PESHAWAR: An epic on the life and times of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) has been published.
The publication is titled “Beyond dates and pomegranates”. It has been penned by a noted writer and poet, Ejaz Rahim.
The author, born on Jan 1, 1946 is a retired civil servant. He has to his credit 26 poetic collections. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, he was selected as Eisenhover fellow for 1989 from Pakistan, and was awarded the Patras Bokhari Award by the Pakistan Academy of Letters.
Ejaz Rahim has dedicated his 360-pager Epic to his mother, Zubaida Rahim, wife, Nazie Rahim. The publication has been organized into 32 parts.
In the preface, the author articulates that the narration of the Holy Prophet (PBUH)’s life and times is not intended to be written or read as a fragment of history. He said it is cast in the mould of an Epic in which history, philosophy, religion, science, poetry are like an interlocking lens through which the life and times of the Holy Prophet of Islam (PBUH) are portrayed.
Ejaz Rahim underscores that the very core of this Epic lies in the profound spirit of aspiration and struggle, a timeless spirit that resonates through epics, both classical and modern.
The author has extended gratitude to a noted Hindko writer, poet, and researcher, Muhammad Ziauddin, acknowledging his invaluable assistance throughout the process of printing and publication for the book.
Eminent writers and academicians have commented on the publication.
“Ejaz Rahim, through the deployment of his poetic genius, has artfully paid homage to the Holy Prophet of Islam (PBUH), earning the heartfelt appreciation of all those who hold admiration for his work,” commends Professor Dr Akbar Ahmed, the distinguished head of the Ibn-e-Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies at the School of International Service, American University, Washington DC.
Prof Gilani Kamran, a teacher, poet and literary critic, says: “Ejaz Rahim has looked at life from a point where the man of the world is confronted by what is eternal and haunting in the scheme of human existence”.
Muhammad Ziaddin, the founding member of the Gandhara Hindko Board and Hindko Academy, comments: “The Epic addresses both the mind and heart of the reader. It will prove to be a source of inspiration for all those who believe in universal moral principles and eternal spiritual values.”
