Abdul Rahman M. Baig
Hyderabad: The Urdu literary world is mourning the passing of Syed Sarfaraz Ali, better known by his pen name Mahtab Qadr, a versatile poet, prose writer, journalist and dedicated promoter of Urdu, who spent more than five decades contributing to the language and its literary traditions, particularly in Saudi Arabia.
Mahtab Qadr passed away in Hyderabad in the early hours on Friday at the age of 69. He had travelled from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where he had spent most of his life, to undergo knee surgery. However, he passed away before the procedure could be performed.
According to family sources, his funeral and burial will take place in Hyderabad on Saturday afternoon. He is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son.
Born in 1956, Mahtab Qadr completed his Master’s in Library Science from Osmania University and served as a medical librarian at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah for nearly three decades.
A multifaceted literary personality, he made his mark as a poet, prose writer, literary sketch writer, translator, travelogue writer and organiser. He was also the founder of Urdu Gulbun, a literary forum in Jeddah that provided a platform for Urdu lovers, writers and emerging literary voices.
His association with journalism was another important chapter of his literary journey. When the Jeddah-based English daily Saudi Gazette launched its Urdu supplement, Mahtab Qadr was associated with its editorial team and contributed to the growth and promotion of Urdu journalism in the Kingdom.
A native of the Deccan, with its rich literary and cultural heritage, Mahtab Qadr brought a distinctive sensitivity and depth to his writings. His works were characterised by freshness, movement and an openness to new themes. His poetry combined romantic expression with an awareness of social realities, while his prose and literary sketches reflected his keen understanding of human nature.
His published works include Chhaon-e-Sahra, Sabz Sahra and Nazriat-e-Mahtab, while his travelogue Awargi Thodi Si reflected his love for travel and his sharp powers of observation. Written in a simple and flowing style, the travelogue brought places and people to life for readers.
His contribution to Urdu extended beyond his own literary work. Through Urdu Gulbun, he nurtured a vibrant literary environment in Jeddah, regularly bringing together poets, writers and Urdu enthusiasts. He encouraged young and emerging writers and remained a generous mentor to many members of the literary community.
Mahtab Qadr also remained closely associated with the Indian community and Urdu literary circles in Jeddah. Recently, UP Forum Jeddah honoured him with a Life Achievement Award at a mushaira in recognition of his long-standing contribution to Urdu literature and journalism.
Even in the later years of his life, his commitment to Urdu remained undiminished. Around eight months ago, he launched a fortnightly Urdu magazine, further demonstrating his continued dedication to the language and its readers.
He was also a mentor and guiding presence for members of Izhaar Urdu Toastmasters Club, Jeddah, the first Urdu Toastmasters club in the world. His encouragement and affection for the club’s members made him a respected figure beyond the traditional literary circles.
He was nominated as the member of the advisory Committee for Telangana International Association, Jeddah.
For generations of Urdu lovers in Jeddah, Mahtab Qadr was more than a poet or writer. He was a companion in the shared journey of preserving, promoting and celebrating Urdu far from its traditional homeland.
With his passing, the Urdu community has lost a sincere and tireless servant of the language. Jeddah, in particular, will deeply miss his presence, his words, his guidance and his warm companionship.
