A Comparative Critical Analysis of the Concept of the Rival in the Poetry of Ghalib and Faiz

Abstract

This study explores the concept of the Raqeeb (rival) in the poetry of Mirza Ghalib and Faiz Ahmed Faiz, examining its evolution from classical to modern Urdu poetry. Ghalib, a nineteenth-century poet, represents the classical tradition, combining wit, personal sensitivity, and subtle humanism within a socio-political context marked by the decline of the Mughal Empire and the 1857 rebellion. Faiz, writing nearly half a century later, emerged under progressive and socialist influences, advocating social justice and humanistic ideals. Despite the temporal  gap, Faiz exhibits a deep intellectual and stylistic engagement with Ghalib, borrowing metaphors, symbols, and even titles of his works while reinterpreting them in light of contemporary political and social struggles. The study highlights  how both poets depict the Raqeeb not merely as a romantic adversary but as a complex symbol reflecting societal, emotional, and ethical dimensions. While Ghalib often approaches the rival with suspicion tempered by human empathy, Faiz extends this concept, transforming the rival into a political and emotional metaphor that embodies solidarity, shared grief, and humanistic values.