12 Urdu ash'ar / shayari (shers, couplets) by
1908-1981,
Gujranwala (Pakistan)
Abdul Hamid Adam, remembered by his pen name Adam, was an Urdu poet of the twentieth century whose works combined romanticism with modernist tendencies. Born in Punjab in 1908, he belonged to a generation of poets who witnessed major social and political upheavals, including the partition of India, and his poetry reflects both the personal and collective emotions of his time.
Adam received his education in Lahore, studying at Islamia College. Alongside his literary pursuits, he worked as a civil servant, balancing a professional career with his passion for poetry. Despite the demands of his job, his dedication to writing ensured that his voice remained active in Urdu literary circles.
His poetry, especially his ghazals, earned him a distinct place among his contemporaries. While steeped in the tradition of classical Urdu verse, Adam infused his poetry with modern sensibilities. Themes of love, longing, existential struggle, and the search for meaning appear frequently in his work. He was skilled in weaving imagery that spoke to both the heart and the intellect, making his poetry accessible yet thought-provoking.
Adam was also known for his presence at mushairas, where his recitations drew appreciation for their fluency and emotive power. His verses carried a lyrical charm that appealed to audiences and sustained his reputation as a poet of refinement. Though he may not have achieved the legendary status of some of his peers, his contributions were valuable in sustaining Urdu poetry during a transitional period.
He lived through turbulent times, and the realities of partition and societal change left their imprint on his writings. His work often conveys a quiet melancholy, tempered with hope and sensitivity, which reflects the inner conflicts of his era.
Abdul Hamid Adam passed away in Lahore in 1981, leaving behind collections of poetry that continue to be read by lovers of Urdu literature. His legacy lies in his ability to uphold classical traditions while engaging with the spirit of modernity, ensuring his place among the respected poets of twentieth-century Urdu.
1 / 12: Abdul Hamid Adam k
ye betarteeb yaaraane
haseen maloom hote hain
frequent meetings make
the heart lose its thrill
these scattered encounters
are charming and delightful
meetings, encounters
continuous, always, constant
interest, fascination
scattered, disorderly
friendships
beautiful
to know
Theme: Friends, Family & Community (124)
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0
1
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2 / 12: Abdul Hamid Adam k
hansta to hoga aap bhi
yazdaan...kabhi kabhi
on the fascinating crime of
the creation of the universe
you too, oh god, must be
laughing...once in a while
0
0
3
106
3 / 12: Abdul Hamid Adam k
mahsoos ho raha hai
main gharq-e-sharaab hun
the way you threw your
glance at me, you tyrant
makes me feel like i am
drowning in wine
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4.5K
4 / 12: Abdul Hamid Adam k
qaafile raah
bhool jaate hain
with just a sign from
those pretty eyes
caravans
can lose their way
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1
2.6K
5 / 12: Abdul Hamid Adam k
zeest ke ranj
bhool jaate hain
when your eyes
do smile
the sorrows of life
i forget for a while
eyes
smile
living, life
grief, hurt, sorrow
forget, mistake
Theme: Life, Living & Dying (118)
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4.2K
6 / 12: Abdul Hamid Adam k
jis mein jitna zarf hai
utna hi wo khaamosh hai
the calm of the ocean says
to the noise of the river
(s)he that can contain a lot
remains that silent
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9
4.3K
7 / 12: Abdul Hamid Adam k
muskuraana na
bhuul jaaya karo
smile is
beauty’s treasure
don’t forget
to keep smiling
Theme: Miscellany (44)
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1.8K
8 / 12: Abdul Hamid Adam k
ke gulzar mein
phool murjha rahe hai
do take the trouble
to smile once
for the flowers
in the garden are wilting
Theme: Beauty, Charm & Union (98)
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3.8K
9 / 12: Abdul Hamid Adam k
mujh ko aadat hai
muskuraane ki
oh sorrow of life
don’t be angry
it is my habit
to smile
Theme: Miscellany (44)
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4.9K
10 / 12: Abdul Hamid Adam k
kaash thoDi si
hum peeye hote
even when we met
a hesitation remained
if only i had been
drinking a little
Theme: Love, Passion and Longing (108)
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0
1
2.8K
11 / 12: Abdul Hamid Adam k
mutrib, rubaab uTha ki
tabiiyat udaas hai
o saaqi, please bring some wine
the mood is melancholic
o musician, pick up the rubaab
the mood is melancholic
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2.3K
12 / 12: Abdul Hamid Adam k
aadmi aadmi
akela hai
a crowd is just
a bazaar of solitudes
each person
is all alone
Theme: Loneliness, Solitude & Grief (106)
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4.7K
544 Shaayars
Urdu Poetry, Simply Told
classic Urdu shers with simple translations, poetic insights, and mini-dictionaries for every poetry lover...
A heartfelt collection of Classic Urdu shers...
Alfaaz Ki Mehfil is a curated space for timeless poetry celebrating words, emotions, and the enduring beauty of expression. From classic Urdu couplets to modern reflections, it brings together generations of poetic voices that speak of love, longing, hope, and the human soul.
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