Urdu Poems with English Translation | Oxford University Press, Paperback (2023)

Product Information

• Title: Written in the Season of Fear – Iftikhar Arif: Poetry from Pakistan
• Subtitle: Urdu Poems with English Translation
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Format: Paperback
• Released: 2023 (Second Printing)
• ISBN-13: 9780199407392 / 978-0199407392
• Printed in: Pakistan

Overview

English Overview

Written in the Season of Fear is a compelling selection of contemporary Urdu poems by the renowned Pakistani poet Iftikhar Arif, presented with English translations that make his evocative verses accessible to a global audience. The collection reflects a profound engagement with themes of resistance, sacrifice, and the perennial struggle against tyranny—most notably through poignant references to the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (ra) and his companions in the tragedy of Karbala. Arif’s work rejects oppression in all its forms and challenges the forces that stifle freedom and justice.

With its modern poetic sensibility and rich symbolic language, this volume showcases Arif’s status as a preeminent cultural and literary figure. His multifaceted career—as Chairman of the National Language Authority, a producer and script editor at Pakistan Television Corporation, and a prominent member of international writers’ associations—adds depth to his lyrical insights, making this collection an essential addition to any reader’s library.

Urdu Overview (اختصارِ تشریح)

Written in the Season of Fear ایک جامع مجموعہ ہے جس میں معروف پاکستانی شاعر افتیخار عارف کی عصری اردو نظموں کا انتخاب شامل ہے، جن کے ساتھ انگریزی تراجم بھی موجود ہیں تاکہ ان کے دل کو چھو لینے والے کلام کو عالمی سطح پر پڑھا جا سکے۔ یہ مجموعہ مظالم، قربانی اور جبر کے خلاف ہمیشہ جاری جدوجہد کے موضوعات سے جڑا ہوا ہے—خصوصاً امام حسین (رض) اور ان کے ساتھیوں کی کربلا کی المناک تاریخ کی طرف اشارے کے ذریعے۔
عارف کا کلام ظالمانہ نظام کی سخت مخالفت کرتا ہے اور آزادی و انصاف کی جدوجہد کو اجاگر کرتا ہے۔ ان کی عصری شاعرانہ حساسیت اور گہری علامتی زبان اس بات کا ثبوت ہے کہ وہ ایک ممتاز ادبی اور ثقافتی شخصیت ہیں، جنہوں نے ملکی و بین الاقوامی سطح پر نمایاں کردار ادا کیا ہے۔

Product Features

Literary and Thematic Highlights

• Contemporary Poetic Expression:
  Iftikhar Arif’s poems strike a balance between modern sensibility and classical lyricism. The verses capture fleeting human emotions as well as the weight of historical and cultural struggles.
• Themes of Resistance and Martyrdom:
  The collection is especially noted for its allusions to the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (ra), symbolizing a timeless stand against tyranny and oppression. Through metaphor and direct narrative, the poems condemn all forms of despotism, urging readers to reflect upon both historical and contemporary injustices.
• Bilingual Presentation:
  Every Urdu poem is accompanied by an English translation that preserves the poetic nuance and cultural context of the original text. This dual-language format makes the work accessible to both native speakers and a wider international audience.

Educational and Cultural Value

• Cultural Bridge:
  By presenting Urdu poetry alongside its English translation, this volume serves as a bridge between South Asian literary traditions and the global literary community, fostering cross-cultural appreciation.
• Critical Acclaim and Awards:
  Iftikhar Arif’s distinguished career—highlighted by roles as Chairman of the National Language Authority, and numerous international awards including the Sitara-e-Imtiaz and the Pride of Performance—enhances the collection’s credibility and cultural significance.
• Insight into Pakistani Society:
  The poems delve into the socio-political realities and the enduring spirit of resistance in Pakistan, making them not only an artistic expression but also a commentary on historical and modern struggles.

Format & Presentation Details

• High-Quality Paperback:
  The book is produced with durable, high-grade paper and features a refined cover design by Oxford University Press.
• Accessible Design:
  The layout is reader-friendly, with clearly delineated sections for each poem and its English translation, enhancing ease of reading and study.

Publishers

Published by Oxford University Press, this 2023 paperback edition is a distinguished work in contemporary South Asian literature. Written in the Season of Fear offers readers an intimate glimpse into Iftikhar Arif’s poetic vision—a blend of historical reverence and a passionate critique of modern-day oppressors.

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Hashtags

English:

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Urdu (ہیش ٹیگز):

#WrittenInTheSeasonOfFear #IftikharArif #اردونظم #انگریزیترجمہ #OxfordUniversityPress #پاکستانیادب #عصریشاعری #شہادت #پاکستانیمزاج