Hafeez Banarasi

Biography

Hafeez Banarasi was born in 1933 in Banaras, a city that has always been a center of culture and tradition. His real name was Muhammad Abdul Hafeez, but he became known in the literary world by his pen name Hafeez Banarasi. His poetry carried the unique flavor of his city, rich with history, spirituality, and artistic expression.

As a poet, Hafeez Banarasi was admired for his ability to write with clarity and sincerity. His ghazals and nazms often explored themes of longing, love, faith, and reflection. What made his poetry stand out was the balance between emotional intensity and simplicity of language, which made his work relatable to readers from all walks of life.

He wrote several collections during his lifetime, including Bada-e-Irfan, Darakhshan, Ghazalan, Qaseeda-e-Nabi-e-Rahmat, Qaul-o-Qasam, Safeer-e-Shahr-e-Dil, and Tajalliyat-e-Hafeez. Each of these works reflected his deep understanding of both the beauty and struggles of human life. His words often carried a spiritual undertone, a quiet strength that still resonates with lovers of Urdu poetry today.

Not much is recorded about his personal life apart from the mention of his son, Zafar Mahmood Zafar. Like many poets of his time, his life was devoted more to his literary expression than to public recognition or personal fame.

Hafeez Banarasi passed away in 2008 in his hometown of Varanasi. His departure marked the loss of a poet whose words had become part of the cultural fabric of Urdu literature.

He is remembered as a poet who could turn everyday emotions into timeless expressions. His poetry continues to live on, reminding readers that simplicity can carry as much weight and meaning as the most elaborate verses.