The novel ‘The Rugmaker of Mazar-e-Sharif’ is written by Najaf Mazari and Robert Hillman, illustrates the life and journey of an extraordinary human being. Najaf is drastically shaped by the ongoing war in his home country, Afghanistan but his willpower to still have hope, humility and faith no matter what obstacles came his way played a key factor in what makes Najaf a one of a kind individual. Najaf’s life has had its share of constant struggles and been put through extremely challenging situations that it would be easy to lose the traits a person possesses but for a man like Najaf, he remained strong and persevered which resulted to a safer and finer future with a triumphant business. Throughout all the havoc the war was causing, Najaf never lost his true self nor the dreams and aspirations he was longing for to become reality.
From the very beginning, Najaf always displayed his hope. Even when all hope seems to have vanished, he finds it in him to never lose the one thing that carry’s him through. Too many times when a human being such as Najaf may give up and surrender, he picks himself up and uses all the fibre in himself to not forfeit the life challenges he faces. In chapter 15 (The other side of the fence) of the book; Najaf and another inmate, Nemat are overjoyed that they were granted a Temporary Protection Visa only for it to be revoked as it was a mistake. When finally their Visas were truly granted, Najaf refuses to believe it. ‘’ … I have used up all the strength I have recovering from the last mistake.’’ (pg. 161) The quote indicates that somewhere deep down, Najaf was still hopeful for a better outcome and had not given up yet.
The faith Najaf has in God is incredibly strong that in everything that happens, he always turns to God. From obstacle to obstacle, his faith in God and what God has planned for him only becomes deeper and more powerful. Afghanis are known for how religious and faithful they are, but it is not