By Dr. Muhd. Mustafizur Rahman
Chairman, Dept. of English
- H. Sikdar University of Science & Technology
Shariatpur
Gazi Baqui
- New Rubaiyat
Mustafa Zaman Abbasi
The word ‘Rubai’ belongs to Persian language. From this word comes Rubaiyat, or Rubayat, that consists of some Rubayat and every Rubai contains four lines. British poet Edward Fitzgerald translated the Rubaiyat-E- Omar Khayyam in English and as a result Omar Khayyam became renowned in the world. All of his translation works have made a great upheaval across the whole world. Our poet Kazi Nazrul Islam translated Omar Khayyam’s Rubaiyat in the same manner. Rubai is singular and Rubaiyat is plural. Though a Rubai is a small poem, there is a garden of blossomed roses in it. Its glowing language replete with form, setting, metrical feet, rhythms and aesthetic beauty provides it with an unparalleled creative excellence. These days, the names of some writers of Rubayat are found in Bangla. They are Moslem Uddin, Abdus Sadek and Kabedul Islam.
Recently ‘Rubaiyat-E Gazi Abdullahil Baqui’ has come to my hand. His 1570 Rubaiyat are in front of me. After going through the poems from the first to the last, I felt as if Nazrul has himself reappeared, or Omar Khayyam has re-entered the Bangla language anew. The themes are love, beloveds and Saki of love. It is not true that the climate Iran and the climate of Bangladesh are not same. When I make a journey to Iran, I see Hasnahena; not only that I have enjoyed the garden of roses of various colors and smells as if it does not provide an end. Also, I have traced the birds whose whistle I enjoy to hear in Bangladesh, such as the nightingale or the black cuckoo. Many are found wine-addicted but this wine is the wine of love. The nearness between Allah and the beloved easily occurs. The light that is to be sought in nature flashes across the lustrous eyes of devotees.
The Rubaiyat are not composed in such a manner that they can be finished reading by a single day, because, the mood of one Rubai is quite different from another. These Rubai lines are of no value to a person who is not a lover. There are many pictures inside the book, but those are of tears, red roses and sea brine. To cite examples may demand many and in that case so many pages will be covered. The purpose is to attract the audience, so I am quoting here a few.
O sweet-hearted Saki, your lips have put on a lovely hue,
I grow enamored of another and so my human nature evades me.
I am deeply addicted to drinking wine, where is your destination
In this universe I am uncounted, so I recall Lord every moment
The last Rubai is dedicated to Allah:
Poor Baqui beseech of you O Almighty Allah to pardon him
With your greatness accept my prostrations and make my heart easy.
Please guide me to your path, for I am a sinner, a poor soul,
I could not carry out all your commandments.
Mustafa Zaman Abbasi:
A literature-music personality
- The Rubaiyat in original Bangla
Professor Nripendralal Das
The Rubaiyat written by Gazi Abdulla-hel Baqui holds a Bangla-affiliated authoritative status. Though Omar Khayyam’s outstanding creation of Rubayat is the main source of his inspiration, he has maintained his own creative merit in producing this work. Poet Baqui’s signal success is the multi-dimensions of his subject matters. Nature, homeland, self-consciousness and eternity find their graceful expressions in his wonderful cultivation of varied flowers. A Persian Rubai is of four lines where the third is optional and the rhythmic pattern of the first, second and the fourth lines express its basic aesthetic excellence in world literature, thus standing out as a different literary form. Baqui is a humble dweller of that artistic domain.
Gazi Abdulla-hel Baqui’s voluminous book “Rubaiyat-Gazi Abdulla-hel Baqui” has been created with the merit of being a constant companion of an intensive reader. His artistic flavour, skillful usage of diction and his excellent rhythmic pattern are all sharply chiseled. His unadulterated Rubaiyat have touched the world of Khayam’s mind. Reading the translation of Omar Khayyam by Kazi Nazrul Islam, linguist Syed Mustaba Ali wrote “Kazi’s translation is the Kazi of all translations.” From that very point of view, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the Gazi’s original Bangla Rubaiyat are the Gazi of all the original Rubaiyat. It can also be said that Baqui’s Rubaiyat are more majestic and authentic and this original work of his is an aesthetic addition to Bangla literature. However, let the readers be engaged and feel delighted. We can just taste the flavor of Baqui’s Rubaiyat.
1.
Heart grows deeply elated to make love with beloved.
Beloved is my flower bouquet and spreads fragrance in the stream of life.
On Moonlit night when spreading limbs are bathed in rain water
All creations are worried to behold such a thrilljng scene. (Rubai No.:33)
2.
Why flashes of beauty of green Bangla are not viewed,
Humanity has been perturbed with terrorism and envy.
The evil human souls burst out into laughing and tears flooded,
Where is tough judgment and who will control that fiery demon?
3.
As the sun with its flashes starts swinging in the lap of dawn,
In the same way the ring on the beloved’s hand enchants the mind.
Emerald, ruby, diamond and gems as if bedeck her body,
Their lives having touch of them burst into thrilling melodies.
(Rubai no: 283)
The above selected Rubaiyat may not be the representative ones. These are rather picked out of my own choice. At this, it would be distinct regarding the taste and liking of a heedful reader. I am very much amazed at the very simplicity of poet Baqui’s Rubaiyat. It is the activity of the talented ones to reveal creativity concealing their erudition. With regard to this, he has been successful. I accord salute to his poetic talent. He might be displeased, otherwise, I would loudly pronounce—red salute. Now I am going to cite another Rubai as I fail to control my passion.
Dwellings for vices and of virtues exist side by side.
The gap is so wide between the two that walking must fail to cover.
The goblet and lazy-sharab incites intoxication within the body,
The eyes weep a flood of tears, casting glance at the fate of love.
(Rubai no. 640)
It is my ardent desire that Baqui’s Rubayat should be read widely.
Prof. Nipendra Lal Das is an eminent poet, writer, researcher, and expert in mysticism, truth-seeker and author of more than seventy books.
