A Long Yet Inspiring Stage Play-Peregrination of the Soul
(Fareeha Jabeen, Gujrat)
Character building is a journey, not a destination.
This striking concept of human evolution in terms of moral development became vivid in my mind while reading Peregrination of the Soul, authored by Syeda Khair-ul-Bariyah. The book effectively explores the process of character building, narrating the story of Aziel, a 16-year-old boy who transforms into a wiser 50-year-old man by learning from his mistakes. Aziel belongs to a family that firmly believes in spiritual growth alongside worldly progress. Initially, he dismisses these lessons as insignificant, but time reveals their true value—when life tests him, he realizes the worth of those words.
Many characters revolve around Aziel’s life, contributing to his growth—either as blessings or as challenges that test him.
We are all in a continuous process of transformation, whether for better or worse, but change itself is inevitable. Our experiences shape us, and there is always an inner battle between good and evil. The strength of our character, instilled in us from an early age and reinforced throughout life, helps us navigate these choices.
According to the book, a person of character is not someone who is free from mistakes. Rather, a person of character keeps their mind open, allowing wisdom to nourish the soul.
The writer draws inspiration from the character-building classes and core values of Forman Christian College (A Chartered University) in Lahore, Pakistan. The book’s dialogues and scenarios strongly resonate with the institution’s values, as acknowledged in the dedication and acknowledgment sections.
Even after finishing the book, its dialogues linger in the reader’s mind. The stage play adaptation introduces a fresh approach, innovating upon the traditional concept of stage performances.