BY VEENA RAO*
Sohail Rauf’s Blasphear is a haunting exploration of blasphemy and the ripple effects of religious fanaticism on individuals, families, and communities. Set against the backdrop of Pakistan’s notorious blasphemy laws, the novel explores the systemic injustices that arise from such accusations.
The term “blasphear,” as explained by one of the characters, is the terror and paranoia that pervades the lives of those caught in the crosshairs of mob justice.
The story unfolds through three alternating perspectives: Waqas, a disillusioned cop reluctantly investigating the apparent suicide of Hassan, who was allegedly part of a mob that lynched a Hindu man, Mohan. Waqas’s journey is complicated by his own traumatic history—his father was accused of blasphemy for accidentally burning pages of the Quran, a shadow that looms large over his life.
Then there’s Furqan, a student and close friend of Hassan, who helps Waqas with his investigation, and through flashbacks, sheds light on how Mohan and his brother Ram came into their lives. Finally, Lubna, Hassan’s grieving sister, brings a raw and emotional dimension to the story.
At the center of the story is Mohan, a teacher, intellectual, and mentor to many, including Furqan, Hassan, and Lubna. He introduces his students to poetry, philosophy, and the arts. His efforts to develop a fine arts program at the college draw the ire of the Talaba, the student wing of the religious organization, Deen-e-Kamil, who view his teachings as corrupting young Muslim minds. As a Hindu in a predominantly Muslim community, Mohan’s views make him a vulnerable figure, ultimately leading to his tragic mob lynching.
As the plot moves forward, the lines between murder and suicide blur, exposing uncomfortable truths about guilt, complicity, and justice. Did Hassan, who once adored Mohan, lead the mob to the lynching? Did Hassan commit suicide or was he murdered? Rauf skillfully weaves these narratives together, creating a complex and layered plot reminiscent of Vikram Chandra’s Sacred Games. The parallels are apt, as both stories expose the dark underbelly of society.
Despite the heavy subject matter, Blasphear is not a tearjerker. Rauf handles these themes with restraint, avoiding melodrama while delivering an unflinching portrayal of a society that fuels blasphemy accusations.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its ability to humanize all sides of the story. The characters are deeply flawed yet relatable, each grappling with their own fears, beliefs, and sense of morality. Waqas’s internal conflict as a cop who dislikes his job but seeks justice for Hassan adds depth to the investigation, while Furqan and Lubna offer poignant insights into the lives left shattered by blasphemy accusations.
Through its nuanced storytelling, Blasphear offers a searing critique of a society where the accused are guilty until proven innocent, and their families silenced through fear.
*Veena Rao is the editor-in-chief of NRI Pulse and the author of Purple Lotus.
1 comment
Hi Veena,
Thanks for reading my book and for such a thorough review.
I’m glad you liked it.
Sohail