Afghanistan, with its delightful nature, beautiful valleys, and towering mountains, inspires every human being to reach the heights of poetry and writing. This is why it has nurtured thousands of poets, scholars, and writers, from Ibn Sina to Syed Jamaluddin, who opened noble windows in scientific and academic knowledge for both Eastern and Western schools. From Rumi to Khalilullah Khalili and Haidari Wujudi, in the fields of mysticism, Sufism, and literary arts, they not only illuminated Central and Southern Asia but also earned special recognition in the Western world. In fact, the year 2007 was declared the year of Mawlana Jalaluddin Ahmad Balkhi.
Nijrab, as part of this land, with its beautiful and ever-flowing valleys nestled in the towering mountains, also reveals the poetic nature of every individual. For this reason, I have made an effort to include a selection of poems from local poets of Nijrab, in their unique dialect, in this section. This serves as a tribute to the scholars and poets who have always served the people of Nijrab and its neighboring regions. Let me now introduce some of the great poets:
Mulla Arif Akhundzada Nijrabi (رح)
Poet • Mystic • Scholar of the Soul
Mulla Arif Akhundzada Nijrabi was a revered mystic, spiritual scholar, and poet from the scenic Pata Cheshm valley of Nijrab District in Kapisa Province. He was not only a well-known figure locally but also gained respect and admiration far beyond his homeland. His influence reached the spiritual circles and communities of Panjshir, Takhar, Badakhshan, and even as far as Ghazni. His humility, deep knowledge of Islamic sciences, spiritual insight, and poetic genius made him beloved by people of all walks of life.
Mulla Arif was the son of Saleh Mohammad and the grandson of Sufi Zareef, a figure also renowned for his piety and spiritual teachings. He was born in the area of Sufi Khil within the lush, mountainous landscape of the Pata Cheshm valley—a place deeply rooted in tradition and spirituality. Growing up in a household grounded in religious practice and Sufi heritage, Mulla Arif immersed himself in Islamic sciences from an early age. Under the mentorship of his father, he studied jurisprudence (fiqh), theology (`aqidah), and the inner dimensions of Islamic spirituality (tasawwuf). He was gifted with an extraordinary intellect and sharp memory, which allowed him to rise swiftly among the scholars and spiritual leaders of his time.
What truly set Mulla Arif apart was not just his scholarship, but the unique blend of wisdom, poetry, and heartfelt expression that resonated deeply with the people. His eloquent speeches and spiritually infused words crossed the rugged valleys and reached distant regions. In places like Panjshir and Ghazni, his name was uttered with affection and respect. He became known not only as a man of letters but as a guide of hearts—a man whose inner light illuminated others.
He was particularly devoted to the mystical path of Islam, embracing the Sufi tradition with heart and soul. In both his lifestyle and poetry, he emphasized divine love, humility, and the purification of the inner self. He wore the traditional handmade fabric of the region, known as karbas, with a humble style that became a symbol of his modesty and identity. This distinctive dress earned him the nickname “Shā’ir-e-Karbāsī”—the Poet of Karbas. Among Sufis and poetry lovers, he was also called “Lisān al-Ghayb”—The Tongue of the Unseen—a testament to the spiritual insight expressed in his verses.
One of the enduring mysteries surrounding Mulla Arif is the uncertainty of his birth and death dates. Historical records do not provide exact years, but scholars and locals alike believe that he was alive at least until the solar year 1316 (corresponding to approximately 1937 CE). In one of his moving ghazals, he indirectly reveals that he lived until at least 1310 SH. The poem is as follows:
I first speak of praising the Merciful God,
Second, of the Prophet’s praise, I speak of him,
He changes my heart, I speak from the soul to the tongue,
One by one, the matters, I speak from every place.
If you seek the path of love, rise above,
From the head, say, ‘Yes, Lord, forgive me by Your grace.’
The year is one thousand three hundred and ten,
Mullah Arif departs from this world, I speak of him.
This piece illustrates not only his poetic brilliance but also his awareness of divine realities and the transient nature of the worldly life.
Mulla Arif had two sons—Muhammad Qasim and Mulla Abdul Rauf. Both were respected within the community and inherited their father’s good reputation. Mulla Abdul Rauf, however, left no male heirs. From Muhammad Qasim’s lineage, three sons were born: Mulla Zahid, Abdul Samad, and Syed Rasul. Among them, only Syed Rasul is still alive today, while the others have returned to the Creator.
The legacy of Mulla Arif Akhundzada is deeply embedded in the soul of Nijrab. His poetry, teachings, and spiritual influence continue to inspire scholars, poets, and seekers of truth across generations. His life reminds us that true knowledge is not just memorized but lived, and that wisdom flows from the heart that is connected to the Divine.
Even though time has passed, the fragrance of his teachings lingers in the valleys of Nijrab, and his name is still spoken with reverence by those who cherish spiritual heritage. In an era of constant change, Mulla Arif remains a timeless symbol of love, devotion, and the enduring power of the written and spoken word.
Mulla Mohammad Akbar
Poet • Teacher • Cultural Contributor
Mulla Mohammad Akbar was a gifted poet and revered teacher from the Nijrab District, remembered for his deep love of literature and service to Afghan cultural heritage. Born in the year 1282 SH (circa 1903 CE) in the peaceful village of Bachi Khil Pacha Ghan in Nijrab, he came from a humble background. His father, Faqirullah, was a blacksmith—a profession held in high regard for its utility and strength. However, Mulla Akbar chose a different path: the path of knowledge, literature, and poetry.
Despite having no formal academic institutions available in his village at the time, Mulla Akbar received a private education in religious and literary studies. This dedication to learning, especially in an era when access to education was limited, speaks volumes about his intellectual curiosity and passion for knowledge. He soon turned to poetry as his primary form of expression and went on to compose numerous works in various poetic forms, including ghazals, qasidas, and advice-based poetry (nasihat).
What made Mulla Mohammad Akbar unique was not only his poetic skills but also his ability to inspire and teach others. He became a mentor to many aspiring poets and writers in the region. Among his most notable students were Naeem Jan, Mohammad Zahir, Bahram, and Dad Mohammad, all of whom carried his teachings forward and contributed to the literary culture of Nijrab and beyond.
Mulla Akbar was an active participant in the cultural and national movements of his time. He frequently composed poems on significant national occasions, especially during the reigns of King Amanullah Khan and King Zahir Shah. Whether individually or in collaboration with his students, he used poetry to express national pride, religious values, and the collective aspirations of the Afghan people. His poetry was a means of both celebration and reflection, often touching on topics of unity, honor, morality, and identity.
He lived a simple but influential life dedicated to the spread of culture and wisdom through the written word. Even though he was not from a wealthy or scholarly family, Mulla Akbar left behind a legacy rich in literary value. He passed away in 1322 SH (approximately 1943 CE) at the age of 70 and was laid to rest in the ancestral graveyard of his village.
One of his preserved verses offers a glimpse into his spiritual and poetic worldview:
“Listen to the story of the dream of King Rasool,
I saw the description of Muhammad in jurisprudence and principles,
He is compassionate to those who accept him,
His mercy covers all Muslims.”
These lines reflect Mulla Akbar’s deep reverence for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), as well as his grounding in Islamic knowledge and moral values. His poetry continues to be cherished by the people of Nijrab and serves as a bridge connecting the cultural heritage of the past to the present.
Mulla Shir Mohammad
Poet • Translator • Preserver of Oral Tradition
Mulla Shir Mohammad was a revered poet and cultural figure from the village of Pachi Khil Pacha Ghan in Nijrab District, born in 1254 SH (circa 1875 CE). He was the son of Hazrat Mohammad, and although his mother tongue was Pashai, he composed his poetry in Dari, Afghanistan’s classical literary language. This linguistic shift highlights not only his literary depth but also his dedication to connecting his community with the broader Persianate literary world.
Raised in a traditional environment, Mulla Shir Mohammad received his education under the guidance of local scholars and spiritual elders. He showed an early interest in both Islamic studies and literature, dedicating himself to the art of poetry and storytelling. What made his work especially unique was his habit of translating prose stories into poetry—a technique that blended narrative richness with rhythmic elegance. These poetic renderings made moral, religious, and cultural teachings more accessible to the people of his time, many of whom relied on oral traditions rather than written texts.
Although no official collection of his poetry survives today, Mulla Shir Mohammad’s verses have not been lost. His poems continue to live on through the oral traditions of the people of Nijrab. Many elders and literary enthusiasts still recite his works from memory, passing them down from generation to generation. This form of preservation is a testament to the profound impact of his words and their continued relevance in the cultural life of the region.
One of his well-known poetic verses serves as a reflection on life, death, and spirituality:
“O unaware one, always think of the Almighty,
Praise and glorify God, stay steadfast,
Sit by the riverbank, see the passing of your life,
Death will come, and you must await its arrival.”
These lines exemplify Mulla Shir Mohammad’s philosophical and spiritual outlook. His poetry often urged people to reflect on the transience of life, to remain mindful of their Creator, and to live with purpose and piety. Such themes resonated deeply with the people of Nijrab, whose lives were closely tied to nature, community, and faith.
Beyond his poetic contributions, Mulla Shir Mohammad also played an important role as a cultural educator. By crafting poems based on local and religious stories, he helped instill moral values, preserve regional folklore, and strengthen the spiritual consciousness of his community. His work was a bridge between tradition and expression, between the spoken word and poetic form.
He passed away after living a life of quiet devotion and literary contribution, though the exact year of his death remains unknown. Nonetheless, his legacy lives on—not through books or manuscripts, but in the hearts and memories of the people of Nijrab who continue to honor his name.
Mulla Shir Mohammad stands as a symbol of Nijrab’s rich oral and literary heritage, and his enduring influence reflects the power of poetry to transcend generations. Ghulam Fakhruddin Majdidi (Qadri)
Sufi Poet • Spiritual Voice • Literary Figure of Nijrab
Ghulam Fakhruddin Majdidi, known by his poetic pen name “Qadri,” was born in the year 1282 SH (circa 1903 CE) in the scenic village of Farkhshah Khil, located in the culturally rich Nijrab District. His life and poetry are a reflection of deep spiritual devotion, moral consciousness, and an unwavering commitment to truth and justice through the written word.
From an early age, Ghulam Fakhruddin showed great interest in religious learning and mystical philosophy. He studied Islamic sciences under local scholars and spiritual mentors, gaining deep knowledge in jurisprudence, theology, and Sufism. He was a committed follower of the Qadri Sufi order, a spiritual path that emphasized inner purity, divine love, and service to humanity. In honor of this affiliation, he adopted the name “Qadri” as part of his literary identity.
His love for poetry became a powerful channel for expressing his inner world. Ghulam Fakhruddin’s poems, especially his ghazals, often blended themes of divine love, spiritual yearning, and social observation. While many Sufi poets focused solely on mystical themes, Qadri’s poetry also highlighted the pain and injustice faced by ordinary people in society. His words carried a sense of moral responsibility, making him not only a spiritual guide but also a voice of conscience for his community.
One of his well-known Sufi ghazals expresses longing, love, and spiritual despair:
“O fairy-faced one, have mercy on my sad condition,
Hear my night-time sighs and morning groans,
The hem of your beauty is beyond my grasp,
Where do I await, see my yearning soul.”
Though couched in romantic language, the poem carries deep mystical meanings, common in Sufi literature. The “fairy-faced one” represents the divine beloved, and the “sad condition” of the poet symbolizes the separation between the soul and its origin. His verses, while personal and emotional, touched the hearts of many, resonating with those who experienced similar spiritual or emotional struggles.
Beyond poetry, Ghulam Fakhruddin was an active spiritual figure in his village and surrounding areas. He offered guidance, support, and moral teachings rooted in both religious doctrine and human compassion. His presence brought comfort to many, and his gatherings were said to be filled with wisdom, humility, and heartfelt devotion.
Although a comprehensive collection of his poetry has not been formally published, many of his verses survive through oral tradition, recited and remembered by the elderly and literary minds of Nijrab. His work has become a part of the district’s rich cultural memory, inspiring future generations to appreciate poetry not only as an art form but as a spiritual and ethical practice.
Ghulam Fakhruddin Majdidi stands among the notable literary figures of Nijrab—alongside Mulla Arif Akhundzada, Mulla Mohammad Akbar, and Mulla Shir Mohammad—who together have created a lasting legacy of spirituality, poetry, and cultural pride that extends far beyond the valleys of Nijrab.