A Study of Ustad Khalilullah Khalili, The National Poet of Afghanistan

Abstract

Khalilullah Khalili, a distinguished Afghan poet and literary figure, is widely recognized as the national poet of Afghanistan. This article provides a comprehensive overview of his life, literary contributions, philosophical thoughts, and spiritual inclinations. Born in Kabul in 1910, Khalili witnessed political and social upheavals that significantly influenced his poetry. He lost both parents at an early age but pursued his education in Persian literature, logic, and religious sciences through the help of his father's friends. Despite holding important governmental and diplomatic positions, Khalili remained spiritually grounded and devoted to Sufi values. His poetry reflects themes of patriotism, humanism, mysticism, and reverence for classical Persian figures such as Saadi Shirazi, Data Ganj Bakhsh, and Allama Iqbal. Having lived in exile during the political unrest in Afghanistan, Khalili continued to write prolifically until his death in Islamabad in 1987. His literary legacy includes a wide range of poetic and scholarly works in Persian and Arabic that resonate with themes of love for homeland, cultural identity, and universal human values.