The poet of Muslim renaissance

M. Nurul Haque

In modern Bengali poems role and contribution of poet Golam Mostafa is specially memorable; because background of his arrival period and social condition of Muslim Bengal came to our notice through his writings. Brilliance of his poems was manifested during the early period of 20th century. At that time Muslims of Bengal were extremely unfortunate. They were backward, neglected and deprived of political social and economic status. They were backward and underdeveloped in education and culture. Poet Golam Mostafa had written in background of his life and literary endeavour." The period when I was born was the period of exhaustion of the Muslims. At that time our literature had no freedom or originality. Intellectuality, tradition, meditation, impression, hope and aspiration of any nation are implemented through their mother tongue. But no such literature was created by Muslims of Bengal at that time. So, from my younger life I was desirous to compose national literature of the Muslims. tttt."

Poet Golam Mostafa was born in village Monoharpur in Shailkupa Thana in District of Jhenaidah in 1897. As per his Matric certificate his year of birth is seen 1897 ; but, poet Golam Mostafa said that at the time of his admission in Shailkopa High School his father had curtailed his age by two years. So his actual year of birth was 1895.

Family members of poet were highly educated and thoroughly developed in Islamic tradition. There was regular culture of Arabic, Persian and Bengali language in their family. His grand-father Kazi Golam Sarwar had vast erudition in Arabic and Persian language.

Poet Golam Mostafa had started to write poem from his school life. In 'Memory of my life' poet writes. "I clearly remember that my first awakening of poem came into existence in 1909 when I was student of class five in Shailkopa High school.

Poet Golam Mostafa passed Matriculation Examination from Shailkupa High School in 1914 and IA. from Daulatpur College Khulna in 1916. Later on he passed B. A. from Ripon College Calcutta in 1918. He was desirous for higher degree but could not continue his studies due to financial inability. However, he selected his profession as teacher. He joined as a teacher in Barackpur Govt. High School in 1920. After two years, he passed B.T. from David Hare College. As a result his service was confirmed in Govt High School. His poems and features were being published in different newspapers. Though he was poet he had been writing novel and features in addition to poems. His first novel Ruper Nesha' was published while he was student of Ripon College. His firs book of poems 'Rakta Rag' was published in 1924. With deep respect he sent a copy of that' book to poet Rabindranath Tagore. In reply poet Rabindranath wished him blessing through two lines of poem as under 'Your Rakta Rag of new morning Awakes luminous word in noon.'

In 1922 he wrote poems for young. In such a poem he expressed an immortal line of an English poet' Child is the father of man' in Bengali very skillfully. Such example of imitation is rare in our Bengali literature.

Poet Golam Mostafa believed in one nationality of the Muslims of whole world. He sang the song of that nationality in his whole life. He thought that all the Muslims of the world is one nation irrespective to colour, language and country. He felt proud of it that he was included in that nation. He did not distinguish between east and west, rather he thought the whole world as his own country. His arms were ever extended to embrace all Muslims of the world. His second book of poem 'Hasnahena' and his second Novel 'Bhangabuk' was published 1927 and 1928 respectively. 'Khosrose' a book of poem was published in 1929.

Poet Golam Mostafa had created many basic literatures. He had translated many valuable poems and books of English and Arabic into Bengali. His translated books had attracted the readers. He was very much successful in translation of Sura Fateha, the first Sura of the Qur'an. Moreover he had written so many Islamic features in 'Mohammadi', 'Showgat', 'Islamdarshan', 'Satyabarta', 'Muazzin' etc. Papers from 1917 to 1938.

In 1942 he wrote the renowned book 'Biswanabi' which is the immortal creation of his life. It contained the life of our Prophet (S) and preaching of Islam. The book is treated as the best creation of poet Golam Mostafa in his literary life.

Renowned person ality Dr. Muhammad Shahidullah said. "Moulavi Golam Mostafa is well known as a poet. Biswanabi is his new contribution. It is needless to say that the book is a well thought life activities of our Prophet. He has expressed his deep thought and research of his life about Prophet (S). We are amazed and charmed to find Janab Golam Mostafa as a devotee to Prophet, conceptive and philosopher. The book is incomparable in language, information and philosophy." He composed many 'Hamd' and 'Nat' which are regularly recited and sung in Milad Mahfil.

Poet Golam Mostafa was a real Muslim. He was pious and used to wear cap, Achkan and trouser. Anybody could recognise his as Muslim at first sight. He was habituated in Islamic rules and conduct from his boyhood. He was very broad hearted and hospitable to guests. He entertained large number of guests with hearty meal who attended in regular gathering in his house 'Mostafa, Manjil' in Shantinagar, Dhaka.

Poet of Muslim Renaissance Golam Mostafa breathed his last on 13th October 1964 in the of Dhaka Medical College Hospital. He is alive in his contributions and activities. We remember him with deep respect.

 

http://nation.ittefaq.com/issues/2008/01/11/news0890.htm