Theme of Intolerance in the Poetry of Rumi, Hafiz and Bulleh Shah

Abstract

This paper would attempt to discuss the age long intolerance and socio-political unrest which was prevalent even at the time of 13^th, 14^th and 17^th century poet Rumi, Hafiz and Bulleh Shah respectively. The term Intolerance can be defined as lack of tolerance or refusal to respect, tolerate others’ belief or view contrary to one’s own. According to Merriam Webster’s Learner’s dictionary “Intolerance” means not willing to allow or accept something or someone to have equality, freedom and social rights. The word Intolerance has not created today as it was present in every age and in every time and space. Moses had to fight with the social injustice in the hand of Ramesses (pharaohs), Prophet Muhammad by non-followers of Islam, native Indian people in the hand of Colonial Rule and till now it is continuing in different form around us. We could see the revolutionary mind in the great freedom fighters of our country with pen and sword like Subhas Chandra Bose, Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Sing and Kazi Nazrul Islam, who was honoured the title of “Revolutionary poet”.