Shahnama-e-Islam (Hafeez Jalandhari); An Example of Versified History

Abstract

Shahnamah-e-Islam by Abu al-Asar Hafeez Jalandhari is a monumental four-volume poetic chronicle that transcends conventional Urdu poetry. Blending literary mastery with devotional purpose, the work offers a versified history of Islam—from the genesis of the universe to the early Islamic conquests—while promoting Islamic values and identity. Inspired by a visionary dream, Jalandhari composed this magnum opus across four decades, beginning with the publication of the first volume in 1928. Structured across multiple “books,” each volume narrates pivotal events such as the birth of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the Battle of Badr, the Trials of Uhud, and the socio-political landscape of early Islam. Revered by critics like Sheikh Abdul Qadir, who deemed it a landmark in Urdu literature, the poem is both educational and nationalistic in tone. Its remarkable popularity and enduring influence stems from its lyrical simplicity, narrative coherence, and thematic depth. Despite being labeled by some as prose-like, the work remains a living testimony to Hafeez’s vision: to present Islamic history in poetic form, accessible to the masses. Shahnamah-e-Islam stands not merely as literature, but as a cultural legacy meant to guide future generations through the moral and spiritual landscapes of Islamic tradition.

References:

1. Hafeez Jalandhari. Shahnamah-e-Islam (Vol. III). Lahore: Model Town, 2018, p. 41.
2. Maulvi Syed Ahmad Dehlavi. Farhang-e-Asifiya (Vols. III & IV). Lahore: Urdu Science Board, 2003, p. 165.
3. Muhammad Tufail Makhdoomi. Abul Asar Hafeez Jalandhari ke Baray Mein. n.p.: n.p., n.d., p. ??
4. Hafeez Jalandhari. Shahnamah-e-Islam (Vol. I). Islamabad: Daftar Shahnamah-e-Islam, 2nd ed., 1930, p. 11.
5. Sir Abdul Qadir. "Preface," in Shahnamah-e-Islam (Vol. II) by Hafeez Jalandhari. Lahore: Majlis-e-Urdu, 1940, p. 11.
6. Hafeez Jalandhari. "Dushwariyaan," in Shahnamah-e-Islam (Vol. III). Lahore: Majlis-e-Urdu, 1940, p. 15.
7. Hafeez Jalandhari. "Preface," in Shahnamah-e-Islam (Vol. IV). Lahore: Majlis-e-Urdu, 1973, p. 18.
8. Hafeez Jalandhari. "Dushwariyaan," in Shahnamah-e-Islam (Vol. III). Lahore: Majlis-e-Urdu, 1940, p. 15.
9. Firaq Gorakhpuri. "Hafeez Jalandhari," in Funoon (Modern Ghazal Issue), n.p.: n.p., p. 292.
10. Hafeez Jalandhari. "Preface," in Shahnamah-e-Islam (Vol. IV). Lahore: Majlis-e-Urdu, 1973, p. 16.
11. Hafeez Jalandhari. Hindustan Hamara. Lahore: Dar-ul-Isha'at Punjab, 1941, p. ??
12. Maulana Gauhar Rahman. Al-Qur’an. Lahore: Maktabah Tafheem-ul-Qur’an, Qurtuba University, 1990, p. 175.
13. Hafeez Jalandhari. Shahnamah-e-Islam (Vol. I). Lahore: Daftar Shahnamah-e-Islam, 1930, p. 224.
14. Zauqi Muzaffar Naghri. Tafheem-ul-Fasahat wal-Urooz. Lahore: Majlis-e-Farogh-e-Adab, 1994, p. 17.

Bibliography:

Dehlavi, Maulvi Syed Ahmad. Farhang-e-Asifiya, Vols. III & IV. Lahore: Urdu Science Board, 2003.

Gorakhpuri, Firaq. “Hafeez Jalandhari.” In Funoon, Modern Ghazal Issue, p. 292.

Jalandhari, Hafeez. Hindustan Hamara. Lahore: Dar-ul-Isha’at Punjab, 1941.

———. Shahnamah-e-Islam, Vol. I. Islamabad: Daftar Shahnamah-e-Islam, 2nd ed., 1930.

———. Shahnamah-e-Islam, Vol. I. Lahore: Daftar Shahnamah-e-Islam, 1930.

———. Shahnamah-e-Islam, Vol. III. Lahore: Model Town, 2018.

———. Shahnamah-e-Islam, Vol. III. Lahore: Majlis-e-Urdu, 1940.

———. Shahnamah-e-Islam, Vol. IV. Lahore: Majlis-e-Urdu, 1973.

———. “Dushwariyaan.” In Shahnamah-e-Islam, Vol. III. Lahore: Majlis-e-Urdu, 1940.

———. “Preface.” In Shahnamah-e-Islam, Vol. IV. Lahore: Majlis-e-Urdu, 1973.

Makhdoomi, Muhammad Tufail. Abul Asar Hafeez Jalandhari ke Baray Mein. n.p.,

Rahman, Maulana Gauhar. Al-Qur’an. Lahore: Maktabah Tafheem-ul-Qur’an, Qurtuba University, 1990.

Qadir, Sir Abdul. “Preface.” In Shahnamah-e-Islam, Vol. II, by Hafeez Jalandhari. Lahore: Majlis-e-Urdu, 1940.

Naghri, Zauqi Muzaffar. Tafheem-ul-Fasahat wal-Urooz. Lahore: Majlis-e-Farogh-e-Adab, 1994.