Literature in Urdu is not just the arrangement of words or beauty of sentences. It is a deep reflection of human awareness, social truths, and inner emotions where a person can see the complete picture of their time. When an essay writer or storyteller picks up the pen, they are actually expressing the conscience of their era. Urdu literature has always been enriched by such writers who turned words into feelings, thought, and truth. In this intellectual tradition, Shah Zubair appears as a young writer who presents the problems, emotions, and thoughts of his time in a very simple but powerful way. His book Charag-e-Hidayat is an important part of this journey, highlighting the social and religious awareness of modern times.
Whenever I used to read the newspaper in the morning, one name kept appearing again and again, Shah Zubair. At first, it felt like just a name, but with time it became a feeling, a presence of thought that touches the reader’s heart through words. His essays had a special attraction, honesty, and emotional depth that made them different from ordinary writing. Whenever I saw his picture, the dignity on his face, the respect in his eyes, and the simplicity in his style showed the depth of his personality. This feeling encouraged me to contact him, and in the very first conversation it became clear that this connection would not remain limited to introduction, but would turn into a sincere literary friendship based on respect and words.
Belonging to Zegipora Charar-e-Sharief in Budgam, a spiritual region, this young writer is quietly emerging in the field of Urdu and Kashmiri literature. Shah Zubair is currently a first-year BA student and has chosen Urdu as his subject, but he is already known not just as a student but also as a poet and essay writer. His words show maturity beyond his age, and his writing reflects seriousness and awareness that makes him different from his peers. His literary journey started in 8th grade when he first expressed his feelings in words. Then, his writings were simplistic, but there was a spark in his writing that gradually developed into a powerful flame. In the tenth grade, his writing became fluent, deep, and forceful.
Shah Zubair’s main strength lies in his mastery of language and communication skills. From the beginning, he used the Kashmiri language, which is his native language. It is evident from his writings that he loved Kashmiri immensely and has successfully managed to portray its charm and beauty in his writings. Later, he also adopted Urdu so that his thoughts could reach a wider audience. Still, he remains deeply connected to his mother tongue, which reflects his cultural identity. His creative work is surprisingly vast. He has written more than 150 poems, over 20 short stories, more than 10 plays, and many essays published in newspapers and magazines. His writings reflect Kashmiri society, human psychology, social issues, and moral values.
Apart from writing, he is also very active in religious work. For the past three years, he has been tutoring the Holy Quran in a nearby madrasa and works as an Imam at the local mosque. Such activities have made him a serious, disciplined, and morally strong individual. He regards gaining knowledge not just for self-benefit but for sharing with others as well. Similarly, one can observe such qualities reflected in his writings wherein religion coexists in harmony with social life.
Though he has many talents, it hasn’t been an easy road for him. The financial constraints have made him take a step back from writing but couldn’t stop him from being motivated and determined to continue his writing career. Finally, all his efforts were rewarded, and he managed to complete his first book, Charag-e-Hidayat, which is going to be published very soon. It’s not only an essay collection; it reflects all his patience and struggles. He has won over 20 prizes in different categories.
Charag-e-Hidayat is an intellectual book containing essays on contemporary social and religious problems, written in 2026, and having 104 pages. Its editing and arrangement are done with great care. The literary insight of Shah Nawaz Nazir and opinions of writers like Majid Masroor and Iqra Parwaz further increase its value. The book is dedicated to the author’s parents, showing that he considers family upbringing the foundation of social reform.
Regarding themes, this book is very diverse and even-handed. Themes such as religion, society, morals, and education are all addressed. The concerns about fearing God, importance of prayers, life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and life after death show that how religious-oriented the writer is. Sectarian strife and diversity amongst scholars indicate that he is a man of wide vision, who values the unity of Muslims.
On the social side, the book addresses important issues like ingratitude, dishonesty, and lack of truthfulness with courage and honesty. According to the author, the solution to these problems lies in moral values and Islamic teachings. For the youth, the book includes important messages as well. Topics like “Create a New Path,” “False Fame,” and “Harm of Mobile Phones” highlight modern challenges and guide young people toward reality and purpose. Issues like drug abuse are also discussed as serious threats to society.
In the context of women, the essay “Veil Does Not Define a Woman’s Role” presents a balanced viewpoint, where the author explains the difference between outer appearance and inner character. Historical and religious awareness is also present in the book, where important religious days are explained in their true spirit rather than just rituals.
From a literary point of view, Charag-e-Hidayat is an important work. Its style is simple, effective, and heart-touching. It not only informs the reader but also creates awareness and reflection, which is its greatest success. The book does not just provide knowledge, it encourages thinking and self-improvement.
Overall, Charag-e-Hidayat is a book that motivates people towards introspection, reformation, and improvement. The most important thing about Shah Zubair’s first effort is that it proves the reality that sincerity, honesty, and aimfulness of someone can make a difference in society. The book is not merely a set of essays but a sort of intellectual movement that transforms the reader into an active person.
In the end, I sincerely congratulate Shah Zubair and his parents on this achievement and pray that this light always remains bright and continues to illuminate the world of knowledge and literature. I believe this book will find a special place in the hearts of serious readers and will become a guiding example for future generations.
Mohammad Arfat Wani is a writer, social activist, and medical student from Kuchmulla, Tral. He writes on social issues, culture, and public concerns with the aim of raising awareness and inspiring positive change. Email: wania6817@gmail.com
