraon ase say jae'ay ga

agr hay fkr greban to ghr men ja betho

eh oh az ab hay deoange say jae'ay ga

bjhay chragh ، lten asmten ، chmn ajrr a

eh rnj js nay dee'ay kb khoshe say jae'ay ga

jeo hmare trh say mro hmare trh

nzam zr to ase sadge say jae'ay ga

jga nh shhh kay msahb ko nend say jalb

agr oh jag atha no kre say jae'ay ga

Habib Jalib