My chosen piece is titled Ilyas (or in some translations, Elias). This 1885 short story was written by Leo Tolstoy, a Russian writer who is often regarded as one of the greatest authors of all time.
Ilyas was translated from Russian to English around the dawn of the 20th century. With the help of my aziz (dear) friend Sadiq Saeed, I was able to perform my piece in the Urdu language, which is predominantly spoken in many regions in South Asia, and chiefly among Muslims or aficionados of Urdu poetry and literature.
Ilyas -a male name of Arabic origin and a Muslim form of the name Elijah-is the namesake story of a wealthy and successful farmer who, through hardship, loss, and material decline, experiences the essence of peace and prayer, and the impermanent nature of life on Earth. With his spouse and companion, Shem-Shemagi by his side, it is in humility, compassion, love, friendship, and spirituality that they realize the delightfully concealed nature of happiness and nobility.
It is the story’s universal and everlasting theme, coupled with Tolstoy’s prominence as a Nobel Prize in Literature nominee over several years, that makes this a classical piece for generations to read and be touched by.
Ilyas is special to me as it exudes the tender principles of Sufism, a mystical and esoteric tradition in Islam dedicated to experiencing Allah/God as the epitome of divine Love and Knowledge.
As a budding practitioner, Ilyas and Shem-Shemagi came to me with open arms and the emblematic olive branch fastened on as a brooch.
15 сен 2024
