Good and great people are one
of the best blessings of God. Their personality, character, qualities,
abilities, vision, struggle, works and contributions in any form all combine to
help, guide and lead mankind. They devote their lives, time and energy for right
causes and purposes. This makes them legendary and an important part of history
and our lives. |
Those who forget or ignore them remain lost in the pitch of darkness and keep
suffering. It is their goodness and greatness which helps end the darkness and
shows the right path, direction and destination.
Just like every drop of blood and medicine gives a dying man new life, the
stroke of a pen takes or saves a life, the tongue heals or breaks the heart the
same way even the smallest contribution in any form which helps communities and
humanity in general as experience, inspiration and motivation becomes extremely
precious, priceless and tremendous. All benefit from them but the people with
vision take full advantage to serve humanity in reality.
Even most parts of all the holy books mention about great and good people, their
contributions and how God pays tributes to them and asks us to understand,
remember and follow them. These are presented as examples for us to learn and
understand.
So it is pointless and senseless to say that remembering, respecting and
following them after century or less or more is useless. Even after millions of
years, we are told and reminded by God Himself to understand, remember, respect
and follow the prophets, saints, angels and all good ones till the doomsday.
TRAGIC:Unfortunately, most people, despite best efforts to help and guide them,
fail to understand or deliberately avoid understanding and accepting this logic,
fact and reality. They have made such cultures, traditions and values part of
their lives and religion, which have nothing to do with religions and against
which God has warned them repeatedly through messengers and books. The negative
and wrong thinking, approach, direction and have made their lives miserable and
pushing them towards destruction and hell.
Again, unfortunately Muslims particularly are easily provoked, excited and
trapped. Without thinking about the consequences or heeding to the strict
warnings they simply jump into the trap and as a result keep suffering and
dying. Instead of acting on the principle “Think before you leap”, they do vice
versa and “Think after they leap” by shouting Allah-O-Akbar. By this way they
think they are making God very happy and would get the best place in paradise.
Cite the example of any prophet or saint who senselessly and blindly jumped from
the mountain or into the fire or into the sea. They all lived and acted wisely
and sensibly but today’s Muslims love committing stupidity with the intention
and impression of pleasing God.Instead of getting place in paradise, such
approach, attitude and actions will only land them in hell.
IMPORTANCE:So in the light of above, it is important to keep understanding,
remembering, respecting and following the good people and true leaders, who
emerge as greats and legends. They are indeed the best blessings of God.
Such is the importance of great and good ones. The sole purpose is to benefit
from their contributions.The glorious past always serves as a mirror for bright
future. Let’s get direction, vision and strength from our glorious past and
pledge to always SERVE HUMANITY IN REALITY.
Maulana Altaf Hussain Hali (1837-1914) and Allama Muhammad Shibli Nomani
(1857-1914) are two such great personalities and leaders with tremendous
contributions based on vision and direction to help, guide and lead the people.
That spirit, efforts and actions were badly needed by the people living in
occupation and slavery to boost their morale and keep them alive and on the
right track. It was indeed a great task.
CELEBRATION:In order to pay tributes and benefit from their services,
contributions and vision,the Canpak Chamber of Commerce and the Consulate
General of Pakistan commemorated the centenary of the two giants of Urdu
literature---Maulana Altaf Hussain Hali and Allama Muhammad Shibli Nomani
(1914-2014)---on Sunday, March 29, 2015, at the auditorium of the Aga Khan
Museum, 77 Wynford Drive, Toronto, Ontario. It was a well-attended select
gathering of renowned scholars, writers, poets, distinguished personalities and
their families.
The program was produced and directed by International Award Winning Producer
Nazimuddin Nazim of Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) and was divided into
three portions: Act One, Act Two & Act Three.
ACT ONE:Opening remarks, Dua (Prayers) of Altaf Hussain Hali, Recitation of Holy
Quran and national anthems of Canada and Pakistan. Zubairuddin, renowned
newscaster and figure of PTV, acted as host and presented introduction of the
program.
Dr Shahid Hashmi, Chairman, Canpak Chamber of Commerce, presented the welcome
address. He asked the audience to observe thirty seconds silence in remembrance
of late Maqsood Khan, Councillor of Oakville, and for all those killed in
attacks on churches, other religious places, Army School in Peshawar, Pakistan,
and in terrorism acts elsewhere.
He highlighted and praised the sincere efforts and tremendous contributions of
team leaders and sponsors with special thanks to including Asghar Ali Golo,
Consul General of Pakistan, Feroz Jessani, Nazimuddin Nazim, Hashim Reza Taqvi,
Roshan Khayal, Zubairuddin, Hasham Hyder, Rabah Anum, Sarah Anjum, Nadia Hussain,
Dr Ali Naqvi, Moazzam Khan, Dhruv Gulati and most importantly the team support
of family---Seema Hashmi, Saman Hashmi, Sohabe Hashmi, Savera Hashmi, Shakaib
Hashmi and Sidra Hashmi.
He said: “We are dedicated to building bridges between individuals, communities,
business and government which are a profound necessity in today’s world.”
The distinguished speakers were: Professor Iqbal Haider (Dallas), Aftab Rizvi
(Presented special article: Hali, Shibli Aur Hum), Dr Syed Taghi Abedi and
Asghar Ali Golo, Consul General of Pakistan. Piano composition played by Sidra
Hashmi. Introduction by Muhammad Yaseen.
Asghar Ali Golo, Consul General of Pakistan, said in his message: “This event is
an occasion to pay tribute to great leaders and reformers who withstood all
adversities and remained steadfast in their mission. Their perseverance and
determination played a vital role in the independence movement by virtue of
which Muslims are enjoying fullest spiritual, cultural, economic and political
life in the way that they thought best and in consonance with their own ideas.
Both great luminaries---Maulana Altaf Hussain Hali and Allama Muhammad Shibli
Nomani---were remarkable leaders and played a significant role towards the
renaissance of Muslims.”
Dr Syed Taghi Abedi, in his message, said: “Maulana Hali was an Urdu poet and a
great social reformer of Indian Subcontinent. He was the famous pupil of Ghalib
and a close friend of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, the founder of the Aligarh
University. At the request of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, Hali wrote the famous poem “Mussadus-e-Hali’,
which deals with the rise and fall of the Indian Subcontinent Muslims.”
He said: “Apart from his status as a pioneer in the modern Urdu literature, he
devoted his poetry to advance the cause, social welfare and betterment of human
values. He was the first reformer who focused humanitarian aims and women’s
right.”
Dr Taghi said: “In his book ‘Majalis-i-Nisan’, Hali emphasizes the need of
educating women. In his book ‘Bewa Ki Munajat’, he focused on the plight of
widows in sub-continent society. He also purified the poetic thoughts and
therefore it is widely believed that if he was not born or had not spread the
tune of his poetry, Allama Iqbal’s work may not be produced.”
Dr Abedi said:” Allama Shibli Nomani was the youngest member of Sir SyedAhmed
Khan’s team. He was also an educationist, a reformer, a historian, a biographer,
poet and a social worker. He wrote many authentic and important books. ‘Shirul
Ajum’, an anthology of Persian poetry, and ‘Siratul Nabi’ were very popular
among the Sub-continent Muslims.”
He said: “Both Maulana Hali and Allama Shibli worked for mankind and their
teachings are essential in our 21st century day to day lives as they are beacon
lights in the storm sea of human beings.”
Aftab Rizvi, in his message, said: “Legendary scholars like Maulana Altaf
Hussain Hali and Allama Shibli Nomani must always be remembered because they
areour heritage, pride and golden past. Future of learned nations are connected
with their past and they take pride in considering their present as link between
these two eras. No nation in the world can survive gracefully if disconnected
with legends of the past era. These legends gave their time and devoted their
lives to the cause of literature, poetry and critical writings.”
He said: “In today’s materialistic society, where success and wealth are only
measured with balance in the bank, it is hard to understand work of those who
stood from poverty, worked hard, made their name in history and paved way to
live and be remembered forever.”
ACT TWO: Roshan Khayal, son of internationally recognized renowned poet and
intellectual Himayat Ali Shair, acted as the host in the second part of the
program. Biography of Hali and Shibli was presented. The narration was by Sarah
Anjum and Anum Rabah, supported by spectacle, tableau, and power point
presentation.
The next item was Colours of One Ghazal, which included Zahoor-e-Qudsi---Hai
Justuju K Khoob Se Hai Khoob Kahan, the masterpiece writing of Shibli, and a
Ghazal (Koee Mahram Nahin Milta Jahan Main).The vocalist was Nadia Tariq. It was
composed by Dr Ali Naqvi. The players were: Keyboard (Naveed Akhtar),Tabla (Nitin)
and guitar (Ali).
Next was ‘Mussadus-e-Hali’, a documentary and visual presentation produced by
Nazimuddin Nazim with background voice (Talat Hussain) and Naat recitation (Junaid
Jamshed).
Next was ‘Live dialogue with Hali and Shibli’.The interviewer was Nazimuddin
Nazim and acts by Dr Ali Naqvi and Moazzam Khan.
Legendary music maestro Sohail Rana presented the Urdu translation of Canadian
National Anthem.
The Act Two concluded with Dr Shahid Hashmi’s presentation of vote of thanks.
Refreshment was served to the audience.
ACT THREE:Hashim Reza Taqvi acted as the host in Act Three. The chief guest was
Asghar Ali Golo, Consul General of Pakistan in Toronto. Dr Syed Taghi Abedi
presided. Sidra Hashmi presented English poetry. Tarahe Mushaira was organized
in the Act Three.
The following poets confirmed their participation in the Mushaira: Wali Alam
Shaheen, Syed Iftikhar Haider, Abeda Karamat, Karamat Ghori, Nasim Syed, Tasleem
Elahi Zulfi, Manif Ashar, Ameer Jaffery, Darakhshan Siddiqi, Nasreen Syed,
Nazimuddin Maqbool, Tariq Hussain, NaeemUddin Naimi, Junaid Akhter, Salman Athar,
Muzaffar Mansoor, Assar Akbar Abadi, Basharat Rehan and Mohammad Yaseen.
SOUVENIR: To mark the occasion and make it memorable, a souvenir on the
centenary celebration was presented to all the participants. Messages of
dignitaries showed the interest shown in the important event.
Those who sent congratulatory and powerful messages included Kathleen Wynne,
Premier of Ontario, Asghar Ali Golo, Consul General of Pakistan in Toronto,
Justin P.J. Trudeau, leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, John McCallum, MP
for Markham-Unionville, Shafiq Qadri, MPP, Etobicoke North and Parliamentary
Assistant to the Premier of Ontario, Dipika Damerla, MPP for Mississauga East-Cooksville,
John Tory, Mayor of Toronto, Maurizio Bevilacqua, Mayor of Vaughan, Rick Milne,
Mayor of New Tecumseh,Eric Jolliffe, Chief of Police, York Regional Police,
Rafiq Rokerya, Citizenship Judge, Jim Karygiannis, Toronto City Councillor,
Zeeshan Hamid, Milton Town Councillor (Ward 8), Salma Zahid, Federal Liberal
Candidate, Thomas S. Saras, President & CEO of National Ethnic Press & Media
Council of Canada (NEPMCC), Dr Syed Taghi Abedi, Iqbal Haider,Aftab Rizvi,
freelance writer & columnist, Aqeel Ashraf, former Station Director of Radio
Pakistan, Neelofer Abbasi, renowned TV figure, Farah Iqbal, Mohammad Yaseen,
Hasham Hyder, Director, H.A.M. Information Technology Services Inc. and Dr
Shahid Hashmi, Chairman, Canpak Chamber of Commerce.
Also included was poetry `The Tenant’ by Sidra Hashmi (Grade 12 student), which
was written at age 16 and published (Page 84) in the Young Writers of Canada:
Memories Never Lost. Sidra’s message to the world is that life is so precious
but she sees that life is being wasted and innocent people are being killed.
Impressive pictures and works of Maulana Altaf Hussain Hali and Allama Shibli
Nomani were also included in the souvenir.
In all the messages, Dr Shahid Hashmi, Seema Hashmi, Asghar Ali Golo, Consul
General of Pakistan, and the team leaders involved including Nazimuddin Nazim,
Roshan Khayal, Hashim Reza Taqvi and Zubairuddin in making the event
successfuland memorable were highly praised for their efforts, roles and
contributions.
SHIBLI NOMANI: Following is the brief life sketch of Allama Muhammad Shibli
Nomani: Born on June 4, 1857, in Bindawal Azamgarh (UP). Passed away on November
18,1914, in Azamgarh(UP). Father: Shaikh Habibullah. Mother: MoqeemaKhatoon. (d/oQurban
Ahmad, Phariha Azamgarh). Wife: Majidunnisa (Married 1876-77). Brothers: Mahdi
Hasan, Mohammad Ishaqand Mohammad Junaid.
Children: Hamid Hassan Nomani, RabiaKhatoon ,Jannutul Fatima. Teachers: Maulana
Farooq Chirayyakuti, Chirayyakot,Azamgarh, MaulanaIrshad Husain, Rampur,
MaulanaFaizul Hasan Saharanpuri, Lahore, and Maulana Ahmad Ali Saharanpuri
MAO College Association: 1882 – 1898, Professor of Persian and Arabic. Founder
Editor: The Aligarh Magazine (Urdu)-1891.
Famous Students:Hamid ud din Farahi, Abul Kalam Azad, Saiyid Sulaiman Nadvi,
Muhammad Ali Jauhar, Zafar Ali Khan, Sajjad Haider Yaldram, Aziz Mirza, Masud
Ali Mahvi, Abdus Salam Nadvi, Abdul Bari Nadvi and Shibli Mutakallim Nadvi.
Books:Seerat-un-Nabi – 7 Volumes (co-edited by Syed Sulaiman Nadvi),
Muqadmat-Seeratun Nabi, Al-Farooq : Biography of Hazrat Omar Farooq (R.A.), Al-Ghazali,
Al-Mamoon , Seerat-un-Noman, Swaneh-Maulana Roomi, Al-Kalam, Ilmul-Kalam, Safar
Nama Room-Misr-o-Shaam, Sherul-Ajam -5 Volumes, Kuliyat-e-Shibli (Urdu),
Kuliyat-e-Shibli (Farsi), Mawazenah Anees-o-Dabeer, Al-Inteqar, Aurangzeb
Alamgir per Ek Nazar
After Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, Allama Mohammad Shibli Nomani is considered as one of
the tallest figures among the Muslims of Indian subcontinent who died at an age
of 57 but his academic and social work put him way above to people who were far
senior and elder to him. He founded the Shibli National Post Graduate College in
1883.
His other venture was Darul Musannefin Shibli Academy, which did a wonderful job
in realizing the dreams of its founder. Allama Shibli Nomani had a versatile
personality but is mostly known for his academic work. People of academia are
expected to work on other dimensions of his personality and give him his
deserving stature of a reformer rather than just academician and theologian.
LINKS: https://aligarhmovement.com/karwaan_e_aligarh/Allama_Shibli_Nomani.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shibli_Nomani.
ALTAF HUSSAIN HALI:Altaf Hussain Hali was one of the founders of Urdu criticism.
He was an outstanding pre-modern poet and famous for writing Yaadgar-e-Ghalib,
the first biography of Mirza Ghalib.Altaf Hussain Hali was the last disciple of
Ghalib. He is also one of the most highly esteemed biographers of Ghalib's life
and a commentator of his poetry.
Hali holds a distinguished position in the history of Urdu literature. He was a
shayar (Poet), a critic, an educator, an activist and a commendable
prose-writer. He was born in Panipat (Haryana) in 1837 and later migrated to
Delhi to pursue higher studies in Indo-Islamic poetic tradition. During this
period, he happened to interact with Mirza Ghalib. This meeting ignited within
him a passion for poetry. Ghalib was his philosopher and guide in Urdu shayari
(Poetry).
After working at Lahore Book depot for four years, he joined the Anglo Arabic
School in Delhi in the capacity of a teacher. During this period he got
acquainted with Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and also wrote “Musaddas-e-Jazar-o-Islam”,
which is one of the paramount books in the history of Urdu poetry. The Musaddas,
or Musaddas-e-Hali, as it is often known, was published in 1879 and was widely
acclaimed. It was considered to herald the modern age of Urdu poetry.
In 1887, Hyderabad State fixed a monthly pension for Hali as a mark of
acknowledgement and honour for his contribution to Urdu sher-o-shayari. The
British government bestowed upon him the title “Shams-ul-Ulema”. As a poet, he
did not set limits for himself within the narrow bounds of Ghazal, but
successfully ventured into other poetic forms such as Nazm, Rubai and elegy.
His widely-lauded lengthy poem, Musaddas-e-Hali, focuses on the state of
community and moral degradation prevalent in the contemporary Muslim society. He
also wrote extraordinary biographies of Ghalib, Saadi Sheerazi and Sir Syed
Ahmed Khan. Hali’s interests were broad-spectrum and his literary abilities were
commensurate with his philanthropic aspirations. Hali died in the year 1914 at
Panipat.