Afsar Amed’s Kissa : Narrative of an Integrated Muslim Social Mind/ আফসার আমেদের কিস্‌সা : এক অখণ্ড মুসলমান সমাজমানসের কথন

Abstract

Afsar Amed’s Kissa Series is a unique addition to Bangla literature. Afsar Amed was essentially a storyteller in the Muslim society. His Kissa Series is also centered around the Muslim society. By portraying the Kissa Series, Afsar Amed aims to encapsulate the mental state of an integrated Muslim society. Various aspects of Muslim society have emerged due to the need for narratives. Despite the diversity in the narratives of the six kissas, Afsar Amed highlights the intricacies of the Muslim society, keeping the physical aspect in front. The Maulavi, polygamy, patriarchy, women’s rights, divorce practices and other topics have been introduced to understand the mindset of the Muslim society. Alongside, a detailed depiction of the lower-class Muslim society has been presented. Before establishing oneself in society as a Maulavi, I have discussed the direction of becoming a Maulavi. Investigating the origin of the prevalent practice of multiple marriages through the lens of social history. The attempt to show the logic behind the act of marrying more than one contradicts the teachings. Besides, why polygamy still prevails in society has also been attempted to be addressed. Concurrently, the discussion touches upon – the one-sided harmful tradition like divorce, which affects women’s status in Muslim society; it disrespects women. In the context of divorce, I have discussed some aspects of the 1985 Shahbano case. There, a complex issue regarding the sustenance of Muslim women was highlighted. After a long struggle, the oral divorce practice was abolished in 2017. However, the provision allowing men to divorce their wives at any time is still ongoing due to appropriate reasons. However, it is said that the right of women is becoming increasingly restricted. In the broader social perspective, I have attempted to explore the practice of divorce in Afsar Amed’s Kissa and portray the plight of women. I have briefly described how women are increasingly vulnerable within the patriarchal system prevalent in Muslim society. Alongside, I have analyzed a lower-class society’s portrait in the narrative.