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“Ishq Ilhaam Hai” is a heartfelt collection of spiritual love poetry, and it’s a real honor for Daastan to publish this book. It is available on MeraQissa, a project of Daastan.
Before we dive into the details of the book launch, let’s take a moment to learn about the talented poet, Aqleem Fatimah, who crafted these verses.
Aqleem Fatimah:
Aqleem Fatimah is a poet, columnist, lecturer, and works in the field of Gender and Women’s Studies at Allama Iqbal Open University, where her days are spent teaching, researching, and writing.
For her, poetry is a quiet inner voice, a way of listening to her heart, reflecting on the world around her, and exploring both her inner self and outer realities.
On days when poetry doesn’t come easily, she writes columns for newspapers such as Dunya and Minute Mirror, always continuing her search for meaning, much like a river that may pause but never loses its way.
Her author blog shares more in detail about her writing journey, what inspires her, and the life experiences behind her work.
Ishq Ilham Hai
Ishq Ilhaam Hai is Aqleem Fatimah’s second collection of poetry. At its core lies a simple but powerful idea: love is not just a passing emotion, but a kind of revelation. This deeply spiritual experience can awaken the heart in many different forms.
“Ishq Ilhaam Hai” isn’t meant to be picked apart and explained. It’s a book meant to be felt.
Book Launch Event of “Ishq Ilham Hai”
On 12th June, the book launch session of “Ishq Ilhaam Hai” was held by The Black Hole, Islamabad, bringing together poets, writers, and literature lovers for a conversation dedicated to Urdu poetry and spiritual love.
The session was moderated by Sajjad Baloch, poet, journalist, columnist, and translator, who guided the discussion around the themes, language, and emotional depth of the collection.
The event featured esteemed guests:
- Aqleem Fatimah, Poet, Columnist, Lecturer in Gender & Women Studies (AIOU), and Author of “Ishq Ilhaam Hai”
- Harris Khalique, Poet, Writer, Columnist, and Social Activist
- Dr. Ambreen Salahuddin, Poet, Author, Translator, Critic, and Assistant Professor of Gender Studies, Punjab University
The panel came together to delve into how “Ishq Ilham Hai” beautifully portrays love as a spiritual awakening.
They discussed how the themes of longing, patience, love, truth, and enlightenment are thoughtfully written into verses that resonate deeply with the heart.
This session provided the audience & readers with unique insight into the poet’s inner thoughts and the journey that led to her second collection.
Available online at MeraQissa or please email at merasawal@daastan.com
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Dr Haroon Awan
