‘Alif’ changed the way I see life, faith and loss

Some television dramas entertain you for a few hours and then slowly fade from memory

Some television dramas entertain you for a few hours and then slowly fade from memory. Others become connected to a particular chapter of your life. For me, Alif belongs to the second category.

It is one of the most meaningful Pakistani dramas I have ever watched and remains my favourite work by writer Umera Ahmed. I first came across the drama on the recommendation of my cousin, Ahmad Abbas, while I was studying at university, somewhere around my fifth or sixth semester. At that point, I had no idea that the story would eventually become so personal to me.

Adapted from Umera Ahmed’s novel and directed by Haseeb Hasan, Alif is much more than a conventional television story. At its heart is the journey of understanding one’s relationship with Allah. The drama uses its characters and their struggles to explore faith, love, loss, purpose and spiritual awakening.

One of the things that immediately stayed with me was its visual and musical atmosphere. The performances were powerful the direction was thoughtful and the background score added another emotional layer to the story. But the element that affected me most was calligraphy.

I had been interested in calligraphy for years before watching Alif. Yet the scenes featuring Dada Abdul Aala creating beautiful calligraphy of Allah’s names and Quranic verses gave that interest an entirely different meaning. There was something incredibly calming and spiritual about watching those moments on screen.

Perhaps the strongest reason I connected with the drama was because Dada Abdul Aala reminded me of my own grandfather, Professor Ghulam Abbas.

My grandfather devoted almost two decades to teaching the Holy Quran to children at a mosque without taking any payment. He did it simply as an act of devotion and service to Allah. At the same time, when I was growing up and imagining a future in film, television and media he remained one of the people who supported and guided me.

Our bond went far beyond the usual relationship between a grandfather and grandson. He was my friend, mentor and a source of comfort. Losing him in 2023 was one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced. It was like someone had taken a piece of me. Years later I still think of him and miss him every day.

That is why certain scenes in Alif affect me differently. Whenever I watch Dada Abdul Aala and Momin together I cannot help but think of my grandfather. Their conversations and relationship bring back memories of the affection wisdom and guidance I received from him.

Whenever I am tired, emotionally drained or simply searching for something meaningful to watch I find myself returning to Alif. Somehow, it never feels like watching the same drama again. Each viewing brings a different emotion or thought.

“Alif is not just a drama on television for me. It is a reminder of faith, of relationships, of loss and of the search for meaning in the life. The music, dialog, imagery and characters still affect me long after the story is finished.

If I had to recommend one Pakistani drama to someone who has never explored the genre, Alif would be my first choice. I would recommend reading Umera Ahmed’s novel before watching the television adaptation. Together, they offer an experience that is difficult to forget.