ISLAMABAD: An exhibition of paintings based on verses and quotes of Jalaluddin Rumi, a 13th century Persian Sufi mystic poet, jurist and philosopher, opened at Nomad Gallery on Saturday.

The exhibition, ‘Rumi on Canvas’, which is also the title of a book of selected paintings and verses of Rumi by Zahid Iqbal, features 28 masterpieces depicting Rumi’s universal concept of love, divinity and humanity.

Chairperson of Union Council 28 and president of PTI women wing Islamabad Fouzia Arshad opened the show as the chief guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms Arshad said Zahid Iqbal’s paintings were inspiring and enlightening. She appreciated the artist and the curator for showcasing such a fabulous artwork to enlighten common people about Rumi’s teachings.

There are a few individuals who have been blessed with many spiritual talents and have excelled in most of them with the help of deeply ingrained faith in their minds and soul.

Zahid Iqbal is such a personality, said Shah Jamal Hashmi, founding president of Rumi Love Foundation, in the preface of the book that was also placed at the exhibition.

“It is an honour to have these precious expressions of sacred thoughts of Rumi compiled into a single book. Zahid’s seminal work deciphers the hidden meanings in it for us to be fascinated deeply by these thoughts,” said Mr Hashmi, who has compiled the book.

“Zahid’s paintings show that he is completely immersed in Rumi. He has reflected on truth and love beautifully,” said Nageen Hyat, director of the gallery.

She said some percentage of the proceeds from the sales of the exhibit would go to Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital.

The artist has explored the words of Rumi and painted them on canvas with vibrant colours which make the viewers feel a deep connection to the Divine and transport them to the world of spirituality.

Art and Rumi’s teachings have played an essential role in transforming the artist’s life as a musician, soldier, businessman, sculptor, author and golfer.

A self-taught artist without taking any formal or informal training, the artist’s passion for art and poetry led him to read and understand Rumi.

Talking to Dawn, the Karachi-based artist, who hails from Swabi in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, said: “It was a coincidence that made me a painter and Rumi lover. It was back in 2007 when I went to a stationery shop to buy a painting-colours kit for my son and suddenly the thought popped up in my mind why shouldn’t I take up brush and palate to paint on canvas. I started painting randomly but was hesitant to show it to someone else. When one of my friends saw my paintings, she was amazed and encouraged me to continue and showcase it in a gallery,” he said.

About the passion for Rumi’s verses, he said during an exhibition at Indus Valley School of Arts, a woman artist advised me to follow some philosophers or poets for ideas; the very next day when I sat in front of a canvas suddenly Rumi’s verses came to my mind and since then no other thing has attracted me more than Rumi. Two books are my companions that I always keep on my bedroom’s side table: one is Rumi’s Mathnavi gifted by an Iranian friend and the other book is on golf, Mr Iqbal said.

“I have witnessed traumas of three wars, on Siachen and nine years in the desert during the Gulf war. It was the teachings and poetry of Rumi that totally changed my life,” said Mr Iqbal. “I was a trophy hunter but after reading Rumi’s verses about the love for nature and humanity I quit hunting and now care for birds and animals,” he added.

In another painting in dark blue, navy blue and keys of a musical instrument the artist has depicted ‘Rhythm of life.’

He has participated in over two dozen exhibitions since 2008. All the proceeds from the sales of his artwork go to charities.

The exhibit will remain open until April 30.

Published in Dawn, April 29th, 2019