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সুন্দর পৃথিবী
Ya Khuda by Qudrat Ullah Shahab
79 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 1967
34 people are currently reading
590 people want to read
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September 21, 2016
یاخدا ان چند کتابوں میں سے ہے جو شاید کبھی نہیں مرسکتیں کیوںکہ ان کی کہانیاں آج سے اتنی ہی متعلقہ ہیں جتنی 60 سال پہلے تھیں۔
اگرچہ اس کتاب کی متنازعہ شہرت تقسیمِ برصغیر کے حوالے سے ہے مگر تقسیم پر تین میں سے صرف ایک باب ہے: 'رب المشرقین'، جس میں مرکزی کردار دلشاد کی انبالہ سے واہگہ تک کی سفر گزشت ہے۔ ۔ ۔ باقی کے دو باب تو پاکستان اور بالخصوص پاکستانیوں سے متعلق ہیں۔
دوسرے باب 'رب المغربین' میں دلشاد کے حسین خواب اپنے مغرب کے مقدس کعبے (پاکستان) کے متعلق ، کعبے کے متولیوں کے ہاتھوں ہی زمیں بوس ہوتے دکھائی دیتے ہیں تو تیسرے اور آخری باب میں اس کی پاک سرزمین پر آمد کے بعد روزمرہ کے حالات کا منظر ملتا ہے جو پکوڑے تلنے اور 'گاہکوں' کے ساتھ 'بیسن' لانے تک محدود ہے۔ ۔ ۔ اور جو آزادی سے لے کر آج تک کسی نہ کسی شکل میں جاری ہے اور یہی اس کتاب کی سب سے خاص بات ہے کہ اس کے کردار ، اس کی کہانی اور اس کا سبق۔ ۔ ۔ آج بھی ہم سے متعلق ہیں اور آج بھی کئیں دلشاد اپنے بھائیوں کی راہ تک رہی ہیں۔ ۔ ۔
قدرت اللہ کی ذات سے الگ کر کے اس کتاب کو پڑھیں تو شاید کچھ اثر لے سکیں۔
اگرچہ اس کتاب کی متنازعہ شہرت تقسیمِ برصغیر کے حوالے سے ہے مگر تقسیم پر تین میں سے صرف ایک باب ہے: 'رب المشرقین'، جس میں مرکزی کردار دلشاد کی انبالہ سے واہگہ تک کی سفر گزشت ہے۔ ۔ ۔ باقی کے دو باب تو پاکستان اور بالخصوص پاکستانیوں سے متعلق ہیں۔
دوسرے باب 'رب المغربین' میں دلشاد کے حسین خواب اپنے مغرب کے مقدس کعبے (پاکستان) کے متعلق ، کعبے کے متولیوں کے ہاتھوں ہی زمیں بوس ہوتے دکھائی دیتے ہیں تو تیسرے اور آخری باب میں اس کی پاک سرزمین پر آمد کے بعد روزمرہ کے حالات کا منظر ملتا ہے جو پکوڑے تلنے اور 'گاہکوں' کے ساتھ 'بیسن' لانے تک محدود ہے۔ ۔ ۔ اور جو آزادی سے لے کر آج تک کسی نہ کسی شکل میں جاری ہے اور یہی اس کتاب کی سب سے خاص بات ہے کہ اس کے کردار ، اس کی کہانی اور اس کا سبق۔ ۔ ۔ آج بھی ہم سے متعلق ہیں اور آج بھی کئیں دلشاد اپنے بھائیوں کی راہ تک رہی ہیں۔ ۔ ۔
قدرت اللہ کی ذات سے الگ کر کے اس کتاب کو پڑھیں تو شاید کچھ اثر لے سکیں۔
August 19, 2021
The sentiments after reading this book are identical just like at the end of bano.
Tears rolling down, hands trembling to write about this book.
The horrors and stories of partition were never been uttered by our elders because they knew that the brutality and atrocities were painful to recall and we can't bear all that. By turning each page to the next I was imagining the barbarity and inhumane events during the partition.
Dilshad, the protagonist of the novelette is a simple 20 years old girl. Just after the partition when Muslims evacuated from that area. She lives in the mosque. They killed her father( who was a Muezzin) and throw him in the well near the Mosque. Not only this, they filled the well with the garbage. Dilshad was kept there to satisfy the daily lust of these barbaric Sikhs.
Dilshad thought things will be different when she will arrive in the holy land of Pakistan but when she reached there she didn't know that the change is just physical, people have no difference in both countries.
What I like most in the book is the description of Muhajir camps and post-partition conversations between people.
Qudrat Ullah Shahab's writing style is applaudable. One can imagine each word describing the pain and sufferings of Dilshad.
Tears rolling down, hands trembling to write about this book.
The horrors and stories of partition were never been uttered by our elders because they knew that the brutality and atrocities were painful to recall and we can't bear all that. By turning each page to the next I was imagining the barbarity and inhumane events during the partition.
Dilshad, the protagonist of the novelette is a simple 20 years old girl. Just after the partition when Muslims evacuated from that area. She lives in the mosque. They killed her father( who was a Muezzin) and throw him in the well near the Mosque. Not only this, they filled the well with the garbage. Dilshad was kept there to satisfy the daily lust of these barbaric Sikhs.
Dilshad thought things will be different when she will arrive in the holy land of Pakistan but when she reached there she didn't know that the change is just physical, people have no difference in both countries.
What I like most in the book is the description of Muhajir camps and post-partition conversations between people.
Qudrat Ullah Shahab's writing style is applaudable. One can imagine each word describing the pain and sufferings of Dilshad.
February 28, 2016
This is exactly what happens when changes occur only from outside not inside. A profound piece of literature by the writer who has experienced a lot!
August 23, 2018
یا خدا، مہاجرین کا وہ گم گشتہ قصہ ہے جو آزادی کے ولولوں اور غیرتِ قومی کے شور میں کہیں دب گیا جس کو بتلانے کی ہمت نہ ہمارے بڑوں میں تھی، جسے سننے کا حوصلہ نہ ہم میں آج ہے.
یاخدا آزادی کے متوالوں کے ان زخموں کی کہانی ہے جو غیروں اور اپنوں نے مل کر لگائے.
یاخدا، ایک دلشاد کا فسانہ ہے جس کی روح گھائل تھی لیکن وہ مقدس سرزمین کی تلاش میں سفر کرتی گئی، گھاؤ کھاتی گئی. پاک سرزمین پر قدم رکھا تو کئی نئے سوال اس کے منتظر تھے، مقدس سرزمین کے رکھوالوں کی نظریں اتنی بھوکی کیوں تھیں؟ مقدس سرزمین کے فرشتے اس کے جسم کی لٹی ہوئی گھائل بوٹیاں کیوں نوچنے پر تلے تھے؟
سخت سردی اور بارش میں گرم کپڑوں کے گودام پر معمور چوکیدار اپنے گرم لحاف میں دبک کر اقبال کی شکوہ گا رہا ہے، کیوں وہ ان زندہ لاشوں کے سوال کرنے پر ان کو دھتکار کر صبح آنے کا کہتا ہے..؟؟؟ کیوں وہ ان کو ٹھٹھر کر مر جانے کے لئے چھوڑ دیتا ہے؟
کیوں روز صبح کیمپ کے کھلے صحن میں کچھ اکڑے لاشے پاک سرزمین کے باسیوں سے سوال کرتے ہیں؟
آزادی، جس کے لئے لاکھوں جانیں واریں اس کے بعد بھی کیوں لاکھوں دلشاد اور ہزاروں ننھی زبیدہ روز پاک لوگوں کی خواہش کا ایندھن بن کر بھسم ہوتی ہیں.
آزادی کیا صرف ایک زمین کے ٹکڑے کے حصول کی جنگ تھی جس کے بعد بھی روز کوئی دلشاد کسی امریک سنگھ کی درندگی کی بھینٹ چڑھتی رہے گی.؟
یا خدا کی کہانی کو بیتے برسوں بیت گئے مگر یہ کہانی ہر روز ہم سے پوچھتی ہے کہ ہمارے لئے آزادی کا مفہوم اور معنی کیا ہے؟
یاخدا آزادی کے متوالوں کے ان زخموں کی کہانی ہے جو غیروں اور اپنوں نے مل کر لگائے.
یاخدا، ایک دلشاد کا فسانہ ہے جس کی روح گھائل تھی لیکن وہ مقدس سرزمین کی تلاش میں سفر کرتی گئی، گھاؤ کھاتی گئی. پاک سرزمین پر قدم رکھا تو کئی نئے سوال اس کے منتظر تھے، مقدس سرزمین کے رکھوالوں کی نظریں اتنی بھوکی کیوں تھیں؟ مقدس سرزمین کے فرشتے اس کے جسم کی لٹی ہوئی گھائل بوٹیاں کیوں نوچنے پر تلے تھے؟
سخت سردی اور بارش میں گرم کپڑوں کے گودام پر معمور چوکیدار اپنے گرم لحاف میں دبک کر اقبال کی شکوہ گا رہا ہے، کیوں وہ ان زندہ لاشوں کے سوال کرنے پر ان کو دھتکار کر صبح آنے کا کہتا ہے..؟؟؟ کیوں وہ ان کو ٹھٹھر کر مر جانے کے لئے چھوڑ دیتا ہے؟
کیوں روز صبح کیمپ کے کھلے صحن میں کچھ اکڑے لاشے پاک سرزمین کے باسیوں سے سوال کرتے ہیں؟
آزادی، جس کے لئے لاکھوں جانیں واریں اس کے بعد بھی کیوں لاکھوں دلشاد اور ہزاروں ننھی زبیدہ روز پاک لوگوں کی خواہش کا ایندھن بن کر بھسم ہوتی ہیں.
آزادی کیا صرف ایک زمین کے ٹکڑے کے حصول کی جنگ تھی جس کے بعد بھی روز کوئی دلشاد کسی امریک سنگھ کی درندگی کی بھینٹ چڑھتی رہے گی.؟
یا خدا کی کہانی کو بیتے برسوں بیت گئے مگر یہ کہانی ہر روز ہم سے پوچھتی ہے کہ ہمارے لئے آزادی کا مفہوم اور معنی کیا ہے؟
August 16, 2025
Ya Allah 💔
Ye Insan kya hai
Ye Insan kya hai
April 30, 2023
This one I would never casually recommend to anyone, regardless of my love for it.
November 16, 2017
It's an indescribeable feeling when one comes across a book like Ya Khuda.
Shahab sir had a unique writing style, he explains every event with detail.
It's a heart wrenching story of migrants. For me it's not just a story of a girl, it's a story of all people who migrated from india to pakistan after partition, who beared so much pain & how all the women treated at that time was really painful.
Shahab sir had a unique writing style, he explains every event with detail.
It's a heart wrenching story of migrants. For me it's not just a story of a girl, it's a story of all people who migrated from india to pakistan after partition, who beared so much pain & how all the women treated at that time was really painful.
February 16, 2015
উর্দ্দু সাহিত্যের সাথে যাদের পরিচয় আছে কুদরউল্লাহ্ শাহাব তাদের কাছে পরিচিত নাম। বিশেষত তাঁর লেখা 'শাহাব নামা' বা 'মাঁ জী'র জন্য। তাঁর লেখা 'ইয়া খুদা' একটি স্বল্পায়তন কিন্তু এক কালে বহুল সমালোচিত একটি বই। একে শাহাব নামার একটি খণ্ডিত অংশ হয়তো ভাবা যায়, কিন্তু কাহিনীর বৈশিষ্ট্যে, দৃষ্টিভঙ্গী ও বিশ্লেষণের পার্থক্যে ইয়া খুদা অনন্য। ১৯৬১ সালে লেখা এই বই কাজী মাসুমের অনুবাদে ১৯৬৭ সালে পাকিস্তান লেখক সংঘের পক্ষ থেকে 'সুন্দর পৃথিবী' নামে প্রকাশিত হয়।
সুন্দর পৃথিবীর কাহিনী ১৯৪৭-এ বিভক্ত পাঞ্জাবের পূর্বাংশ থেকে পশ্চিমাংশে অভিবাসীদের নিয়ে। দেশভাগের প্রাক্কালে পাঞ্জাবে সংঘটিত বীভৎস দাঙ্গার চিত্র যেমন এখানে দেখা গেছে, তেমন নতুন দেশে উপস্থিত হবার পর তাদের স্বপ্নভঙ্গের বেদনার সাথে ক্লেদের অতলে তলিয়ে যাওয়াও দেখা গেছে। বইটি এতো ছোট অথচ এর ক্যানভাসটির ব্যাপ্তি বিশাল।
পাকিস্তান রাষ্ট্রের জন্মলগ্ন থেকে ধর্মকে ব্যবহার করে ফায়দা লোটার যে চেষ্টা সর্বস্তরে শুরু হয়েছিল তা এখানে কোন রাখঢাক ছাড়া দেখানো হয়েছে। আরো দেখানো হয়েছে এর সর্বস্তরে দুর্নীতি, অনৈতিকতা, অমানবিকতা, আভিবাসীদের প্রতি নির্দয়তা কীভাবে বিস্তৃত হয়েছিল।
বইটির একেবারে শেষ পৃষ্ঠা তার ভাষা আর উপস্থাপনাগুণে অসাধারণ। বইটি সমালোচিত হবার অনেকগুলো কারণের মধ্যে এটাও অন্যতম। ষাটের দশকের পাকিস্তান তো দূরে থাক, আজকের পাকিস্তানেও এমন বই লেখা ও প্রকাশ সাহসের ব্যাপার। অত্যন্ত কুণ্ঠার সাথে বলতে হচ্ছে, আজকের বাংলাদেশেও তা খুব কঠিন। তাহলে ১৯৬৭ সালে এই বই বের হলো কী করে? পাকিস্তান লেখক সংঘের পূর্বাঞ্চলের সংগঠকদের মধ্যে আমরা যখন মুনীর চৌধুরী, সিরাজুল ইসলাম চৌধুরী বা রফিকুল ইসলামের নাম দেখি তখন বুঝতে পারি এই প্রতিষ্ঠান থেকে এমন বই বের হওয়াটা অস্বাভাবিক কিছু নয়।
সুন্দর পৃথিবীর কাহিনী ১৯৪৭-এ বিভক্ত পাঞ্জাবের পূর্বাংশ থেকে পশ্চিমাংশে অভিবাসীদের নিয়ে। দেশভাগের প্রাক্কালে পাঞ্জাবে সংঘটিত বীভৎস দাঙ্গার চিত্র যেমন এখানে দেখা গেছে, তেমন নতুন দেশে উপস্থিত হবার পর তাদের স্বপ্নভঙ্গের বেদনার সাথে ক্লেদের অতলে তলিয়ে যাওয়াও দেখা গেছে। বইটি এতো ছোট অথচ এর ক্যানভাসটির ব্যাপ্তি বিশাল।
পাকিস্তান রাষ্ট্রের জন্মলগ্ন থেকে ধর্মকে ব্যবহার করে ফায়দা লোটার যে চেষ্টা সর্বস্তরে শুরু হয়েছিল তা এখানে কোন রাখঢাক ছাড়া দেখানো হয়েছে। আরো দেখানো হয়েছে এর সর্বস্তরে দুর্নীতি, অনৈতিকতা, অমানবিকতা, আভিবাসীদের প্রতি নির্দয়তা কীভাবে বিস্তৃত হয়েছিল।
বইটির একেবারে শেষ পৃষ্ঠা তার ভাষা আর উপস্থাপনাগুণে অসাধারণ। বইটি সমালোচিত হবার অনেকগুলো কারণের মধ্যে এটাও অন্যতম। ষাটের দশকের পাকিস্তান তো দূরে থাক, আজকের পাকিস্তানেও এমন বই লেখা ও প্রকাশ সাহসের ব্যাপার। অত্যন্ত কুণ্ঠার সাথে বলতে হচ্ছে, আজকের বাংলাদেশেও তা খুব কঠিন। তাহলে ১৯৬৭ সালে এই বই বের হলো কী করে? পাকিস্তান লেখক সংঘের পূর্বাঞ্চলের সংগঠকদের মধ্যে আমরা যখন মুনীর চৌধুরী, সিরাজুল ইসলাম চৌধুরী বা রফিকুল ইসলামের নাম দেখি তখন বুঝতে পারি এই প্রতিষ্ঠান থেকে এমন বই বের হওয়াটা অস্বাভাবিক কিছু নয়।
October 4, 2023
"Ya Khuda" by Qudratullah Shahab is an outstanding book in which he describes the fantasy-based realistic events of the post-partition period in Pakistan. In the book, Sir Shahab has adopted the very unique style. The book "Ya Khuda" is divided into three parts. Every part is unique in its variation & diversion. In this book, Dilshad's story is heartbreaking. The first part is named "The Lord of the Orientalists". In the first part, Sir Shahab discusses the critical situations of the immigrants who migrated to Pakistan's newborn state. The first part of the book talks about the corruption of Hindus and the barbarity and trauma faced by Muslim immigrants, especially females who migrated from the Subcontinent after converting to 'India'. Females were exploited not only in Indian territory but also by the upper-class males of Pakistan. He lights on the horrors and injustice executed against refugees under the mask of screams and riots. The second part is named "Lord of the West". The second part of the book states the patience of the sufferers who suffered a lot but with patience and persistence. Many kind-hearted people helped them out of their trauma. The third part is named "Lord of the Worlds". The third part is all about the compensation and reward of the people who suffered a lot. Allah Almighty blessed them with wealth, power, respect, and fame. To cap up, one can say that it is a courageous and assertive realism in world literature.
(Komal Ehsan..)
(Komal Ehsan..)
September 24, 2015
This book is a painful, is too little to say. Shahab's graphicness of the events really hits where it hurts most. :Raba-ul-Mashreqeen: :Raba-ul-Magribeen: :Raba-ul-Aalimeen:.
IT is based on the post partition events and the lack of humanity in people. There was just a review of this book in the Shabanama. I bought it because well because it was quiet acclaimed but this book kicks you in the gut is least to say. He does not care to sugar coat anything and foes as far to say all the people in this book were real people. Only thing he has not done is write their names down.
We are lucky, we only read of independence and denounce or praise we are lucky we did not live it
IT is based on the post partition events and the lack of humanity in people. There was just a review of this book in the Shabanama. I bought it because well because it was quiet acclaimed but this book kicks you in the gut is least to say. He does not care to sugar coat anything and foes as far to say all the people in this book were real people. Only thing he has not done is write their names down.
We are lucky, we only read of independence and denounce or praise we are lucky we did not live it
Read
October 9, 2019I came to this book,a bit late,having already read a lot of stories on the violence that broke out on partition of the subcontinent.A painful book,which might have had more impact,if I had read it earlier.
August 19, 2021
To be honest, I just infer 1/4 part of the book.
The only thing I understand is that this novel is about a girl Dilshad who had been migrated to Pakistan during the partition of 1947.
I think I have read it too early plus its vocabulary is very difficult for me to understand.
The only thing I understand is that this novel is about a girl Dilshad who had been migrated to Pakistan during the partition of 1947.
I think I have read it too early plus its vocabulary is very difficult for me to understand.
March 26, 2023
تقسیم ہند کے بعد ہندوستان اور پاکستان میں مہاجرین پر ڈھائے جانے والے مظالم کے موضوع پر جناب قدرت اللہ شہاب کے قلم کا ایک شاہکار
October 21, 2025
If you've read Qudratullah Shahab's "Shahabnama", then you must be familiar with his other book, "Ya Khuda", as it is mentioned multiple times in the former. The book is fairly brief, only a hundred or so pages, so I am going to keep this review brief and will not mention any characters.
Ya Khuda's story is set against the backdrop of the partition of India, the independence of Pakistan, and the violence that erupted on both sides of the newly drawn border in 1947.
Since I had read about the book and the praise it received in the Shahabnama, I had very high hopes for it. When I picked it up (rather found an audiobook), I was expecting a masterpiece...something similar to Razia Butt's Bano, Amrita Pritam's Pinjar, or one of the many harrowing and traumatizing novellas by Manto. Unfortunately though, I was left fairly dissatisfied with what Ya Khuda had to offer.
Maybe I have been desensitized to the topic of the partition of India and the senseless violence that ensued when independence was right around the corner. Maybe I have been left speechless many a times by the likes of Manto. Or maybe the book just wasn't as good as I had expected. Whatever the reason, it just didn't make me feel as hurt as a book like this should.
If you, however, are relatively new to the topic, you should definitely think about reading Ya Khuda and making your own mind up about it. It definitely is worth a read, even if it is a bit underwhelming.
Ya Khuda's story is set against the backdrop of the partition of India, the independence of Pakistan, and the violence that erupted on both sides of the newly drawn border in 1947.
Since I had read about the book and the praise it received in the Shahabnama, I had very high hopes for it. When I picked it up (rather found an audiobook), I was expecting a masterpiece...something similar to Razia Butt's Bano, Amrita Pritam's Pinjar, or one of the many harrowing and traumatizing novellas by Manto. Unfortunately though, I was left fairly dissatisfied with what Ya Khuda had to offer.
Maybe I have been desensitized to the topic of the partition of India and the senseless violence that ensued when independence was right around the corner. Maybe I have been left speechless many a times by the likes of Manto. Or maybe the book just wasn't as good as I had expected. Whatever the reason, it just didn't make me feel as hurt as a book like this should.
If you, however, are relatively new to the topic, you should definitely think about reading Ya Khuda and making your own mind up about it. It definitely is worth a read, even if it is a bit underwhelming.
July 11, 2023
یا خدا
از : قدرت اللہ شہاب
ایسا کیوں محسوس ہوتا ہے کہ سات دہائیاں گزر جانے کے بعد بھی آج کا پاکستان قدرت اللہ شہاب کے اس افسانہ کا اک تسلسل ہے؟ آج بھی کچھ نہیں بدلا ۔۔
از : قدرت اللہ شہاب
ایسا کیوں محسوس ہوتا ہے کہ سات دہائیاں گزر جانے کے بعد بھی آج کا پاکستان قدرت اللہ شہاب کے اس افسانہ کا اک تسلسل ہے؟ آج بھی کچھ نہیں بدلا ۔۔
October 4, 2019
From long time i haven't read stories of partition. Because these are the stories which fetch my breath and crumble my heart.
Ya Khuda is also a story of the partition time. This is realy heart wrenching. These are the stories of migrants whom pain was remain hidden in the noise and enthusiasm of freedom. These are the stories which remain hideous by our elder because they never gather the courage to tell us and we don't have courage to listen them as well.
In 1947 when partition took place not only strangers gave wounds but own people were on the top. The village once which were heaven and people feel comfortable in presence of each other, now became hell and death valley for them.
Ya khuda is also s story of one of the migrant Dilshad, whom father was killed by a sikh and his body was thrown to well, later fill with garbage and she became the victim of their lust. Her soul was wounded and her victimise body by sikhs. But she listen about holy land in surrounding(Pakistan). After a long struggle and after deterioration of her body she at last reached to the holy land. But she didn't know the people of her holy land were more hungry then the stranger.
Many new questions were waiting for her as she stepped on her holy land. Why were the guardian of the Holy Land were so hungry? Why did the angels of the Holy Land lie down to wrap her body's deadly wounds?
Freedom, for which millions of lives were sacrificed, but still why millions of Dilshad were consumed as fuel for the purity of pure people every day.
Was liberty was just a war to get a piece of land, after which every Dilshad will be sacrifice for any man?
Many years has been passed but these questions are remained same? We didn't understand the real meaning of independence. And after 72 years there are many dilshad as adults and many children like zubaida are victimized in various cities of Pakistan.
A book for everyone to understand the pain. Give it a try.
Ya Khuda is also a story of the partition time. This is realy heart wrenching. These are the stories of migrants whom pain was remain hidden in the noise and enthusiasm of freedom. These are the stories which remain hideous by our elder because they never gather the courage to tell us and we don't have courage to listen them as well.
In 1947 when partition took place not only strangers gave wounds but own people were on the top. The village once which were heaven and people feel comfortable in presence of each other, now became hell and death valley for them.
Ya khuda is also s story of one of the migrant Dilshad, whom father was killed by a sikh and his body was thrown to well, later fill with garbage and she became the victim of their lust. Her soul was wounded and her victimise body by sikhs. But she listen about holy land in surrounding(Pakistan). After a long struggle and after deterioration of her body she at last reached to the holy land. But she didn't know the people of her holy land were more hungry then the stranger.
Many new questions were waiting for her as she stepped on her holy land. Why were the guardian of the Holy Land were so hungry? Why did the angels of the Holy Land lie down to wrap her body's deadly wounds?
Freedom, for which millions of lives were sacrificed, but still why millions of Dilshad were consumed as fuel for the purity of pure people every day.
Was liberty was just a war to get a piece of land, after which every Dilshad will be sacrifice for any man?
Many years has been passed but these questions are remained same? We didn't understand the real meaning of independence. And after 72 years there are many dilshad as adults and many children like zubaida are victimized in various cities of Pakistan.
A book for everyone to understand the pain. Give it a try.
December 23, 2018
This year its pretty cold in Karachi and it was only last night when I was nicely tucked in my bed under my cosy comforter, having a nice warm mug of Spanish Hot Chocolate along with Fatima Bhutto's book: “the Runaways" in my hand, that Dilshad crossed my mind. I could see her lying on the platform exposed, fighting Lahore's cold weather with nothing to cover herself or her child with. Made me realize how we are helpless against the forces of nature and no matter how much we advance in to the modern era we are fragile beings with defined limits and boundaries. the ones we will never be able to cross without our Creator's approval.
Such is the effect of these books, they awaken the Sufi spirit and the thinker within you. Give it a read.
Such is the effect of these books, they awaken the Sufi spirit and the thinker within you. Give it a read.
August 9, 2013
I honestly don't know how to rate this book and what to say about it right now. Reading it just upsets the balance of the world. It tells some unimaginably bitter truths and painful stories which are all based on real incidents witnessed by the author.
October 11, 2017
I actually bought this book back in 2016 but only recently got round to finishing it from start to finish. It is a novella of about 80 pages for the core story, with a 20 page description of the genesis of the book and about a 10 page preface. Contrary to what my copy of this book actually said, the book was actually published on 1 September 1961. This book... Well, I have some criticisms about the work, and some things which I praise in its favor.
For a start, it definitely wins votes in the crisp and comprehensive department. It is a breeze from start to finish... Even though the content has a lot of triggers in it. Since the book is actually based on partition era Pakistan and India, the obvious dark themes of desecration (on racial grounds, on religious grounds, on grounds of invading one's personal space) are talked about and discussed. However, for the uninitiated I'll just let you know right here and up front. The first part of this book is a very triggered experience and if you are squeamish then I recommend you stop right there and then.
The era between August and September 1947 was a very dark and turbulent period for refugees and migrants on either side. In this book, we get it from one perspective - of Dilshaad who, with her child, takes the train from Ambala to Lahore, Pakistan. Her tale starts on a very depressing note, but that is where the middle part comes in - rest assured, the book picks up from there, and most of the depressing notes start to decrease in occurrence.
The middle part is definitely the best part of this book in my opinion. That very "How the West was Won" sort of hopefulness in a time of doubt and sadness, that "where there is a will there is a way" sort of radiant fateful aspiration. It's definitely inspiring to say the very least and after the darkest first half of the work, it is a relief to read.
And this is where the third part comes in. While my criticism about the first part is true (dark themes kick the story into gear) the third part is just plain cynical. It is so much cynicism and... In a way, it is cynicism which still applies to date. When you historically analyze the story and consider it in hindsight, the book portrays how people were in Pakistan. It still applies today, even though I think it's less sympathetic than how it really should be in my opinion. I don't think Qudrutullah Shahab could have possibly imagined Bangladesh ever coming into being but the way he subtly indicates how politics of Pakistan worked back in the late fifties early sixties, it does seem very foreshadowing. I think that definitely works in the book's favor but I feel that, in the context of the greater story, it is forced. It is irrelevant to the real story, that of Dilshaad and her kid. And honestly I think it would have fitted in if the book was longer.
But it actually doesn't need to be. And that's why I give it three stars. It still is a good book. I felt genuinely happy at completing this book. I especially feel grateful hearing about the migrants and refugees who came to Pakistan, from the voice of someone who had witnessed it personally. We need more of these narratives, so that we can remind our youth about why Pakistan matters to us. And not that its creation was for naught.
For a start, it definitely wins votes in the crisp and comprehensive department. It is a breeze from start to finish... Even though the content has a lot of triggers in it. Since the book is actually based on partition era Pakistan and India, the obvious dark themes of desecration (on racial grounds, on religious grounds, on grounds of invading one's personal space) are talked about and discussed. However, for the uninitiated I'll just let you know right here and up front. The first part of this book is a very triggered experience and if you are squeamish then I recommend you stop right there and then.
The era between August and September 1947 was a very dark and turbulent period for refugees and migrants on either side. In this book, we get it from one perspective - of Dilshaad who, with her child, takes the train from Ambala to Lahore, Pakistan. Her tale starts on a very depressing note, but that is where the middle part comes in - rest assured, the book picks up from there, and most of the depressing notes start to decrease in occurrence.
The middle part is definitely the best part of this book in my opinion. That very "How the West was Won" sort of hopefulness in a time of doubt and sadness, that "where there is a will there is a way" sort of radiant fateful aspiration. It's definitely inspiring to say the very least and after the darkest first half of the work, it is a relief to read.
And this is where the third part comes in. While my criticism about the first part is true (dark themes kick the story into gear) the third part is just plain cynical. It is so much cynicism and... In a way, it is cynicism which still applies to date. When you historically analyze the story and consider it in hindsight, the book portrays how people were in Pakistan. It still applies today, even though I think it's less sympathetic than how it really should be in my opinion. I don't think Qudrutullah Shahab could have possibly imagined Bangladesh ever coming into being but the way he subtly indicates how politics of Pakistan worked back in the late fifties early sixties, it does seem very foreshadowing. I think that definitely works in the book's favor but I feel that, in the context of the greater story, it is forced. It is irrelevant to the real story, that of Dilshaad and her kid. And honestly I think it would have fitted in if the book was longer.
But it actually doesn't need to be. And that's why I give it three stars. It still is a good book. I felt genuinely happy at completing this book. I especially feel grateful hearing about the migrants and refugees who came to Pakistan, from the voice of someone who had witnessed it personally. We need more of these narratives, so that we can remind our youth about why Pakistan matters to us. And not that its creation was for naught.
July 23, 2017
It's a good 'long short story' or a novelette by Qudratullah Shahab who also served in Pakistan's early bureaucratic offices. What most progressive writers and critics don't find impressive in Ya Khuda is his choice of Muslim characters as victims although exploited equally or even more by the Muslim opportunists as well. The story written in 1948 might have been influenced by the personal tragedy of the writer who lost family members in the Hindu-Muslim riots and who was holding high government offices. What needs to be appreciated however is that even his sense of patriotism is not distinct from humane values. He poses tough questions in front of the proud citizens of the newly established state. A perspective missed by the critics can be of feminism as Ya Khuda mainly focuses on the exploitation of female victims who were raped and abused on both sides of the border!
If you have read prominent Urdu short stories on partition and violence from the progressive camp, you should also try this one.
If you have read prominent Urdu short stories on partition and violence from the progressive camp, you should also try this one.
January 18, 2019
This book contain 3 parts in which shahab sab developed complete story. Untold stories and importantly on topic most people don't want to talk about. Atrocities on partition of subcontinent which we read and listen from our elders were mostly done from across the border on immigrants but may stories like this remain untold. I personally feel this book was gift to memories of those people who migrated and face even more difficult situation in holy Land of their imagination.
February 20, 2021
Subtle and deep, Qudrat Ullah Shahab was an amazing writer.
Heart rending, painful like many "afsana"s of Urdu literature, Ya khuda attains its own special position. It makes you reflect upon what went wrong and how, and be thankful for what you have. It moves one to feel beyond one's tiny circle and think about the hardships others may face or may be facing.
A few small essays, but quite a bunch of lessons, left for the reader to find, reflect upon and learn from.
Heart rending, painful like many "afsana"s of Urdu literature, Ya khuda attains its own special position. It makes you reflect upon what went wrong and how, and be thankful for what you have. It moves one to feel beyond one's tiny circle and think about the hardships others may face or may be facing.
A few small essays, but quite a bunch of lessons, left for the reader to find, reflect upon and learn from.
November 28, 2024
Amazing. Stunned by the intellect of the writer. Though its a fiction, but its highly inspired from his real life experiences and observations. After reading this book, now i've a clearer idea of how it felt to migrate from one's land; to forever leave the land one has opened eyes in. It criticizes not only the opposite side but also our own people. Stunning piece of literature. Recommended to all those who want to study partition of British India.
October 29, 2017
There's a lot written about partition and in some places it seems cliche'd and propaganda'aic . But this work feels as authentic as it can be and genuinely challenged my POV about partition. Also, it makes it clear that the greatest sufferers of the partition were women (except the very old ones) for the men on both sides of borders subjected them to unthinkable atrocities.
September 5, 2021
An epic novelt. The heart wrenching partition story is based on strong observation of deep yet unbiased first hand accounts to the writer.
The less spoken bitterness, atrocities and struggles faced across borders are hard but must to record.
The very plight of refugees and effectees is not only encashed but also debilitated and severed by socalled doers of society.
The less spoken bitterness, atrocities and struggles faced across borders are hard but must to record.
The very plight of refugees and effectees is not only encashed but also debilitated and severed by socalled doers of society.
June 28, 2018
Intense!!
January 7, 2019
starting
February 20, 2019
Depressing, miserable states of immigrants and inhumane locals
May 25, 2019
Good app
December 15, 2019
Muhajreen ki zindagi Pakistan bn ne k bdd ki kahani. Wo to aik islami riyasat ma ay the jaha onho ne socha onki izat mhfooz hgi. Lkin bherie hr muashre ma hte. Pait ki khtir jo insano ko khrid lte.
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