The writer of the book needs to be introduced to the readers. A focus on the literary personality of M. Mizanur Rahman in the flap of the book reads thus : “M. Mizanur Rahman is basically an eminent poet of Bangladesh. He is myriad-mined genius. He is a story-teller, essayist, translator and conlumnist.”
Now, mystic poet Sabir Ahmed Choudhury, about whom the book ‘Universal humanism in mystic poetry of Sabir Ahmed Choudhury’ has been written. Some of the readers of contemporary Bengali literature might have come across the mystic literary contribution of Sabir Ahmed Choudhury. His universal humanism, his dream for the solidarity and emancipation of mankind above all distinctions of caste, creed, race and colour, his lyrics on the thirst of human soul for the love of Supreme Being- The Creator of the universe, as the goal-all have contributed to our literature and aroused spontaneous appreciation and respect of the readers for him. His lyrics can contribute greatly to the upliftment of our human values, now in the depth of deviation. The poet has been appreciated nationally and internationally. Already some books have been written on his biography and literature. The last in the line is the present book under discussion.
In the ‘Prelude’ M. Mizanur Rahman comments : “Sabir expects the exploitation-free world to succor humanity.”
“……….Unlike other mystic poets of Bangladesh Sabir Ahmed Choudhury has gained a substantial authority on mystical poetry and songs in modern form related to universal humanism.”
Sabir Ahmed Choudhury says :
“My heart moves about/with pangs of the starved hundred;/smiles of the faces of the wretched/die down like dead buds underneath.
I become moved with sadness/of those suffering people/for their wretchedness.”
He extorted : “On the whole/rendering service to the human,/God is served in all.”
“The light of God fall/on the shade of all souls/that those who love those created souls/God loves them.”
The book contains 86 small chapters of analytical discussion on universal humanism with quotations from the poems of Sabir Ahmed Chowdhury. We think, the broad canvas of the creativity of the poet crossing all man-made barriers of distinction among humanity, has become open to the readers to be well-acquainted with the thoughts of this mystic poet. The writer, and those who formerly worked on the poet contributing to this publication, deserve thanks.
The bibliography contain 22 references of books which helped the writer in the approach to this famous lyricist on the Creator and the created beings.
The book has been dedicated to the writer’s youngest brother M. Mominul Hoque.
The cover by famous artist Samar Majumder is attractive and focuses on the theme of the book.
We expect wide circulation of the book.
Reviewed by Abdul Muqit Chowdhury
