Syed Hussain Sibt-e-Asghar Naqvi, known as Jaun Elia, was a famous Pakistani poet, philosopher, and scholar. He was born on 14 December 1931 in Amroha, British India, and died on 8 November 2002.
Jaun Elia is considered one of the most important modern Urdu poets. His poetry is known for its deep thoughts, intellectual richness, and unique style. He wrote about themes like love, loss, rebellion, and existentialism.
He had knowledge of philosophy, logic, Islamic history, Sufi traditions, Western literature, and Kabbala. He was fluent in many languages,like including Urdu, Arabic, Sindhi, English, Persian, Sanskrit, and Hebrew.
Jaun’s Early Life and Family
Jaun Elia was born on 14 December 1931 in Amroha, India, into an educated Shia family. His father, Shafiq Hasan Elia, was a scholar of literature and astronomy and knew Arabic, English, Persian, Hebrew, and Sanskrit. He also corresponded with intellectuals like Bertrand Russell.
Jaun was the youngest among his siblings. His elder brother was Rais Amrohvi, and Indian film director Kamal Amrohi was his first cousin. Actor Munawar Saeed, known for playing villainous roles, is also a relative.
Jaun was described as a child prodigy and initially studied at Syed-ul-Madaris in Amroha, a madrasa linked to Darul Uloom Deoband.
In 1970, he married writer Zubaida, but they separated in 1992.
Literary Career
He began writing poetry when he was 8 but published his first collection, Shayad, when he was 60 yaers old.
Political Aspects
Jaun Elia, being a communist, opposed the partition of India. Despite this, he migrated to Pakistan in 1957 and settled in Karachi. Jaun Elia’s poems often expressed support for communism in Pakistan and highlighted themes of class consciousness. He was described by dunyanews.tv as “an anarchist, a nihilist, and a poet.
Poet’s works
- Sukhan Meri Udasee Hai
- Elia, Jaun. Zakham-e-Umeed (in Urdu). Karachi.
- Mubada
- Tumharey Aur Mere Darmiyan
- Daricha Haye Kheyal
- Qitaat
- Jaun Elia Ki Tamam Ghazlain (parts I-III)
- Inshaye aur Mazaameen
- Farnood
- Elia, Jaun (1991). Shayad (in Urdu) .
- Firaaq
- Jaun Elia (2010).. Lekin (in Urdu). Delhi: Takhleeqkar Publishers.
- Jaun Elia (2010). Goya (in Urdu). Delhi: Takhleeqkar Publishers.
- Jaun Elia (2006). Gumaan (in Urdu) (3rd ed.). Lahore: Al-Hamd Publications.
- Jaun Elia (2016). Ramooz (in Urdu). Lahore: Al-Hamd Publications.
