Tajziyaat is a refined collection of critical essays by renowned Pakistani critic and scholar Shabbir Naqid. The book presents analytical studies of fiction, poetry, religious literature, and contemporary literary voices. Each essay reflects the author’s deep insight, research-based methodology, and command over literary criticism, making this work a valuable resource for students, researchers, and serious readers of Urdu literature.
In the light of the historic words of Saaghir Siddiqui, “I eat poetry, I drink poetry,” Shabbir Naqid has likewise devoted his entire mortal life to the promotion and preservation of poetry and literature. Shabbir Naqid is simultaneously a poet, critic, researcher, author, compiler, and an expert in the science of Ilm-ul-Arooz (Prosody). The following pages present an overview of his life, personality, and literary journey.
Birth and Family Background
Shabbir Naqid’s real name is Ghulam Shabbir. He was born on 1st February 1976 in the village Hero Sharqi, Tehsil Taunsa Sharif, District Dera Ghazi Khan, in the household of Allah Wasaya. His father possessed a deep fondness for poetry and had memorized verses of many renowned poets. His mother was a homemaker with little inclination toward literature. Shabbir Naqid has two brothers, Nasir Ahmed and Bashir Ahmed, and three sisters: Fatima Bibi, Sakina Bibi, and Halima Bibi.
Domestic Life
Shabbir Naqid’s first marriage took place in December 1997 with Safia Amberin, which lasted for five years but ended due to temperamental differences. On 21st October 2003, he entered into his second marriage with Mumtaz-un-Nisa, with whom he continues to lead a contented and stable life.
Children
From his first marriage, a daughter was born who sadly passed away shortly after birth. From his second marriage, three sons were born, two of whom also died in infancy. His only surviving son, Muhammad Kawish, is his support in later life and, at the time of writing, is a student of BS Information Technology.
The well-known writer Shafiq-ul-Haqabadi writes about his family:
“Apart from himself, Shabbir Naqid’s small family consists of a wife and one son. His son Muhammad Kawish is currently pursuing his studies. After the birth of three sons, this chain came to an end.”
Education and Intellectual Grooming
Shabbir Naqid received his early education from local madrasas and schools in his native village. In 1992, he passed his matriculation examination from Government High School Hero Sharqi. In 1994, he completed D-Com from Government Commercial Training Institute, Taunsa Sharif. He earned his BA as a private candidate from Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan in 2001, completed MA (Urdu) in 2003, and obtained a Post-Graduate qualification in Punjabi Literature in 2007.
From early childhood, Shabbir Naqid displayed a strong inclination toward reading and writing. According to Ghulam Abbas:
“Even in his early years, Shabbir Naqid showed a natural attraction toward reading and writing, indicating that his love for knowledge and literature was divinely bestowed. Unlike ordinary children, he showed little interest in games and play.”
This passion for literature was further nurtured by his father, whose refined literary taste left a lasting imprint on Shabbir Naqid’s intellectual development.
Professional Services
After completing his education, Shabbir Naqid joined the Pakistan Army in July 1999. After rendering 18 years of honorable service, he retired on 10th July 2017 with the rank of Honorary Havildar. Following retirement, he has been running a small grocery shop in his native village.
Commenting on his professional and literary services, Shafiq-ur-Rehman Ilahabadi writes:
“After serving in the armed forces for eighteen years, he retired as a Lance Naik. Remarkably, alongside fulfilling his military duties with dedication, he continued to nurture his pen and intellect.”
Awards and Honors
In recognition of his literary stature and creative contributions, various literary organizations across Pakistan have honored Shabbir Naqid with awards, certificates, and shields, including:
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Justice S. A. Rabbani Award, Karachi
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Kar-e-Khair Literary Organization, Gujranwala
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Naqeebi Caravan-e-Adab, Faisalabad
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Bheel International Literary Forum, Nankana Sahib
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Al-Wakeel Literary Award, Hasilpur
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Bazm-e-Shamsi Khidmat-e-Adab Award, Hasilpur
Literary Journey
Shabbir Naqid’s association with literature began during his student life. He formally started writing poetry while studying in the 9th grade. His poetic expression spans English, Siraiki, Punjabi, and Urdu. According to Urooj Anjum:
“His notable poems include Beauty, Tipu Sultan, and Hurriyat. Shabbir Naqid began writing poetry in 1996 and simultaneously entered the realm of prose.”
In both poetry and prose, he benefitted immensely from Abul Bayan Zahoor Ahmed Fatah. Poet Ali Shaair aptly observes:
“Shabbir Naqid is among those students of Professor Zahoor Ahmed Fatah who derived the greatest intellectual benefit from their mentor, which has earned him a distinctive position. His prolific nature also bears resemblance to that of his teacher.”
His poetic and critical writings have appeared in leading literary journals and newspapers of Pakistan, including Daily Jang, Nawa-e-Waqt, Khabrain, Ausaf, and numerous prestigious quarterly and monthly literary magazines. His literary journey now spans over three decades. To date, he has authored hundreds of critical essays and 53 published poetic and prose works, reflecting his creative consciousness and critical insight.
Books and Literary Works
Shabbir Naqid is a full-time poet and man of letters. His vast contribution in book form has enriched Urdu and Siraiki literature and secured him a lasting place in the literary world. Poetry and criticism are two demanding disciplines, both requiring lifelong dedication, rigorous study, deep observation, and relentless intellectual labor.
Through years of perseverance, he has produced 54 books and countless articles, all of which have been widely appreciated by scholars and critics. His works stand as a testament to his literary devotion.
