A sense of ‘Think global, act local’ prevailed at the launch of two significant books “Who jo Shams tha Sar-e-Aasmaan” and “Seemanchal ke Afsana Nigar.” The launch was jointly organized by Forum for Intellectual Discourse and Idara Adab-e-Islami, Delhi on Sunday, 7 November, 2021 at the headquarters of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind.
The book “Who Jo Shams tha Sar e Assmaan” was compiled by Dr Noman Qaisar and Mohd Islam Khan and has 41 Urdu articles and six poems on the life and services of journalist Dr Abdul Qadir Shams who died during Covid-19 on 25 August, 2020. It also has four write-ups in English.
Another book “Seemanchal ke Afsana Nigar” is an effort to document the life and works of dozens of fiction writers of Seemanchal.
Presiding over the programme renowned Islamic scholar and former President of Maulana Azad University, Jodhpur, Prof Akhtarul Wasey said that the work done by Abdul Qadir Shams was ‘unusual’. “Shams used to sleep in Delhi but dreamed of Seemanchal.” The void left with his demise would always be felt in my life, said Wasey, who is also the Professor Emeritus of Islamic Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia. Seemanchal ke Afsana Nigar will be an indispensable work in the history of short-story writing. Prof Wasey also congratulated the Forum for Intellectual Discourse stating that the need for such an organization like the Forum could never be felt more strongly than the present times. He wished the Forum success.
Special guest, editor general at NCERT, Dr Perwaiz Shaharyar expressed happiness over organizing a meeting for a journalist in which a large number of people from media were present whose responsibility had grown manifold as the nation was confronted with difficult situations. He called the book a ‘valuable addition to literature’. Prof Abu Bakar Abbad had his reservations for confining any segment of Urdu literature to a specific region as Urdu was a global language. The protagonists, however, had their own arguments for identifying geographical regions, as was also the case with Seemanchal, a region long ignored by most literary aficionado.
Abdul Mannan, editor of monthly Yojana reasoned that the creative facets of Seemanchal remained shrouded because their writers usually shied away from the limelight. In that context, he considered Ehsan Quasmi’s work exceptional.
Chief guest, senior journalist Siraj Naqvi, who had worked with Abdul Qadir Shams for over a decade said that Shams new the art of maintaining relationships. Despite all the difficulties, the smile on his face would dispel worries. Author, critic and famous litterateur Haqqani Al-Qasmi paid a glowing literary tribute to his childhood friend Abdul Qadir Shams which moved the audience. He said Woh jo Shams tha… is not merely a collection of articles but teardrops flowing directly from the hearts.
Dr Waris Mazhari, Assistant Professor, Jamia Hamdard; Dr Khalid Mubashshir, Assistant Professor, Jamia Millia Islamia; Dr Ahmad Ali Jauher, Assistant Professor, Indira Gandhi National Open University; Dr Jasim Uddin Qasmi of Delhi University, Jamshed Adil Alig and Dr Zain Shamsi also shared their views. Uzma Shaheen, daughter of late Abdul Qadir Shams paid a rich tribute to her father.
Manzar Imam of Forum for Intellectual Discourse moderated the three-hour long programme which had begun with Qur’anic recitation of Abdur Rahman, followed by welcome remarks of Dr Mohammad Ajmal, Assistant Professor, Centre for Arabic and African Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University. It ended with a vote of thanks by journalist Abid Anwar.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Books / by Manzar Imam / November 10th, 2021
Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Vice Chancellor, Professor Tariq Mansoor today released the Hindi translation of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s ‘Asbab-e-Baghawat-e-Hind’ along with a special reprint of the book in Urdu. The translation has been done by Dr Jasim Mohammad.
The book was released in the presence of Professor Shafey Kidwai (Member-in-Charge, Public Relations Office, AMU).
On the occasion, the Vice Chancellor said that Sir Syed Ahmad Khan took upon himself the challenge of educating the masses by pushing ahead common people towards over all development with the most modern and scientific education. He added that it is imperative that the teachings Sir Syed should reach all corners of world through translations in various languages.
Dr Jasim said that the idea behind the translation of ‘Asbab-e-Baghawat-e-Hind’ is to educate people on how Sir Syed with his nationalistic approach towards problems and controversies prevailing at that time took the unimaginable step of speaking against the British rule.
Dr Jasim has authored 26 books including ‘Sir Syed Ahmad Khan aur Aligarh Movement’, Aligarh Muslim University Minority Character: A Comprehensive Study’ and ‘Urdu Mass Media aur Rabta-e-Aama’. He regularly writes articles and opinion pieces in Hindi, Urdu and English languages for national dailies. Dr Jasim is also a recipient of Bharat Gaurav Samman, Acharya Hasthi Karuna Institutional Award and Rais Uddin Rais Award.
source: http://www.indiaeducationdiary.com / India Education Diary / Home> Academics> Competition> Edu Events> National News / by India Education Diary Bureau / pic: edited – facebook.com/proamuofficial / September 09th, 2017
Inquilab and Mid-Day founder Abdul Hamid Ansari is an inspiration not just for journalists but millions of youngsters … A special report by Siraj Ali Quadri.
Indian journalist and Muslim nationalist Abdul Hamid Ansari founded Inquilab, an Urdu daily in Mumbai in l937. The newspaper soon became a landmark in Urdu journalism which caught the attention of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. But when Jinnah asked Ansari to come to Karachi to publish the newspaper in the new country, Ansari said that he would prefer to live in India like the many million Muslims who would rather stay in the country than join Jinnah. Those who joined Jinnah undoubtedly left everything behind. Some flourished while others got established. But that’s another story, which has never ended since l947.
Today’s story is about the veteran journalist, publisher and businessman Khalid A.H. Ansari, son of Abdul Hameed. After passing out from St. Xavier’s in Mumbai, Khalid did his master’s at Stanford University in the US.
Khalid returned to Mumbai to establish Sportsweek, a weekly sports magazine, which became a huge success soon after its launch. The magazine’s immediate success can be attributed to the fact that its founder was himself an excellent sportsman and did a great job with the magazine, in addition to his father’s paper Inquilab.
Meanwhile, the idea came to launch India’s first daily tabloid, Mid-Day, which he modelled in many ways after the English tabloids from Fleet Street. During the planning phase of their new venture, he spent hours discussing it with staff and mulled over its format to ensure success, especially since there were already two eveningers in Mumbai, one by The Times of India and the other by the Indian Express. Both suffered from a lack of innovation to attract large numbers of readers. So when Mid-Day appeared with a new face and content, the two old ones just collapsed. Although the ToI eveninger protested the pace of time for a while, it eventually perished as it had already become obsolete.
Mid-Day became a resounding success, with many comparing it to the British Daily Mirror and Daily Mail. However, being an Indian tabloid, it was much quieter and a whole lot more civilized, without the British fondness for nudity and sex, and nonsensical stories of stupidity.
Khalid was helped by his wife, Rukaya. She was very active on the administrative side and contributed to the editorial content and layout, which helped the paper sustain itself in the demanding market of Mumbai. She knew what was going on in the office and in the newspaper that was fast becoming India’s flagship eveninger.
Meanwhile, Khalid accepted an offer to become editor-in-chief of the Dubai-based Khaleej Times, and handed over the paper to his son, Tariq. After a few years in Dubai, Khalid returned to Mumbai and launched Mid-Day in Bangalore and Delhi and a regional Gujarati version for millions of Gujaratis in the country.
He has been involved in various programmes with the Indian government during conferences in Delhi and New York, launching and editing newspapers, and was awarded the Padma Shri in 2001 while continuing to play and write about his old passion, cricket.
Writing about his eveninger, Khalid says, “Mid-Day is a light-hearted, easy-to-read, entertaining, and ‘naughty’ paper that now has a new purpose which is to make work fun. Gives young professionals an entertaining newsbreak. The focus is on young, urban, mobile professionals across India and the company is leaving no stone unturned to engage with them. Today’s workplace’s fast-paced work style and crazy deadlines are full of stress and pressure. Mid-Day as a brand believes in spreading the message of reducing stress and making work fun.”
“What’s on, a host of addictive, fun sections like Hit List Crosswords, Horoscopes, and Fun at Work ensure that the newspaper remains a welcome diversion for young professionals,” he adds.
Khalid’s Sportsweek later was shut down with the television boom making it hard to garner advertisements and interest. Khalid has also published his memoir (It’s A Wonderful World) and continues to inspire a stream of journalists apart from various generations to keep the boat afloat and touch new heights.
(The Author is Journalist & associated with Dainik Bhaskar)
source: http://www.asianlite.com / Asian Lite / Home / by Siraj Ali Quadri / October 10th, 2022
The evocative recapitulation of eminent personalities provides a quick, candid, exquisite and scrupulous portrayal of those who retain their abiding presence without being physically present in the world.
The unprecedented acceptance of monolingualism has put a big question mark on the existence of numerous languages through which people stitch up a warm social rapport and seek to fulfill their cultural aspirations. India, an awe-inspiring repository of innumerable dialects, languages and different linguistic traditions, finds it nerve-racking to carry through the challenges thrown open by the technology-savvy language-English. The domination of English has taken a heavy toll on regional languages, and Urdu, once considered a significant link language, is no exception. Though Urdu is widely used as a spoken language, and its sensitively rendered poetry gets across the country, its script has been fading away with bewildering speed.
It aches much to realize that the popularity draws its sustenance from its oral rendering, and familiarity with its distinct script has been melting away steadily. Barring some notable exceptions, only faculty members and research scholars associated with various departments of Urdu of the universities and colleges use Urdu as the medium of trifling academic discourse. At a time when Urdu faces the threat of obsolescence, the gleam of hope emerges from the citadel of learning, Aligarh, where academicians not belonging to humanities draw on Urdu to initiate a perceptive discourse on a plethora of issues without bringing rhetorical flourish into play.
Professor Saeeduz Zafar Chagatai (Physics), Professor Faseeh Ahmad Siddiqui (Chemistry), Professor Athar Siddiqui (Zoology), Professor Shaan Mohammad (Political Science), Professor Iftikhar Alam Khan (Museology), Professor Zilur Rehman (Unani Medicine), Professor Mohammad Sajjad( History ), Professor Zafar Mahfooz Nomani (Law) Dr Asad Faisal Farooqui (Mass Communication) and the like seek to strengthen non-fiction prose in Urdu.
Autobiography, memories, diary, letters, sketches and anecdotal scrolls are much-adored genres of non-fiction prose, but in Urdu, they usually betray a strong sense of gushiness and sickening self-adulation. The preponderating narrative of reminisces does not go well with the celebrated author, Professor Athar Siddiqui, whose evocative recapitulation of eminent personalities appeared.
The book Rahe wa Rasm-e-Aashnai (sketches and personal memoirs) provides a quick, candid, exquisite and scrupulous portrayal of those who retain their abiding presence without being physically present in the world.
Professor Athar Siddiqui, a widely recognized scientist, has produced a captivating narrative of his eventful life, Main Keya Meri Hayat kaya, with disarming humility and jotted down travelogues vividly calling attention to down reaching human experiences that frequent foreign travels produce. Interactive media frequently carry intriguing stories featuring commonplace occurrences. The stories with a strong sense of moral tutoring dished out by the digital world need to be shared with non technology conversant Urdu knowing people.
He left Professor Athar Siddiqui to supplement what had been missing and started translating these pulsating stories into Urdu. It was left to Professor Athar Siddiqui to supplement what had been missing, and he translated these pulsating stories into Urdu.
Tahzibul Aklaqh, a prestigious periodical launched by Sir Syed in 1870, started serializing it with a suggestive title Hairat Sarai Ki Kahaniyan (The stories of wonderland), and two volumes of these laconic and absorbing stories have appeared so far.
He meticulously edited two autobiographies of two illustrious alums of Aligarh Muslim University–Dr. Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah (founder of women’s college, AMU) and Nawab Ahmad Saeed Khan Chattari ( former Governor of Uttar Pradesh). He had astutely done over translating books on Shaheryar and Musa Raza.
Athar Siddiqui’s recently published book, Rah-o-Rasam-e – Aashnai,” creatively maps out the accessible and unchartered terrains of thirty-five personalities in candour-driven idiom, and he hardly holds with the popular notion that put a lock on showing the slightest discourtesy to the deceased. The author asserts, “It is widely mentioned that the sketch writer must not use any indecent or improper word for those resting in the peace. If this sort of exhortation is adhered to, then the sketch, personal article and memories will be read as appreciation and admiration-filled text. If history writing sticks to this principle, then the authentic history of any period could not be produced. I do not buy this argument.”
The subtle wised-up mélange focuses on nine creative writers such as Shahryar, Iqbal Matin, Sajida Zaidi, Qazi Abdus Sattar, Professor Mukhtar Uddin Arzoo, Syed Hamid, Lateefuz Zaman and a couple of close relatives, teachers, friends and former vice-chancellors.
Iqbal Matin, whose awe-inspiring artistic sensibility could not get him the recognition across the country he fully deserved, has come in for a refined exploration. Athar Siddiqui’s reminiscence is peppered with unusual but fascinating details about the author. The author living in Aligarh tried desperately to contact Iqbal Matin (Hyderabad) when the letter was the preferred communication medium. He realized that his letters were not delivered to the addressee, who was prone to change houses. Iqbal changed thirty-five houses and bore testimony to his nomadic lifestyle.
Much has been written on Jnanpith awardee and prominent poet Shahryar but a comprehensive and insightful article highlighting his distinctive personal traits and oeuvre is still looked-for. The piece titled “Shahryar as a man and poet” fills the bill with remarkable ease. Athar saheb cites many instances to prove Shahryar’s unflinching loyalty to his friends but never spitting upon the rivals. The voice of modernism with strong traces of neoclassicism, Shahryar never nurtured animosity and did whatever he could for those who looked up to him in their hours of peril. People, even authors and pushover critics tend to read creative texts in the backdrop of personal details; hence when Shahryar suffering from a terminal illness- cancer–composed a couplet; Aasman ab kuch nahi tere karney ke liye/Ham ne sab taiyaariyan karli hain marne ke liye (O sky, now you have nothing to do/I have completed all the preparations for dying) it was considered as the affirmation of impending death. Employing critical acuity, Athar saheb mentioned that the couplet has nothing to do with a nagging sense of personal extinction; the poet laments how we perfected the art of self-destruction reflected in the depletion of Ozone layer manufacturing of weapons of mass destruction.
Athar Siddiqui wrote an immensely readable sketch of Qazi Abdus Sattar, a much overrated and pretentious writer who always took pride in using ornate and florid language in his fiction. His novel Tamam Sultan has been described as magnum opus, but it is hardly more than an oft-repeated titillating story of unrequited love. Athar Saheb and Qazi have had close ties for over fifty years, but Qazi was so intemperate that he pulled ties into pieces as Athar could not attend his facilitation function. It was an act of civility to describe this narcissism as uniqueness of personality.
Prof Zilur Rehman, a widely- respected academician of Unani medicine, is a well-known scholar of Urdu, Persian and Arabic and has more than fifty books to his credit. His books, especially on Ibne Sina, Hakim Ajmal Khan, Sir Ross Masood, Hakim Ehshanullah Khan, and Hakim Abdul Moid, got widespread admiration. In addition to discussing his well-documented and invigorating writings, Athar Siddiqui effortlessly unravels his amenable nature and inimitable passion for books and artefacts. He has a collection of over 70,000 and set up a museum and library, Ibne Sina Academy, which has its website.
Seldom does one attempt to spell out what essentially embodies his wife, going beyond the adulation and berating with a sense of objectivity. This nagging edginess seems to have no bearing on Athar saheb, who painted a stirring wordy portrayal of his wife Zakia Siddiqui, a renowned academician and former principal of Women’s College, Aligarh Muslim University.
One tends to agree with the author when he asserts that during the first ten years wife is treated as the beloved; with the birth of children, she takes over the role of the mother. If harmonious marital life continues, she becomes an inseparable friend who hardly gets perturbed, no matter how annoying one becomes. It is all momentary, and the bond of affinity never weakens.
Athar saheb also evocatively narrated his mother’s life story, and he recollects his memories and anecdotes to document her extraordinary considerate nature. Suhail (son) and Taab (daughter) get pat on the head by the caring and unerring father for their abiding sympathy for others.
The book turns attention to a dozen vice-chancellors and pro-vice-chancellors of AMU, such as Dr Zakir Hussain, Bashir Hussain Zaidi, Badruddin Tyabji, Abdul Aleem, Ali Mohammad Khusro, Syed Hamid, Syed Hashim Ali, Wasiur Rehman, Naseem Farooqui, Mahmoodur Rehman, Hamid Ansari and Abul Hasan Siddiqui.
The author’s appraisal of them looks convincing, but occasionally subjectivity surfaces. The assortment of sketches offers a discerning peep into the life of all who impressed the author. The nuanced and readable prose is used impeccably, and Athar Siddiqui deserves accolades for producing such picturesque vignettes.
Shafey Kidwai is an Indian academic, communication scientist, translator, columnist, and author. He is the chairman of the Department of Mass Communications at Aligarh Muslim University.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> Featured News / by Shafey Kidwai / September 26th, 2025
A grand launch event was held in the capital today for the book “Naushera ka Sher — Brigadier Mohammad Usman”, celebrating the life of the 1947–48 war hero. Authored by senior journalist Kauser Usman from Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, the book honours Brigadier Usman, famously known as the “Hero of Heroes.”
The book was officially released by former Vice President of India, Mr. Hamid Ansari, who is also a family member of Brigadier Usman. Speaking at the event, Mr. Ansari said,
“Brigadier Usman was more than a soldier — he symbolised patriotism, courage, and sacrifice. Kauser Usman’s book is a fitting tribute and an inspiration for future generations.”
Brigadier Mohammad Usman was one of the few Indian Army officers who laid down his life during the India-Pakistan war of 1947–48, without retreating. He was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India’s second-highest wartime gallantry honour.
Author Kauser Usman said,
“This book is my humble tribute to a national hero. Brigadier Usman’s life, simplicity, and service to the nation continue to guide us.”
Dr. Zafarul Islam Khan, former Chairman of the Delhi Minorities Commission, also attended the event.
The book is published by Pharos Media Publishing Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Art & Culture / by Mohd Naushad Khan / July 11th, 2025
Ather Siddiqi was a researcher of eminence in his field and his research has been nationally and internationally recognised in the scientific world.
Professor Ather H. Siddiqi was born on December 29, 1931, in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. He attained his early education at the Govt. High School, Saharanpur and obtained the degrees of B.Sc. (1950) and M.Sc. (1953) from A.M.U. Topping the university in Science and Zoology, he received two gold medals. He did his PhD in 1956 under the supervision of Professor Babar Mirza from Aligarh Muslim University.
Ather Siddiqi joined the Department of Zoology as a lecturer in 1953. After three years, he joined Purdue University, USA and completed another doctorate in 1958. He became a reader in 1961 and was appointed as a professor in 1977. Prof. Siddiqi also taught at universities in Nigeria and Libya and returned to India in 1980. He served as the Chairman of the Department of Zoology (1985-88) and as the President of the Indian Society for Parasitology. He also served as the Dean of the Faculty of Life Science in 1988-89, finally retiring from his services in 1994.
His scientific work on helminth taxonomy was published by the New York Academy of Sciences in the form of an exhaustive monograph. Despite that, he received his basic training in classical zoology in the early sixties. Later on, he switched to experimental work in parasitology. Ather Siddiqi was a researcher of eminence in his field and his research is nationally and internationally recognised in the scientific world.
Siddiqi’s Immersion in Urdu Writing
Apart from research articles, his popular writing in Urdu started in the 1980s. His first article in Urdu appeared on the life and scientific contribution of his mentor Professor Babar Mirza in the Quarterly “Fikr-o-Nazar” (January 1987). He published two articles in the early years of “Tehzib-ul-Akhlaq”, Aligarh: ‘Ilm-ul-Hayatiat ke Isatiza se Khitab’ (December 1987), ‘Mohammad Babar Mirza-Apnay Chaman ka Aik Deedawar’ (August 1989).
After his retirement in 1994, he devoted himself completely to Urdu writing. His lengthy article, ‘Mashriq say bezar na Maghrib say Hazar Kar’ narrateing the scientific and cultural activities of European countries was serialised in January 2005-June 2006 issues of “Tehzib-ul-Akhlaq”.
Similarly, his Urdu travelogue ‘Saat Haftay Inglistan Main’ (Seven Weeks in England) was published in the June and July 2006 issues of “Tehzib-ul-Akhlaq”. It carried interesting information regarding the scientific and cultural development of England.
His article based on his visit to Spain ‘Undlus Ka Shandaar Mazi’ (The Bright Past of Spain) discussed the scientific and cultural development of medieval Spain.
Ather Siddiqi along with Syed Zillur Rahman, contributed a chapter, ‘Aligarh Muslim University: Development and Progress of Science Teaching and Research, 1877-1947’ in Science and Modern India: An Institutional History, c. 1784-1947 (ed. Uma Das Gupta), Centre for Studies in Civilisation published in 1999.
A Glimpse into his Published Works
He is regularly contributing a literary column ‘Hairat Sarai Ke Kahania’ to “Tehzib-ul-Akhlaq” which consists of the translation of interesting short stories taken from the internet.
Recently, his popular science articles ‘Parasitism: Aik Dilchasp Tareeq Zindagi’ (Parasitism is an Interesting Way of Life) and ‘Yek khuliya Tufailiati Beenariyan’ (Unicell parasitic diseases) appeared in the February 2022 and February 2023 issue, respectively, of the Urdu monthly ‘Aajkal’, Delhi.
After retirement, Ather Siddiqi devoted himself to Urdu writing and authored, translated and edited dozens of books. The names of some of his books are: ‘Kiya aur meri Hayat Kiya’, ‘Lizzat Aabla Pai’, ‘Nishat Aabla Pai’, ‘Hairat Sarai ke Kahaniyan’ (Vol. 1, 2, 3, 4). In 2022, he published “Rah wa Rasam Aashnai”, his last book. He also rendered Retd IAS officer Musa Raza’s book, “Land of Regrets: Kashmir”, in Urdu as “Kashmir Sarzamin Pashemani”.
Ather Siddiqi was one of the best teachers, an internationally acclaimed Zoologist, and a passionate Urdu writer. And above all, he was a wonderful human being. He passed away on 8th November, 2023, in Delhi at the age of 92 years due to old age illness.
References:
Tehzib-ul-Akhlaq, Aligarh (various issues) Science and Modern India: An Institutional History, c. 1784-1947 (ed. Uma Das Gupta), Centre for Studies in Civilisation, New Delhi, 1999.
source: http://www.heritagetimes.in / Heritage Times / Home / by Dr Asad Faisal Farooqui
A fascinating history of Ansaris who began their journey in this mortal world a few thousand years ago in the peninsula of Arabia, then called Araba.
As Islam grew and took in its fold various other lands and nations, Ansars, being valiant warriors, became part of just about every major battle that took place from Badr to Constantinople, Qandahar, Herat, and finally to India.
Ansaris were not mere bystanders as history unfolded; they played significant roles and made valuable contributions in the fields of religion, medicine, literature, law, politics and media, no matter which part of the world they chose to settle in.
Since this book is about a branch of Ansaris who arrived in India, i.e. the Ansaris of Yusufpur, they will be covered in depth.
However, as the first book on Ansaris in English language, it would also be of interest to all Ansaris whose ancestors moved from Madinah-e-Munawwara to other countries of the Gulf, Middle East, Iran, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan and other parts of the world.
It is, after all, a common lineage and history that all Ansaris share from the pre-Islamic era and this book provides a ready reference to the origin and history of their ancestors.
This book is a fascinating history of Ansaris who began their journey in this mortal world a few thousand years ago.
As the first book on Ansaris in English language, it would also be of interest to all Ansaris whose ancestors moved from Madinah-e-Munawwara to other countries of the Gulf, Middle East, Iran, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan and other parts of the world.
source: http://www.kobo.com / Rakuten Kobo / Home> Biography & Memoir / by Mahmud Ansari
Ziaur Ansari was a prominent political figure, having served as the Union minister in the council of 2 Prime ministers Indira and Rajiv Gandhi. Wings of Destiny written by his son Fasihur Rahman is an ode to his entire political career spanning more than three decades and highlights the stalwart’s remarkable, inspirational life as well as clears the air around the controversies surrounding him.
When the truth stands coy in a corner, visible and yet under the pretence of being unknown and unacknowledged, you know that something somewhere is unfair.
Indeed, many times in life, there comes a threshold where one needs to understand and realize that truth which is the most supreme of all, can be an eye opener, as well as a beautiful and also a terrible thing, many a time. Terrible because there may be more to the situation than what meets the eye.
Yes, we all know and have read about the countless hardships that all of us underwent during the Indian freedom struggle. But, surely not all has come to light as far as the involvement of all parties, be it left or right is concerned. Yes, Muslims too were an integral part of the struggle towards Independence, their contribution being extremely indispensable. A prominent figure among them is Ziaur Rahman Ansari who served as Union minister from 1973 to 1977 and from 1980 to 1989 during the council of two Prime Ministers -Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, this book which is written by his nephew Fasihur Rahman is a memoir cum biographical sketch of Ziaur Ansari’s life.
Ziaur Ansari was primarily in the spotlight in the year 1985, when he participated in a debate on a private Member Bill related to the SC judgement on the Shah Bano case, which to date remains one of the most debated issues in India as well as abroad. Having been often misquoted, misinterpreted and improperly perceived, Fasihur has taken it upon himself to finally take the opportunity to tell the world the true story behind Ziaur’s life.
The book which began with giving an ancestral account of Ansari primarily spoke about his father Habibur Rahman Ansari’s invaluable contribution to the freedom movement. What followed was the journey through Ziaur Rahman’s pursuit of politics which was turbulent and spanned a period of almost three decades, showing how he contested 9 elections.
Ziaur, not only being a man of strong ethics and politics, nevertheless was a man with a passion for fine arts, poetry, literature and music too. Ziaur was also inspired by Abul Kalam Azad’s legacy which was one of the cores of Rahman’s life. The hardships suffered by the Ulamas aka the religious scholars after the Mutiny of 1857 have also been explored by Fasihur here highlighting the true role of Darul Uloom Deoband in the Indian freedom struggle. I, for once, was amazed by this one since like mentioned earlier, I realized that many religious scholars, many freedom fighters have remained unsung, unacknowledged in their role in the struggle against the British rule for reasons which were, are and perhaps will always be something we shall never be able to comprehend fully. Racism, unfortunately, in the most erred way possible, nevertheless, Fasihur has brought forth a lot of undeciphered and unknown details forward.
Have you ever known or read about the famous Shah Bano case and the subsequent judgement of 1985? Well, the book explores the same in its entirety giving us Ziaur’s intervention in the Parliamentary debate on the SC judgement.
Ziaur Rahman was the president for a tenure of almost three decades at the All India Momin conference. The book provides a complete walk through the evolution, historical significance, mandate, and contribution of the conference in the complete socio-economic upliftment of the Muslim artisans. It also highlights their contribution to the freedom movement in India.
The last two years of Ziaur’s life were traumatic as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, an incurable neurological disorder, marked them. Characterized by loss of speech this is one of the most painful possible diseases and indeed Ziaur’s pain and anguish must have been sheer agony.
Lagate ho jigar pe teer par hum kuch nahi kehte. Zabaan hote hue ye bezabaani dekhte jao…
This Urdu couplet which was used by Ziaur himself to express the trauma of the condition he was reduced to was something that shook me personally, making me fathom and realize the kind of inability and pain the disease might have led him to. It was heartbreaking to read the complete scenario, especially since Fasihur has revealed how even being the prominent voice he had been, Ziaur was unable to speed track the path to going abroad and procuring the treatment which would have cured him.
A brilliantly written book, this one is a memoir you surely should not miss. Fasihur Rahman is impeccable in detail, immaculate in expression, not shying away from portraying facts as well as refraining from giving any kind of a judgmental tonality to any of the data he has provided. A crisp narration, this one will give you a lot of detail especially as it delves into pre as well as post-independence happenings and thus will be of interest as well as use to readers and historians too alike.
Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi New Book: Maulana Shahabuddin Barelvi’s historical book ‘Tarikh-e-Islam Mukammal’ was released in Bareilly.
This book, prepared after 10 years of hard work, was described as the heritage of the Muslim society and it was announced to be published in many languages.
Maulana Shahabuddin’s new book released in Bareilly
BareillyNews Today :
A grand launch program of the historical book ‘Tareekh-e-Islam Mukammal’ by the National President of All India Muslim Jamaat, Maulana Shahabuddin Barelvi was organized in Bareilly. On this occasion, the Chairman of Uttar Pradesh Waqf Development Corporation Shafakat Hussain was present as the chief guest. At the same time, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP,Bareilly Mayor Umesh Gautam also participated specially.
On this occasion, National President of All India Muslim Jamaat Maulana Shahabuddin said that ‘Tarikh-e-Islam Mukammal’ mentions in detail the events from the beginning of Islam to the present time. He said that it took him 10 long years to prepare this book and for this he had to travel to many parts of the world.
Many eminent personalities participated in the program
Chief guest Shafqat Hussain praised Maulana’s hard work and historical research and said that this book will become an important source for the new generation to understand Islamic history. At the same time, BJP Mayor Umesh Gautam said that Maulana’s book will give a new direction to the society and will prove helpful in strengthening mutual brotherhood. Many intellectuals, religious leaders and social workers also participated in the program.
History of Islam in six volumes
,’Tarikh-e-Islam Mukammal’ is based on a total of six volumes and 3500 pages. This detailed book contains documentary details of Islamic movements, events and important periods from the birth of the Prophet of Islam, Hazrat Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam to today.
Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi said that it took about 10 years to prepare this book.
For this, he visited the big libraries of India as well as 12 foreign countries and made a deep study of the major Arabic, Persian and English books there.,This book is based on extensive research and historical facts.,
It will be published in several languages
In the program, Maulana also told that ‘Tarikh-e-Islam Mukammal’ will soon be published in many languages including Hindi, English and Arabic, so that more and more people can read it. On this occasion, many dignitaries including Idara-e-Shariah’s Chief Mufti Qazi Abdul Mannan Kalimi from Patna (Bihar), Bareilly Mayor Umesh Gautam and Waqf Development Corporation Director Shafaat Hussain called this book a milestone for the Muslim community.
source: http://www.zeenews.india.com / Zee News / Home> Salaam Zee News / by Raihan Shahid (translated from Hindi into English) / July 10th, 2025
The acclaimed Urdu and Hindi writer from Allahabad exposes how poverty forced him to ghostwrite 1,065 novels.
New Delhi :
In the decades before television became a household staple in India and Pakistan, millions turned to novels filled with mystery, romance, and detective tales for entertainment.
One Muslim writer’s story reveals the untold hardship and exploitation faced by many like him during that time. Mujawar Hussain, a prolific Urdu and Hindi author from Allahabad, has exposed the difficult truth behind the 1,065 novels he ghostwrote for Hindu publishers, many under pseudonyms.
Now in his elderly years but still sharp, Hussain shared his painful journey of writing stories for survival rather than pride. “The number of such books combined is 1,065,” he told Clarion India recently. “But the books I consider a source of pride are my research paper, Elements of National Unity in Urdu Poetry, and a collection of my religious essays,” he said.
Hussain’s writing career began in the 1950s when major publishers churned out fiction in bulk to satisfy growing demand. Muslim writers like him were often paid meagre sums to produce thick novels under pseudonyms for Hindu authors and publishers, including names such as Janardan Prasad Jaiswal, Shambhu Prasad Jain, Ashok BA, and the mysterious “Neqab Posh Bedi.” Hussain estimates he wrote 30 to 32 novels under Bedi’s name alone.
“Some of them were non-Muslims,” Hussain said, naming former students turned authors. “I wrote in their names because I had to. The money kept my family alive.”
His words underline the economic hardship faced by many Indian Muslims, forced to work behind the scenes without recognition while Hindu publishers reaped profits. Hussain recalls the pressure of poverty pushing him to write constantly. “I remember those days when I’d enter the house, and my wife would tell me food and drinks would last until the next evening. I’d sit down with a pen, write, and hand over the manuscript to the publisher. I’d take money — 30 rupees at first, then 60, then 100, and finally up to 2,500 rupees. With that, household expenses were met.”
Hussain’s experience highlights the sidelining of Muslim talent in the Indian literary scene, where Hindu publishers held most of the power. “That forced me,” he said. “The memory of that time is painful, and the work was painful. After that, I put down the pen.”
He also revealed working for Nikhat Publications, famous for publishing the works of legendary Urdu detective novelist Ibne Safi. When Ibne Safi’s manuscripts stopped coming to India due to political tensions between India and Pakistan, Hussain was asked to fill the void by writing novels under his name. “When I realised the institution was going to close, I started writing under his name,” he said. “I wrote very few novels in Urdu under his name — half partridge, half quail, meaning some was his, some I mixed.”
In Hindi, Hussain wrote extensively in Ibne Safi’s style, including the novel The Barrister’s Wife, though he remains uneasy about these works. “Even now, I don’t feel good about them,” he admitted. “I didn’t consider them a source of pride.”
Despite his difficult path, Hussain’s academic achievements stand tall. He earned an MA in Urdu in 1958 with two gold medals, a silver medal, a Victoria Gold Medal, and another prize he cannot recall. “No one has ever scored higher than me,” he said proudly. Yet this success did not shield him from the economic hardship that forced him into ghostwriting.
Dr Ayesha Khan, a literary historian specialising in the pre-television literary world, explains that Hussain’s story reflects a larger pattern of exploitation faced by Muslim writers. “Many Muslim authors like Mujawar Hussain were sidelined, forced to write under pseudonyms or for others to survive,” she said. “Hindu publishers often held the power, dictating terms and profiting from their work.”
Hussain’s reflections carry a sense of regret. Quoting a poem, he said, “Remembering the past is a punishment.” He sees much of his commercial writing as a compromise born of necessity, not passion. “Due to the compulsion of circumstances, I wrote some books that I do not consider a source of pride,” he said. “I was writing incessantly.”
Today, Hussain hopes that sharing his story will reveal the struggles of Muslim writers who toiled behind the scenes while others took credit. “I wrote for survival,” he said quietly. “But I want people to know the real story behind those books.”
source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick> Featured> India / by Mohammed Bin Ismail / May 26th, 2025
