Love as Spiritual Revelation.
Ishq Ilhaam hai is a reflective spiritual poetry book. It shows love as something quite inside you. Written by poet & columnist Aqleem Fatimah, the book explores love, longing, patience, fear, & self-discovery. Daastan published Ishq Ilhaam hai.
In this interview with Daastan, Aqleem talks about her path as a poet. She explains what inspired Ishq Ilham Hai & her publishing experience with Daastan.
Aqleem Fatimah: The Poet.
Aqleem Fatimah is a poet, columnist, academic, and lifelong student of human thought and emotion. Living in Pakistan, she works in the field of Gender & Women’s Studies, where her daily life revolves around teaching, research, and writing.
Her days are usually divided between online classrooms, books, quiet reflection & meaningful moments shared with family.
For Aqleem Fatimah, writing, especially poetry, is a divine whisper. She shared.
“Writing, especially poetry, for me is a divine whisper that helps me listen to my heart, see what’s happening around, and question it with why and how. This whole process opens up new ways of exploring the inner self and the outer realities of life.”
When time allows, she enjoys reading & observing human behaviour. Share with us that.
“I find joy in reading, observing human behaviour, and engaging in conversations that deepen my understanding.”
On days when poetry does not appear, she focuses on column writing for daily newspapers such as Dunya & Minute Mirror. Aqleem Fatimah believes intellectual exploration should never stop.
She mentioned.
“I do believe that the poetry with its beautiful aura would transcend again as “rivers may pause, but they never forget their path.”
Ishq Ilhaam Hai.
Ishq Ilham Hai is her second collection of poetry. She shared that she believes love is not just a fleeting emotion but a revelation. She said,
“I believe that ‘love is revelation,’ a purely spiritual inner experience that has different shades, quite a transcending of awakening upon the heart.”
This spiritual love poetry book tells her story, yet it carries multiple stories that hold traces of many emotional states of love, longing, patience, truth, foresight, anger, fear, and awakening that were once unknown to her. She believes this is a book meant to be felt rather than explained.
What Inspired Aqleem Fatimah to Write Poetry?
When asked what inspired her to write poetry, she said that it was not a planned decision. She explained.
“Isn’t the question that should be asked because it can be asked when I would have been planning to write poetry, but here it wasn’t so. Poetry wanted me to write. So, poetry arrived and visited my heart when it was ready, and urged me to write whatever I have written.”
Daastan’s Role In Bringing “Ishq Ilhaam Hai” To Readers.
“Ishq Ilhaam Hai” is published by Daastan, Pakistan’s leading publishing platform, dedicated to supporting national & international authors.
Daastan guides authors through the challenges of publishing.
Aqleem Fatimah’s Experience With Daastan In Her Own Words.
When we asked Aqleem about her experience with daastan, she said.
“Daastan played the role of a steady bridge between my dream and the realisation of it through its publication.”
She added.
“I am writing this because of managing the practical aspects, from creating an invoice, a customised publication package, to ensuring that the soul of the work remained intact in the book cover, its pages, and everywhere.
So, I can say that daastan reduced the distance between vision and reality. Every team member and their support allowed me to be at peace.”
Lessons From “Ishq Ilhaam Hai”.
When we asked Aqleem about the lessons readers can take from Ishq Ilhaam Hai, she said.
“I believe readers may find it a mirror rather than just a message. Ishq Ilham Hai invites readers to reflect, pause and recognise their own emotional landscape while it also speaks of love in its many contradictions, hope and despair, closeness and distance, silence and expression “
Aqleem Fatimah’s Message For Readers.
When we asked Aqleem Fatimah what she would like to say to her readers, she shared.
“Some feelings don’t let us cry and don’t let us speak either. That’s why poetry exists. It exists not to show the Poet’s emotions but to hold the reader’s. If you ever felt something you couldn’t explain, this book is already yours.”
She continued.
“May Ishq Ilham Hai be a companion to your reflections with its constant reminder that love is a divine whisper, a revelation that communicates to us all those truths that are not learned, they are received.”
Investing in a new writer is always a risk, but Daastan took that leap of faith and showed me “Ek Kiran Andheron Mein” and gave me a “Shanakht” as a writer.
I’m truly grateful for the opportunities and guidance Daastan provided me, from encouraging to mentoring and publishing. For me it’s more than just a platform—it’s a place where new writers find their voice and recognition. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who wishes to begin or enrich their writing journey.
Their team is super supportive and professional. They walked me through every step of the process, from editing to printing, and even helped me with marketing. I’ve heard amazing things about their work, and I’m not surprised – they’re clearly passionate about what they do.
What I love about Daastan is their inclusive approach. They’re all about empowering emerging writers, and it shows in the quality of their publications. I’ve recommended them to friends and fellow writers, and I’ll continue to sing their praises!
If you’re thinking of publishing your work, look no further. Daastan is the way to go!
I have worked with many publishers in Pakistan, of which Daastan tops among independent publishers on account of transparency, quality and earlier response.
Their publishing process was exceptionally smooth and reassuring. After I registered, Narmeen, their consultant and editor, handled my manuscript with remarkable professionalism, guiding me through every stage with clarity and patience. With their support, I successfully published two books: Love, Lucknow aur Lahore, which received immense appreciation, and a short story titled Gol Roti.
What truly elevates Dastaan is the authenticity of their team. Ommar, Narmeen, and every member of their staff were warm, attentive, and genuinely invested in my growth as a writer. Their encouragement turned what could have been a daunting experience into an inspiring milestone in my creative journey.
As a first-time author venturing into the literary world with both excitement and hesitation, I could not have found a better publishing partner than Daastan Pvt Ltd. Under the thoughtful leadership of Syed Omar Amer, the team at Daastan was unwaveringly supportive, responsive, and professional, guiding me with care and insight through every step of the publishing process. Their facilitation turned what could have been an intimidating journey into one marked by encouragement and trust.
The quality of the finished product speaks for itself – readers and recipients of my books consistently comment on the exceptional standard of printing and presentation, especially preservation of the design colours. The books look and feel beautiful in the hand, which has enhanced both their reach and reception. For any author, whether stepping into print for the first time or seasoned in the craft, I wholeheartedly recommend Daastan as a go-to publisher and printer. They are capable, creative, and above all, committed to the stories their authors want to tell. I am truly delighted that I found my way to them.
Dr Haroon Awan
