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How does Nazrul lash out at religious bigotry, hypocrisy, and greed of man in the poem Manush

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How does the poet attack the priesthood or the Mollah in his poem ‘Manush’ (Man)?

Or, How does Nazrul lash out at religious bigotry, hypocrisy, and greed of man in the poem “Manush”?

In the poem "Manush" (translated as "Man"), the poet Kazi Nazrul Islam launches a scathing critique against the priesthood and the Mollah (Islamic clerics) for their role in perpetuating societal injustices and spiritual corruption. Here are some key points in the poem where Nazrul Islam's critique is evident:

The hypocrisy of Religious Leaders: Nazrul Islam highlights the hypocrisy of religious leaders who preach piety and morality but fail to practice these virtues themselves. He accuses them of using religion as a facade to exploit and manipulate the masses. The poet says: 

The Mollah was very happy over it, 

Lots of lo

aves and meat were left over

Out of yesterday’s feast in the mosque, 

The Mollah was going of pack up.

Obstruction of True Spirituality: The poet criticizes the Mollahs for obstructing true spirituality. Instead of guiding people toward a genuine understanding and connection with the divine, they focus on rigid dogmas and rituals. This, according to Nazrul, leads to a form of spiritual blindness among the followers. The poet says: 

Break open the locked doors

Of those holy places of worship.

Who can lock up God’s House?

Who can put its doors under seal.

Social Division: Nazrul Islam points out that the Mollahs contribute to social division and discrimination. By emphasizing superficial differences and promoting sectarianism, they hinder the development of a cohesive and harmonious society.

Economic Exploitation: Another significant critique is the economic exploitation carried out under the guise of religion. The Mollahs are depicted as exploiting the poor and vulnerable by demanding money for religious services and blessings, thus maintaining their own economic status and power.

In "Manush," Kazi Nazrul Islam uses powerful and evocative language to expose these issues. His critique is not just an attack on individuals but on the entire institution of priesthood that, in his view, betrays the core principles of humanity and spirituality. Through this poem, Nazrul Islam calls for a return to actual human values, emphasizing love, equality, and genuine spiritual connection over empty rituals and dogmas.

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Kazi Nazrul Islam
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