(The poetry portion of this site is edited byMuslim Saleem, who is poet, writer and journalist of repute. Muslim Saleem’s ash’ar are widely popular due to being connected with grassroots. It was his idea that we created this directory of Urdu poets andwriters of Madhya Pradesh-Chief Editor,Ataullah Faizan and Editor Abdul Ahad Farhan) (See Muslim Saleem’s poetry with English and Hindi translations at this web site and muslimsaleem.blogspot.com and wikipedia.org) (email:  saleemmuslim@gmail.com 09893611323)

(Note the list of deceased litterateurs in the end of this directory)

Muslim Saleem’s famous couplets

Zindagi ki tarah bikhar jaayen……kyun ham aise jiyen ki mar jaayen

kar di meeras waarison ke sipurd….zindagi kis ke naam mar jaayen

rooh ke karb ka kuchh mudaawa no tha….

doctor neend ki goiyan likh gaya

wo dekhne mein ab bhi tanawar darakht hai

haalanke waqt khod chuka hai jaden tamam

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Muslim Saleem’s Taza Kalam

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From Left) Zafar Naseemi, MP Urdu Academy Chairman Saleem Qureshi, Dr. Barqi Azmi, Prof Afaq Ahmad, Dr. Qasim Niazi, Muslim Saleem at Jashn-e-Muslim Saleem at MP Urdu Academy, Bhopal on December 30, 2012.

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Urdu poets and writers of Allahabad

Allahabad: Cradle of Urdu literature

Many famous writers of Urdu literature have a connection with Allahabad. Notable amongst them are Akbar Allahabadi, Raghupati Sahay Firaq Gorakhpuri Munshi Premchand, Upendra Nath ‘Ashk’, Syed Ahtesham Hussain, Syed Aijaz Hussain, Nooh Narwi, Tegh Allahabadi, Mehdi Jafar and Prof. Syed Mohammad Aqeel Rizvi. For Mushaira brand poetry, the name of Raaz Allahabadi is prominent. Novelists Ibn-e-Safi, and Adil Rasheed are also from Allahabad. Many new age poets, writers and critics like MA Qadeer, Fazle Hasnain, Jafar Askari and Muslim Saleem began their literary careers in Allahabad. Here are the profiles of some of prominent literary figures of Allahabad. (Ataullah Faizan, editor of Khojkhabarnews.com).

SEE ALSO: URDU LOVERS OF ALLAHABAD: THAT INCLUDES PROFILES OF  some brilliant Urdu lovers like Asif Usmani and Nazeer Ahmad Sami, Sagheer Ahmad Siddiqi etc.  (http://khojkhabarnews.com/?p=8559)

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Atiq (Atique) Allahabadi: He was a good poet of Mushairas at All-India level. He was very kind and large-hearted. He was also a fan of my (Muslim Saleem’s) poetry and like my she’r

kaun hai is shahr main mujh se zyada bakhabar

mujhko saare bewafaon ke patey maloom hain.

Alas! Atiq passes away some years ago.

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MA Qadeer (Mohammad Abdul Qadeer)

MA Qadeer:Mohammad Abdul Qadeer, generally known as MA Qadeer, is a great Urdu poet and writer as well as an Urdu activist. Basically, he is one of leading advocates of High Court but amazingly finds time to pen poetry, prefaces of literary books apart from Urdu activisim. He has founded Urdu Ghar literary society and has also got its building constructed. Actually, he made the Allahabad Municipal Corporation to allot the roof of one of its single-story buildings in Karela locality and then had a big hall constructed there, where literary functions are held. Urdu Ghar also serves as a publishing house of Urdu books.

Life and works: MA Qadeer was born on at Modha in Hamirpur district of Uttar Pradesh from where he completed his early education. Later, he studied law and started practice at the Allahabad High Court. Gradually, he rose to become one of the leading HC lawers. He is quite sensitive towards Islam and Urdu with thoroughly secular credentials. He is also a good Urdu poet and according to a well-established critic of Allahabad of Shabkhoon fame, his poetry is akin to the poetry of Nasikh.

Observation about MA Qadeer by Muslim Saleem: It is the good luck of the compiler of this directory to have interacted with MA Qadeer during his Allahabad stay for about five years. I don’t recall, when and where I met him for the first time but as soon as I met him I felt that I had known him for ages. Our understanding was reciprocal. MA Qadeer looks very simplistic at the first glance but when he speaks, his vast knowledge and insight leaves an awesome impact on the listener. He is also very large-hearted. It is difficult for a poet to acknowledge and praise other poets but MA Qadeer’s greatness lies in the fact that he not only praises others’ good poetry but also helps them publish their books. His observation is very sharp. Here I (Muslim Saleem) will cite an interesting episode. In the late 70s, we had an opportunity to travel together to Delhi by train. When we boarded the 3-tier compartment, a rustic had a black blanket spread on the middle berth. As MA Qadeer entered the compartment, he at once pointed out that a bug was crawling over the blanket. At first, I thought he was joking since it was very difficult for a person to spot a small, black bug on a jet black blanket. But when he put his finger on the bug, everyone was awe-struck. This incident will remain etched in my memory forever. His sensitivity and insight recently manifested in a poem “Intezar-e-Bazyabi”, which he wrote a day before a famous High Court decision was to come in an important case about the place of worship. In the poem, MA Qadeer foretold the decision correctly on the basis of insight. (See poem above)

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(Prof) Syed Ahtesham Hussain

(Prof) Syed Ahtesham Hussain (1912-1972): The noted Urdu critic and writer was born at Mahul in Azamgarh district of Uttar Pradesh. Pursued education at Azamgarh andAllahabad. Started writing around 1932. Prof. Ahtesham Hussain also wrote dramas and poems initially, but he was more inclined towards literary criticism, which proved to be his mainstay in the later years. He became a lecturer inLucknowUniversityin 1936. Syed Ahtesham Hussain was appointed head of Urdu department ofAllahabadUniversityin 1961 and retired from there. He passed away atAllahabadin 1972. Syed Ahtesham Hussain ruled the world of Urdu literary criticism for about 35 years. He was a Marxist. His major works include  1. Tanqeeei Jaize 2. Rawayat aur Baghawat 3. Adab aur Samaj 4. Tanqeed aur Amali Tanqeed 5. Zauq, Adab aur Sha’oor 6. Afkar-o-Masail 7. Aks aur Aine 8. Etebar-e-Nazar. (Muslim Saleem – December 10, 2011 – Inputs from Saba Yasmeen,Allahabad).

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Prof. Syed Aijaz Hussain

Prof. Syed Aijaz Hussain (1898/99-1975) He retired as head of Urdu Department of Allahabad University. He had long list of disciples. He was a critic but his verve was writing life-sketches,  which were published in the book form entitled as “Mulk-e-Adab ke Shahzade”.  (Muslim Saleem – December 10, 2011 – Inputs from Saba Yasmeen, Allahabad).

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Prof. Syed Mohammad Aqeel Rizvi:

Prof. Syed Mohammad Aqeel Rizvi: He has retired as head of Urdu department. The octogenarian writer and critic has carved his own niche in the world of Urdu criticism by writing books  like Muqaddama Kalam-e-Daagh, Nai Fikren, Shimali Hindostan Mein Urdu Masnavi Ka Irtiqa, Nai Alamat Nigari, Tanqeed aur Asri Agahi, Samaji Tanqeed aur Tanqeedi Amal, Marsiye Ki Samajiyat, Ghazal ke Naye Jihat and Jadeed Novel Ka Fan. (Muslim Saleem – December 10, 2011 – Inputs from Saba Yasmeen,Allahabad).-

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Fazle Hasnain

Fazle Hasnain: He is a prolific writer especially of humour. He is also a great human being. He is candid with courteousness, sincere and unassuming. Fazle Hasnain does not believe in bragging and does keeps doing literary work with single-minded pursuit. Unlike a self-styled critic of Allahabad, he has a good understanding of poetry as well, though he is not a poet. Fazle Hasnain instantly memorises good Asha’ar. Born on December 7, 1946 at Rawaan, Lal Gopal Ganj in Allahabad district, Fazle Hasnain had shifted to Allahabad proper long ago and has been making the city proud.

Fazle Hasnain is one of the sons of Nisar Ahmad. His works are published in Indian and foreign magazines. He has written four documentary films’ scripts for Doordarshan. Two collections of his humorous and satirical articles – Ruswa Sare Bazaar and Du Badu – have been and three collections of drama – Roshni aur Dhoop, Ret Key Mahal and Raat Dhhalti Rahi have been published. He has also published the features on veteran poets and litterateurs in Hindi by the title Hua Jin Sey Shahr Ka Naam Roshan. His book on Ghalib is included in the syllabus of Allahabad University Diploma Course. He has also translated Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield in Urdu. Several of his books have been awarded by Urdu Academies of UP, West Bengal and Bihar. He has been bestowed with All-India Meer Award. On his overall literary contribution, the Uttar Pradesh Urdu Academy gave a Rs one lakh cash award to him in 2009. It may be mentioned that this is one of the highest amounts given by UP Urdu Academy to any litterateur. Fazle Hasnain’s brief biography has been published in Sada magazine brought out from London.

Friendship with Muslim Saleem: When I (Muslim Saleem) reached Allahabad to stay there at 4, Corporation Flats, Khuldabad, I first came into contact with Nazeer Ahmad Sami and Asif Usman. They introduced me to Fazle Hasnain and thus began the saga of an unending reciprocal sincerity and understanding. Fazle Hasnain spent a lot of time with me and guided me with his invaluable pieces of advices. I am proud that I have such friends as Fazle Hasnain, MA Qadeer, Nazeer Ahmad Sami, Asif Usmani, Sagheer Hussain Siddiqui (who has shifted to Delhi and lives there at Batla House) and Zafar Ehsan-ul-Haq (A resident of Fatehpur, who resided with me for some years at Allahabad and is now in Delhi).

Books by written by Fazle Hasnain: Ruswa Sare Bazaar and Du Badu (both comprising humorous and satirical articles), three collections of drama – Roshni aur Dhoop, Ret Key Mahal and Raat Dhhalti Rahi,  Ghalib Ek Nazar Mein, Hua Jin Sey Shahr Ka Naa m Roshan (features on veteran poets and litterateurs in Hindi), Baat Ka Patangar (Hindi), Phailta Prakash (Hindi), Daaire Farz Ke (Hindi).

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Jafar Askari

Jafar Askari was born at Lucknow on June 20, 1945. He did his PhD on “Josh Malihabadi bahaisiyat nasr nigar” from Lucknow University in 1988. He retired as lecturer from Shia Post Graduate College in 2007. Jafar Askar is penning high class Urdu poetry for the last 40 years. His collection of poetry will be published soon. He has also written more than two dozen articles, which are also going to the press shortly. Book: Jash Malihabadi as nasr nigar. Compilation of books: 1. Raushni ke dareeche (collection of poetry of Prof. Syed Ahtesham Hussain), 1974 2. Jadeed Adab: manzar aur pas manzar 1978, 3. Josh Malihabadi: insan aur shair 1983.

Ties with Muslim Saleem: This son of Prof. Ahtesham Hussain is a gem of a person. He is a very sensitive human being as well as poet. I (Muslim Saleem) lived at 4, Corporation Flats, Khuldabad, Allahabad. The house of Jafar Askari was a stone’s throw away from my house. Not a day passed when I did not meet Jafar Askari. Though Jafar Askari seemed to be lost and self-centred, he was a Good Samaritan from the core of his heart. Ever since I have moved from Allahabad to Bhopal, I have been missing his company.  (Written on December 21, 2010).

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Sahil Ahmad

Allahabad ke namwar muhaqqiq aur tanqeed nigaar hain jo ab Delhi main muqeem hain. Aap 128 kitabon ke musannif wa muallif hain

Present adrdress:

Sahil Ahmad
Phoenix Apartment
262-Noor Nagar Ext. Jamia Nagar, New Delhi-11oo25

phone No. o9818215737

https://ur.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%AD%D9%84_%D8%A7%D8%AD%D9%85%D8%AF

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Prof Ali Ahmad Fatmi

Prof. Ali Ahmad Fatmi is at present head of Allahabad University’s Urdu department. He has written five books including 1. Ham asr Urdu Navil: Ek Mutalaah, 2. Kulliyat-I Ali Sardar Jafri. 3. Paremcand, Nae Tanazur Men, 4. Danishvar, Firaq Gorakhpuri, 5. Takhliqkar Qamar Rais. He has been a good friend of Muslim Saleem. During my stay at Allahabad, we had daily sittings in which literary issues were discussed. During my Allahabad stay, Fatmi had lent me his brand new Hero cycle, which I used for many years. He also used to lend me his Lambretta scooter generously at a time when my own brother refused to let me use his scooter. Fatmi introduced me to Prof. Mohammad Aqeel Rizvi and both of them encouraged me a lot, especially as a short story writer. I used to frequent his house and had also developed cordial relations with his nephew Ahmad Hussain. I had become so enamoured with him that despite being a Sunni, I used to attend Majlis. During those times (1975 to 1980), the house of Fatmi also served as a literary hub with Fakhrul Kareem, Asrar Gandhi, Muslim Saleem and many others frequently converged there and indulged in literary work. When I moved to Bhopal, we used to communicate with each other. However, after some time, the contact was lost. However, whenever Fatmi used to visit Bhopal, I somehow met him. It was a revival of our bonhomie on December 1, 2010 when “Ek shaam Muslim Saleem ke naam” was organised at Urdu Ghar, Kareli, Allahabad, where he was one of the guests of honour along with nonagenarian retired BBC Urdu compere Mr Yawar Abbas Rizvi, renowned poet and writer MA Qadeer and famous humourist Fazle Hasnain. I am thankful to him that he recalled the good old days in his speech on the occasion . (Written on December 21, 2010). (picture caption of above pic: Prof. Ali Ahmad Fatmi addressing “Ek Sham Muslim Saleem ke naam” at Urdu Ghar, Allahabad. Yawar Abbas Rizvi, MA Qadeer, Muslim Saleem and Fazle Hasnain are also seen.

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Mehdi Jafar

Mehdi Jafar is a name to reckon with in the world of Urdu literary criticism. In fact, he is a literary giant of Urdu, who has not hogged due highlight since he himself underplays him out of humility. He is an extremely good poet and writer. I have the honour of interacting with him at both Allahabad and Bhopal, where Mehdi Jafar did a long stint at a top government assignment. He lived in the same Shastri Nagar colony in Bhopal where I once lived. His memory is still so sharp that when I called him over mobile from Bhopal after about 25 years, he vividly remembered that I lived at a house near the post office of Shastri Nagar.

(see also: https://khojkhabarnews.wordpress.com/2013/06/05/mehdi-jafar-on-muslim-saleem-in-imkan-monthly/

  Our first meeting was when both of us were felicitated at a function at Allahabad in 1981. Later, I used to meet him frequently and got enlightened by his vast knowledge. Our interaction came down due to my moving away from Shastri Nagar and then his retirement and settling in Allahabad. His memories were rekindled in my mind when I received collection of his poetry “Keemiya-e-Samri” and went through it. The contents of Keemiya-e-Samri – ghazals, azad ghazal and poems – are indeed additions to Urdu poetry. He has his own brand and style. His observation and thought are deep. The Mehdi Jafar I know never does anything in ordinary way.  (Muslim Saleem, December 25, 2010)

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Shamsurrehman Faruqui

See “Urdu poets and writers of India

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Khwaja Javed Akhtar

Khwaja Jawed Akhtar (died July 13, 2013) was born on September 2, 1964 at Kankinara, 24 Parganas (North) West Bengal. He obtained M.A. in Urdu from Aligarh Muslim University, in 1989. He is working in the office of the Principal Accountant General, Uttar Pradesh, Allahabad. His first book of Ghazals collection, named “neend shart nahin” was published in 2010. Also he compiled the Ghazals collection of 25 renowned young Urdu poets of India as a guest editor of Hindi quarterly “Unnayan”, Allahabad. He wrote the editorial of Urdu monthly “Kitab Numa”, Delhi, February 2002. His Ghazals are regularly published in various literary Urdu magazines in India and abroad. Address; D/129, GTB Nagar, Kareli, Allahabad-211016(U.P.). Mobile No:-09415365384.

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Waquif Ansari

Waquif Ansari: His full name is Mohammad Ali Ansari. He was born at village Osia in Ghazipur district in UP. At present, he is PA to Director, MSME, Allahabad. Waquif Ansari is a net savvy Urdu poet and his mention is found on many a websites. I came to know of him when he posted a comment on “Urdu poets and writers of Madhya Pradesh” on khojkhbarnews.com. In that comment he had urged me to start a directory of Urdu poets of India as well. I asked him to send his profile and then started the directory “Urdu poets and writers of India and then “Urdu poets and writers of world.” Therefore, credit also goes to Waquif Ansari for my launch of the two subsequent directories. Later, I launched “Poets and writers of Kashmir (+Jammu) and Kashmiri origin”, “Drama world of India” and now “Poets and writers of Allahabad”. I also met him during my felicitation function at Allahabad on December 1 heard his poetry with words of appreciation. His future as a poet is bright. (See also “Urdu poets and writers of India.”

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Rashid Allahabadi

Rashid Allahabadi: He is a brother of noted writer Fazle Hasnain. His works are published in Indian and foreign magazines. His collection of poetry “Mutthi Mein Aftab” has been awarded by UP Urdu Academy. He is one of the sons of Nisar Ahmad. He was born on January, 1947 at Rawaan, Lal Gopal Ganj in Allahabad district. His works are published in Indian and foreign magazines. His collection of poetry “Mutthi Bhar Aftab” has been awarded by UP Urdu Academy. Address: Rashid Allahabadi, Rawaan, Lal Gopal Ganj in Allahabad district-229413.

Ghazal by Rashid Allahabadi

Dil se tiri yaad ke naqsh udaa ke le gaya

waqt miri zeest ke sar se rida le gaya

Jab koi rukhsat hua, jane kyun aisa laga

jaise meray jism se jaan chura ke le gaya

Wo koi khuddar tha yaa ke adakar tha

hans ke gham-e-zaat ka karb chhupa ke le gaya

Rah mein kyun ro daya, lutf-e-safar kho diya

dil se bharosa tira paon ke chhale le gaya

Yaariyan, dildaariyan, bhuli hui dastaan

koi mire shahr se rasm-e-wafa le gaya

Rashid-e-shurida sar, khud pe kabhi ek nazar

ghar se tire aaina kaun uthha ke le gaya

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Nawab Hashmi

Nawab Hashmi was born on July 2, 1942 in village Pakripur, post Inayatpur, district Sultanpur. Uttar Pradesh. He got initial education in his village where Urdu teaching was not available. However, his father taught him Urdu at home. He passed BA from Allahabad University, was appointed as sub inspector of police in 1964 and retired as inspector in 2000. Penning poetry since 1980. Books: 1.   ‘Chieehti Sachchaiyan’ ( 2002. ) 2. ‘Shab Chirag’ Published year 2007.3.         ‘Al Aitraf’ (In Press.  Editing:   ‘Aina-e-ash’ar’ : Dr. Mazhar Nasim (Selected poetic collection released in 2007). Address: 409/992/1, Azmat Manzil, Tulsipur, Allahabad (UP). Phone No. (0532) 2658661, Mobile No. 09935513228,  09389584325

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Haseeb Rahbar Pratapgarhi

Haseeb Rahbar Pratapgarhi: He is a poet whose collection “Tanha Shajar” has earned acclaims. He is founder president of ‘Karvan-e-Urdu”, Kareli, Allahabad, vice-president of Bazm-e-Ghalib, vice president of Anjuman Roohe-e-Adab, Allahabad, which was founded by Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru. Address: Baitul Haseeb, C-779, Kareli, Allahabad-211016. Phone No. 0532-2550803.

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Ahmad Niyaz Razzaqui

Born March 8, 1975. Address: Kalwari Tola, New Jhusi, Allahabad. He is a young and emerging Urdu poet of Allahabad. I was impressed by his ghazal he recited at my felicitation function at Allahabad on December 1, 2010. I hope he will carve out his niche in Urdu poetry in the furure.  (Muslim Saleem December 22, 2010.) Here is one of his ghazals:

Maazi ko bhool jaana hi behtar laga mujhe

Jab jab bhi usko yaad kiya dar laga mujhe

Baahar to raushni ki chakachaund thi bahut

Lekin Ghana andhera to andar laga mujhe

Maara to tha adu he kisi aur ko magar

Shayad mein mustahaq tha ke pathhar laga mujhe

Main saare ranj-o-gham ko, masaaib ko bhool jaoon

Ek baar apne seene say aakar laga mujhe

Muddat say meri aankhon ko tha jiska intizar

Wo saamne jo aaya to patthhar lag mujhe

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Farrukh Jaffri

He is good poet of Allahabad. Though I did not have much interaction with him during my stay at Allahabad, I held him in esteem. I was pleased to meet him on December 1, 2010 at my felicitation function where he recited a very good ghazal. (Muslim Saleem, December 22, 2010).

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Dr. Naim  Sahil: Is a poet. He is B.Com, M.B.E.S. His address is 639/A, Wasiabad, Allahabad – 211003 (UP) – India. One of his specimen ghazals is being presented below. His poetry is published in prestigious magazines of India. Mobile: 09305179240, email: drnaimsahil@yahoo.com

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Asrar Gandhi

Asrar Gandhi is a short story writer. He was one of my acquaintances at Allahabad. We used to meet generally at the house of Ali Ahmad Fatmi (Now prof and head of Allahabad University Urdu Department). His collection of short stories titled “Rehai” was published in the year 2004 by Rujhan Publications, Kareli, Allahabad. Noted Urdu critic Mehdi Jafar has spoke highly about one of his short stories “Raste band hain sab”, contained in the collection. Address: J/5, Gulab Badi Colony, Allahabad 211003 Phone: 0532 2656565.

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Tanveer Samani: He was born at Hatia, Allahabad on February 2, 1941. Tanveer is a good poet, who have been published in esteemed periodicals of India and Pakistan for the last 40 years. Collection of his poetry titled Harf-e-Natamaam has been published two years ago. Though Tanveer Samani is a fine poet but he has not hogged the limelight he deserves due to his being a low-profile and down-to-earth person. Here is a ghazal by Tanveer Samani.

mera saya banke sehra me phira karti rahi
door tak ye kaam bhi pagal hawa karti rahi

mein kisi gehre samandar me utarta hi gaya
tishnagi kuchh lazzaton se ashna karti rahi

unke isteqbal ko mein hi nahi uttha magar
zindagi har mod par mujhse mila karti rahi

kitne tofan-e-havadis saamne aate rahe
naav kagaz ki bahar surat chala karti rahi

kho gayi ankhon se wo tanveer suraj ki kiran
fikr ki jo roshni mujh ko ata karti rahi

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Intezar (also Intazar) Ghazipuri: Syed Intezar Ahmad Ghazipuri was born August 3, 1936 to CID Inspector Syed Ilyas Hussain at Lucknow. He joined medical department service in 1959 and retired on August 31, 1994. He is a disciple of Siraj Lucknowi. His collection of poetry ‘Intezar-e-Saba’ and collection of Na’ats are under compilation. Address: B-293/1, Kareli Colony, Allahabad-211016. Phone No. 0532 2656495. Some couplets:

Bas itni rasm-o-rah hai is zindagi ke saath

ik ajnabi safar mein mila ajnabi ke saath

baarish ke baad ghar ki taraf dekhte ho kya

ab ye tumahar ghar hi naheen, rahguzar bhi hai

bazaahi auj sooraj ka mitaa deta hai taron ko

magar phir bhi sitaron ki darakhshani naheen jaati

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Shaista Fakhri

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Mazhar Naseem

Mazhar Naseem was very amicable and cordial. I will always remember him for his hospitality and courteousness. He was a good poet. (Muslim Saleem, December 22, 2010).

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Firaq Gorakhpuri

 ‘Is daur mein zindagi bashar ki…..beemar ki raat hao gayee hai’. The full name of author of this couple was Raghupati Sahay. Raghupati Sahay, was born in 1896 at Gorakhpur in a Kayastha family. He was co-opted into the Provincial Civil Service (PCS), but resigned and joined Allahabad University as a lecturer in English. His magnum opus Gul-e-Naghma which fetched him the Jnanpith Award and also the 1960 Sahitya Akademi Award in Urdu, and was later awarded the highest award of the ‘Akademi’, the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship’ in 1970. Of a very sharp intellect, he was also known for his vituperative wit. His other poetry collections include, Rooh-o-Qaayanat, Gul-e-Ra’naa, Nagma-numaa.

 He was born on to a family of Kayasth aristocrats in 1896 at village Banwarpar, tehsil Gola, district Gorakhpur. Firaq had a taste of Urdu poetry at very tender age. He started writing poetry in Urdu in teens and developed his own niche in an era that was marked by the likes of Sahir, Iqbal, Faiz and Kaifi. Although a left leaning intellectual, Firaq was never an active member of ‘Indian Progressive Writers Association’.

Firaq had been a champion of secularism all his life. He was a chief crusader against the government’s effort to brand Urdu as the language of Muslims. He was also instrumental in the allocation of funds for the promotion of the language. Jawaharlal Nehru nominated him as a member of the Rajya Sabha for his efforts in the promotion of literature and communal harmony. In his career spanning more than 50 years, Firaq wrote hundreds of heart wrenching poetries. Firaq passed away in 1982 after prolonged illness. (See also: “Urdu poets and writers of India” ) Recommended book: Firaq Gorakhpuri:Shayir-Danishwar by Prof. Ali A. Fatmi,  M.R. Publications,  2007.

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Hairat Allahabadi

Hairat Allahabadi was a contemporary of Akbar Allahabati. Both were desciples of Waheed Allahabadi. Most famous couplet of Hairat Allahabad is

Agah apni maut sé koi bashar nahin,
Samaan sau baras ké hain, pal ki khabar nahin..

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Mustafa Zaidi (Tegh Allahabadi)

  Mustafa Zaidi was born in 1930 at Allahabad and died in 1970 in Pakistan where he had migrated. He was born on  October 16, 1930 to Syed Lakhte Hasnain and Binte Haider. From 1936 to 1945, he attended the Modern High School in Allahabad. He then attended the Ewing Christian College, Allahabad and passed the Intermediate exam of the Board of High School and Intermediate Education, UP, in the first division in 1948. In 1950, he was awarded a first class Bachelor of Arts degree holding the 6th position from the University of Allahabad and completed his Master’s degree in English Literature in 1953 from Government College, Lahore. Mustafa Zaidi took up a job as professor in Islamia College, Karachi and Peshawar University. His first book of nazms “Zanjeerein” was published in Allahabad1949, under the pseudonym “Tegh Allahabadi” when he was just nineteen. Zanjeerein was endorsed by two legendary Urdu poets Josh Malihabadi and Firaq Gorakhpuri, who became mentors for young Tegh Allahabadi. The second edition was published as “Roshni” published in Lahore in 1950.

SHis books include 1.Zanjeerein – 1949, 2. Roshni – 1950, 3. Shehr-e-Azar 1958, 4. Mauj Meri Sadaf Sadaf – 1960, 5.Gareban – 1964, 6.Qaba-e-Saaz – 1967, 7. Koh-e- Nida

Ghazal by Mustafa Zaidi

Jab hawa, shab ko badalti huii pehluu aaee

mudattao’n apnay badan say Teri khusbhuu aaee

Meray naghmaat ki taqdeer na pohnchay tujh tak

meri faryaad ki qismat k Tujhay chuu aaee

Apnay seenay pay liay phirti hain har shakhs ka bojh

ab to in raahGuzaaro’n mein meri khuu aaee

Yuu’n umad aaee koi yaad meri aankho’n mein

chaandi jaisay nahaanay ko lab-e-juu aaee

Muzda ay dil kisi pehloo to qaraar aa hi gaya

manzil-e-daar kati, saa’t-e-gaisuu aaee

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Hamdoon Usmani

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Raz Allahabadi: He was a much sought-after poets in mushairas. He attended hundreds of mushairas in India and abroad. I had met him at his house in Hatia locality of Allahabad on a couple of occasions. He was a good man. I found one of his couplets in a letter in Funoon monthly published from Nagpur.

Main aap apni talaash mein hoon, mera koi rahnuma naheen hai

Wo kya batayenge raah mujhko, jinhen khud apna pataa naheen  hai

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Shaida Allahabadi: His full name was Maulvi Nisar Hussain. He was a poet of Reekhti, a form of Urdu poetry in which the poets expresses himself in the language of women. No one knows about details of his life and when died. However, he has himself said in his deewan that he was a resident of Daryabad locality of Allahabad. The couplet is:-

Sabhi waqif hain, baashinde hain daryabad ke shaida

Allahabad mein guiyaan jo ek chhoti si basti hai.

Reekhti is such a form of poetry in which some below standard thoughts are also expressed, but Maulvi Nisar Hussain Shaida’s remarkable contribution is that he kept his kalam free of vulgarity even though some of his couplets are below standard also. He says about his poetry:

Shaida se koi poochhe, taarif reekhti ki

Ho paak gandagi se, dhoi hui zabaan ho

He also gave vent to the burning issues of his times and launched a crusade against shamelessness, bad character, vulgarity, social evils etc through his poetry. During the period in which Shaida lives, purdah was prevalent in the Muslim society. Following are the verses depicting these views:

Khule bandon jo tum bazaaron mein ghoomogi ai begum

Na jaane kya tumhen samjhenge jaahil dekhne waale

Ghar se aurat ka jo bahar qadam amman nikla

Sharm us aankh se, us aankh se iman nikla

(For details see article “Shaida Allahabadi – ek reekhta go” by Syed Ziaul Hussain (Baitul Munawwar, behind Madah Ganj Police Chowkie, Sitapur Road, Luknow). The article has been published in March 2011 edition of Naya Daur, Lucknow.

(Posted by Muslim Saleem on July 10, 2011)

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Syed Mohammad Zamin Ali. He occupies a distinguished position in the realm of Urdu language and literature. He blazed a trial in the Urdu academic world by introducing graduate, post-graduate and research courses in Allahabad University. A founder-head of the Urdu Department of Allahabad University, he designed the basic structure of Urdu studies from the primary to the highest level in India. Born on… June 25 , 1880 at Mustafabad village in the Rae Bareli district of Uttar Pradesh, Zamin Ali was the youngest son of late Syed Wajid Ali. His grandfather, Nauroz Ali was a good poet of his time. Prof. Ali was a poet and also a writer with facile pen. But it was as an educationist that he excelled. He was educated at Agra and Allahabad. After a brilliant academic career, he joined the faculty of the Persian and Arabic Department of Allahabad University. His proposal to create sepearate Departments of Urdu and Hindi studies, which were then under the Oriental Department of Allahabad University, was accepted in 1922 by Sir Ganganath Jha, a noted Sanskrit scholar and Vice Chancellor of the University. Associated with the Board of studies of several universities, he formulated the curriculum of Urdu language and literature. His compilations and books on varios poets and marsiya writers found a place of prominence in the syllabus of studies at various stages. His monumental work in ‘Urdu Zaban-e-Adab’. This is the only book of Urdu linguistics and is more comprehensive than Sir George Greison’s ‘Linguistic Survey of India’. Prof. Ali was in the lineage of Munir Shikohabadi and followed the traditions of Lucknow School of Poetry. He started composing nazms and ghazals at an early age under the guidance of Mir Ali Obaid ‘Naisa’. His ghazals and marsiyas reflected the elegance and clarity of thought. He was a founder-member of the Hindustani Academy, which was founded in 1926 on the lines suggested by Mahatma Gandhi and was the editor of the Urdu Section of the Academy’s bilingual magazine ‘Hindustani’. He also edited a magazine called ‘Naisa’. He passed away on 25 April 1955. Paying tribute to Prof. Ali, Pandit Nehru described him as “the most brilliant crusader for the cause of Urdu of my time.” Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department is privileged to honour the memory of great educationist and poet by issuing a special postage stamp.

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NaisaN Allahabadi

میر علی عبّاد نیساں

میر علی عبّاد صاحب نیساں والد بزرگوار جناب شعلہ صاحب کےشاعری میں پہلے استاد تھے۔ والد صاحب کی عمر اپنے استاد کے انتقال کے وقت  سولہ سال کی تھی۔ وہ ہمیشہ اپنے استاد کا ذکر بہت عزّت کے ساتھ کرتے تھے۔
نیساں صاحب کاتعلّق ضلع الہ آباد کے موضع کہرہ کے ایک معزّز سید خاندان سے تھا۔ان کے والد  جناب سجّاد حسین صاحب نے اپنے گاؤں میں ایک شاندار مسجد اور کوٹھی تعمیر کروائی تھی جو انکے ورثاء کے پاکستان منتقلی کے سبب خستہ حالت میں پڑی ہوئی ہیں ۔ ہوسکتا ہے ابتک کوٹھی پر کسی نہ کسی کا قبضہ بھی ہوچکا ہو۔
ان کے پیدائش کی صحیح نہیں معلوم ہوسکی۔ کہتے ہیں ۱۹۱۷ میں اپنے انتقال کے وقت ان کی عمر نوّے سال کی تھی اس سے ان کے سال پیدائش کا تعیّن کیا جاسکتا ہے۔ تعلیم کہاں اور کتنی حاصل کی اس بارے میں معلومات نہیں حاصل ہوسکیں۔ ویسے پہلے زمانہ میں باقاعدہ اسکولی تعلیم کے بجائے گھر پر ہی تعلیم کا بندوبست کیا جاتا تھا۔ انکے کلام کے تجزیہ سے اندازہ ہوتا ہے کہ اردو کے علاوہ انھیں عربی اور فارسی زبانوں پر اچّھا عبور حاصل تھا۔ تعلیم کی تکمیل کے بعد  پہلے نائب تحصیلدار اور پھر تحصیلدار کے عہدہ پر فائز ہوئے۔ کارگزاریوں کے سلسلہ میں اوّلاً انھیں خاں صاحب پھر خاں بہادرکا خطاب گورنمنٹ انگلشیہ کی جانب سے عطا ہوا تھا۔
نیساں صاحب بہت ہی منکسرمزاج،خوش اخلاق اور متواضع انسان تھے۔ بسلسلۂ ملازمت جہاں رہے پردیس میں بھی اپنے دستر خوان پر بغیرمہمان کھانا نوش نہیں فرماتے تھے۔ نیساں صاحب نے دو شادیاں فرمائی تھیں۔ پہلی بیوی سے صرف ایک بیٹی تھی۔ انکی اولادیں پاکستان منتقل ہوگئیں۔ دوسری شادی سے جو کافی کبر سنی میں  فرمائی تھی دوبیٹے اور ایک بیٹی تولّد ہوئے تھے ۔ان کی اولادوں میں سے بھی اب ہندوستان میں کوئی مقیم نہیں رہا۔
عمر کے آخری حصّہ میں جب صحت زیادہ خراب رہنے لگی تو گاؤں چھڑ کر مستقل طور پر الہ آباد آگئے تھے۷اپریل ۱۹۱۷ کو بوقت نماز فجر انتقال فرمایا۔ان کے سوگ میں شہر کے تمام بازار پورے دن بند رہے ۔ چار بجے شان شہر کی کربلا میں تدفین عمل میں آئی۔ والد محترم نےدرج ذیل قطع تاریخ لکھا:
حضرت نیساں علی عبّاد ہائے
سیّد عالی نسب جاتا رہا
تھا رئیس ابن رئیس ابن رئیس
خاں بہادر ذی لقب جاتا رہا
کلک شعلہ قطعۂ تاریخ لکھ
شاعری کا لطف اب جاتا رہا
۱۳۳۵ھ
مطابق ۷اپریل ۱۹۱۷
مہدی حسین ناصری لکھنوی نے بھی ایک طویل قطعہ تاریخ لکھاجسکا آخری بند پیش ہے
بجھ گئی افسوس شمع ناسخ و رشک منیر
مٹ گیا وہ خانداں جسکی نہیں ممکن نظیر
یوں تو روئے گا الہ آباد کا برنا وپیر۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔
شعر کا ماتم کرینگے ہاں مگر ہم اور شہیر
ناصری دل خونچکاں وسال فوتش بر زباں
آں علی عبّاد نیساں خاں بہا در داد جاں۔۔۔۔۔۔
۱۳۳۵ ھ
نیساں صاحب کو شاعری کا شوق اوائل عمر ہی سے تھا۔سن تمیز کو پہنچنے پر منشی منیر کی شاگردی اختیارکی اور رفتہ رفتہ ان کے ارشد تلامذہ میں شمار کئے جانے لگے۔دیوان منیر میں ایسے کافی اشعار ہیں جن میں ان کی تعریف و توصیف بہت محبّت سے کی گئی ہے۔ نہایت پر گو اور صاحب کمال تھے۔  غزل،قصیدہ،مرثیہ،مثنوی اور رباعی سبھی اصناف شاعری میں دستگاہ رکھتے تھے۔ تشبیہ واستعارے کے استعمال پر عبور حاصل تھا۔ خود مشاعروں میں کم شریک ہوتے تھے ۔اگر کسی طرحی مشاعرے  میں اپنا کلام خود نہیں پڑھتے تھے بلکہ اپنے کسی عزیز شاگرد سے پڑھواتے تھے۔ اس قدر زودگو تھے کہ ہر مشاعرہ کے لئے تقریباًپانچ چھ سو غزلیں کہہ لیا کرتے تھےجنھیں اکثر دوسروں بانٹ دیا کرتے تھے۔ایک بہت بڑی تعداد شاگردوں کی رکھتے تھے جن میں واقعی کچھ کا شمار اچّھے شعراء میں تھا۔اگر موقع ملا تو اس سلسلہ میں شاید میں کچھ اور شعراء کے حالات زندگی اور کمالات شاعری پر روشنی ڈال سکوں۔
نیساں صاحب کے کچھ اشعارملاحظہ فرمائیں۔
یہ تو سچ ہے کہ مری آہ میں تاثیر نہیں
دونوں ہاتھوں سےجگرکس نےسنبھالا اپنا
چھپ کے آئینۂ دل توڑ نہ اے پردہ نشیں
ایک تو رہنے دے منھ دیکھنے والا اپنا
۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔
آئی خدا کی یاد دم واپسیں تو کیا
آنکھیں کلیں تو وقت نمازسحرنہ تھا
برسوں بتوں کےعشق میں تقدیرسےلڑا
بندہ ادھر رہا کہ خدا بھی جدھر نہ تھا
بھڑکا دیا ہوائے تمنّائے وصل نے
اتنا بلند شعلۂ داغ جگر نہ تھا۔۔۔۔۔۔۔
کعبہ میں شمع،دل میں چمک،دیرمیں چراغ
نور جمال یار کہاں جلوہ گر نہ تھا۔۔

اپنےوالد کےاستاد کی تاریخ وفات پرخراج عقیدت]
[
از
رضیہ کاظمی
نیوجرسی،امریکہ
۱۷اپریل
۲۰۱۳

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Upendranath Ashk

Upendranath Ashk (1910-96) was born from a middle class family in Jhalandhar in Punjab in 1910. He started writing poetry in the Punjabi Language. Later he began writing in Urdu. His first Urdu poem was published in 1926. During the 1930�s, when he lived in Lahore, he shifted to Hindi. Ashk has been writing for different newspapers and magazines, from 1941 to 45 he worked with A.I.R., thereafter he also wrote film stories and dialogues. He made translations into Hindi(Dostoevsky, O�Neill) and edited some anthologies. But he is most famous for his novels, short stories and plays. In 1965 he was awarded the Sangeet Natak Academy Award as the leading playwright of Hindi. One of his most famous novels is “Girti Diivaaren”, which was first published in 1947. In describing some years of the life of Cetan, the hero, Ashk depicts the everyday life of the urban middle class in a realistic way. It is said to contain many passages which are autobiographic. Some other works     1.  Shahar men ghoomtaa aainaa (1962)(second volume of the above mentioned novel) 2. Ek nanhi kindiil (1969)(third volume) 3. Tufan se pahle (1946)(play) 4 Udan (play) 5 Diip jalegaa (poem)

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Ziaul Islam: He was born on July 3, 1934 at Daira Shah Ajmal, Allahabad and died on June 25, 2008. Started his literary career after completing education from Allahabad University by writing radio dramas. He also translated tales for children from other languages. His books include 1. Chandni aur Angare 2. Sadabahar Darakht 3. Mahal. He also took out a periodical “Urdu Sahitya” in Devnagri script. He was awarded by the Urdu Academies of UP and West Bengal.

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Semi-literary Urdu writers of Allahabad

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Ibn-e-Safi or Ibne Safi

Ibne Safi: (by Muslim Saleem): A majority of critics consider suspense fiction as an outcast and don’t consider writers of this genre among litterateurs. But Ibne Safi’s case is different and that is why space is being devoted to him in this directory. It is indeed a tribute to the writers who taught chaste Urdu to lakhs of people through his absorbing novels. The characters of his novels – Faridi, Hameed, Imram and even Qasim – spoke in chaste Urdu and thus planted these words in the minds of readers sub-consciously. All the characters also observed chastity in their lives and these novels were free of any kind of vulgarity. Hats off to Ibne Safi.)

Ibne Safi was born on July 26, 1928, in the village of Nara in Allahabad district. His parents, Safiullah and Nuzaira Bibi, named him Asrar Ahmed at birth. It was much later that he came to be known as Ibne Safi. Ibne Safi’s forefathers came from the village of Nara. Originally they were Hindus of Kaistth clan. Several generations back, their clan leader Raja Vasheshar Dayal Singh had embraced Islam and came to be known as Baba Abdun Nabi. He completed Matriculation from D.A.V. School in Allahabad. Ibne Safi started writing at a young age. When he was in seventh grade, his first story appeared in the weekly Shahid. Ibne Safi also started writing poetry in eighth grade. Ibne Safi completed Intermediate (High School Certificate) from Eving Christian College in Allahabad. Ibne Safi obtained Bachelor of Arts degree from Agra University.

In the beginning Asrar Ahmed wrote poetry and satire under the pen names of Asrar Narvi, Sanki Soldier and Tughral Farghan etc. But as the time passed the pseudonym Ibne Safi took over all the other pen names and Ibne Safi spent most of his time writing detective stories. He started writing with the pen name of Ibne Safi. Containing his original characters, Inspector Faridi and Sergeant Hameed, the first novel Dilaer Mujrim (The Brave Criminal) was published in March 1952. After finishing his education, Ibne Safi migrated to Pakistan with his mother and sister in August 1952. In 1955, Ibne Safi created a new character, Imran, and started publishing the Imran Series. The first novel of this series Khaufnaak Imarat (The Frightening Building) was published in August 1955 by A & H Publications, 130 Hasan Ali Afandi Road, Karachi Pakistan whereas the Indian edition was published in November 1955 by Monthly Nikhat, Allahabad. In October 1957 Ibne Safi founded Asrar Publications, Karachi (at Lalukhet) and published first Jasoosi Duniya novel THanDee Aag (The cold Fire) from Pakistan. The same novel was published simultaneously in India by Jasoosi Duniya, Allahabad.

Ibne Safi suffered from schizophrenia during 1960 and 1963, not writing a single word in those three years. With the prayers of his family, friends, and fans, Ibne Safi finally recovered from the illness in 1963 under the treatment of Hakim Iqbal Hussain of Karachi. The author made a great comeback on November 25, 1963 with the bestseller Imran Series novel Dairh Matwaalay, which inaugurated in India by the Ex Interior Minister (later Prime Minister of India) Lal Bahadur Shastri. The demand for this novel was so high that within a week a second edition was published in India. This edition was inaugurated by the then Provincial Law Minister Ali Zaheer. During the mid-seventies, Inter Services Intelligence of Pakistan informally utilized his services for lecturing new recruits on the methods of detection.

In September 1979, Ibne Safi was diagnosed with cancer and died on July 26, 1980 (Ramadhan 12, 1400 AH), at around Faj’r time, Ibne Safi passed away (Inna Lillahe Wa Inna Ilaihe Raje’oon). His incomplete Imran Series novel Aakhri Aadmi was by his bedside. (See complete details on the websitehttp://www.compast.com/ibnesafi/biography.htm)

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Akram Allahabadi

Akram Allahabadi was a writer who attained immense popularity in the genre of Urdu detective fiction in the sub-continent. Almost a near contemporary of the legendary Ibn-e-Safi, Akram Allahabadi also had a huge fan following. His characters, particularly, Inspector Khan and sergeant Baley, also have a secured place in the history of Urdu literature. Unfortunately, Akram Allahabadi is not remembered as much, as he ought to be. In my childhood, I remember, almost every AH Wheeler bookstall across India, had his novels on display along with Jasoosi Duniya.  I still recall how elders would talk about Ibn-e-Safi’s ‘Deo Paikar Darinda’ or ‘Zamin ke Badal’ in the same breath as Allahabadi’s ‘Junction Bilara’ and ‘Salazar series’ orSputnik which were all immensely popular novels. Syed Mohammad Akram, who was born in 1922, was born in a zamindar family in Allahabad. He was sent to Bhopal for studies but fell in love with a girl and was later sent to Kanpur. After his graduation, Akram Allahabadi took to journalism and joined an Urdu daily in Allahabad, in 1946. Akram Allahabadi started several daily newspapers and magazines, edited journals and later shifted to Mumbai. A prolific writer, his novels were sell-outs. He married a woman who had African ancestry. Unlike H Iqbal or others who wrote novels, copying the characters of Ibn-e-Safi, viz. Imran, Faridi-Hameed, Akram Allahabadi had his own style. Sometimes, I felt, that he wrote in a hurry and didn’t take a second glance, because in a couple of his novels the story line grew fantastically but the minute details were often ignored. I remember another of his character, Inspector Madhulkar who along with his assistant Raazi, took on gangsters and mysterious criminals. After Ibn-e-Safi’s demise, Akram Allahabadi also, apparently lost interest. His ‘competitor’ had gone. A trade unionist, he remained active in his later years. Today his novels are rare to find but the legend of Akram Allahabadi grows. Akram Allahabadi [also spelt as Akram ILAHABADI] was a writer of scores of bestsellers in the era of 1950s to late 70s and thereafter. A Facebook group and the plan of his family members and fans to publish his novels has also generated interest among the lovers of Urdu detective fiction.

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Shakeel Jamali

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Ibne Saeed (Real name: Syed Mujawir Hussain Rizvi)

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