Alif

Description

Alif is the work of Umera Ahmed written in Urdu. It is a novel that speaks about the journey of spirituality, self-discovery, and the bond between the Creator and creation. One of her most thoughtful works, Alif has been adapted to form Pakistan’s blockbuster TV drama. Here’s a little introduction to the novel:

Plot Overview:
Alif is a narration about two central personalities.

Qalb-e-Momin: A celebrated film director whose entire life is just pukka showbiz glamor and materialism. He has lost touch with his religious roots and spiritual selves. Momin can have all the world’s luxuries, but inwards he is totally clueless, seeking peace without knowing where to find it.

Momina Sultan: She is a young woman expecting to see a dream come true. Life has been difficult for her, and her family comes from near-poverty conditions and struggling members. She is earthy and mature, and she really knows the real meaning of life and spirituality. Momina suffers personal loss through the death of her brother that makes her go through the spiritual life journey and get closer to God.

The story often shifts back and forth between the present and flashbacks, where Momin’s childhood and his life with his grandfather, Abdul Ala, a calligrapher is portrayed. Abdul Ala had always wanted to make Momin understand the meaning behind the Arabic letter “Alif”, which meant God’s unity.

Themes:
Spirituality and Faith: faith journey is something at the very heart of the novel. Both Momin and Momina question what they know about life, destiny, and their relationship with God.

Self-Discovery: The two protagonists undergo a transforming journey. Momin, who initially appears materialistic and disenchanted, undergoes discovery to his spirituality in so much that he recovers it through the series of events that happen in his life and particularly through the influence of his grandfather.

The novel has also used the character of Abdul Ala to discuss the relationship between art and religion, or more specifically, calligraphy as an art and how it is deep in spirituality.

Love and Sacrifice: Love was not only presented as romantic but rather as a form of sacrifice, dedication, and a way to spiritual fulfillment.

Style:
Umera Ahmed uses her style of rich and philosophic writing in Alif, which is full of metaphors, symbolism, especially involving the Arabic script, spirituality, and the pursuit for meaning in life. The narrative switches between past and present, making the plot multi-layered to explore arcs of emotion along different timelines.

Effect:
Alif has been well received for themes provoking readers to reflect on their association with God, the purpose of living, and the outcomes of their choices. It has been greatly appreciated for bringing a move to mainstream storytelling spirituality. However, it is equally relatable to modern readers.

The novel challenges the reader to think beyond materialistic success, look for what is a much more significant and spiritual journey we all must undertake. This makes it a very powerful and reflective read.