What do you think?
Rate this book
Shehr-e-Zaat: City Of Self
Shehr-e-Zaat is the exploration of the soul. This is the story of a journey that you set on when the realities of your world stop making sense. With her world turned upside down, Falak Sher Afgan, the hauntingly beautiful and rich daughter of a business tycoon finds herself shattered, wretched and humiliated. Damaged beyond repair and unable to face the ugly truths of her life, she finds herself on a desperate quest to find ALLAH, the one thing she has never bothered with in her life, and the only thing that eludes her now, or does it? Do you really have to reach to ALLAH through other human beings, or is it a mere ruse by HIM to make you kind towards others, and in reality HE actually lives in all of us? You just have to read this story to find out. There are no clichés, just a humbling tale of a girl who had it all, but had it all wrong. Don’t we all?
70 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 1999
125 people are currently reading
1467 people want to read
About the author
Umera Ahmed
91 books2,058 followersUmera Ahmed is one of the most widely-read and popular Urdu fiction novelist and screenplay writer of this era.
She completed her Masters in English Literature from Murray College, Sialkot. Later she became an English language lecturer for the students of O and A levels at Army Public College, Sialkot. However she left the job a few years back in order to devote her full attention to writing.
She began her writing career in 1998 at a quite young age. Her initial stories were published in monthly urdu digests and later came out in the form of books. She has written about 16 books , comprising of complete novels and compilations of short stories. However it was her novel "Peer-e-Kaamil (S.A.W.W)" which became her identity.
She completed her Masters in English Literature from Murray College, Sialkot. Later she became an English language lecturer for the students of O and A levels at Army Public College, Sialkot. However she left the job a few years back in order to devote her full attention to writing.
She began her writing career in 1998 at a quite young age. Her initial stories were published in monthly urdu digests and later came out in the form of books. She has written about 16 books , comprising of complete novels and compilations of short stories. However it was her novel "Peer-e-Kaamil (S.A.W.W)" which became her identity.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
September 29, 2013
"Allah Ki Mohabbat Ke Siwa, Har Mohabbat Ko Zawal Hai.
Rab Ki Mohabbat Ke Illawa Duniya Ki Koi Mohabbat Sachi Nahi,
Aur Rab Asliyat Dekha Deta Hai. Har Rishte, Har Mohabbat Ki.
Phir Wo Sab Kuch Dekha Ker Adami Se Kehta Hai,
"Ab Bata Tera Mere Siwa Kon Hai?"
— Umera Ahmed (Shehr E Zaat)
Rab Ki Mohabbat Ke Illawa Duniya Ki Koi Mohabbat Sachi Nahi,
Aur Rab Asliyat Dekha Deta Hai. Har Rishte, Har Mohabbat Ki.
Phir Wo Sab Kuch Dekha Ker Adami Se Kehta Hai,
"Ab Bata Tera Mere Siwa Kon Hai?"
— Umera Ahmed (Shehr E Zaat)
December 12, 2012
This is the second time that Umera Ahmed's story made me cry. Her style is simple yet beautiful, her stories ordinary yet with a message so powerful that a Muslim cannot help but evaluate himself. Kudos to her for making us understand زات کی چاہ!
May 24, 2020
Eversince cable TV arrived in Pakistan,the Urdu TV drama took a nosedive.
Umera Ahmed is one of the most popular playwrights on cable TV.And if this is the best one,what of the lesser writers ! This TV series was initially a story in a women's magazine.
This one starts off as a love story and then very predictably for Umera Ahmed,goes into a heavy dose of preachiness and excessive religiosity,and even Sufism.
Please let entertainment remain entertainment.
1.5 stars
Umera Ahmed is one of the most popular playwrights on cable TV.And if this is the best one,what of the lesser writers ! This TV series was initially a story in a women's magazine.
This one starts off as a love story and then very predictably for Umera Ahmed,goes into a heavy dose of preachiness and excessive religiosity,and even Sufism.
Please let entertainment remain entertainment.
1.5 stars
January 6, 2014
This novel is about the pure love of Allah. How any worldly matter is irrelevant when one has full awareness & love of Allah in his heart. It is full of quotes & conversations that are brilliant & inspiring..i would've put 5 stars for this, yet i believe it could have been written better than this..if only Umera gave more in depth details on the characters & their emotional journeys. The sudden shift in Falak's behavior didn't satisfy me & left me with the belief that it could have been presented in a better way, The novel is too short and i have a feeling it was suddenly wrapped up without careful look into the ending. it is still worth reading though, i just wish the author would have extended it to add more necessary details.
October 4, 2025
Mohbbat sirf Allah ke liye h
November 7, 2019
"Mujhe zaat chahiye"
Full review with plot summary, characters, quotes is here on my blog.
This is story of Falak and Salman Ansar, two dropdead gorgeous people; but then Falak has a spritual awakening and things change. It is one of the earliest works of Umera Ahmad that I had read and was totally blown away. Depicting "Ishq-e-Haqiqi" was almost unheard of until then.
The first feeling when you read this is – intense, extreme, severe, fierce, and other synonyms.
The characters are extremely beautiful and rich. They belong to the extreme end of religious and spiritual spectrum. Both Salman and Falak are Muslim by name.
Falak is fiercely arrogant – nobody can ignore me, he cannot leave me, I don’t need to pray.
She falls totally, madly, deeply in love with Salman. It doesn’t end there. She transforms herself to appease Salman. Her likes, dislikes, the food she eats, the colours she wear; she changes everything for him.
The introspection is severe and the realization is sudden, a bit too sudden. I mean, I understand that Allah can choose to bring you on the right path in any moment. However, Salman marrying Tabanda and Falak’s quest for Zaat, is a bit too sudden.
However, whatever she has said, is true to every word and I agree wholeheartedly. Umera has explained, in the simplest yet effective words, that women, especially girls, shouldn’t change the way they are for a man. A man is nothing and the quest of pleasing a man can gain nothing, especially if you’re ignoring Allah for pleasing Allah’s mortal creature.
I have read this one again to review and I liked her writing even more. The novel was published in Pakeeza Aanchal in episodic form. That’s when I first read it. It was one of the rare novels that dare to venture into spiritual realm and did a great job of impacting young and impressionable minds, in a positive way.
Full review with plot summary, characters, quotes is here on my blog.
This is story of Falak and Salman Ansar, two dropdead gorgeous people; but then Falak has a spritual awakening and things change. It is one of the earliest works of Umera Ahmad that I had read and was totally blown away. Depicting "Ishq-e-Haqiqi" was almost unheard of until then.
The first feeling when you read this is – intense, extreme, severe, fierce, and other synonyms.
The characters are extremely beautiful and rich. They belong to the extreme end of religious and spiritual spectrum. Both Salman and Falak are Muslim by name.
Falak is fiercely arrogant – nobody can ignore me, he cannot leave me, I don’t need to pray.
She falls totally, madly, deeply in love with Salman. It doesn’t end there. She transforms herself to appease Salman. Her likes, dislikes, the food she eats, the colours she wear; she changes everything for him.
The introspection is severe and the realization is sudden, a bit too sudden. I mean, I understand that Allah can choose to bring you on the right path in any moment. However, Salman marrying Tabanda and Falak’s quest for Zaat, is a bit too sudden.
However, whatever she has said, is true to every word and I agree wholeheartedly. Umera has explained, in the simplest yet effective words, that women, especially girls, shouldn’t change the way they are for a man. A man is nothing and the quest of pleasing a man can gain nothing, especially if you’re ignoring Allah for pleasing Allah’s mortal creature.
I have read this one again to review and I liked her writing even more. The novel was published in Pakeeza Aanchal in episodic form. That’s when I first read it. It was one of the rare novels that dare to venture into spiritual realm and did a great job of impacting young and impressionable minds, in a positive way.
April 17, 2021
I really wanted to like this book and the concept has so much potential - but goodness me the characters are insufferable.
Falak, the main character, has a spiritual awakening which should have been exciting and I, as a reader, should have gone on a journey with her but she was obnoxious from start to end. She was annoying before her awakening and even more annoying after. I also get that Salman had to be an extreme character to portray the concepts but wow, that fella was another breed.
Overall, I think the concept was so good and some of the one liners about putting man before God were really great - a real shame the characters weren’t quite there.
Falak, the main character, has a spiritual awakening which should have been exciting and I, as a reader, should have gone on a journey with her but she was obnoxious from start to end. She was annoying before her awakening and even more annoying after. I also get that Salman had to be an extreme character to portray the concepts but wow, that fella was another breed.
Overall, I think the concept was so good and some of the one liners about putting man before God were really great - a real shame the characters weren’t quite there.
September 8, 2017
I read this book after watching the drama which was aired on Hum TV, and the drama is surprisingly better than the book because of her grandmother's (Nani) character, valuable insights and wisdom.
October 4, 2014
One novel which is bound to make you weep simply because of the rush of emotions that you would feel once you realize the meaning of your relation with Allah. This is a POWERFUL, deeply saddening and heart wrenching novel. I pay 100% credit to it for making me realize the religious and spiritual values of life. There is no contentment greater than that of being in love with the ALL MIGHTY & GREAT ALLAH.
January 6, 2021
Wow
If ever an atheist needs a challenge, this is it. The end still has me a bit confused and unhappy.
If ever an atheist needs a challenge, this is it. The end still has me a bit confused and unhappy.
November 21, 2018
Shehr-e-Zaat is my first Urdu novel.It has been written about Everlasting love, the love of ALLAH Almighty.
July 15, 2021
“Allah ke mohabbat ke siwa har mohabbat ko zawal hai. Rabb ke mohabbat ke ilawa duniya ke koi mohabbat sachi nahi. Aur Rabb asliyat dekha deta hai. Har rishte, har mobhabaat ke. Phir wo sab kuch dekha kar aadmi se kehta hai. Ab bata tera mere siwa kon hai?”
I watched the drama a few years ago and it resonated with me ever since. I found out it was based on an Umera Ahmed’s book and I wanted to read it and I am grateful that I have read it today. This novel showed me that our blessings can become a barrier or even a curse between us and God. They can take us away from God or make us think that they are more valuable than God when I reality nothing in this world is more valuable than God. It showed me that no one should be more important than God or our relationship with god. It showed me that God gives us things or puts people in our lives to test what we prioritise. It showed me that getting lost in these things and worshiping them takes us away from the Almighty Creator. It showed me that God is far far more important that our most treasured things and people we love the most. It showed me that nothing can love you like God. It showed me that sitting at doors (symbolising people) or worshiping those doors isn’t the purpose of life. Its to use that door as a way to form a deeper connection with God. The purpose is to understand and do what God wants and not fulfil every desire we have, as they can take you away from God.
I watched the drama a few years ago and it resonated with me ever since. I found out it was based on an Umera Ahmed’s book and I wanted to read it and I am grateful that I have read it today. This novel showed me that our blessings can become a barrier or even a curse between us and God. They can take us away from God or make us think that they are more valuable than God when I reality nothing in this world is more valuable than God. It showed me that no one should be more important than God or our relationship with god. It showed me that God gives us things or puts people in our lives to test what we prioritise. It showed me that getting lost in these things and worshiping them takes us away from the Almighty Creator. It showed me that God is far far more important that our most treasured things and people we love the most. It showed me that nothing can love you like God. It showed me that sitting at doors (symbolising people) or worshiping those doors isn’t the purpose of life. Its to use that door as a way to form a deeper connection with God. The purpose is to understand and do what God wants and not fulfil every desire we have, as they can take you away from God.
June 11, 2025
Allah Ki Mohabbat Ke Siwa, Har Mohabbat Ko Zawal Hai.
Rab Ki Mohabbat Ke Illawa Duniya Ki Koi Mohabbat Sachi Nahi,
Aur Rab Asliyat Dekha Deta Hai. Har Rishte, Har Mohabbat Ki.
Phir Wo Sab Kuch Dekha Ker Adami Se Kehta Hai,
"Ab Bata Tera Mere Siwa Kon Hai
This quote captures the soul of Shehr-e-Zaat. It’s not just a story — it’s a spiritual awakening. It holds up a mirror to the illusions we wrap ourselves in: the obsession with beauty, the pursuit of love, the desire for validation. And then it gently strips them away, one by one, until we’re left facing the only constant — the Creator.
We chase worldly dreams until they shatter, and in that breaking, we finally look upwards. Shehr-e-Zaat reminds us that all human love is flawed, conditional, and temporary. Only Divine love is pure, absolute, and unshakable.
It’s a narrative that whispers a hard truth: sometimes, heartbreak is not a punishment but a redirection — from creation to the Creator.
November 10, 2024
Shehr-e-Zaat by Umera Ahmed is a profound tale of love, self-discovery, and spiritual awakening. The story follows Falak, a privileged woman who learns the emptiness of placing another person at the center of her existence. Through heartbreak, she realizes that material wealth and beauty do not define a person’s worth or bring true happiness. Instead, Falak comes to understand that genuine fulfillment comes from inner values and not outward appearances or possessions.
Ahmed’s story emphasizes that life’s imperfections make it meaningful, urging readers to embrace the messiness of human existence. As Falak experiences emotional turmoil, she finds lasting peace through prayer, turning her toward a deeper connection with herself and her faith. Ultimately, Shehr-e-Zaat beautifully illustrates the importance of spiritual growth, urging readers to seek peace and purpose beyond the superficial.
Ahmed’s story emphasizes that life’s imperfections make it meaningful, urging readers to embrace the messiness of human existence. As Falak experiences emotional turmoil, she finds lasting peace through prayer, turning her toward a deeper connection with herself and her faith. Ultimately, Shehr-e-Zaat beautifully illustrates the importance of spiritual growth, urging readers to seek peace and purpose beyond the superficial.
Currently reading
October 8, 2012nice
April 25, 2014
.ایمان سب کچھ ہے. کوئی ایک اللہ کے مقابلے میں تم سے زیادہ محبت کرے گا
! بہت اچھا کہانی
! بہت اچھا کہانی
December 30, 2015
3.5 stars
September 3, 2019
Like any other Umera Ahmed's novel, the message behind Shehr-e-Zaat is spiritual awakening. A sharp contrast is drawn between the Sufi concepts of Ishq-e-Haqeeqi , the love of a human for God, and Ishq-e-Majazi , the love of a human for another human.
الله کی محبّت کے سوا ہر محبّت کو زوال ہے
The part where the conversations between the female protagonist Falak and the Fakir took place, that was really eye-opening.
This is a door. Man is a door. The work of a door is to either open a way, or to obstruct the way. He has stopped or blocked your path. Or, rather, the path of every woman is blocked because of this. They cannot go ahead. What will you do with the love of Man? This is not the final goal, Bibi. Why aren’t you looking at the final goal? Why are you hankering for the present and the now? Why are you not seeking God? This is just WOW. Totally hit me.
Then the fakir said, He has made everyone a beggar sitting in the way. But each thinks that he is the master until he stumbles on an obstacle and is brought down to his knees. Until that happens one is not aware of one’s own status. It is the destiny of men to be beggars. But not the Divine. The destiny of men is to beg, and the destiny of the Divine is to give. Both you and I, Bibi, we are all beggars. If not today, then tomorrow, or some other time, we all have to become beggars. We have to ask and plead. Some ask for love, some ask for the world or worldly things. Those who don’t ask for this, ask for the end of need and desire.
The main lesson behind this book is really impressive.
الله کی محبّت کے سوا ہر محبّت کو زوال ہے
The part where the conversations between the female protagonist Falak and the Fakir took place, that was really eye-opening.
This is a door. Man is a door. The work of a door is to either open a way, or to obstruct the way. He has stopped or blocked your path. Or, rather, the path of every woman is blocked because of this. They cannot go ahead. What will you do with the love of Man? This is not the final goal, Bibi. Why aren’t you looking at the final goal? Why are you hankering for the present and the now? Why are you not seeking God? This is just WOW. Totally hit me.
Then the fakir said, He has made everyone a beggar sitting in the way. But each thinks that he is the master until he stumbles on an obstacle and is brought down to his knees. Until that happens one is not aware of one’s own status. It is the destiny of men to be beggars. But not the Divine. The destiny of men is to beg, and the destiny of the Divine is to give. Both you and I, Bibi, we are all beggars. If not today, then tomorrow, or some other time, we all have to become beggars. We have to ask and plead. Some ask for love, some ask for the world or worldly things. Those who don’t ask for this, ask for the end of need and desire.
The main lesson behind this book is really impressive.
January 11, 2017
With a new-found fondness for Pakistani television shows, which tend to come without the unaesthetic simplification and over-dramatization of all experiences human that's the trademark baggage of everything currently produced this side of the border - I decided to finally commit myself to a full-length novel by the author who seems to have supplied the inspiration for half of all series produced in that country.
This was my first novel in Urdu, having confined myself to short story collections and poetry so far, and it definitely helped that Umera Ahmed uses a very colloquial lexicon, without the litany of esoteric Perso-Arabic loanwords that render Ghalib's poetry or even relatively high-brow prose in Urdu rather opaque to me; and yet without losing the characteristic flavour of any purposefully written text in this language that I am so enamored of.
As for the storyline itself, Shehr-e-Zaat did strike me as overly preachy, the religious undertones of the novel - Falak's eventual 'redemption' through discovery of god - were entirely lost on me. Though regardless, I felt invested enough in the story that I enjoyed observing her from the background even while not necessarily agreeing with her.
This was my first novel in Urdu, having confined myself to short story collections and poetry so far, and it definitely helped that Umera Ahmed uses a very colloquial lexicon, without the litany of esoteric Perso-Arabic loanwords that render Ghalib's poetry or even relatively high-brow prose in Urdu rather opaque to me; and yet without losing the characteristic flavour of any purposefully written text in this language that I am so enamored of.
As for the storyline itself, Shehr-e-Zaat did strike me as overly preachy, the religious undertones of the novel - Falak's eventual 'redemption' through discovery of god - were entirely lost on me. Though regardless, I felt invested enough in the story that I enjoyed observing her from the background even while not necessarily agreeing with her.
June 23, 2018
Umera Ahmad is the emerging and popular weiter in Urdu litreature she started writing in 1998 and now almost 35 novels has been complied by her some of them became very famous like Peer e Kamil,Aab e Hayat, and now she is considered as notable Urdu novelist.is a set of all the novels present. Her Novels used to publish in monthly digest. The writer holds a great repute owing to a vast readership especially in the youth of Pakistan. Her novels and stories are even projected on TV dramas and they also carve a great spot in the heart of viewers. Her novels are basically based on spirituality love emotions and humanity.The writer has also achieved lux award.She got married in 2014 and now living a happy life. freebooksmania provides the download link of all her novel in pdf format .
Get Yourself a Copy
Get Yourself a Copy
September 17, 2025
I watched the drama Shehr-e-Zaat last June, and it truly left a deep impact on me. At first, it seemed like just another love story, but as the episodes went on, I realized it carried a much deeper lesson about life and spirituality. Falak’s journey showed how we often chase beauty, status, and worldly desires, forgetting that everything in this world is temporary. Her heartbreak made her realize that true peace and happiness can only come from Allah.
Some lines that stayed with me were:
"Hum makhlooq ke samne sar jhukate hain,aur khaliq ko vhul jate hain”
" Duniya sirf ek fareb hain, dil ko suqoon sirf Allah ko yad karne mein milta hain”
" Jab tak insaan apne andar ke sach ko nahi dekhta, woh kabhi sukoon nahi pa sakta"
After watching the drama and understanding the story, I really feel that I want to keep the novel in my collection so I can read it fully and reflect on its lessons again.🤍
Some lines that stayed with me were:
"Hum makhlooq ke samne sar jhukate hain,aur khaliq ko vhul jate hain”
" Duniya sirf ek fareb hain, dil ko suqoon sirf Allah ko yad karne mein milta hain”
" Jab tak insaan apne andar ke sach ko nahi dekhta, woh kabhi sukoon nahi pa sakta"
After watching the drama and understanding the story, I really feel that I want to keep the novel in my collection so I can read it fully and reflect on its lessons again.🤍
August 13, 2022
I appreciate the perspective and view of life that Umera Ahmad shared in this novel. Nani’s character provides a lot of wisdom, insights and an expression of divine love while Falak’s character goes through drastic transformation over the course of time. Falak emerges as a more mature and compassionate human being as a result of the transforming experiences. The book is sad too, it made me cry at multiple times. I’d like to take break from reading these sad and intense stories. 😭
February 16, 2025
It's interesting reading of self exploring journey of falak ....falak understand true meaning of life after a sudden tragedy happened in her life and after this her life changed completely because she started learning of inner world that is more powerful .
Thank You Umera Ahmed for such a beautiful journey of falak 😍
Thank You Umera Ahmed for such a beautiful journey of falak 😍
January 31, 2020
Heart touching
Felt something missing in it story but the subject was strong. Really enjoyed reading it. Made me realize what we have become as a human being, indulged into the luxuries of this temporary life, forgetting that this will end.
Felt something missing in it story but the subject was strong. Really enjoyed reading it. Made me realize what we have become as a human being, indulged into the luxuries of this temporary life, forgetting that this will end.
June 10, 2020
People may look at this poignant novella as a religious literature, but I saw this more as a brief, profound prologue to the inward sojourn. The quest of within, seeking one’s moorings within. Simple, touching and more important, revealing!
January 27, 2021
Its heartbreaking. It strips you naked and puts you infront of a mirror where you see your worst self,all your flaws, everything wrong we as Muslims are doing in our lives. Its heart wrenching, it made me cry for a week but its necessary.
December 13, 2023
اگرچہ بہت سے لوگوں نے اسے ایک عظیم ناول کہا ہے لیکن میں اس کی زیادہ تعریف نہیں کر پاؤں گا۔ مرکزی کردار با اثر نہیں تھے۔ لیکن پلاٹ زندگی کی تلخ حقیقتوں کو چھو رہا تھا۔ عمیرہ احمد کے دیگر شاہکاروں کا موازنہ کیا جائے تو یہ دوسروں کی طرح عظیم نہیں تھا۔
May 20, 2024
Giving 5 star to this novel because it deserves. Literally such a masterpiece written by Umera Ahmed, a short novel but lots of things to understand, its a full of spiritual content, the beautiful explanation of ishq e haqeeqi. Its a must read.
October 11, 2024
I don't relate to Falak that much but it will be such an eye opening book for those who can't get out of their toxic relationship or for someone who is madly in love
Overall its a solid 3.8/5
Genre :
Sufism
Love between Allah and human being
Overall its a solid 3.8/5
Genre :
Sufism
Love between Allah and human being
August 17, 2018
one of the best Urdu novel I have ever read,healing spiritual powers, love love love it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews