I don’t know how to review this book in a few paragraphs. I’m stuck at the moment because the book has awakened my soul.
Man Chalay Ka Sauda is a spiritual drama written by Ashfaq Ahmed. It was aired in 1990 on PTV. Sang-e-Meel publications did a great job of compiling this drama into a book in 2020.
I must say it’s a must-read book. It’s written on the concept of Spirituality, Sufism, and the role of science in knowing your creator. The book will make you wonder about your purpose in life.
It’s a story of a businessman Irshad who has all the luxuries in his life. He’s a divorcee, and has two children; Ibrahim and Ishaq. His children live in London while Irshad lives in Pakistan with his mother.
After achieving all his worldly desires, he’s not content inside and wanders here and there to find peace (Sukoon). During his journey, he meets with random people in search of the meaning of life. In between his soul-searching, he met a cobbler, postman, shepherd, and a sweeper. All four of them played a great role in guiding him toward the right path.
The conversations between the characters are so intriguing that they will make you question your existence. The author says if you want to reach the Almighty, you can’t make it by reciting verses, prayers or Quran only. Instead, you need to understand Physics and Quantum theory to know the existence of God. The study of atoms and electrons is necessary to attain Sufism. The author also praised scientists Rutherford and Max Plank for their great contributions to the world of science and called them Baba Rutherford and Saeen Max Plank.
Another great concept discussed in this book is Pride and Ego. How devastating are these both to the souls, they crushed your whole personality and make your existence small in the universe. No matter how enlightened or blessed you are, your feet should always be on the ground.
Read: [Thought-Provoking Conversation in Man Chalay Ka Sauda]
And then you’ll always find meaningful conversations taking place between the characters. Here I will Quote a few for you:
Conversation between Irshad & Momina. Momina is the female lead of the drama. She’s not happy with her life and always questioning it. One day she came to Irshad and in a silent moment, she asked some questions that kept bugging her. The discussion goes like this:
Momina: Ye Zindagi ha sir?
Irshad: Asal mai ye zindagi ka ek hissa hai- Momina! Mout zindagi ka sath hi shuru hojati hai. Ye Paidaishe-e-amal ka ek ahem juzz hai. Mout kabhi achanak or aanan fanan warid nhi hoti. Ye zindagi k sath lagi lipti aati hai….is k hath ma hath dai kar….is k qadam se qadam mila kar…Lekin is paidaish se paray ek aur bari zindagi bhi hai. Jab tak iska husool nahi hoga, hum isi trah maray maray phirengy aur dard mad zindagi basar kartay rahenge…khuwar, pareshan…..Paimal aur pas murda…
This is just one excerpt, you will find many engaging conversations on man VS woman, the role of women, love, life, respect, greed, ego, and happiness and pain.
The drama is so beautifully written that it serves its purpose to the core. If you are not interested in reading the book, you can watch the drama here.
Ashfaq Ahmed was a great author of his time. And till today, he’s remembered for his work and thoughts.
This book also teaches that Islam emphasizes exploring the secrets of the universe as there’s a verse in Quran.
(3:190) Surely in the creation of the heavens and the earth, *134 and in the alternation of night and day, there are signs for men of understanding.
So, if you want to achieve a higher purpose in life, you should start studying science and physics as it’s the best way to get closer to Allah. Open your mind to books and education and you will see yourself prospering in both worlds.
Tere Man Chalay ka sauda ha ye khatta or meetha
[Next: Zaviya Book Review]
I prefer books and diaries more than phones and Facebook. Soulfully connected to Pakistan. And I passionately believe that I can change the world through blogging.
