Khushal’s Concept of an Ideal Man

Abstract

Khushal Khan Khattak’s ideal man is actually the wellconsidered amalgamation of all those noble traits, which the Holy Qur’an enjoins and which shines thro’ the Sunnah of the Prophet. Besides, he attributes all that to his ideal man, which he finds admirable in his own practical life. He modestly pictures himself as a paragon of this ideal man. His ideal man possesses qualities like contentment, respect for one’s promise, incessant struggle, invincible self-esteem, high spirit etc. He specially emphasizes relentless struggle for higher ends. He clearly illustrates the difference between struggle and fate through substantial examples based on his own experiences. He recommends all out struggle against all odds without surrendering our hope for success. He develops an interdependent triangle between man, struggle and education conducive to human development. He conveys his concept of ideal man through the beautiful simile of Baz (eagle) which is superior to other birds owing to its individuality, independence, bravery, and a distinct recognition based on his great struggle enabling him to live an enviable life. Khushal Khan Khattak therefore demands an education system capable of producing such ideal people (eagles) rather than vultures or crows that are parasitic upon others’ in life