Book Introduction: Jalwa-e-Ishq (جلوۂ عشق)

Jalwa-e-Ishq (جلوۂ عشق) is a spiritually radiant tribute written in praise of the saintly and qalandari figure Hazrat Arabi Shah Qalandar (حضرت عربی شاہ قلندرؒ). The book is a sublime offering in the realm of Sufi poetry (صوفی شاعری), deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual soil of Pothohari literature (پوٹھوہاری ادب).

At the heart of the book lies a sacred moment—four illuminating lines (چار مصرعے) originally uttered by Arabi Shah Qalandar (عربی شاہ قلندرؒ) in a spiritual state of ecstasy. These verses, like sparks of divine love, were later lovingly transformed into poetic flames by Basheer Natiq Qadri (بشیر ناطق قادری)—thus becoming the famed “Ishq Mishalan” (عشق مشالاں), or Torches of Love.

Each stanza in Jalwa-e-Ishq reflects a unique blend of zikr (ذکر اللہ), divine longing (عشقِ حقیقی), and the mystical voice of the qalandar. The book uplifts the reader through layers of emotional resonance, spiritual insight, and artistic devotion.

Literary and Spiritual Significance

The poetic praise of Arabi Shah Qalandar (عربی شاہ قلندرؒ) by Basheer Natiq Qadri (بشیر ناطق قادری) is not only a testament to his spiritual love but also a distinguished contribution to Pakistani Sufi literature (پاکستانی صوفی ادب). The phrase “Ishq Mishalan” (عشق مشالاں) was first admired and echoed by Qamar Abdullah (قمر عبداللہ), who called these lines “flaming torches of divine light.”

This book brings together a rare harmony of Pothohari culture (پوٹھوہاری ثقافت), Sufi symbolism, and folk mysticism, creating a poetic rhythm that feels both intimate and universal. It is literature for seekers—those attuned to love, remembrance, and self-effacement.

Spiritual Lineage and Inspiration

Jalwa-e-Ishq is spiritually connected with the revered saints like Sufi Muhammad Amin (صوفی محمد امینؒ), Sain Ahmad Ali Irani (سائیں احمد علی ایرانیؒ), and the ever-inspired poet-saint Daim Iqbal Daim (دائم اقبال دائمؒ). Basheer Natiq Qadri (بشیر ناطق قادری) received the light of their guidance and translated that barakah into poetic form, making this book a true embodiment of their spiritual fragrance.

Publication & Reception

The first edition of Jalwa-e-Ishq was published in 2003, and by 2016, three editions had been released due to its widespread spiritual appeal. It has found readers not only across Chakwal (چکوال) and the Pothohar region, but also among Sufi readers in the global diaspora.

The book remains a shining example of how folk devotion, literary expression, and Sufi spirituality can merge to kindle hearts.