A Secularist
Two important and mentionable factors that shaped and moulded Mahjoor’s secular ideas were, firstly, Kashmir’s old age tradition of secularism and secondly, the Trika influence, a philosophical combination of Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism which greatly influenced the ancient, medieval, and modern thought and poetry in Kashmir.
It is a paradox worth noticing that the first ‘poet exponent’ of secularism, Mahjoor approached the well-worn pathway of poetry with an intense sympathy and feeling towards one particular community – Muslims. An earlier poem appealed thus as early as 1924 calling on Muslims in a sentimental and feverish manner, typical of poets, to drink ‘once more’ the old wine they had drunk in their great days.
O’ Muslims of Kashmir! Have you ever reflected upon the grand culture to which you belonged before the wisdom and intellect of your ancestors of Persia and India bowed their heads.
In my opinion, his one year in Qaidan and his associated with Albadara paper mainly concerning itself with the problems of Muslims and with bringing about a political awakening among them was responsible for this initial reactions.
However, nothing was more characteristic of his mind than his quick realization of the social, political as well as historical demands of the time. His subsequent poems immensely broadened their canvas to include the entire nation representing diverse shades of religion, caste and faiths. Thus we see that during the national movement, his poetry ceaselessly strived for a triumph of nationalism over communalism. Depicting his aim in this regard he wrote.
Mosques, Temples, Churches, religious inns and idol houses,
For so many different places of worship I will make but one entrance.
Regarding the bond of unity between hindus and muslims of predominant importance, he strongly preached the union of their hearts.
Muslims is like milk and Hindus is like sugar, Mix these two tastes better.
Enjoining them to share the responsibilities and burdens in running the state, he said;
Helms will be kept by Hindus and Oars played by the Muslims. Together row across the boat of y our country.