Pakistan: Webinar on the history of elegies in honor of Imam Hussein, peace be upon him

The Daily Times of Pakistan reported that the renowned actor, Ahsan Khan participated in a scholarly webinar on Husseini elegies together with the writer and cultural commentator, Ally Adnan, on 28 Muharram.

Titled ‘Hussain Aur Inquilab’, the live online event consisted of two parts. In the first part, Ally Adnan provided an overview of the Husseini elegies, covering its evolution from pre-Islamic Arabia to present times. His talk covered a number of topics related to the elegies, including poetics, performance styles and prominent elegists. In the second part of the event, Ahsan Khan recited excerpts from Josh Malihabadi’s elegies, Hussain Aur Inquilab, in a traditional style.

“I have always been fond of Hussain Aur Inquilab,” said Ahsan Khan. “Josh wrote nine elegies but this one has always been my favorite. Very few people realize the important part it played in galvanizing the local populace to oust the British from united India but, once one listens to Josh’s electrifying poetry, its veritable value as a source of strength becomes obvious.”

“The power of Hussain Aur Inquilab to energize, motivate and inspire cannot be overstated,” believes Ally Adnan. “Eight years after its publication, the poem continues to retain its capacity to energize listeners, rouse emotions, and evoke revolutionary feelings, using the battle of Karbala as a source of inspiration, guidance and strength.”

 

Source: dailytimes.com.pk