⦁ Faith. Magic. Love.
Mala, the Urdu novel by Nemrah Ahmed, is a story based on a harsh reality that revolved around the lead character: Kashmala Mubeen.
This book is divided into four parts:
⦁ Lahore
⦁ Makkah
⦁ Vancouver
⦁ Turkey
She is a business woman and the eldest sister who encounters challenges which leave scars within her from developing distrust in people she could never have anticipated, societal pressure, to the fear of aging and building insecurities as an accomplished Pakistani woman.
As the eldest daughter with no father and a less supportive brother, the trials which came in her life tests her trust on men as her business partners, close associates and most of all, a spouse.
Kashmala’s story reflects the life of many Pakistani girls and women amongst which majority of them do not have their own priorities but rather do what the society demands for or is satisfied with.
Unlike the story’s title, there are other lead and side characters discussed (like, Mahir Fareed, Ziad, Mah bina) as well, to shed light on stereotypical biases. Those include demeaning people with dark complexion, low status jobs and unmet family goals. Also the novel brings into view the envy filled in people who lack gratitude to the blessings they have with themselves. This venom leads them to use unnatural means, ie. Black magic, of fulfilling their desires against others.
⦁ The Controversy: Black magic.
Prior to when the episodes of this novel started publishing, the readers were skeptical on how a conflicting reality of Black Magic has been written upon by the renowned author.
A controversy can be said to be a perception not true but true at the same time. The denial for the existence of black magic and the addiction towards it is highlighted. Nemrah Ahmed presents a fictional scenario about how envious people are unable to be satisfied with what they have and what others have. They let the hands of magician control the victims of magic by inflicting problems via unnatural means.
This novel is a mind-provoking aspect of society for the readers. Apart from the fiction characters and their propelling stories, it reminds the readers to be mindful of their faith. Since the powerful antitode against evil vices is ones strong faith in Allah The Almighty.
Written by Musfirah Shoaib of IX -F