Shah Nawaz Nazir
Mohammad Yousuf Malla, known to the literary world as Yousuf Khayal, was born in September 1949, in the heart of Kashmir, into a household where scarcity defined everyday life. Books were rare treasures, pens were luxuries, and even a simple notebook costing a paisa was seldom available. Yet, amid these material deprivations, the seeds of curiosity, reflection, and spiritual sensitivity quietly took root. His family had no literary lineage, no academic tradition to nurture budding talent, but they did have the presence of a guiding light: the family Pir, Din Sob, also known as Mama Sob Shalimar. This spiritual mentor and elder became a pivotal figure in Yousuf Khayal’s life, shaping not only his moral compass but also the earliest stirrings of his poetic sensibility.
From his earliest years, Yousuf was drawn to the world of learning, though formal education was modest. He began at Sogam 5th Primary School, continued through Zoohama Middle School, and completed his secondary education at Nagam Higher Secondary School. Teachers like Abdul Ghani Mir of Badipora and Headmaster Mumtaz Jal Ud din left indelible marks, while sporadic exposure to religious education offered moments of contemplation. Yet, it was Mama Sob’s quiet mentorship that left a lasting imprint. Observing the young boy’s natural inclination toward rhythm and words, he nurtured these sparks, blending spiritual guidance with encouragement for creative expression. It was under his watchful eyes that Yousuf first began to hum lines, turning them into conscious thought and, eventually, written verse.
Some of his earliest poetic expressions reflect this period of nurturing:
“Dildar Karti Mai seet Izhari Haal Akh Dam”
“Aashaq Samith Che Sairi Chai Kun Kairith Che Sarkham”
Mama Sob would often notice Yousuf murmuring his verses and remark gently, “Ap kay gunguna rahay ho,” recognizing the poet emerging within the boy. These small moments of recognition, combined with lessons in morality, discipline, and spiritual awareness, became the foundation of Yousuf Khayal’s literary and ethical worldview.
In 1971, familial obligations led him to marry a woman from Sogam in a family-approved union. With marriage came the responsibilities of household life, and the demands of raising a family made it increasingly difficult to spend time in Sogam. Yet, the flame of poetry remained alive, continuing to guide him even as life’s practicalities pressed upon him.
That same year marked a turning point in his literary journey. The Azad Cultural Forum Chadora, a prominent literary organization, emerged in the region, providing young writers with a platform for expression. By 1973, Yousuf Khayal had become a registered member. Writing in Kashmiri, the language of his heart and heritage, he found a natural medium to convey the subtleties of emotion, reflection, and spiritual longing.
A particularly formative moment came during Eid Milad-un-Nabi at Sogam, in the presence of Qasim Shah Bulhari, Sadr of Anjuman Tableegul Islam, Jammu and Kashmir. On this occasion, Yousuf recited a naat:
“Bagi Gulshan Assi Shajomut Zakhmawai Seet Ya Rasool (SAW)”
“Aash Assi Chai Kaash Yihak Gaash Vandhoy Ya Rasool (SAW)”
The appreciation and recognition he received ignited his passion for poetry and public recitation. Until this moment, he wrote simply as Yousuf, but inspired by this acknowledgment, he adopted the pen name “Khayal”, marking a new chapter in his literary identity. This event also cemented his engagement with both riwayat (tradition) and jadeediyat (modernity), a balance that would define his life’s work.
As his literary sensibilities matured, he drew inspiration from Kashmir’s literary and spiritual greats: Shamas Faqeer, whose mysticism he admired; Abdul Salam Sani R.A. Kralwari; Ali Mohammad Sheerazi, whose guidance profoundly shaped him; and Abdul Ghani Parwaaz. His poetry matured further under the spiritual mentorship of Ghulam Hassan Dar of Ranger, also known by the pen name Javaid Aazad. Dar’s guidance went beyond literary craft, encompassing ethics, spiritual discipline, and life lessons. One such memorable lesson still resonates: “If foul water descends from a drain, would you drink it?”—a metaphor for guarding the heart and mind from impurity, and for maintaining integrity in thought and action.
Yousuf Khayal’s poetry is distinguished by its interplay between majaz (metaphor) and ishq hakeeki (divine love). It is a reflection of both the human condition and the eternal, weaving joy, sorrow, longing, and spiritual insight into lyrical forms. Personal tragedies—the death of close family members and children—could have shattered him, yet they became a crucible for artistic expression, deepening the emotional and spiritual resonance of his work. From these trials emerged some of his most poignant verses:
“Mai Chum Bud Seeni Kormut Teernei Kyuit Kar Che Baaranah”
“Luqan Seenas Supar Duitmut Ratan Bui Chai Kuni Voch Voch”
Despite having written nearly 100 ghazals, financial constraints prevented their formal publication. Nevertheless, recognition came from those whose approval mattered most: mentors, spiritual guides, and literary peers, particularly Ali Mohammad Sheerazi and Abdul Ghani Parwaaz who’s consistently appreciated his work and encouraged him to continue refining his craft. For Yousuf Khayal, poetry is more than art—it is a conduit, a bridge connecting the social, personal, and divine realms. He has consistently emphasized to young writers the importance of correcting their pen, seeking guidance, and pursuing depth in their work.
For him, literature serves as both mirror and teacher. It reflects society, guides conscience, and nurtures the spirit. Observing the modern literary scene, he notes with concern that many poets are consumed by worldly pursuits, unprepared to lead or follow higher truths. In contrast, his own work seeks harmony between spiritual grounding and ethical discipline, offering readers insight, reflection, and moral clarity. His literary style blends tradition and modernity, honoring classical Kashmiri forms while engaging with contemporary thought, creating a dialogue between the past and present, the mystical and the immediate.
Looking ahead, Yousuf Khayal’s wish is simple yet profound: that his poetry be read, printed, and remembered—not for personal fame but for the sincerity, resilience, and depth it embodies. His life, shaped by spiritual mentorship, personal hardship, and unwavering devotion to the craft of poetry, stands as a testament to the enduring power of literature to illuminate the human spirit and connect it with the eternal. Through his journey—from the early guidance of Mama Sob, the formative recognition at Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAW), to the mentorship of Ghulam Hassan Dar—Yousuf Khayal emerges not merely as a poet but as a living bridge between tradition, spiritual insight, and modern literary consciousness.
His story is a reflection of Kashmir itself: a landscape of beauty, struggle, resilience, and enduring spiritual depth. It is a testament to the transformative power of guidance, perseverance, and the written word, and a reminder that poetry, when nurtured with care and devotion, becomes a lasting legacy of the human soul.
(The author is a freelancer and can be reached at [email protected])
