ses religion to justify his actions.
“Brethren! Man can never comprehend the mystery of God’s acts”.
Existence Precedes Essence: Existentialism teaches that man first exists and then creates his own meaning. Majeed’s actions reflect this idea. He does not accept moral or social rules. He builds his identity through falsehood and power. His survival depends on the villagers’ belief in the mazar. He knows that if they stop believing, he will again become poor and nameless. So, he creates his own truth and imposes it on others. His words reveal his manipulation of belief.
“It is well that a man should know it when he sins… ignorance is the greatest sin of all.”
Freedom and Responsibility: Majeed is free to choose his path. He uses his freedom to create his own world in Mahabbatpur. He controls people, delivers sermons, and punishes others in the name of faith. Yet, existential freedom also demands responsibility. Majeed accepts this when he faces the end alone. He never blames others for his failure. He stays at the mazar to face the results of his lies. His acceptance of his fate shows his sense of moral responsibility.
Loneliness and Alienation: Loneliness is an inseparable part of existential life. Majeed remains lonely from beginning to end. He has followers but no real companion. Even with two wives, he feels no love or comfort. He cannot share his secret with anyone. He fears losing his power and trust. He says,
“Man is made both angels and devils, sinners and innocents.”
This line reflects his inner conflict. He is both the sinner who deceives and the saint whom people worship.
Crisis and Absurdity: Majeed’s struggle for existence turns into an absurd adventure. He faces new threats. They include a rival pir, Amena’s disobedience, Jamila’s defiance, and natural disasters. His fear grows when Jamila rebels and refuses his control. He kills her, but even in death, she destroys his authority. Her feet point toward the mazar, symbolizing his moral fall. Majeed’s world becomes meaningless as everything he built starts to collapse. Yet, he clings to his belief and continues the struggle.
In summary, Syed Waliullah presents existentialism through the rise and fall of Majeed. He shows how a man creates his own truth to survive in a harsh and meaningless world. Majeed’s journey from a wanderer to a false saint reflects man’s struggle for identity and freedom. His loneliness, fear, and guilt expose the emptiness of blind faith and false power.
Continue Reading
Subscribe to access the full content
Upgrade to Premium