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الف
Alif is Umera Ahmed's latest novel
The story of encircles a hardworking and diligent filmmaker named Momin, who is shown to be tangled between his spirituality and the glamourous life that he leads.
The novel comes packed full of sentiments and love which surrounds family values and depicts the love of a dervish in the novel.
The story of encircles a hardworking and diligent filmmaker named Momin, who is shown to be tangled between his spirituality and the glamourous life that he leads.
The novel comes packed full of sentiments and love which surrounds family values and depicts the love of a dervish in the novel.
463 pages, ebook
First published April 25, 2019
194 people are currently reading
3187 people want to read
About the author
Umera Ahmed
91 books2,049 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
March 5, 2023
I re-read it and cried again. Umera knows how to write heartwarming stories.
How is it possible to not like a book of Umera? I LOVED IT....SIMPLY JUST LOVED IT...THE ENDING LITERALLY MADE ME CRY....
How is it possible to not like a book of Umera? I LOVED IT....SIMPLY JUST LOVED IT...THE ENDING LITERALLY MADE ME CRY....
July 17, 2020
I started reading Alif last night and Umaira's dear old writing charm and the nostalgia of the whole experience kept me awake to finish it in one sitting. The writing was beautiful and engaging as always. It made me laugh out loud and Cry.I was already aware of the general plot from the tv serial teasers but there were still enough twists and turns to keep it interesting. It's a story of different people trying to find contentment and true happiness in their apparently well settled and successful lives. Reading this makes you stop and reflect on what you're doing in life. How easily we deviate from the original objectives of our life and fall in the circle of self importance. Which I think is purpose of the book and beautifully achieved .
The characters were familiar in a deja Vu sort of way. Like trademark Umaira Ahmed characters.
I caught glimpses of Umaira's old characters from different books in all the characters of this book in one way or other. I guess it happens when you're writing about the same theme again and again.
SPOILER ALERT: What really was a pleasant surprise for me was the way Momina didn't just go after Qalb e Momin, following his footsteps without understanding and experiencing the same journey herself. We love seeing women making their own decisions for themselves in this house. .
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Do I recommend it? Yes to the people who've never read Umaira before. It'll be mind blowing for you. And to people who're already Umaira's fans, read it for nostalgia.
The characters were familiar in a deja Vu sort of way. Like trademark Umaira Ahmed characters.
I caught glimpses of Umaira's old characters from different books in all the characters of this book in one way or other. I guess it happens when you're writing about the same theme again and again.
SPOILER ALERT: What really was a pleasant surprise for me was the way Momina didn't just go after Qalb e Momin, following his footsteps without understanding and experiencing the same journey herself. We love seeing women making their own decisions for themselves in this house. .
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Do I recommend it? Yes to the people who've never read Umaira before. It'll be mind blowing for you. And to people who're already Umaira's fans, read it for nostalgia.
October 25, 2019
اس کتاب میں وہ جادو موجود نہ تھا جو عمیرہ احمد کی سابقہ کتب میں موجود تھا. ان کی اوّلین کتب جو میں نے پڑھیں وہ پیرکامل، میری ذات ذرہء بے نشاں اور دربار دل تھیں. میری ذات ذرہء بے نشاں تو شاید بہت نوعمری میں پڑھی۔
اس کتاب کو پڑھنے کا ارادہ بھی اسی واسطے کیا تھا کہ دیکھ سکوں کہ اب ان کی تحریر کیسا لطف دیتی ہے. بہرحال میرے لیے اتنا خوشگوار تجربہ نہیں تھا۔
اس ناول کی کہانی شوبزنس کے کرداروں کے گرد گھومتی ہے. ایک انا پرست ہدایت کار اور ایک غریب اداکارہ. مذہب کے تڑکے کے طور پر ایک خطاط دادا جی اور اداکارہ کی غربت کے لیے ایک بیمار بھائی. مکالمے بے حد سطحی اور غیر حقیقی. کہانی وہی محبت محبت اور بس محبت ساتھ میں مذہب. سچ بتاؤں تو مجھے تو یقین ہی نہیں ہے کہ یہ عمیرہ احمد نے لکھا ہے. ان کا انداز، موضوع اور کہانی کی وسعت لاجواب ہوا کرتی تھی. مجھے شک ہے کہ یہ کسی گھوسٹ رائٹر نے لکھا ہے۔
جان لیجیے کہ عمیرہ احمد کو معلوم ہے کہ ان کا نام بکتا ہے. اسی لیے انھوں نے اس کتاب کے مالکانہ حقوق کسی بھی اشاعتی ادارے کو نہ دیے. حقیقت یہی ہے کہ کماتے یہی ادارے ہیں، مصنف کو کچھ نہیں ملتا. اس امر کی ضرورت اس لیے ان کو محسوس ہوئی کیوں کہ بکواس چینلز کے پاس ڈرامہ بنانے کے لیے اچھوتے موضوعات کی کمی ہے. ناول کی آمد اور کسی حد تک خواتین قارئین کے حلقے میں مقبولیت مزید بڑھانے کے لیے ایسے ناولز کی اڈاپشن ناگزیر ہے. ٹی وی والوں کا سودا بھی بکتا ہے اور مصنف بھی خوشحال ہوجاتا ہے۔
عمیرہ احمد اب کوئی ولی اللہ تو ہیں نہیں کہ ان کا ناول اوسط درجہ کا نہیں ہوسکتا. مان لیں کہ رائٹرز بلاک آجاتا ہے. شاید خواتین کو پسند آیا ہو مگر مجھے نہیں۔
بہت بھی کھلے دل سے دوں تو دو تارے۔
اس کتاب کو پڑھنے کا ارادہ بھی اسی واسطے کیا تھا کہ دیکھ سکوں کہ اب ان کی تحریر کیسا لطف دیتی ہے. بہرحال میرے لیے اتنا خوشگوار تجربہ نہیں تھا۔
اس ناول کی کہانی شوبزنس کے کرداروں کے گرد گھومتی ہے. ایک انا پرست ہدایت کار اور ایک غریب اداکارہ. مذہب کے تڑکے کے طور پر ایک خطاط دادا جی اور اداکارہ کی غربت کے لیے ایک بیمار بھائی. مکالمے بے حد سطحی اور غیر حقیقی. کہانی وہی محبت محبت اور بس محبت ساتھ میں مذہب. سچ بتاؤں تو مجھے تو یقین ہی نہیں ہے کہ یہ عمیرہ احمد نے لکھا ہے. ان کا انداز، موضوع اور کہانی کی وسعت لاجواب ہوا کرتی تھی. مجھے شک ہے کہ یہ کسی گھوسٹ رائٹر نے لکھا ہے۔
جان لیجیے کہ عمیرہ احمد کو معلوم ہے کہ ان کا نام بکتا ہے. اسی لیے انھوں نے اس کتاب کے مالکانہ حقوق کسی بھی اشاعتی ادارے کو نہ دیے. حقیقت یہی ہے کہ کماتے یہی ادارے ہیں، مصنف کو کچھ نہیں ملتا. اس امر کی ضرورت اس لیے ان کو محسوس ہوئی کیوں کہ بکواس چینلز کے پاس ڈرامہ بنانے کے لیے اچھوتے موضوعات کی کمی ہے. ناول کی آمد اور کسی حد تک خواتین قارئین کے حلقے میں مقبولیت مزید بڑھانے کے لیے ایسے ناولز کی اڈاپشن ناگزیر ہے. ٹی وی والوں کا سودا بھی بکتا ہے اور مصنف بھی خوشحال ہوجاتا ہے۔
عمیرہ احمد اب کوئی ولی اللہ تو ہیں نہیں کہ ان کا ناول اوسط درجہ کا نہیں ہوسکتا. مان لیں کہ رائٹرز بلاک آجاتا ہے. شاید خواتین کو پسند آیا ہو مگر مجھے نہیں۔
بہت بھی کھلے دل سے دوں تو دو تارے۔
June 8, 2019
Recommended by my lovely Ramsha 💙❤
It was a very slow read .I finished it in a month almost really a very slow read .A so different and unique story apart from other novels.It is a story of purest love with Allah and majazi mahboob.A love of little child with Allah.A story which made me cry .Beautifully written by Umerah Ahmed.A story which is based on the life style of showbiz .A story of a famous director qalbe momin and Versatile actress Momina Sultan.A really worth reading story .A story of true love and scarifice of Husnay Jahan and Taha .They left everything in their love even their families .How litle qalbe momin wrote letters to Allah to bring his father back.A story of one and only Sultan who was in love with husanay Jahan and he did so much for her in her love .A highly recommended novel .❤❤❤❤ Everyone must read this ...Cant wait for the drama which is going to be on aired soon .Hope this drama wont disappoint me .
It was a very slow read .I finished it in a month almost really a very slow read .A so different and unique story apart from other novels.It is a story of purest love with Allah and majazi mahboob.A love of little child with Allah.A story which made me cry .Beautifully written by Umerah Ahmed.A story which is based on the life style of showbiz .A story of a famous director qalbe momin and Versatile actress Momina Sultan.A really worth reading story .A story of true love and scarifice of Husnay Jahan and Taha .They left everything in their love even their families .How litle qalbe momin wrote letters to Allah to bring his father back.A story of one and only Sultan who was in love with husanay Jahan and he did so much for her in her love .A highly recommended novel .❤❤❤❤ Everyone must read this ...Cant wait for the drama which is going to be on aired soon .Hope this drama wont disappoint me .
October 14, 2019
I'm reading it by episodes and reviews are on my blog. You can read everything here. There's more drama reviews, if you're interested.
July 27, 2019
پریم رتن چاہے دنیا کا ہو یا ما سوا دنیا کا۔۔۔ بےکل کرتا ہے۔۔ بے حال بھی۔ اس ناول نے مجھے سوچنے پر مجبور کر دیا کہ کیا میں آج تک صرف دنیا کے پیچھے بھاگی ہوں۔۔ جسے دنیا کامیابی سے عبارت کرتی ہے وہ حقیقی کامیابی ہے بھی یا نہیں۔۔۔ کچھ تو ہے کہ جس کے لیے شاہ اپنے تخت چھوڑ کر فقیر ہو گئے، لیکن کسی درویش نے سلطانی قبول نہ کی۔ حاصلِ حیات کیا ہے؟ یہ کہ تمھیں لوگ جانتے ہوں یا یہ کہ تمھیں اللّٰہ جانتا ہو۔
بہت ہی خوبصورتی سے پروی یہ کہانی ایسی ہے کہ ہلنے نہیں دیتی، رونگٹے کھڑے ہو جاتے ہیں۔۔۔
قلبِ مومن کی کہانی ہو یا حسنِ جہاں کی۔۔۔ یا مومنہ سلطان ہو یا خطاطی سے جڑے بڑے نام۔۔۔
ہر شخص خود میں ایک داستان ہے۔۔۔ ایک سفر سموئے ہوئے ہے۔۔۔ صنم سے صمد تک کا
بہت ہی خوبصورتی سے پروی یہ کہانی ایسی ہے کہ ہلنے نہیں دیتی، رونگٹے کھڑے ہو جاتے ہیں۔۔۔
قلبِ مومن کی کہانی ہو یا حسنِ جہاں کی۔۔۔ یا مومنہ سلطان ہو یا خطاطی سے جڑے بڑے نام۔۔۔
ہر شخص خود میں ایک داستان ہے۔۔۔ ایک سفر سموئے ہوئے ہے۔۔۔ صنم سے صمد تک کا
January 7, 2022
Book Review : Alif by Umera Ahmed
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ہم سب یہ ہی کرتے ہیں نا، انسانوں کے بارے میں اپنے گمانوں پر چلتے ہیں۔ یہ ماننے کو تیار ہی نہیں ہوتے کہ ہم غلطی کر کے بدل سکتے ہیں تو دوسرا بھی غلطی سے سیکھ سکتا ہے۔ توبہ کے دروازے پر کسی ایک انسان کا نام تو نہیں لکھا ہوتا۔
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The story revolves around Qalb-e-momin, an amazing young director at the peak of his fame and talent. He has directed 4 films and all were hit.
Then there is Momina Sultan, a talented actress but needs recognition, who is forced to be in this industry because of her family.
Then there is Husn-e-Jahan, a very successful and infamous dancer of 90s.
And Taha Abdul A'ala, descendant of the family famous for their contribution in the field of Arabic calligraphy or say Quranic calligraphy and a calligrapher himself.
The message to value your blood relations, be it your siblings, grandparents, parents, to never hesitate to clarify what's bothering you regarding them instead of just walking away, making your assumptions and jumping to the conclusions, would hurt you so much and it would become your biggest regret touched me the most. Wherever she has written about calligraphy or discussed it, she has done it amazingly.
This story will rack your core! It will make you think of all things you do on everyday basis. It will make you look inside your heart! Will tear you apart! It is the kind of story that revolves around our journey towards Allah. It will make you ponder about your goal in this dunya (world). Why are you here? What it is that Allah wants from you? One great work by Umera indeed!
Authors really don't go this way usually, because it take some serious guts to write on these matters because our desi liberals are always ready to throw dirt at you and judge you.
The ending seemed pretty rushed to me, but the writing is very fluent, not at all dragged or preachy, with some very strong and deep lines and one point virtually blew me over.
All in all if you love to read Umera Ahmed, go for it, she won't disappoint you, what with the most needed message for us, these days!
.
The highlight for me while reading this is its audio version
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ہم سب یہ ہی کرتے ہیں نا، انسانوں کے بارے میں اپنے گمانوں پر چلتے ہیں۔ یہ ماننے کو تیار ہی نہیں ہوتے کہ ہم غلطی کر کے بدل سکتے ہیں تو دوسرا بھی غلطی سے سیکھ سکتا ہے۔ توبہ کے دروازے پر کسی ایک انسان کا نام تو نہیں لکھا ہوتا۔
.
The story revolves around Qalb-e-momin, an amazing young director at the peak of his fame and talent. He has directed 4 films and all were hit.
Then there is Momina Sultan, a talented actress but needs recognition, who is forced to be in this industry because of her family.
Then there is Husn-e-Jahan, a very successful and infamous dancer of 90s.
And Taha Abdul A'ala, descendant of the family famous for their contribution in the field of Arabic calligraphy or say Quranic calligraphy and a calligrapher himself.
The message to value your blood relations, be it your siblings, grandparents, parents, to never hesitate to clarify what's bothering you regarding them instead of just walking away, making your assumptions and jumping to the conclusions, would hurt you so much and it would become your biggest regret touched me the most. Wherever she has written about calligraphy or discussed it, she has done it amazingly.
This story will rack your core! It will make you think of all things you do on everyday basis. It will make you look inside your heart! Will tear you apart! It is the kind of story that revolves around our journey towards Allah. It will make you ponder about your goal in this dunya (world). Why are you here? What it is that Allah wants from you? One great work by Umera indeed!
Authors really don't go this way usually, because it take some serious guts to write on these matters because our desi liberals are always ready to throw dirt at you and judge you.
The ending seemed pretty rushed to me, but the writing is very fluent, not at all dragged or preachy, with some very strong and deep lines and one point virtually blew me over.
All in all if you love to read Umera Ahmed, go for it, she won't disappoint you, what with the most needed message for us, these days!
.
The highlight for me while reading this is its audio version
May 28, 2022
"Alif" by Umera Ahmad is a novel that shows the importance of calligraphy and writing Allah's name importance is higher than getting fame, wealth, and all the luxuries of life. Furthermore, it addresses the issue of exposing women in films by the filmmakers of today. She shows how talent is less valuable than glamour nowadays.
(Komal Ehsan..)
(Komal Ehsan..)
July 4, 2021
By far my favourite umera ahmed novel. And will always be!
The heart of momin
The heart of momin
October 7, 2019
Books that I've shed tears for: almost all.
Books that I've ugly sobbed for: Amarbail (umar jahangir) and When It Rains In Ocala (Evan)
Book(s) that I've wailed-throughout-that-i-couldn't-breathe for: Alif.
Alif made me cry. so much. Why:
🌑Qalb e Momin and his bond with Allah. The losing of one's faith, and the reasons behind that loss. The insecurity that Allah isn't listening to you. The effort that you keep putting in and still not receiving any answers from Him. That, I get. I could understand where Qalb e Momin was coming from.
🌑 The impatience we show up with for Allah. Bus har cheez foran chahye. Milgaye tou Allah baat sunta hai, kuch na mila tou jo mila, usko bhulla kar, foran kehdiya k Allah baat nai sunta.
🌑 انسان اور اللہ کا تعلق کیا ہے؟
اللہ کے نام میں ہے انسان اور اللہ کا تعلق...الف...ایک سیدہی لکیر جیسا تعلق...جس کے ایک سرے پر اللہ ہے اور دوسرے پر بندہ...الف سیدھا ہے تو اللہ بےحد قریب...الف ٹیڑھا کر دے انسان تو نہ بندے کو اللہ کا پتہ لگے گا نہ اللہ بندے کی خبر رکھے گا.
🌑all the Rumi talk.
🌑all the calligraphy ayahs, their meanings and what they meant.
🌑Jehangir.
🌑اللہ معاف کرتا ہے مومن! ہم انسان نہی کرتے. یہ سارے گڑھے جس میں ہم گرتے ہیں, یہ اللہ نے نہی کھودے, ہمارے کھودے ہوں ہیں. اللہ تو عجیب پر پردہ ڈالنے والا ہے, بخشنے والا ہے. اس کی سب سے بڑی صفت ہئ بندے سے اس کی محبت ہے.
🌑 husn e jahan.
🌑 taha abdul ali
🌑sultan.
🌑پیار کا سب سے بڑا مسلہ خود پیار ہے...زبان سے کچھ کہتا ہے. دل میں کچھ رکہتا ہے, چاہتا کچھ ہے, کرتا کچھ ہے.
🌑FREAKING SAFAID GULAAB.
🌑ALLAH KO KHAT LIKHNA. i mean, please, take my heart, already.
🌑A POWERFUL TAKE ON OUR FILM INDUSTRY.
🌑تم جھوٹے, تمہارا پیار جھوٹا.
🌑وہ قلب مومن تھا. وہ مومنہ سلطان تھی.
🌑 did I already talk about rumi and spirituality?
🌑ہم سمجھتے ہیں جن جن چیزوں کو ہم خرید لیتے ہیں, حاصل کر لیتے ہیں, ہم ان کے مالک بن جاتے ہیں. ہم ان کے مالک نہی بنتے, ان کے غلام بن جاتے ہیں. وہ چیزیں ہماری مالک بن جاتی ہیں. ان کی زندگیاں ہمارے گرد نہی گھومتیں, ہماری زندگیاں ان کے گرد گھومنے لگتی ہیں.
🌑When my sister was reading this book, I asked k villin kon hai, and she said K sab aik doosray K aur apnay mujrim hain. This book exactly talks about that. Hamari zidd, hamari anaa, hum khud he apnay aap aur aik doosray ko tabah kardetay Hain.
🌑انسان کی محبت نچوا سکتی ہے, اللہ کی محبت کیسے نچوا سکتی ہے, یہ سمجھ میں نہی آتا؟...پھر تم انتظار کرو قلب مومن, یہ راز بہی کہلے گا تم پر.
🌑کامیابی کی اپنی تھکن ہوتی ہے, اور جتنی بڑی کامیابی ہوتی ہے, اتنی زیادہ تھکن ہوتی ہے.
Now, moving on from the crying, ( I could have keep going but my neck hurts from looking down at my phone) so, anyway what is Alif about?
it's about spirituality. What's spirituality? Ruhaniyat. Ruh k baray ma. Ruh sa taluk k baray ma. But, most of us, including me, are as clueless about it as Qalb e Momin. Bhalla Allah sa, apni ruh sa kesa taluk jora jaye? Allah Ka he banda hai insaan, aur jab insaan aik dafa Allah sa taluk ke methaas chakh ley tou zaada arsa bhatka hova nai reh sakta. Sab qalb e momin hain. Wapis Allah K paas he jana hai.
Moreover, its about your earning. How, your halal means of income can bring you haram income just because of your choices, and how even from haram means, you'll somehow earn halal. This book is about losing yourself between the two, and then finding your way back to sirat al mustaqeem.
And then the film industry, the objectifying of women, and Kesay agar spirituality pa movie Banaye jaye, tou yeh aik haftay sa zada nai chalay ge, so called friends and brands will leave you jab aap Allah ke baat Karain ga.
This novel is about Qalb e Momin, the filmmaker; about Momina Sultan, the actress; about Husn e Jahan, the dancer; about Taha and Abdul Ali, the calligraphers; about Sultan, the artist. This novel is about Allah sa muhabbat, Aesi muhabbat jesi kisi aur sa nahi. I can go on and on and on, liken bus yeh novel parhain. And ik, Umerah Ahmed books' can be pretty descriptive, so not many are a fan, and bcs other stuff too, liken this book, it was to the point, precise and brilliant. I pulled an all-nighter to read it and I still miss this book and want to keep reading this.
Lastly, قلب مومن صرف مومن بن کر جا رہا ہے. قلب تمہارے پاس چھوڑے جا رہا ہے.
Also, I did a painting based on Alif, if you'd like to see/buy it, let me know!
Books that I've ugly sobbed for: Amarbail (umar jahangir) and When It Rains In Ocala (Evan)
Book(s) that I've wailed-throughout-that-i-couldn't-breathe for: Alif.
Alif made me cry. so much. Why:
🌑Qalb e Momin and his bond with Allah. The losing of one's faith, and the reasons behind that loss. The insecurity that Allah isn't listening to you. The effort that you keep putting in and still not receiving any answers from Him. That, I get. I could understand where Qalb e Momin was coming from.
🌑 The impatience we show up with for Allah. Bus har cheez foran chahye. Milgaye tou Allah baat sunta hai, kuch na mila tou jo mila, usko bhulla kar, foran kehdiya k Allah baat nai sunta.
🌑 انسان اور اللہ کا تعلق کیا ہے؟
اللہ کے نام میں ہے انسان اور اللہ کا تعلق...الف...ایک سیدہی لکیر جیسا تعلق...جس کے ایک سرے پر اللہ ہے اور دوسرے پر بندہ...الف سیدھا ہے تو اللہ بےحد قریب...الف ٹیڑھا کر دے انسان تو نہ بندے کو اللہ کا پتہ لگے گا نہ اللہ بندے کی خبر رکھے گا.
🌑all the Rumi talk.
🌑all the calligraphy ayahs, their meanings and what they meant.
🌑Jehangir.
🌑اللہ معاف کرتا ہے مومن! ہم انسان نہی کرتے. یہ سارے گڑھے جس میں ہم گرتے ہیں, یہ اللہ نے نہی کھودے, ہمارے کھودے ہوں ہیں. اللہ تو عجیب پر پردہ ڈالنے والا ہے, بخشنے والا ہے. اس کی سب سے بڑی صفت ہئ بندے سے اس کی محبت ہے.
🌑 husn e jahan.
🌑 taha abdul ali
🌑sultan.
🌑پیار کا سب سے بڑا مسلہ خود پیار ہے...زبان سے کچھ کہتا ہے. دل میں کچھ رکہتا ہے, چاہتا کچھ ہے, کرتا کچھ ہے.
🌑FREAKING SAFAID GULAAB.
🌑ALLAH KO KHAT LIKHNA. i mean, please, take my heart, already.
🌑A POWERFUL TAKE ON OUR FILM INDUSTRY.
🌑تم جھوٹے, تمہارا پیار جھوٹا.
🌑وہ قلب مومن تھا. وہ مومنہ سلطان تھی.
🌑 did I already talk about rumi and spirituality?
🌑ہم سمجھتے ہیں جن جن چیزوں کو ہم خرید لیتے ہیں, حاصل کر لیتے ہیں, ہم ان کے مالک بن جاتے ہیں. ہم ان کے مالک نہی بنتے, ان کے غلام بن جاتے ہیں. وہ چیزیں ہماری مالک بن جاتی ہیں. ان کی زندگیاں ہمارے گرد نہی گھومتیں, ہماری زندگیاں ان کے گرد گھومنے لگتی ہیں.
🌑When my sister was reading this book, I asked k villin kon hai, and she said K sab aik doosray K aur apnay mujrim hain. This book exactly talks about that. Hamari zidd, hamari anaa, hum khud he apnay aap aur aik doosray ko tabah kardetay Hain.
🌑انسان کی محبت نچوا سکتی ہے, اللہ کی محبت کیسے نچوا سکتی ہے, یہ سمجھ میں نہی آتا؟...پھر تم انتظار کرو قلب مومن, یہ راز بہی کہلے گا تم پر.
🌑کامیابی کی اپنی تھکن ہوتی ہے, اور جتنی بڑی کامیابی ہوتی ہے, اتنی زیادہ تھکن ہوتی ہے.
Now, moving on from the crying, ( I could have keep going but my neck hurts from looking down at my phone) so, anyway what is Alif about?
it's about spirituality. What's spirituality? Ruhaniyat. Ruh k baray ma. Ruh sa taluk k baray ma. But, most of us, including me, are as clueless about it as Qalb e Momin. Bhalla Allah sa, apni ruh sa kesa taluk jora jaye? Allah Ka he banda hai insaan, aur jab insaan aik dafa Allah sa taluk ke methaas chakh ley tou zaada arsa bhatka hova nai reh sakta. Sab qalb e momin hain. Wapis Allah K paas he jana hai.
Moreover, its about your earning. How, your halal means of income can bring you haram income just because of your choices, and how even from haram means, you'll somehow earn halal. This book is about losing yourself between the two, and then finding your way back to sirat al mustaqeem.
And then the film industry, the objectifying of women, and Kesay agar spirituality pa movie Banaye jaye, tou yeh aik haftay sa zada nai chalay ge, so called friends and brands will leave you jab aap Allah ke baat Karain ga.
This novel is about Qalb e Momin, the filmmaker; about Momina Sultan, the actress; about Husn e Jahan, the dancer; about Taha and Abdul Ali, the calligraphers; about Sultan, the artist. This novel is about Allah sa muhabbat, Aesi muhabbat jesi kisi aur sa nahi. I can go on and on and on, liken bus yeh novel parhain. And ik, Umerah Ahmed books' can be pretty descriptive, so not many are a fan, and bcs other stuff too, liken this book, it was to the point, precise and brilliant. I pulled an all-nighter to read it and I still miss this book and want to keep reading this.
Lastly, قلب مومن صرف مومن بن کر جا رہا ہے. قلب تمہارے پاس چھوڑے جا رہا ہے.
Also, I did a painting based on Alif, if you'd like to see/buy it, let me know!
January 13, 2020
بے جان کہانی جو غالباً عمیرہ نے صرف اس وجہ سے لکھی کہ خواتین ڈائجسٹ میں نمرہ احمد کا حالم خاصہ مقبول ہو رہا تھا تو عمیرہ نے سوچا میری کہانی بھی ہونی چاہیے مقابلے میں۔ ساری داد نمرہ کیوں سمیٹے (میرے خیال میں ایسا ہی ہے۔ اسی لیے ہی تو عمیرہ نے الف کتابی شکل میں اسی وقت ہی لانچ کر دیا جب حالم مارکیٹ میں آیا تاکہ مقابلہ برقرار رہے)
خیر یہ بوسیدہ سا ناول جیسے بہت جلد بازی میں لکھا گیا ہے اس لیے اس میں کچھ بھی نیا نہیں ہے۔ عمیرہ احمد کے ناولز کم و بیش ایک ہی دائرے کے گرد گھومتے نظر آتے ہیں۔ ایک مرکزی کردار نہایت بگڑا ہوا اور دوسرا بہت سدھرا ہوا۔ ساتھ ہی کسی ایک مرکزی کردار کا تبلیغی جماعت سے وابستہ رشتہ دار۔ الف میں بھی یہی سب ہے۔ اگر آپ نے ان کے سابقہ ناولز پڑھ رکھے ہیں تو اتفاق کریں گے کہ الف عمیرہ کے اپنے ہی ناولز کا ملغوبہ ہے۔ شوبز کی تمام تر برائیاں من و سلویٰ کا چربہ ہیں۔ قلب مومن کے "سدھرنے" کا سفر بہت حد شہر ذات کی فلک سے مماثل ہے۔ مومن میں بہت سی خصوصیات سالار سکندر والی رکھی گئی ہیں۔ اینڈ ناٹ ٹو فارگیٹ فلک کی نانی کے کردار کو مردانہ صورت میں پیش کر دیا گیا ہے۔
ایک ایسا ناول جس نے شدید مایوس کیا۔ عمیرہ کو چاہیے کچھ نیا لکھے ورنہ نہ لکھے
خیر جب دوسروں کے حق پر ڈاکہ ڈالا جائے تو الفاظ میں سے تاثیر ختم ہو ہی جاتی ہے
خیر یہ بوسیدہ سا ناول جیسے بہت جلد بازی میں لکھا گیا ہے اس لیے اس میں کچھ بھی نیا نہیں ہے۔ عمیرہ احمد کے ناولز کم و بیش ایک ہی دائرے کے گرد گھومتے نظر آتے ہیں۔ ایک مرکزی کردار نہایت بگڑا ہوا اور دوسرا بہت سدھرا ہوا۔ ساتھ ہی کسی ایک مرکزی کردار کا تبلیغی جماعت سے وابستہ رشتہ دار۔ الف میں بھی یہی سب ہے۔ اگر آپ نے ان کے سابقہ ناولز پڑھ رکھے ہیں تو اتفاق کریں گے کہ الف عمیرہ کے اپنے ہی ناولز کا ملغوبہ ہے۔ شوبز کی تمام تر برائیاں من و سلویٰ کا چربہ ہیں۔ قلب مومن کے "سدھرنے" کا سفر بہت حد شہر ذات کی فلک سے مماثل ہے۔ مومن میں بہت سی خصوصیات سالار سکندر والی رکھی گئی ہیں۔ اینڈ ناٹ ٹو فارگیٹ فلک کی نانی کے کردار کو مردانہ صورت میں پیش کر دیا گیا ہے۔
ایک ایسا ناول جس نے شدید مایوس کیا۔ عمیرہ کو چاہیے کچھ نیا لکھے ورنہ نہ لکھے
خیر جب دوسروں کے حق پر ڈاکہ ڈالا جائے تو الفاظ میں سے تاثیر ختم ہو ہی جاتی ہے
October 16, 2019
Why are there two entries for the same book? I guess the difference in spelling Umera's name has led to this confusion. I'll try to request a book combine, just so we all have a unified view. Damn, that sounded like a work meeting.
Here's the other entry of same book. The title is in Urdu for this one. الف
I generally write short reviews and short paragraphs cannot do justice to Alif. I have reviewed it in detail, episode by episode, here on my blog.
There's more book and drama reviews, if you're interested.
Here's the other entry of same book. The title is in Urdu for this one. الف
I generally write short reviews and short paragraphs cannot do justice to Alif. I have reviewed it in detail, episode by episode, here on my blog.
There's more book and drama reviews, if you're interested.
May 13, 2019
This was my first urdu novel and it had literally left me in a trance. The characters in this book have made me laugh, cry and at times left me in complete shock. It's an amazing story and I think it will take me time to get over it. I am in love with Momina Sultan's character <3
December 31, 2019
Umera's finest work after ages.
Love the concept, dialogue and of course characters ❤️❤️
Love the concept, dialogue and of course characters ❤️❤️
April 11, 2020
It's been a while since a book has made me cry and last night I was a blubbering mess. It's difficult to explain how I felt after finishing this book but I will try to do my best to convince you to read this masterpiece.
This story is interwined between the past and present of Qalbe Momin, Husne Jahan, Taa, Abdul Ali, Mominah and Sultaan. So if you have a typical Hero meets Heroine fairytale in mind, this is not the book. It beautifully explains the journey of characters who are lost, who have everything except for happiness, the journey from ishq-e-majazi to ishq-e-haqiqi.
It begins witht the point of view of an innocent child, Qalbe Momin, who writes letters to Allah to ask for things. Qalbe Momin lives with his mother, Husn-e-Jahan, a loving mother, both of them yearn for Qalbe Momin's father. On the ther hand, Momina is a striving actress, who wanted to become a caligrapher but instead was forced by fate to become an actress so that she could pay for her ill brother's treatment.
The beginning seemed a bit slow to me but it picked up pace gradually and I got hooked. It is a stroy of finding the one and losing them, a story of regrets, of learning to let things go and most important of all learning to love the One, Allah. When people talk about Allah, conversations start to get boring but those who are in love with Him, only those people really live, they get to balance their dunya and akharat and Umerah Ahmed remarkably wrote about it.
This story is interwined between the past and present of Qalbe Momin, Husne Jahan, Taa, Abdul Ali, Mominah and Sultaan. So if you have a typical Hero meets Heroine fairytale in mind, this is not the book. It beautifully explains the journey of characters who are lost, who have everything except for happiness, the journey from ishq-e-majazi to ishq-e-haqiqi.
It begins witht the point of view of an innocent child, Qalbe Momin, who writes letters to Allah to ask for things. Qalbe Momin lives with his mother, Husn-e-Jahan, a loving mother, both of them yearn for Qalbe Momin's father. On the ther hand, Momina is a striving actress, who wanted to become a caligrapher but instead was forced by fate to become an actress so that she could pay for her ill brother's treatment.
The beginning seemed a bit slow to me but it picked up pace gradually and I got hooked. It is a stroy of finding the one and losing them, a story of regrets, of learning to let things go and most important of all learning to love the One, Allah. When people talk about Allah, conversations start to get boring but those who are in love with Him, only those people really live, they get to balance their dunya and akharat and Umerah Ahmed remarkably wrote about it.
July 16, 2020
Because every secret is an entrustment and every secret reveals at its own time.
Momina Sultan, Alif (2019)
After reading the translated version of Pir-e-Kamil, I fell in love with Umera Ahmed's work. I mean yea, the essence of reading and the beauty might have been lost when it was translated but still the concept was beautiful ! Fast forward to last year when Alif was being adapted to a drama!
I loved, loved, loved every single bit of the drama, from the characters, plot and to the background music- everything was just perfect. And the casting was JUST PERFECT!
Unable to find a translated version of the book, luckily I found the audio-book and started listening to it. Thankfully, it was in Urdu and the narrator wasn't a drag nor was he monotonous. There were times where some of the Urdu words went above my head as Urdu is not my first language, but still I enjoyed every single bit of the book and was left wanting for more.
Quick synopsis:
Qalb-e- Momin (Momin) a prominent filmmaker, had taken up the challenge to make a spiritual centered movie rather than his usual- movies having no morals, or thought provoking story lines using glamorous women for 'item' songs. Spell bound by his fame and confused about spirituality, Momin rediscovers both in a different light along his journey. Alongside, we have Momina Sultan, a struggling actress who is the soul bread winner of her family. Both are on the same journey while their paths are different.
The book just as how the drama was, was beautiful and so spiritually uplifting. The book obviously had more depth and gave a better perspective into Husn-e-jahan's mind, feeling and why she did what she did. From this book we get to learn a lot of lessons- the one which resonated with me was: when you have everything in life people will be buzzing around you all the time and as soon as your wealth or fame disappears those people disappear too. I loved how the author showed glimpses of the show-biz world and how sometimes you have to loose your morals and God in the process to climb that invisible ladder of fame. All the characters were promising; developed and grew gracefully throughout the story and were relatable even though their journeys were different.
While listening to the book I could imagine each and every scene from the adaptation.
One of my favorite things about Alif and Umera Ahmed in general is that she makes you think introspectively about yourself, your relationship with God and how you view the Islamic teachings. Makes you fall in love with God and the religion again and again.
Spirituality and connection with God at its core, Alif is a beautiful novel about family, values and love.
When the ego comes in front of the heart, then all relations of the heart are ended.
Husn-e-Jahan, Alif (2019)
Momina Sultan, Alif (2019)
After reading the translated version of Pir-e-Kamil, I fell in love with Umera Ahmed's work. I mean yea, the essence of reading and the beauty might have been lost when it was translated but still the concept was beautiful ! Fast forward to last year when Alif was being adapted to a drama!
I loved, loved, loved every single bit of the drama, from the characters, plot and to the background music- everything was just perfect. And the casting was JUST PERFECT!
Unable to find a translated version of the book, luckily I found the audio-book and started listening to it. Thankfully, it was in Urdu and the narrator wasn't a drag nor was he monotonous. There were times where some of the Urdu words went above my head as Urdu is not my first language, but still I enjoyed every single bit of the book and was left wanting for more.
Quick synopsis:
Qalb-e- Momin (Momin) a prominent filmmaker, had taken up the challenge to make a spiritual centered movie rather than his usual- movies having no morals, or thought provoking story lines using glamorous women for 'item' songs. Spell bound by his fame and confused about spirituality, Momin rediscovers both in a different light along his journey. Alongside, we have Momina Sultan, a struggling actress who is the soul bread winner of her family. Both are on the same journey while their paths are different.
The book just as how the drama was, was beautiful and so spiritually uplifting. The book obviously had more depth and gave a better perspective into Husn-e-jahan's mind, feeling and why she did what she did. From this book we get to learn a lot of lessons- the one which resonated with me was: when you have everything in life people will be buzzing around you all the time and as soon as your wealth or fame disappears those people disappear too. I loved how the author showed glimpses of the show-biz world and how sometimes you have to loose your morals and God in the process to climb that invisible ladder of fame. All the characters were promising; developed and grew gracefully throughout the story and were relatable even though their journeys were different.
While listening to the book I could imagine each and every scene from the adaptation.
One of my favorite things about Alif and Umera Ahmed in general is that she makes you think introspectively about yourself, your relationship with God and how you view the Islamic teachings. Makes you fall in love with God and the religion again and again.
Spirituality and connection with God at its core, Alif is a beautiful novel about family, values and love.
When the ego comes in front of the heart, then all relations of the heart are ended.
Husn-e-Jahan, Alif (2019)
July 16, 2019
“ وہ قلبِ مومن کی کہانی نہیی تھی ۔ وہ حسنِ جہاں سے حسنہ بننے تک کے سفر کی کہانی تھی ۔” 🍀 “ ALIF “ is a story between the relationship of Allah and Insan . This story is related on how a momin a muslim leaves everything for the love of his Khaliq .
The main characters are : Qalbe momin , Momina Sultan , Taha , Abdulalla , Hussne Jahan , Sultan , Jahangir and last but not the least Master Ibrahim . .
“ جو رزق کمارہی ہوں ، وہ کمانا نہیی چاہتی ۔ جو کمارہی ہوں ، اس سے کوئی مسلہ حل نہیی ہورہا ۔ جو چاہتی ہوں ، وہ ملتا نہیی “ 🌷 Momina Sultan is the daughter of Sultan a makeup artist, whose last hope is his daughter for the treatment of his son Jahangir. Momina loves calligraphy, but is forced to do acting so that she earns enough money for Jahangirs dialysis.
She goes to Qalbe Momin for help but her statement for wearing her dupatta on set looses this opportunity... later Dawood her friend finds a big acting job for her in hollywood movies . She flews away but when she returns bringing the money her brother dies at the time she becomes a successful actor “ .
وہ ہمیشہ سے ایسا ہی تھا ۔ برف کی طرح سرد نطر آتا تھا ، مگر آگ کی طرح گرم۔۔۔
قلبِِ ِ مومن تھا ، مگر مومن بننے کے رستے سے پرے “ ۔ 📹 The story starts with Qalbe Momin a boy who was 8 yr old when he started writing letters to Allah to unite his parents again stop his mother from crying over his father . Husne Jahan ( momins mother) was a pakistani dancer and Taha ( momins father ) was a turkish calligrapher who helped his father with calligraphy ( Abdulallah ) .. he saw husne jaha once and fell in love with her and married her . His father stopped him and knew that he will loose everything and so he did . But then came a men Sultan ( husne jahas makeup artist and lover ) whom Taha told his wife to stay away from . When he once came Taha left the house forever .
Momin sitting there never knew what actually happened but he always hated Sultan .
Momin as growing up developed grudges for his mother and was shifted with his grandfather Abdulallah forever . When Momin grewup into an adult he became a successful director but all his films featured women’s beauty and nothing else .
The main characters are : Qalbe momin , Momina Sultan , Taha , Abdulalla , Hussne Jahan , Sultan , Jahangir and last but not the least Master Ibrahim . .
“ جو رزق کمارہی ہوں ، وہ کمانا نہیی چاہتی ۔ جو کمارہی ہوں ، اس سے کوئی مسلہ حل نہیی ہورہا ۔ جو چاہتی ہوں ، وہ ملتا نہیی “ 🌷 Momina Sultan is the daughter of Sultan a makeup artist, whose last hope is his daughter for the treatment of his son Jahangir. Momina loves calligraphy, but is forced to do acting so that she earns enough money for Jahangirs dialysis.
She goes to Qalbe Momin for help but her statement for wearing her dupatta on set looses this opportunity... later Dawood her friend finds a big acting job for her in hollywood movies . She flews away but when she returns bringing the money her brother dies at the time she becomes a successful actor “ .
وہ ہمیشہ سے ایسا ہی تھا ۔ برف کی طرح سرد نطر آتا تھا ، مگر آگ کی طرح گرم۔۔۔
قلبِِ ِ مومن تھا ، مگر مومن بننے کے رستے سے پرے “ ۔ 📹 The story starts with Qalbe Momin a boy who was 8 yr old when he started writing letters to Allah to unite his parents again stop his mother from crying over his father . Husne Jahan ( momins mother) was a pakistani dancer and Taha ( momins father ) was a turkish calligrapher who helped his father with calligraphy ( Abdulallah ) .. he saw husne jaha once and fell in love with her and married her . His father stopped him and knew that he will loose everything and so he did . But then came a men Sultan ( husne jahas makeup artist and lover ) whom Taha told his wife to stay away from . When he once came Taha left the house forever .
Momin sitting there never knew what actually happened but he always hated Sultan .
Momin as growing up developed grudges for his mother and was shifted with his grandfather Abdulallah forever . When Momin grewup into an adult he became a successful director but all his films featured women’s beauty and nothing else .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2019
Putting down this book with a heavy heart. I'm still somewhere lost in the story but to review it, this book had a very hopeful start but somewhere along the way, the story dragged on without change and that put me off BUT the last quarter was a whirlwind of emotions, ended up with choked tears and high hopes just in time for the drama version. It's not a typical lovestory, for me that's the plus point and the characters. I think this is one book where I loved all the characters, every single one of them but the way the book drags, half way through there will be one major event and then another chunk of book later another big thing happens and the last 100 pages were a rush to tie all the loose ends and complete the story. It is a true test of one's patience but it's beautiful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2025
A novel that is exceptional itself and has a drama based on it which is as good. It's like everything you wish for. Now this book is what I call signature Umera Ahmed style. The one I crave and long for. Alif is realistic. Alif is beautiful yet heartbreaking and most of all Alif is soul healing. This book deserves all the hype
June 11, 2020
So, finally after so long I decided to consume an urdu Novel. Years ago, I read Aab e Hayat by the same author and it was disappointing in many ways. But this book wasn't. I would have never picked it if my three good friends, who have really great taste in series and movies, would not have suggested me. As, I'm a book person. So, I decided to read the book first.
Let me clear one thing here. This book isn't about religion. It's more about spirituality, conncection between seen and unseen, minimalism, sacrifices, importance of relations, and a good love story that I believe is really hard to find nowadays.
Urdu in the book was very simple. Even a beginner will easily understand the language. So far, I have read couple of great urdu books that is why I, now, appreciate well written urdu books. Story was really great. Every character has a role to play.
I was watching Drama along with the book too. I'm currently on 15th episode. Drama was equally well adapted. The difference that I felt between book and drama was of intensity. For example, Abdul Aala (Dada) was a bit annoying at some places in the drama while in the book he was relaxing. Moreover, I didn't like few of the dialogues between Abdul Aala and Qalb e Momin.
For example, at one place Abdul Aala says to Qalb e Momin, that "Allah mujhe pehchanta hai, tmhe nahi janta wo q k me sara din Allah ki kabirayi bayan krta hun". This was pride and pride isn't liked by Allah. Allah knows everyone. So, such dialogues and all others in a fiction must be taken as a work of fiction. People follow books/dramas of Umera. Umera writes beautiful but my people never believe every word she says in her books. At the end, it's fiction.
I know, few among audience change their lifestyles after consuming her books and dramas, atleast for few days. What I would appreciate, that you change your lifestyle in bits and pieces, if you're that much motivated. Start with the loving part. Forget the hate part. Rethink about everything. Simple.
Well, the good dialogues outwegih the distorted dialogues in many ways. I want to share all my favourite dialogues with you but I will share two here. First one goes like, "Kamyabi ki apni thakan hoti hai aur jitni bari kamyabi hoti hai, utna zyada thakati hai".
Second one was, "Zindagi humein kabhi bhi Badshah nahi hone deti k sab kuch hi ata kr de, zindagi hmen hmesha fakeer hi rkhti hai. Kisi na kisi shai se marhoom. Kisi na kisi shai k lye tarsta hua".
Additionally I really loved the part where Abdul Aala tells Qalb e Momin that how love of Allah makes people dance. I wasn't expecting this touch of modern Sufism from this writer. But I really loved that part.
Lastly, what I didn't like about the book was generalization of film industry. I mean, it's real in many ways. We used to consume bollywood movies and commercial movies there crosses 200/300 crores. While movies like Thappad and Article 15 hardly reach 50 crores. Even in Pakistan, it's really easy for commercial movies to go through all the faces successfully. While the movies of new subjects hardly gets finances. Zingadi Tamasha by Sarmad Khoosot is example. He has to sell his plot to make this movie. And now he has been fighting to make its release possible. But I really appreciate my Pakistani Awam, who have rejected the crap movies.
Well, overall, I must say that I really liked the book. The only sad part after finishing the book was to be not motivated to do calligraphy. When Alif was being telecasted, I suddenly saw a rise in the posts of calligraphy. Every other person was doing it. Sadly, I didn't get motivated to do it. I think any sort of art isn't in my destiny.
Thank you for reading.
Let me clear one thing here. This book isn't about religion. It's more about spirituality, conncection between seen and unseen, minimalism, sacrifices, importance of relations, and a good love story that I believe is really hard to find nowadays.
Urdu in the book was very simple. Even a beginner will easily understand the language. So far, I have read couple of great urdu books that is why I, now, appreciate well written urdu books. Story was really great. Every character has a role to play.
I was watching Drama along with the book too. I'm currently on 15th episode. Drama was equally well adapted. The difference that I felt between book and drama was of intensity. For example, Abdul Aala (Dada) was a bit annoying at some places in the drama while in the book he was relaxing. Moreover, I didn't like few of the dialogues between Abdul Aala and Qalb e Momin.
For example, at one place Abdul Aala says to Qalb e Momin, that "Allah mujhe pehchanta hai, tmhe nahi janta wo q k me sara din Allah ki kabirayi bayan krta hun". This was pride and pride isn't liked by Allah. Allah knows everyone. So, such dialogues and all others in a fiction must be taken as a work of fiction. People follow books/dramas of Umera. Umera writes beautiful but my people never believe every word she says in her books. At the end, it's fiction.
I know, few among audience change their lifestyles after consuming her books and dramas, atleast for few days. What I would appreciate, that you change your lifestyle in bits and pieces, if you're that much motivated. Start with the loving part. Forget the hate part. Rethink about everything. Simple.
Well, the good dialogues outwegih the distorted dialogues in many ways. I want to share all my favourite dialogues with you but I will share two here. First one goes like, "Kamyabi ki apni thakan hoti hai aur jitni bari kamyabi hoti hai, utna zyada thakati hai".
Second one was, "Zindagi humein kabhi bhi Badshah nahi hone deti k sab kuch hi ata kr de, zindagi hmen hmesha fakeer hi rkhti hai. Kisi na kisi shai se marhoom. Kisi na kisi shai k lye tarsta hua".
Additionally I really loved the part where Abdul Aala tells Qalb e Momin that how love of Allah makes people dance. I wasn't expecting this touch of modern Sufism from this writer. But I really loved that part.
Lastly, what I didn't like about the book was generalization of film industry. I mean, it's real in many ways. We used to consume bollywood movies and commercial movies there crosses 200/300 crores. While movies like Thappad and Article 15 hardly reach 50 crores. Even in Pakistan, it's really easy for commercial movies to go through all the faces successfully. While the movies of new subjects hardly gets finances. Zingadi Tamasha by Sarmad Khoosot is example. He has to sell his plot to make this movie. And now he has been fighting to make its release possible. But I really appreciate my Pakistani Awam, who have rejected the crap movies.
Well, overall, I must say that I really liked the book. The only sad part after finishing the book was to be not motivated to do calligraphy. When Alif was being telecasted, I suddenly saw a rise in the posts of calligraphy. Every other person was doing it. Sadly, I didn't get motivated to do it. I think any sort of art isn't in my destiny.
Thank you for reading.
June 7, 2020
"It is a blessing to have one's heart not attached to this world."
The story revolves around Momin and his struggle to find his relation with god. In many instances I found myself at Momin's place and it made me wonder and ponder on many aspects of life.
The book no doubt enforces you to look within and search for your soul.
The other main character, Momina, portrayed the vulnerability of humans beautifully, her toughness and ability to face any situation made her admirable.
The book is a must read for people who have some soul-searching questions, questions about why they believe in something and for those who want to find whatever they lost.
Reading an Urdu novel after about 10 years did prove challenging, and it embarrassed me to no end. But nonetheless it was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life.
The story revolves around Momin and his struggle to find his relation with god. In many instances I found myself at Momin's place and it made me wonder and ponder on many aspects of life.
The book no doubt enforces you to look within and search for your soul.
The other main character, Momina, portrayed the vulnerability of humans beautifully, her toughness and ability to face any situation made her admirable.
The book is a must read for people who have some soul-searching questions, questions about why they believe in something and for those who want to find whatever they lost.
Reading an Urdu novel after about 10 years did prove challenging, and it embarrassed me to no end. But nonetheless it was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life.
June 25, 2019
عمیرا احمد صاحبہ کا یہ پہلا ناول میں نے پڑھا ۔ مجھے بڑی توقعات تھی اِس ناول سے ۔مگر ایمانداری سے اگر کہوں تو کچھ خاص بات نہیں تھی اِس ناول میں۔ ایک لمحے کے لیے بھی مجھے اپنے سحر میں نہیں لیا۔
November 5, 2019
Being a non Urdu speaker, I got to listen to the audio version of this book after hearing about the series. And good Lord. I loved it..
Only very few times do you come across a book that actually changes some aspect of your life. This book made me re-think about my relationship with God and with my loved ones. This book made me cry and this book made me think of so many different unknown and unseen sacrifices my loved ones have made, to get me to where I am in my life today. This book is going to be a permanent fixture in my library.
Have to mention that this is my first Urdu book and am looking forward to reading (or rather, listening to) other Urdu books.
Only very few times do you come across a book that actually changes some aspect of your life. This book made me re-think about my relationship with God and with my loved ones. This book made me cry and this book made me think of so many different unknown and unseen sacrifices my loved ones have made, to get me to where I am in my life today. This book is going to be a permanent fixture in my library.
Have to mention that this is my first Urdu book and am looking forward to reading (or rather, listening to) other Urdu books.
March 15, 2020
I wonder why Umera Ahmed's storylines are almost always revolving around one thing, Religion.
Her characters always enjoy their life to the fullest, and then at some point, they respond to the eternal divine calling in their life, have a life-altering epiphany, and turn towards their lord. Ugh.
They are selfish, until they fall in Ishaq-e-Haqeeqi. The story relied on a lot of cliches and is predictable.
Her characters always enjoy their life to the fullest, and then at some point, they respond to the eternal divine calling in their life, have a life-altering epiphany, and turn towards their lord. Ugh.
They are selfish, until they fall in Ishaq-e-Haqeeqi. The story relied on a lot of cliches and is predictable.
October 7, 2019
Good book but lack of suspense.
October 20, 2019
#Book_review: #Alif
#umera_ahmed🌹🌹🥀
🌟🌟#Theme🌟🌟
This novel is all about the spiritual journey of Pakistani stage dancer, who fells in love with elegantly pious dervish,when i start skimming this love saga, i found writer was putting limelight on some strong societal issues like she depicted the struggle of new actresses in film industry, that how they use to be slander in common mob and how we usually use to misjudged every second women who came out for earning halal income. further she explained the spiritual journey to Almighty in very marvelous manner that the title of momin can't be rewarded by any human its is the revelation of almighty on his love ones.moving ahead she explained that As we are approaching to digital world more we are getting indulged in materialistic mentality, we misunderstood the essance of "flah" in azan🌕 and "sirat_ul_mutaqeem" in surhe fathia, we thought the material success as "flah" and earning and having more money and power as "sirat_ul_mustaqem" despite of that the righteous path is the path of unity and tolerance and flah is the second name of soul searching.moving ahead she explains the sacred and holy verses of Quran in very beautiful manner as every single ayat explains the journey of mankind.
🌺🌺____&&&_____🌺🌺
✨✨#plot✨✨
This story revolves around the love of husne jhan and taha ibn aali. husna and taha met at cultural ceremony held at turkey where they both were performing in arts center taha was famous Turkish whirling dervaish and calligrapher where husna were Pakistani kathak dancer. husna left all his fame just to pursue taha's path of finding God, they both get married against taha's father wish as he misjudged husna but despite of that everything thing was going well untill his son start writing letters to Almighty for his basic needs.On other hand momin grew up with outrageous soul as he suffers alot due to several mishaps in his childhood, furthermore there was momina who was struggling in film industry for having handful money for his brother's kidney operation.the all characters were very interesting and interconnected as they all are playing equal and important part in this novel. after series of actions momin took challenge to make spiritual film and in last find his all lost pieces of puzzles solved regarding his mother and father separation. momina was the lead character who helps him to solve his unsolicited childhood mystery.
#conclusion
This story is all about love, patience and mystical journey towards Almighty. i will surely recommend this master piece of umera Ahmed to everyone.. rating four 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
#umera_ahmed🌹🌹🥀
🌟🌟#Theme🌟🌟
This novel is all about the spiritual journey of Pakistani stage dancer, who fells in love with elegantly pious dervish,when i start skimming this love saga, i found writer was putting limelight on some strong societal issues like she depicted the struggle of new actresses in film industry, that how they use to be slander in common mob and how we usually use to misjudged every second women who came out for earning halal income. further she explained the spiritual journey to Almighty in very marvelous manner that the title of momin can't be rewarded by any human its is the revelation of almighty on his love ones.moving ahead she explained that As we are approaching to digital world more we are getting indulged in materialistic mentality, we misunderstood the essance of "flah" in azan🌕 and "sirat_ul_mutaqeem" in surhe fathia, we thought the material success as "flah" and earning and having more money and power as "sirat_ul_mustaqem" despite of that the righteous path is the path of unity and tolerance and flah is the second name of soul searching.moving ahead she explains the sacred and holy verses of Quran in very beautiful manner as every single ayat explains the journey of mankind.
🌺🌺____&&&_____🌺🌺
✨✨#plot✨✨
This story revolves around the love of husne jhan and taha ibn aali. husna and taha met at cultural ceremony held at turkey where they both were performing in arts center taha was famous Turkish whirling dervaish and calligrapher where husna were Pakistani kathak dancer. husna left all his fame just to pursue taha's path of finding God, they both get married against taha's father wish as he misjudged husna but despite of that everything thing was going well untill his son start writing letters to Almighty for his basic needs.On other hand momin grew up with outrageous soul as he suffers alot due to several mishaps in his childhood, furthermore there was momina who was struggling in film industry for having handful money for his brother's kidney operation.the all characters were very interesting and interconnected as they all are playing equal and important part in this novel. after series of actions momin took challenge to make spiritual film and in last find his all lost pieces of puzzles solved regarding his mother and father separation. momina was the lead character who helps him to solve his unsolicited childhood mystery.
#conclusion
This story is all about love, patience and mystical journey towards Almighty. i will surely recommend this master piece of umera Ahmed to everyone.. rating four 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
January 3, 2022
”BOOK REVIEW”
BOOK NAME:
“ALIF”
AUTHOR NAME:
“UMERA AHMED”
PUBLISHER:
UA BOOK
PUBLISH DATE:
2019
BOOK INTRODUCTION :
The story encircles a hardworking and diligent filmmaker named Momin, who is shown to be tangled between his spirituality and the glamourous life that he leads And Momina Sultana who is a poor girl but has to work as an actress for her brother’s treatment.
The novel comes packed full of sentiments and love which surrounds family values and depicts the love of a dervish in the novel.
ARGUMENT #1 :
ALIF IS RELAITY BASED DRAMA . The story touched upon the letter ‘alif’ as a reference and metaphor for connection to God, and how the journey between a question and its answer was a simple, straight line when man chose to stay connected with his conscience.
ARGUMENT#2
This novel is very well written . I didn’t find any flaw in this novel . When man tries to search for God then he will surely find God .It’s ending is superb .
CONCLUSION :
Alif is a worth reading novel . alif, as a story, is layered and nuanced, which is what made it so iconic
one has it’s own taste but i must recommend everyone to read this novel
Reviewed by :Malaika Sohail
Reg no : (SE-21-05) Alpha
Software engineering Department
University of Engineering and Technology , Taxila
BOOK NAME:
“ALIF”
AUTHOR NAME:
“UMERA AHMED”
PUBLISHER:
UA BOOK
PUBLISH DATE:
2019
BOOK INTRODUCTION :
The story encircles a hardworking and diligent filmmaker named Momin, who is shown to be tangled between his spirituality and the glamourous life that he leads And Momina Sultana who is a poor girl but has to work as an actress for her brother’s treatment.
The novel comes packed full of sentiments and love which surrounds family values and depicts the love of a dervish in the novel.
ARGUMENT #1 :
ALIF IS RELAITY BASED DRAMA . The story touched upon the letter ‘alif’ as a reference and metaphor for connection to God, and how the journey between a question and its answer was a simple, straight line when man chose to stay connected with his conscience.
ARGUMENT#2
This novel is very well written . I didn’t find any flaw in this novel . When man tries to search for God then he will surely find God .It’s ending is superb .
CONCLUSION :
Alif is a worth reading novel . alif, as a story, is layered and nuanced, which is what made it so iconic
one has it’s own taste but i must recommend everyone to read this novel
Reviewed by :Malaika Sohail
Reg no : (SE-21-05) Alpha
Software engineering Department
University of Engineering and Technology , Taxila
April 22, 2021
It's the first time in my life that I am confused whether I love Peer e Kamil or Alif.
THIS IS ANOTHER MASTER PIECE OF UMERA AHMED!!!!!
The story, the characters.
I would say that the starting was slow and almost boring but it wasn't boring enough to make to put the book down. I loved every part of it. Every character, every twist was just the right thing.
The only thing I didn't like was the part of Qalb e Momin being the reason of the separation of Husn e Jahan and Taha. He wasn't! Kids do that, ask for stuff they see with the children of their age. It's their parents who need to teach them not to ask for everything I see. And Husn e Jahan was wrong to see the paintings and Taha was wrong to react that way. It wasn't just right to blame the kid.
But the universe it shows of the show business, the lines written, ah, I can't get enough of it. Please someone, talk to me about it.
THIS IS ANOTHER MASTER PIECE OF UMERA AHMED!!!!!
The story, the characters.
I would say that the starting was slow and almost boring but it wasn't boring enough to make to put the book down. I loved every part of it. Every character, every twist was just the right thing.
The only thing I didn't like was the part of Qalb e Momin being the reason of the separation of Husn e Jahan and Taha. He wasn't! Kids do that, ask for stuff they see with the children of their age. It's their parents who need to teach them not to ask for everything I see. And Husn e Jahan was wrong to see the paintings and Taha was wrong to react that way. It wasn't just right to blame the kid.
But the universe it shows of the show business, the lines written, ah, I can't get enough of it. Please someone, talk to me about it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2024
ہم سمجھتے ہیں جن چیزوں کو ہم خرید لیتے ہیں، حاصل کر لیتے ہیں ہم ان کے مالک بن جاتے ہیں۔ ہم ان کے مالک نہیں بنتے ان کے غلام بنتے ہیں۔ وہ چیزیں ہماری مالک بن جاتی ہیں۔ ان کی زندگیاں ہمارے گرد نہیں گھومتیں، ہماری زندگیاں ان کے گرد گھومنے لگتی ہیں۔ 💓
What an amazing journey this book was!!
What an amazing journey this book was!!
July 25, 2019
This novel makes u question urself....ur relationship with Allah..what hv u been doing all ur life?
The dialogues are simply classy, scenes heart touching...
It makes u cry and stick to it...
Its simply fantabulous!
The dialogues are simply classy, scenes heart touching...
It makes u cry and stick to it...
Its simply fantabulous!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews