Sultan Zangi ki Bewa

Book Review

Author: Dr Akhtar Hussain Azmi
Publisher: Manshuraat
Pages: 287 Pages
Price: 200 INR
Genre: Historical Fiction
Language: Urdu

Dr. Akhtar Hussain Azmi’s book, Sultan Zangi Ki Bewa (Sultan Zangi’s Widow) is a fictional depiction of Sultan Noor Ud Din Zangi’s reign. Author has connected the historical events, and expressed them in such a way, that every sentence takes you on a virtual tour to the past.

Main Characters

This book mainly speaks about four main characters. First the Nobles (or The Ministers), Second is Malik As Sualeh (The son of Sultan Noor Ud Din Zangi), Third is Razia Binti Mueen Ud Din (The widow of Zangi), and the Fourth is Sultan Saleh Ud Din Ayubi, the legendary Military General and ruler of Syria & Egypt.

The Ministers

They were the white collars, and indulged in the worst kind of materialistic affairs. Almost all high profile persons were in pursuit to form their own kingdoms. In achieving their vicious desires, they played a cunning role to destroy their own glory. They built secret ties with the crusaders and provided them every sort of help to invade the Islamic Empire (in Syria), all for their selfish gains.

Malik as Saleh

Malik As Sualeh, was the son of the great Sultan Zangi and Rabia Binti Mueen Ud Din. Unfortunately, he too was one among those who played a very vital role in destroying the Islamic Empire (in Syria). He was not even close to prove, by his character, that he’s the son of one of the great Sultans of Islam.

The Title character of the book, Razia Binti Mueen u Din is not mentioned in the novel as one expects. One assumes, by the title, that she must be the protagonist, but she is less discussed character in this novel.

Razia Binti Mueen u Din

Razia binti Mueen ud din is the Title character of the book. She was the widow of Noor Ud Din Zangi, and remained a staunch supporter of Sultan Salau Ud Din Ayubi. She played a very brave role to strengthen the Islamic Empire of Syria. She completely abandoned his son Malik As Sualeh who was one of the chief conspirators against Salahudin Ayoobi, after Sultan zangi’s death. She didn’t even visit him on his death bed, as she considered him among the supporters of enemies of Islam.

Though the book’s title is taken from her character, she is not mentioned in the novel as one expects. One assumes, by the title, that she must be the protagonist, but she is less discussed character in this novel.

Sultan Salahudeen Ayoobi

Throughout the book, one finds a large portion is devoted to a great character: Sultan Salau Din Ayubi. Salau Din was a mixture of great qualities and his role in the world history is unparalleled.

Conclusion

This book is written in Novel form, but nothing seems untrue, as author has artistically woven history with fiction. The main focus of this book is to show the drastic outcomes when Muslims are caught up in internal conflicts. Instead of utilizing the energy and sources on the enemies, they wasted their efforts on fighting over each other’s territories except Salau Din who united the Muslims and liberated Al-Quds. This book is a nice read, especially for Urdu loving youth.

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