Syed Hussamuddin Rashidi (20 September 1911- 01 April, 1982)

By Muhammad Habib Sanai

 Abstract

This essay is a brief profile of Syed Hussamuddin Rashidi and it sheds light on his scholarship. Rashidi sahib born in a small hamlet in rural Sindh, was not properly educated in any institution but he learned Persian and Urdu with the help of some individual tutors, but excelled in these languages and historiography through his own diligence and devotion. He wrote, edited, compiled, annotated, revised, and supervised more than sixty books in Persian, Urdu, and Sindhi and also wrote 300 articles, and essays in Sindhi, Persian, and Urdu. His main contribution is to the historiography of Sindh by editing, annotating, and publishing manuscripts of history books in Persian. He also played an important role in establishing and developing numerous national institutions such as Sindhi Adabi Board Jamshoro, Anjman-e-Taraqi Urdu, Pakistan, Idara Ghaib, etc. Another prominent trait of his was extending academic, and moral support to budding and established scholars.

 

Keywords

#Sindh History # Persian Studies # Mughals in Sindh #Urdu Studies

**

 

Illustrious researcher and historian of Sindh, Syed Hussamuddin Rashidi, was born on Wednesday 26^th Ramzan, 1329 AH /20 September 1911 CE in a small hamlet called Bahman near Nusrat Railway Station, District Larkana, Sindh and he left for his eternal abode after a long illness on Thursday 6 Jamadi II 1402 A.H. / 01 April, 1982 CE in Karachi, Sindh. As per his last will, he was buried at the famous Makkli Necropolis, Thatta.

Troubled Birth and Early Life

His birth was very tormenting. His elder brother Pir Ali Muhammad Rashidi (August 5, 1905–March 14, 1987), who later became a prominent leader of the Pakistan Movement, ex-Federal Minister, Ambassador, Journalist, and writer, has written this terrible account in his article about Hussamuddin Rashidi. He writes:[1] “… For three days, my mother endured the labour pains and we were afraid that the fetus (infant) might have died. How come there is a qualified nurse or doctor in our village? And it was taboo to take ladies to any Hospital, so there was no question about taking our mother to any Hospital. Further, at that time, no qualified MBBS doctor was working in both districts of Larkana and Sukkur.

“In these distressed and grieving moments, my grandfather sent for his lawyer friend Shaikh Ghulam Muhammad[2] from Larkana, who was also a renowned astrologer. After making a horoscope, he told our grandfather in the morning that the child would be born alive before evening and the newborn would be very fortunate and make his name well-known.

“During the afternoon, news came from the home that a boy is born, but his eyes are almost missing. As per the tradition, after bathing him, he was brought out by Dai (traditional birth attendant/midwife) who handed him over to our grandfather. Shaikh sahib was also sitting nearby. The eyes of the neonate were completely shut and mucus was exuding from them. Grandfather got so shocked and grieved, that he immediately handed him to Shaikh Sahib and said:

“‘O fake oracle! Take him. You said he would be very lucky and would make a name, but he doesn’t have eyes, how would he make his name?’”

“Shaikh sahib took the newborn in his lap and smiled. Then he said:

“‘O Saeen Pir Shah! Don’t worry, my horoscope is accurate. His eyes will work and would work in such a way that the world will be surprised.’”

“Our grandfather named him after his elder brother Hussammuddin Rashidi. He treated his eyes because he was an expert Hakeem and soon his eyes got cured.”

Education

Syed Hussamuddin Rashidi has authored, co-authored, edited, annotated, compiled, revised, and supervised around 60 books in Sindhi, Persian, and Urdu. Interestingly he has not received any formal schooling. How he and his elder brother Pir Ali Muhammad Shah Rashidi were educated, let’s refer to once again the account of Pir Ali Muhammad Rashidi.[3]

“I am six years senior to Hussamuddin. When I was three years old, the Mullah (semi-literate religious teacher) of our village was tasked by our grandfather to teach me Jami’s Yousif Zulekhan in Persian. As Sindhi was our mother tongue, so our parents thought it unnecessary to learn it in school. Further, we were not supposed to be recruited for the service of the British Government, so there was no need to learn English. As such, the full emphasis was on learning Persian. But Persian learning remained in the doldrums because Mullah had two wives, who mostly used to quarrel with each other when he had just commenced to teach us. Consequently, he used to go inside and took time to come back. After a long and tiring wait, we would return to our home.

“After the demise of that Mullah, another Mullah was arranged. Now Hussamuddin also accompanied me. This new teacher believed in the motto that ‘Harshness of the teacher is better than the affectation of father’. He used to thrash students and they were so afraid of him that they forgot their lessons when they were asked to recite their lessons. 

“Unfortunately, there arose his clash with Hussamuddin. One day he slapped Hussam. Hussam became so angry that he pulled his beard. That was a horrible incident. In support of my brother, I wrapped the thatched mat over me and blurted some bad words. Molvi sahib reported this mishap to our Grandfather. However, it was decided that as both children are intelligent, and if they were treated harshly, they wouldn’t study, so better to leave them to pursue on their own.

“Interestingly, after that occurrence, the behavior of our teacher changed and he dropped the stick. Besides, our mother had also sent her maidservant and sought forgiveness on our behalf and gave some gifts. Now we started learning with devotion… but soon, suddenly, Mullah left this job. Then at first a Molvi from the Thar area was recruited but he could not stay, later An English-literate teacher from Tonk State was hired, but he also left the job, because to relieve himself, he had to go to a jungle, where the jackals lived.

“My Education journey ceased there, but for Hussamuddin, another teacher Muhammad Ilyas was hired. He was very handsome and his voice was also sweet. A Sikh carpenter used to live in our village to make furniture for my grandfather. He had married a young girl in old age. His quarter was near to Masjid. After the lapse of a few months, he expressed his doubt that the voice of Azan was affecting his wife, so he started planning to kill Molvi, therefore, for his safety, Molvi was asked to leave this Village.”

These incidents disrupted their private tutoring. On the insistence of their mother, they tried to learn English from a Station Master posted at the nearby Nusrat Railway Station. As his English was poor, they could manage to learn only a limited stock of words. As there were no further prospects of learning, therefore, Hussamuddin got involved in playing the games.

“While playing, one day, he (Hussamuddin) suddenly came into my room and began dangling my books kept in the tin box. I got angered and yelled at him “O ignorant! Don’t touch my books.” He sadly looked at me and said “Am I ignorant? Okay, Ada.”[4]

“After that incident, his temperament changed and he gave up frolicking activities and came close to me and followed me in every respect. He started reading everything. Whenever he met any well-read person, he conversed with him and learned new ideas. After having dinner, he used to read in the light of Lantern for hours.”

Literary and Journalistic Career

Probably at the age of 14, he commenced composing poetry under the pen name of Fidai Al Rashidi, which name he also used in his fiction works, such as his novel Al Zulekha and other short stories were published under the pen name of Fidai Al Rashidi.

Soon he also launched his career as a journalist by assisting his brother in editing the bi-weekly Newspaper Sindh Zameendar during the twenties of the last (20^th) century. This newspaper was published by the late Ayoub Khuhro (1901-1980), leader of the Pakistan Movement and former Chief Minister of Sindh. After developing the differences with Khuhro, they both resigned and launched their bi-weekly newspaper Sitar-e-Sindh. Simultaneously, Hussamuddin Rashidi also used to edit Sindhi literary monthly magazine Almanaar, Sukkur.[5] Almannar was published and printed by Molvi Hafiz Abdul Hameed Bhatti, who was the father of renowned writer and political activist Rasheed Bhatti (1933-1986).

During this period, Rashidi Sahib not only wrote journalistic pieces but also wrote fiction and historical articles. According to Dr. Ghulam Mohammad Lakho one of his oldest available write up is entitled “Kachey jo Sair” (Travel through Katcha area), which was included in the anthology “Bahaar Nasar” (Spring of prose) compiled by renowned author Bherumal Mehrchand ((1875/76 – 7 July 1950) and was published in 1932.[6]

Support to Contemporary scholars and fellow researchers

Throughout his life, Rashidi Sahib encouraged and extended moral and other support to his contemporary scholars, fellow researchers, and students. Dr. Haroomal Sadarangani ‘Khadim’ (1913-1992) recounts such a gesture of Rashidi Sahib: “My first meeting with Hussamuddin took place in June, 1941 near the tents erected outside his village. I was teaching Persian at Diyaram Sindh College, Karachi, and was touring interior Sindh for the collection of material for my Ph.D. thesis about Persian poets of Sindh. In the scorching heat of June, I reached Nusrat Station around 2.30 pm. There was neither any porter nor any animal available, so I handed my bag and bed to the station master and started walking to Bahman…When I reached there and told him about the purpose of the journey, he said that I should have informed him prior so that he would have arranged any vehicle for me…I stayed there for a week, and not only enjoyed his hospitality but also saw rare manuscripts and books. Further, he gave me the addresses of numerous libraries and introductory letters for some persons…”[7]

According to renowned historian and scholar Dr. M. Salim Akhtar, Rashidi sahib played an important role in the writing and editing of numerous books published by Sindhi Adabi Board, Jamshoro, especially in the writing of two-volume History of Kalhoro (Urdu) by Ghulam Rasool Mehar and Burhanpur ke Sindhi Aulia by Rashid Burhanpuri. Not only that, he also provided manuscripts with other possible help in editing other books, for example, he provided manuscripts of Tuhftul Tahirin by Shaikh Azam Thattvi (1956), Diwan-e-Muhsan Thattvi (1963), Fateh Sindh Nama by Azimuddin Thattvi (1967)…Also, some other books could not have been published, had Rashidi not taken a personal interest in their publication…Mujmaal Shuara Jehangiri by Mullah Qaati Harvi is one prime example. It was edited on his insistence when he was out of Pakistan for his medical treatment…In 1957, an Afghan scholar Abdul Hai Habibee (1910 – 9 May 1984), was living in Pakistan as exile…Rashidi sahib gave him his prepared notes, other related research material, and two manuscripts of Taza Nawae Maaruk by Atta Mohammad Shikarpuri for editing. This book was published under his supervision by the Sindhi Adabi Board in 1959…International scholar Annemarie Schimmel (7 April 1922 – 26 January 2003) visited Pakistan for the first time in 1958 and developed cordial relations with Rashidi. She has dedicated her book Pain and Grace to him in gratitude. Dr. M. Saleem Akhtar himself dedicated his book Sind Under the Mughals and in his acknowledgment he wrote that “among the private libraries I had the privilege of working in during my field trip, the library of the late Pir Hussam al-Din Rashidi was the most outstanding. The richness of his collection of rare sources on the history of Sindh, the selfless manner in which that great scholar opened its doors to me, and the deep interest he showed to the last in my academic pursuits are things words fail to describe adequately. May Allah rest his soul in eternal peace!”[8]

Passion for History and Persian Studies

When Pakistan came into being, he settled permanently in Karachi and also he took a new turn in his literary and academic career. He now become a full-time scholar of Sindh studies with a special interest in Persian Studies. In the words of Mr. Rashid Bhatti, “Pir sahib started his writing career as Fida-i Rashidi and ended as a devotee of the history of Sindh. He devoted his life, time, resources, and even time of recreation towards History.”[9]

According to renowned historian and researcher, Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Lakho, “History writing and hagiography in Persian commenced in Sindh during the reign of Nasiruddin Qabacha (d. 1228) in Uch, where Qabacha used to host literary and scholarly gatherings. In this period, Ali Bin Kufi translated an Arabic work into Persian during 613 A.H/1216, which is known as Chachnama. Muhammad Ufi wrote biographies of numerous poets in a book entitled Lub al Lubab in 625 A.H/1227. In the reign of Arghuns and Turkhans, Persian became the official language and up until the British period, numerous works of historical importance were composed, including the works of Mir Ali Sher Qani (1140-1203/1727-89), who took the Persian Historiography of Sindh to the highest pinnacle. However during the British period, Persian was in such a decline that a proverb came into currency: ‘If you study Persian, then you will sell oil.’” [10]

Dr. Lakho pronounces that we are thankful to Diwan Nandiram (1819-1875), Mirza Qalich Beg (1853-1929), and Dr. U.M Daudpota (1886-1958), who during the British period, translated and edited these early histories in Sindhi and English, and introduced the modern methods of research, compilation, editing, and criticism.

“At first, it was Molana Deen Muhammad Wafai (1894-1950), who realized the importance of works written in Persian. He not only wrote about the History of Sindh but also visited several Madressas (religious seminaries) and libraries and collected a lot of Persian manuscripts.

“It is indeed true that Molana Wafai was the first person, who invited our attention to writing History of Sindh in the light of oriental studies. Dr. Daudpota edited some Persian books about Sindh, but it would not be an exaggeration to say that their contemporary Hussamuddin Rashidi did quality work on such a scale that Mir Qani’ was unable to perform.” [11] 

Mr. M. H. Panhwar (1925 – 2007), another important Sindhi Scholar asserts that Pir Husamuddin “as a historian, has limited himself to the Persian histories only…The Persian texts edited by Hussamuddin were all written between 1539 and 1700 AD, except two, the books “TUHFAT-UL-KIRAM” and “MANSOORUL WASIAT” which were written in 1753 and around 1776…Thus Husamuddin is an important historian of Sindh for the period between 1500-1753 AD which embraces:

v Fall of Sammas.

v Rise and fall of Arghoons and Tarkhans.

v Mughal conquest of Sindh and its rule.

v Decline of Mughal power in Sindh.

v Nadir Shah’s blow to Kalhora’s future in Sindh.” [12]

Persian histories were written by the authors, who were mostly either in service of foreign rulers and invaders or belonging to their clan, but the praiseworthy role of Syed Hussamuddin Rashidi is that he used the same material to depict the actual predicament and plight of native people of Sindh, hence helped in writing the history of Sindh from the point view of native people of Sindh. Rashid Bhatti writes “No doubt, Pir Sahib gave a new and appropriate turn to the History and historiography of Sindh. Prior, our history used to present only the perspective and point of view of foreign rulers, conquerors, and invaders. It was Rashidi sahib, who first time undertook a true and correct analysis of that history. He analyzed history from the perspective and point of view of oppressed and ruled ones and laid the foundation of new historiography. It is due to his efforts and analysis that our past and history are being presented in their real light and perception. Today research and writing of the history of Sindh is not being carried out based on the standpoint of conquerors and invaders but according to the principles of nationalism, public perspective, and scientific research.”[13]

In the preface of a book containing a collection of articles of Rashidi, written during the period 1930-1980, entitled Galiyoon Goth wanan joon (Tales of hamlets and trees), Mohammad Ibrahim Joyo, while terming that book a comprehensive one, opines that “But the worth of writer of this book is much more, [because] Pir sahib, besides this book, for the Sindh studies, has taken a great many efforts in the basic research, compilation, and editing of History of Sindh, which is great and unprecedented...” [14]

Years ago Rashidi sahib himself talked about his role in developing a new historiography of Sindh in such words: “Since long I am a student of History. I saw those old histories of Sindh were composed only in favour and praise of conquerors of Sindh and Sindhis were called people of low and disgusting race. In this wickedness, both Sindhi and non-Sindhi historians were involved. These histories were written in Persian, because Persian after Arabic was the language of Arghun, Turkhan, and other conquerors. During the reign of the British, histories started to be written in Sindhi, but Sindhi historians also repeated the same mistake and called our conquerors as Zill-e-Allah (Shadow of Allah). My service is that I have exposed all criminals, murderers, and revolt makers and also the persecution, coercion, and terrorism they inflicted upon Sindh and its residents, I have unveiled it in my writings. As such, I have given a new turn to the historiography of Sindh and I am proud and content about my role.”[15]

Criticism

Dr. Mubarak Ali (b. 1941), a distinguished progressive historian, in his book entitled Tareekh aur Danishwar, has accused Rashidi sahib without naming him that “Some people are not intellectuals, but desire to be known as intellectuals, [so] they get prepared books from others on payment, and then publish them under their names…After partition, numerous scholars of Arabic and Persian migrated to Pakistan and were facing financial hardships. Taking advantage of their plight, a famous intellectual of Sindh, who has received many rewards and medals from the Governments of Iran and Pakistan, paid them to write books and got them published under his name and became a famous researcher and intellectual.” Renowned researcher and scholar of Urdu Studies, Mushfiq Khawaja (1935-2005) took a strong exception to these frivolous and unjustified remarks and wrote that a historian writes in clear terms, but Dr. Mubarak Ali without naming Pir Hussamuddin Rashidi has blamed him that he used to get his books written by others on payment. Only the person, who has not seen the books of Pir Sahib, could utter this vain claim, whereas the majority of works of Pir Sahib are in Persian, and Persian for Dr. Mubarak is like Hebrew because he has only relied on Urdu or English translations of Persian sources referred in his books…Indian Scholar Syed Sabahuddin Abdul Rehman has praised Pir Hussamuddin for his expertise in Persian and the high standard of his research. Further, Dr. Sahib has kept the names of scholars who wrote books for Pir Sahib in secret. He should divulge the names of those persons and also enlighten us about the works, these scholars have published under their names.”[16]

Ironically in some circles of Sindh, propaganda is spread that Pir Sahib did not know the Persian. How it would be possible that a person who does not know Persian, is bestowed with an honorary Ph.D. degree by the Iranian government based on his scholarship in Persian Studies? Numerous scholars have expressed their delight in his Persian proficiency. Well-known Pakistani Scholar and historian, Dr. Riazul Islam compliments his adeptness over Persian in such words: “In Pakistan, there is the dearth of such persons, who have such mastery over Persian, as was attained by Pir Sahib. He knew well old, middle, and modern versions of Persian on the same scale…Not only he could converse fluently but also made laudable speeches in Persian.”[17]

According to Shaikh Ayaz (1923-1997), a well-known Sindhi poet and writer, “Rashidi had a passion for Urdu and Persian Ghazals…[One day] unexpectedly he asked me to recite couplets from Persian Ghazal, so I spontaneously recited:

بوےء بوےء مولیاں آید ھمی، یاد یار مہربان آید ھمی

After listening to it, he promptly remarked that don’t consider him a novice by reciting Shibli’s Shah al Ajam. “Tell me the verse, which I might not have heard.” After a pause, I recited the following stanza:

از جبس نسیم سحر گاھ لالہ ھا، بریگ دگر زندند چون مستان پیالہ ھا۔

 (With the air of dawn, flowers of tulips are striking each other with cups like intoxicated.)

“Wow. What a poem!” Rashidi exclaimed. Then asked me: “Do you know, who the poet is?” I replied: “I don’t know.” Then he informed me that the name of the poet is Ahmed Shaqaqi, who is not widely known.

Services for the Promotion of Urdu

Interestingly his services for the promotion of Urdu in Pakistan are also unmatched, as evidenced by the opinions of some scholars of Urdu studies. Dr. Jamil Jalibi writes that not only due to the great efforts of Pir Hussamuddin Rashidi, the personal office of Anjuman (Anjuman Taraqqi-e-Urdu Pakistan) acquired but also he helped it in these troubled times as acknowledged by Molvi Abdul Haq.[18]

Rashidi Sahib was not only a member of the Executive Committee of Anjuman but also served as a member of the Editorial Board of the periodical Urdu published by it. 

According to Dr. Muhammad Ayoob Qadiri, he was one of the founders of Urdu College, Karachi. When the Central Board for the Promotion of Urdu was established, he was appointed there as Editor, and in this capacity, he supervised numerous publications of historical treatises. Also, he was an active office bearer of Idarae Yadgar Ghalib, Karachi.[19]

Associations with other organizations

Rashidi sahib actively participated in the establishment and development of numerous literary and academic organizations. He was a founder member of the Sindhi Adabi Board and Institute of Sindhiology. According to Dr. M. Salim Akhtar, “Pir Sahib provided excellent services as an active member of the Board of Governors of numerous academic and research organizations. In this capacity, one of his prominent services is that under his advice, the basic source material for Medieval History was edited and translated into standard Urdu. From 1963 to 1970, Pir sahib was a member of the governing body of the Research Society of Pakistan of the University of Punjab. This institute after years of struggle published some very precious Persian books related to the history and culture of Muslims of South Asia…However, after Pir Sahib’s parting, this society could not sustain its momentum…In the 19^th century, the Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal under the Bibliotheca Indica series published innumerable basic source books, which were not easily available and accessible…Pir Sahib advised for their translation into Urdu and got approved a project through the Central Urdu Board (now Urdu Science Board)…For the implementation of this scheme, he not only provided experienced researchers and translators but assisted the Board in every possible way. As a result, the Board published very valuable works.”[20]

What do contemporary scholars and writers say about him?

Most of his contemporaries have praised his scholarship and devotion to the History of Sindh. Some excerpts from the articles written about him by some of his contemporaries are being presented, which may help anyone to weave his persona and scholarship.

Dr. Riazul Islam (1919-2007) was a renowned scholar of Pakistan. He reminisces: “It was the early portion of the year 1953 when I joined the Department of Archives as Deputy Director. The Book section was also assigned to me. The national library was being established. The Ministry of Education has constituted a committee, which included Pir Hussamuddin Rashidim for the selection and procurement of books. I have heard about him, but we met personally in that first meeting of the committee. Whenever he spoke about any book, he delineated its different editions, subject matter, etc. His manner was solemn. This meeting, despite being conducted in an official environment, left a good impression on me…Often, when we failed to locate any book in the library of Karachi University, we used to visit him at his house and fulfill our needs…In Baitul Zia [the name of the house of Pir Husamuddin] there was a small room, which was used as his study and working office…Almost every researcher of repute had visited this room and enjoyed the hospitality of Pir Sahib…His knowledge and mastery of Persian were at such levels that only a few persons in Pakistan might have the same competency…His unfinished works included editing of Tarikh Rasheedi by Mirza Hyder Dughlaat…When in January 1982, he was leaving for London, he handed Rotographs and clear copies to me and Prof. Mahmoodul Hasan.” [21]

According to famous scholar Aijazul Haq Qudoosi “One of the greatest favour of Rashidi upon Sindh is that when due to scarcity rather an unavailability of material, History of Sindh was almost lost in darkness, he edited the basic resources by using scientific, rational and accurate methods and wrote comprehensive notes, annotations, and explanations. In such a way the History of Sindh reached the public. The majority of the source materials are edited by him.”[22]

Dr. Rauf Parekh, renowned Scholar of Urdu Studies and Lexicographer writes that “Rashidi Sahib had a penchant for research and research techniques. Not only he wrote research papers and books but also remained associated with several institutions for about half a century and all these institutions benefited from his knowledge and insight. These are the National Museum of Pakistan, Karachi; Anjuman Taraqqi-i-Urdu, Karachi; Urdu Dictionary Board, Karachi; Urdu Science Board, Lahore; Idara-i-Yadgar-i-Ghalib, Karachi; Majlis-i-Taraqqi-i-adab, Lahore; and many others.

“In every literary and scholarly body, Rashidi Sahib remained in touch with relevant personalities and helped initiate projects relating to the editing and publishing of rare books. Many books were translated into Sindhi or Urdu from other languages, especially English and Persian. Such books include the famous Chach Nama, as well as lubul-albaab , Hadiqat-ul-aulia , Tareekh-i-Masoom , Tareekh-i-Nasiri , Nusrat nama tarkhan , Rozat-us-salateen and many many more. He also edited and published, through different institutions, books on life and selected works of classical Sindhi poets.

“Rashidi Sahib had realized that the taste for Persian in the subcontinent was on the decline and neither was there any hope for its revival. So he, using his influence, tried to get classical texts and historical accounts translated into Urdu and Sindhi. He believed that in that way they would be accessible to general readers. That's the reason why he worked systematically to get transfer the authentic accounts of the Muslim era in South Asia into these languages,” wrote Dr. Moinuddin Aqeel.

“Rashidi Sahib was as unbiased and non-partisan as a true scholar is expected to be. In his youth, he was an avid reader of Urdu literature. Later, he not only wrote books in Urdu but worked with the institutions working for the promotion of Urdu. Many scholars of Urdu were his close friends. He was a bridge between the scholars and intellectuals of Urdu and Sindhi and brought them closer. Both Urdu and Sindhi benefited from his friendly and scholarly personality. His work in different fields surpasses the collective works of some institutions. He was an institution unto himself.”[23]

Travels and Visits Abroad

In 1950, he accompanied his elder brother Pir Ali Muhammad Rashidi on tours of Egypt and London. In Cairo city, he met Dr. Taha Hussain, a famous scholar, and other intellectuals. In London, he spent most of his time in the British Museum and the libraries of Oxford and Cambridge. He also visited numerous bookstores. At that time, there was a big carnival being held in London. When his brother asked him to attend the functions of the carnival, he refused and told his brother that it was better to visit and see the academic treasures of London. He purchased a lot of books, and to carry them back to Karachi, they had to leave their bags of clothes and other possessions there.

Further, he frequently visited Iran, where he used to present papers at international conferences on history and literature.

Scholarship and works:

Rashidi sahib has written, co-written, edited, annotated, compiled, revised, and supervised around 60 books in Sindhi, Urdu, and Persian languages. He launched his writing career as a poet, but soon he joined journalism and started writing also fiction. However, his last thirty years were spent in writing, editing, compiling, revising, supervising, and annotating numerous books about History and biographical sketches.

Noted Sindhi writer and political activist Rasheed Bhatti (1933-1988) has mentioned names of his fiction work such as Al Zulekha as a novel and Amaanat, Gulan waree Chokri, Pakdaman Aurat, Anarkali as Short stories.[24] However, Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Lakho terms Al-Zulekha as a long short story or a novella.[25]

I am giving below the list of the scholarly works of Rashidi sahib with brief information about each work, which I have prepared rather reproduced from Dr. Lakho’s Introduction to an anthology entitled Ghaliyoon Munjhe Sindh joon[26], and his four articles and essays included in the anthology entitled Pir Hassamuddin Rashdi (Sannwanh, Ilmi Karnama an Haslaat (Pir Hussamuddin Rashidi: biography, scholarly works, and achievement) compiled by Azad Kazi and published by Sindhi Adabi Board, Jamshoro in 2014.[27]

a)   Original works and translations

1. Al Zulekha (Sindhi) (novella): It was first published in the year 1933 and its third edition spread over 62 pages of crown size was published in 1951 and from Sukkur. Dr. Qureshi Hamid Ali Khanaee compiled it anew and got it published in 2003 through Marui Academy, Sakrand. According to Dr. Lakho, Khanaaee sahib terms it the first literary work of Rashidi Sahib.[28]

2. Anarkali and Other Stories (Sindhi): Rashidi sahib has also written short stories in Sindhi. According to Dr. Lakho, these short stories were also published in booklet forms and several editions were published.

3. Islami Kutbkhana (Islamic Libraries), 1939 (Sindhi): According to Dr. Lakho, this book was originally written by Ms. Olinga Pinto in Italian, which was then translated into English, and it was translated into Urdu by Qazi Akhtar Jhoonagarhi. Rashidi sahib translated it into Sindhi in 1937, but it was published as a book in 1939 by the Sindh Muslim Society. It was reprinted in Quarterly Mehran (No. 02) in 1984.

4. Sindhi Adab (Urdu), 1952: This is a brief period-wise history of Sindhi literature and language, published in 1952. Dr. Ghulam Mohammad Lakho has translated, annotated, and updated it into Sindhi and included his comprehensive introduction, which was published in 1981. It has also been translated into Russian by Ms. Yegorova Raissa and published in Moscow.

4. Tazkira Ameer Khani, (Sindhi) 1961: It is assumed that Rashidi sahib started collecting material for this book in 1932, but it was published in 1961 by Sindhi Adabi Board, Jamshoro. This book is about Ameer Khani Syeds, including Mir Abu al-Qasim Namkeen, Mir Abu al-Baqa Amir Khaani, and Yousif Meerak, who were luminaries in Mughal Sindh. Its second edition updated by Dr. Lakho was published in 2005.

5. Mirza Issa Khan Turkhan, (Sindhi) 1967: The biographical material about Mirza Issa Khan Turkhan included in the book entitled Makli Nama, was also published separately from this book, which was dedicated to Dooleh Darya Khan. Turkhan dynasty ruled over Thatta from 1555 to 1612 CE.

6. Dood Charag Mehfil (Urdu) 1969: This book is an account of five Persian poets who were somehow affiliated with Mirza Ghalib (1797-1869). This book appeared in 1969 on the occasion of the death centenary of Ghalib by Idarae Yadgar Ghalib, Karachi. It is available online at https://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/detail/dud-e-charagh-e-mahfil-syed-hussamuddin-rashidi-ebooks.

7. Mirza Ghazi Baig aur us ki bazm (Urdu) 1970: This book is divided into two parts. The first part contains a biography of Mirza Ghazi Baig (d. 1612), who was the last ruler of the Tarkhan dynasty and it is valuable for readers of Sindh History. The second part contains brief profiles and selected poetry of 35 Persian poets, who were affiliated with the court of Mirza Ghazi Baig. This book has a portrait of Ghazi Baig in the front. According to Dr. Arif Noshaee, he was told by one Mr. Shakeel Aslam Beg, who was doing his Ph.D. in Tehran that he had translated this book into Persian, which was being published in Iran.[29]

8. Hoo Doothi Hoo Denhan (Sindhi) (Those wretched ones and those Days), 1977: This memoir, according to Rashidi sahib “… is not history, but rather is an introduction to the social history of only one period of Sindh. Herein, I have discussed the infirmities and cancerous diseases and shortcomings, we are afflicted with, which are the causes of the degeneration of Sindh and the miserableness of Sindhis, and as a consequence, anyone who gets sulked from his home starts to blame Sindhis as lazy, useless and incompetent persons, and forfeits their right of life and living.”[30]

This memoir helps us to comprehend the undercurrents of society, political and religious propensities, and literary bents of Sindh before and immediately after the partition.

9. Meer Mohammad Masoom Bakhri (Sindhi) 1979: This is a biography of Mir Masoom Bakhri (1538-1606), who was a multi-dimensional personality. According to Dr. Lakho, “Although this book is a biography of Mir Mohammad Masoom Bakhri, it unveils the politics, society, and economic strangulation of Sindh during the Arghun and Turkhan rulers.” This book contains thirty chapters and also includes 119 pictures and the inscriptions of 40 headstones, he got fixed on different places. Its second edition was printed in 2005, but according to Dr. Lakho, its first edition is more reliable and comprehensive.  It was translated into Urdu by Dr. Nawaz Ali Shouq and was published in 2011, but it does not include the Original Preface of Rashidi Sahib. 

10. Galhiyoon Goth Wanan joon (Talks about hamlets and their trees) (Sindhi) 1981: This anthology contains 43 Sindhi articles and essays of Rashidi sahib, who wrote around 300 Sindhi articles and essays during his fifty years writing career. This was the last book published during his life. It also contained 25 pages of Turkish text, 171 pictures, and one map. It is divided into six topics: Geography, History, Biography, Literature and Criticism, Bibliography, and Miscellaneous. Mohammad Ibrahim Joyo has edited and also written a scholarly preface. Its first edition was printed with the personal efforts of Abdul Hameed Akhund by Anjuman Tareekh, Sindh in 1981. Its second edition was published in 2006 by New Fields Publication, Hyderabad. Now it has been uploaded as a PDF on books.sindhsalamat.com and Sindh.org.

11. Ghaliyoon Munhje Sindh joon (Sindhi) (1992, 2007 & 2020): This is the second anthology of articles and essays written by Rashidi Sahib, which was compiled by Dr. Ghulam Lakho. Its first edition contained 15 essays and articles, 4 letters, 04 interviews, and one booklet entitled Tadhkirah Masha’ikh Siwistaan edited by Rashidi and translated into Sindhi by Niyaz Hamayooni. In the second edition, one interview, 04 essays, and 08 prefaces or prologues were added but the booklet Tadhkirah was left out. This booklet was later published as a separate book discussed below.  Its third edition contains 24 articles, essays, and speeches, 04 letters written to Dr. Lakho, 12 prefaces, and five interviews. Dr. Lakho has written a very comprehensive introduction, wherein he discussed the works of Rashidi published up to the year 2020.

12. Muqlaaat Rashidi (Urdu) (2002): This anthology compiled by Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Lakho contains 21 Urdu essays and articles of Rashidi Sahib. It was published by the Institute of Central and West Asian Studies, the University of Karachi in 2002. In its introduction, Dr. Lakho discussed works of Rashidi sahib written in Urdu. According to Lakho, he has unearthed more Urdu material, therefore, he desires that its updated second edition be published. 

13. Makateeb–e-Rashidi banaam Dr. Muhammad Baqar (Urdu) (2005): As is apparent from the title, it is a collection of letters written by Syed Hussammuddin Rashidi to Dr. Muhammad Baqir, which was compiled and edited by Khizer Noshaee and published in 2005.

14. Pewandhe Farhangi w adabi Iran w Pakistan (Literary and Cultural bonds between Iran and Pakistan (Persian) 2014: This anthology compiled by Dr. Anjum Hameed and published in Islamabad contains Seven Persian articles by Syed Hussamuddin Rashidi. Dr. Ghulam Lakho with the help of Dr. Arif Noushahee has gathered the material and handed it to Dr. Anjum Hameed.

15. Pir Hussamuddin Rashidi ja Khat (Sindhi/Urdu) (2023): This is a collection of Letters of Rashidi Sahib written to around fifty persons mostly in Sindhi and some in Urdu has been compiled by Madad Ali Sindhi Sahib and published by Sindh Culture Department, Karachi.

 

b) Books Compiled, Edited, and Annotated by Rashidi Sahib

16. Mehran joon Mojoon (Sindhi), 1956: This is the collection of articles, short stories, and poetry first published in Sindhi monthly Naeen Zindagi, Karachi, which was launched in February, 1950. It was compiled by Rashidi and published by Pakistan Publications, Karachi. According to Dr. Lakho, this anthology also contained articles by Gul Hassan Karbalaee entitled “Literary Pursuits of Talpurs”. These articles were later translated into Urdu by Rehmat Farrukhabadi, who after incorporating other related articles and annexures compiled an Urdu book entitled “Ameeran-e-Talpur ke Ilmi Karnaame” (Scholarly Achievement of Talpur Amirs), which was published by All Pakistan Education Conference in 1988.[31]

17. Masnavi Chanesar Nama (Persian) 1956: This masnavi containing the romantic tale of Lila Chanessar was penned by Idarki Beglari, a famous poet of the Tarkhan period during 1010 AH/1601 AD. Rashidi sahib edited it and wrote a comprehensive introduction spread over 67 pages in Sindhi, which according to Lakho, provides glimpses into the literary, social, and political situation of that period. It was published as the first book in the Persian series planned by the Sindhi Adabi Board, Jamshoro.

18. Maqaalaat-e-Shuara (Persian) 1957: Ali Sher Qani wrote this book in 1174-75/1760-61, which is considered to be the first Tazkira of Persian poets of Sindh. It profiles 719 poets. While editing it, Rashidi sahib not only wrote a comprehensive introduction but also appended comprehensive explanatory notes and pictures and portraits of 34 poets, with details about their resources. 

19. Masnavi Mazharul Aasar (Persian) 1957: It was written by Syed Jehangir Hashmi in 940/1533, who was killed near Kech Makran while on way to Makkah for performing Hajj in 946/1539. Rashidi sahib wrote a comprehensive Introduction/ Prolegomenon in Persian, which is spread over 62 pages, and added a historical picture of the poet, which according to Lakho is very important in the history of paintings in Sindh.

20. Takmila Maqaalat Shua’ra (Persian) 1958: This last tazkira of 82 Persian poets of Sindh was written by Makhdoom Ibrahim Khalil Thattavi in 1307/1890. Rashidi sahib has not only written an introduction, but has added his comments, explanatory notes, and annotations along with rare pictures as an appendix.

21 to 24. Masnaviyat w Qasaaid Qani (Persian) 1961: This book contains the following works (three masnavis and some Qasida and Manqabat) written by Mir Ali Sher Qani. In the beginning, it contains a lengthy introduction in Sindhi penned by Rashidi sahib, describing the historical and literary importance of these works, along with the genealogy of the family of Qani up to the present period.

(a) Masnavi Qaza w Qadar was written in 1167/1753 when Qani was attached to the Court of Mian Noor Mohammad Kalhoro (1698-1755).

(b) Masnavi Muhbat Nama: This contains two accounts: One regarding candle and moth, and the second about flower and Bulbul (nightingale).

(c) Masnavi Qasaab Nama: This masnavi was written in response to the sudden death of a young butcher, who has just got married and died before solemnization of his marriage.

(d) Qasida and Manqabat: Before editing this book, Rashidi spoke about this book in his essay on Mir Ali Sher Qani that “The poetry notebook (Bayaz), wherein Makli Nama was written, starts and ends with Qasidas and Manqabats, which are around 26. Some Qasidas and Manqabats are the longest. Qasida “Lamia” has 265 couplets. There are few quatrains and one incomplete masnavi.” However, in his edited book there are 27 complete Qasidas and one incomplete Qasida.

25. Tareekh Mazhar-i-Shahjahani (Persian) (1962): This book was written by Meerak Yousif in 1044/1634. Rashidi sahib edited this book and wrote an introduction/prolegomenon of 100 pages in Urdu, along with explanatory notes and commentaries as an appendix, which was published by Sindhi Adabi Board, Jamshoro (SAB) in 1962. SAB has also published its Sindhi translation rendered by Niaz Hamaayooni in 1979. Dr. Muhammad Salim Akhtar has edited, annotated, and translated it into English and it was published under the title of Sindh Under Mughals in 1990 by the National Institute of History and Culture, Islamabad in collaboration with the Culture Department of Sindh. It has also been translated into Urdu by Syed Muhammad Afzal Naqvi. Dr. Lakho considers English translation more accurate than Sindhi and Urdu versions. The Persian version is available online at https://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/tareekh-e-mazhar-shahjahani-syed-hussamuddin-rashidi-ebooks.

26. Hasht Bahshat (Persian) (1963): This book contains eight masnavis written by Persian Poet Mulla Abdul Hakeem Atta Thattvi. Rashidi sahib edited the book and wrote an introduction in Sindhi spread over 157 pages, which unveils the conditions of that period. This poet’s other Persian Divan was edited by Syed Mohammad Muteeullah Rashdi Burhanpuri and published by SAB.

27. Manshurul Wasyat w Dastural Hikoomat (Persian) (1964): This work was written by Kalhoro ruler Mian Noor Muhammad Kalhoro in 1161/1749 as a will and guidance for his progeny. It tells what government, state, and politics are. What should be the rules of governance? Rashidi sahib while editing, has not only written an introduction of 32 pages but also added 8 appendices. Its Sindhi translation rendered by Abdul Rasool Qadiri was published by the SAB Jamshoro in 1996.

28. Tarkhan Nama (Persian) (1964): Syed Mir Mohammad bin Syed Jalal Thattavi has written this book during 1064/ 1654. Rashidi sahib has written a comprehensive Introduction in Persian and added 14 detailed nasabnamas (genealogies). It has been translated into Sindhi by Mirza Abbas Ali Beg and published in 1994 by SAB, Jamshoro. Its Second Sindhi edition (2005) contains updates by the translator.

29. Maak Bhina Raabel (Sindhi) 1965: This anthology is the second selection of essays and articles published in Sindhi monthly Naeen Zindgi, Karachi. In the end, it contains an index of articles published in the periodical up to that period.

30. Makli Nama (Persian/Sindhi), 1967: Mir Ali Sher Qani wrote a brief account of Makli in both prose and poetry in 1174/1760 as Bostan Bahar alias Makli Nama. Rashidi sahib edited the manuscript and first got it published in the quarterly Mehran. When it was published as a separate book, it not only contained actual Persian text spread over 96 pages, but also it included 40 pages of Introduction, 743 pages of explanatory notes, annotations, and appendixes, two maps, and 136 pictures. According to Dr. Lakho, Qani has mentioned 33 historical and cultural places but Rashidi sahib could not locate 11 places, he included the material regarding five places and left out material regarding six places to be included in the second edition after their identification or locating the places in question.

31. Haft Maqaala (Urdu) 1967: This anthology contains a selection of seven important essays written by renowned scholars about the Persian language and literature first published in quarterly Urdu. The book was published by Anjuman Taraqqi-e-Urdu Pakistan, Karachi. It is available online at https://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/detail/haft-maqala-farsi-zaban-o-adab-ebooks.

32. Hadeeqatul Aulia (Persian) (1967): This Tazkirah (collection of biographical notes) was written in 1016/1607 by Syed Abdul Qadir and he dedicated it to Mirza Khusro Khan Charkas. It contained profiles of 41 Sufis starting with Baha-ul-din Zakaria and ending with Darwesh Aaloo of Sakro. Rashidi sahib edited it and wrote an introduction in Sindhi spread over 102 pages, wherein he discussed 82 Persian books on the same subject. Its Sindhi translation rendered by Abdul Rasool Qadiri was published in 2007 by Sindhi Adabi Board. According to Dr. Lakho Sindhi's translator not only changed the dedication of Rashidi sahib but also rearranged and updated material to keep happy some circles and subsequently jeopardized his reputation as a scholar.

33. Tazkira al Shuhra-i-Kashmir (1967): It was written by Mirza Aslah in 1161/1747, containing profiles of 305 Persian poets from the period of Aurangzeb to Muhammad Shah, who were somewhat related to Kashmir. It was published by Iqbal Academy. It is available online at https://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/tazkirah-shoara-e-kashmeer-aslah-meerza-ebooks.

34-37. Tazkira al Shuhra-i-Kashmir (Takmila) (Four Volumes): Rashidi sahib while editing the above-mentioned book Tazkira Shuhra-i-Kashmir realized that a good number of poets of Kashmir are not included in that book. At first, he intended to add their profiles as an appendix, but due to their enormity, it was decided to compile them in a separate book, hence this book appeared. In the first volume of the book, 120 poets were profiled and it appeared in 1967. The second volume contained biographical sketches of 54 poets and was published in 1968. The third volume was published in the same year i.e. 1968 and included profiles of 69 poets. The fourth volume contained accounts of 130 poets along with additional information about the poets already discussed in previous volumes. This volume also contains material divided into five parts under the title Kashmir in Persian poetry, which is very valuable for the study of the society and history of Kashmir. The last volume was published in 1969 by Iqbal Academy, which was the publisher of previous volumes.  These four volumes were spread over 2000 pages and profiled around 400 poets. However, according to Dr. M. Salim Akhtar, it is spread over 2590 pages and contains profiles of 678 poets. Allama Muhammad Iqbal cherished the literary history of his Kashmiri forefathers. Every Kashmiri is beholden to Syed Hussamuddin Rashidi for undertaking the editing of Tazkira Shuhra Kashmir and subsequent research work in four volumes as Takmila.[32]

Dr. Lakho thinks that this work could be termed the original work of Syed Hussamuddin Rashidi, if not creation (tasneef) then it could be called trans-creation (taleef). Famous Indian Scholar Syed Sabahuddin Abdur Rehman opined that “Indeed when Persian is in steep decline, then this book and its compiler would get an important place in the Persian Literary history.”

Its three volumes are available at https://www.rekhta.org/authors/syed-hussamuddin-rashidi/ebooks.

38. Ahwal w Aassar Mulkul Shuhra Abul Faiz Faizi (Persian) 1967: This book is a separate compilation of the text about Abul Faiz Faizi included in the third volume of Tazkira Shuhra-i-Kashmir Takmila discussed above.

39. Tazkira Rozatul Salateen (Persian) 1968: This collection of biographical notes is about the Persian poets of Sindh, who were either kings, rulers, or ministers. It was written by Sultan Muhammad Fakhri Harwi in 958/1551. At first, it was attributed to Shah Hasan Arghun, but when it was discovered after 450 years, the name of its original writer was also unearthed. Rashidi sahib has also appended important material as commentary and explanatory notes. It is available online at https://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/detail/rozatussalateen-o-jawahir-ul-ajaib-ebooks.

40. Jawarul Al Ajaib (Persian) 1968: This is said to be the third collection of biographical notes regarding the Persian poets of Sindh and it was also written by Fakhri Harwi in 962/1554. Dedicated to Maah Begum, widow of Shah Hasan and wife of Mirza Isa Khan, this book profiles female poets. Rashidi sahib, as usual, has added important information as commentary and explanatory notes.

41. Diwan Fakhri (Persian) 1968: It is understood that Fakhri Harwi has prepared a Divan of his Persian poetry containing 100 ghazals but it was lost. Rashidi gleaned and compiled his poetry available in numerous books. He wrote an important introduction in Urdu spread over 80 pages and also added explanatory notes in Persian. It also includes some genealogies. According to Dr. Lakho its Urdu introduction has been translated in Persian by Muhammad Zaffar and published in a periodical of Iran.

42. Diwan Beram Khan (Persian) 1971: Father of General Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khanan, Beram Khan was a poet of Persian and Turkish languages. Rashidi sahib edited his Persian poetry and Dr. Muhammad Sabir edited his Turkish poetry. M. H. Siddiqui wrote an introduction in English. This book was published by the Institute of Central and West Asian Studies, Karachi University in 1971.

43. Tuhfatul Kiram Vol 3 Part 1 (Persian) 1971: Mir Ali Sher Qani started writing this book in three volumes in 1181/1767 and completed it in 1188/1774. The third volume was about Sindh and was divided into three parts: a) History of Sindh (up to Mian Sarfraz Khan Kalhoro); 2) Cities and its celebrities; 3) Nangar Thatta, History and its celebrities. It may be noted that Sindhi, Urdu, and Persian editions of this book were published, but Sindhi Adabi Board, Jamshoro desired to bring out an internationally acceptable edition and, therefore, assigned the work to Dr. U.M. Daudpota, which due to his sudden death remained unfinished. Then Rashidi sahib started editing, but he could complete only one part. Dr. Lakho emphasizes the following distinctive features of the Rashidi edition:

·       New material about the Soomra and Samma dynasties was gathered.

·       All material regarding the conquest of Sindh by the Mughals was accumulated in one place.

·       The year of the death of Shah Beg was determined as 930 AH.

·       A list of Mughal Subedars of Thatta is included.

·       With the help of literary material, verification of Kalhoro history is carried out.

·       We can see that research on the history of rulers is being carried out with the help of genealogies and the inscriptions engraved on tombstones.

·       A complete list of Arab Governors is also included, which is more comprehensive than the list provided by Dr. Mumtaz Pathan.

Dr. Lakho thinks that after the comparison of this (Rashidi edition) and the Sindhi edition, we come to realize the incompleteness of the Sindhi Edition.

44. Tazkira Mushaikh Sewistaan (Persian) 1974: This collection of biographical sketches of the important personalities of Sehwan was written by Abdul Ghafoor bin Hyder Sehwani in 1039/1629. An edited version was first published in quarterly Mehran (No.3-4), in 1974. Its Sindhi translation rendered by Niyaz Hamayooni was also published in Quarterly Mehran. It was included as a book in the first edition of an anthology entitled Ghaliyoon Munje Sindhi joon (1992) edited and compiled by Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Lakho and published by SAB, Jamshoro. However, it was left out in the Second edition (2007) because it was later published as a separate book published in 2010, which is discussed separately.

45. Masnavi Mahr o Maah (Persian) 1974: It was written by Hamid bin Fazullah Jamali Dehlvi (d. 942/1535) probably during the year 905/1499, when he was visiting Tabrez. Rashidi sahib edited it and wrote a comprehensive introduction in Persian. The book was published by the Persian Research Centre, Iran and Pakistan, Islamabad. According to Dr. Lakho, Rashidi has also written an important introduction for the Urdu translation of Sairul Aarfeen, another book written by Jamali Dehlvi.

46. Tazkira Mashaahir Sindh (Sindhi) Vol. 1, 1974: Molvi Deen Muhammad Wafai has compiled a book about the scholars and celebrities of Sindh in five volumes, but death could not permit him to revise and complete it. Rashidi sahib edited its first volume, wrote an introduction, and added explanatory notes and commentaries. It included 124 biographical sketches of the scholars of Sindh. Later on, two volumes of this book were also published by Sindhi Adabi Board, Jamshoro.

47. Tazkira Riaz al Aarfeen, Vol. 1 (Persian) 1976: A lengthy collection of biographical sketches of numerous Persian poets was written by Aftab Rai Lakhnavi in 1300/1883, which contains accounts of 2157 poets. Rashidi sahib edited it and wrote the preface in Urdu. Due to its length, it was decided to get it published in two volumes. The first volume was published by the Persian Research Centre, Iran, and Pakistan Islamabad in 1976.

48. Riaz ul Aarfeen Vol. II (Persian) 1982: Due to the revolution in Iran, the second volume was published late in 1982. Renowned scholar Aarif Noshaee wrote its introduction in Persian, wherein he also discussed Persian works edited by Syed Hussamuddin Rashidi.

49. Miratul Jamal (1984): This is a collection of Persian, Urdu, and Sindhi verses, which were favorites of Rashidi. This book compiled and edited by Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Lakho was published by the Institute of Sindhiology, Jamshoro.

50. Tadhkirah Masha’ikh Siwistan (Persian and Sindhi) (2010): As informed above, the first time it was published in the quarterly Mehran, then it was included as a booklet in the anthology Ghaliyoon Munje Sindh joon (1992). Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Lakho has edited it as a Separate book which was published by the Shahbaz Maila Committee in 2010. Originally it was written in 1039 AH/1629 AD.

C) Books supervised, revised, or written as a co-author:

51. Armughaan (Persian) 1961: This is the collection of poems recited in a poetry symposium held on 11 December 1960 to celebrate the birth of the crown prince of Iran. Syed Hussamuddin Rashidi and Mumtaz Hassan compiled these poems in this book and it was published in 1961. ,

52.  Aassan Urdu Part One fourth edition in 1967: This textbook was for the fourth class for the students, whose mother tongue was not Urdu. It was written by Abdul Wahid Sindhi and Muslim Ziaee and edited by Dr. Ghulam Mustafa Khan and Syed Hussammuddin Rashidi. It is spread over 68 pages of crown size.

53.  Bunyadi Urdu (1968): This booklet is an Urdu wordbook/lexicon and was written by Abul Lais Siddiqui. It was translated into Sindhi by Jamal Rind and Rashidi sahib revised and supervised it.

54-55. Tozk-e-Jehangiri (Urdu) (Two volumes) 1968 & 1970: This Persian autobiography of Mughal emperor Jehangir (d. 1627) was translated into Urdu by Molana Ijazul Haq Qudoosi. Rashidi sahib supervised, and revised it and wrote commentaries and explanatory notes. It was published in two volumes (First in 1968 and second in 1970) by Mujlas-e-Taraqi Urdu, Lahore.

56. Samajee Ibhyas (Sindhi) 1969: This is a textbook for the eighth class. It was spread over 228 pages of crown size and published by the West Pakistan Text Book Board Lahore.

57. Samajee Ibhyas (Sindhi) 1969: According to Dr. Lakho, it is also a textbook for the fifth class spread over 134 pages of crown size, published by Urdu Academy Sindh.

58. Haft Zibani Lughat (1974): This is an Urdu dictionary containing meanings in Bengali, Balochi, Pashtu, Panjabi, Sindhi, and Kashmiri languages. It was prepared by Ishfaque Ahmed, Muhammad Akram Chugtai, and Fazal Qadir Fazli. Syed Hussammuddin Rashidi, Niyaz Hamayooni, and Anwar Baloch contributed to the Sindhi portion. It was published by the Central Urdu Board, Lahore.

59. Aassan Urdu Part 1 (1975): This is not the same book, which was discussed in S#50. This textbook for class four was prepared for students whose mother tongue was Sindhi on behalf of the Sindh Textbook Board. It was spread over 61 pages of double crown size and contained 42 lessons. It was written by Abdul Wahid Sindhi and Muslim Ziaee and supervised and edited by Dr. Ghulam Mustafa Khan and Syed Hussamuddin Rashidi.

60-61. Tabqaat Nasiri (Urdu) (Two Volumes) 1975: Minhaj Siraj al-Din Juzjani (1193–1260) wrote this book in Persian in 658/1260, which starts with accounts of Prophets and ends with the narrative of Nasiruddin Mahmood, who was then ruler of Delhi Sultanate. Afghan Scholar Abdul Haee Habibi (1910 – 9 May 1984) edited it and added explanatory notes. Its first volume was published in 1949 from Quetta and the second volume in 1954 from Lahore. It was translated into Urdu by Maulana Ghulam Rasool Mehr (13 April 1895 – 16 November 1971). Rashidi sahib not only supervised and revised the translation with the help of Moulana Aijazul Haq Quddusi and Dr. Muhammad Ayoub Qadiri but also added genealogies and lists of rulers, explanatory notes about history and geography, and additional relevant matters.

62. Sindhi Zaban jee Bunyadi Lughat (Sindhi) 1976: It is a collection of three brief dictionaries. It was prepared by a Committee of scholars including Rashidi sahib and was published by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Sindhi Adabi Board.

63. Tazkirat Al Shu’ra (Persian) 1976: This brief collection of biographical notes about Persian poets is attributed to Emperor Jehangir. It was edited by Tajik Scholar Prof. Abdul Ghani Mirzayev. Rashidi sahib revised and added explanatory notes and wrote a preface. It was published by the Institute of Central and West Asian Studies, Karachi. 

D) Works in hand during last years

According to Dr. Lakho, Rashidi sahib was either working himself or supervising around twenty books, during the last years of his life, which are listed below:

1.      Masnavi Mukhtiar Nama by Mir Ali Sher Qani (written in 1194/17800)

2.     Masnavi Khatmul Sulook by Mir Qani (written in 1199/1785)

3.     Tareekhi Qitaat by Mir Qani.

4.     Miayar Saalkaan Tareekat, Tazkira by Mir Qani (1202/1787). Persian edition edited by Syed Khizer Noushaee was published in 2000 by Iran-Pakistan Persian Studies Centre. Sindhi translation rendered by Shaikh Muhammad Hassan Yahya Qureshi was published by SAB, Jamshoro in 2014. It has also been translated into Urdu.

5.     Tuhfatul Kiram (Vol. 3, Part two)

6.     Tuhfatul Kiram (Vol. 3, Part three)

7.     Tareekh Rasheedi by Mirza Hyder Doghlaat 953/1546

8.     Masnavi Mahr o Mah, Atta Tatthvi, 1705/117

9.     Guldasta Norus Bahar, Historical letters by Munshi Abdul Rauf

10.  Insha Attarid, Historical letters, and documents by Shewakraam Attarid

11.   Masvani Zeba Nigar, Mula Ziaee Thattvi, 1053/1643

12.  Talpurn ji Tareekh (Sindhi)

13.  Rashdi Khandan joon Ilmi and Adabi Khidmatoon

14.  Pir Ali Gohar Shah Asgar jo Kalam

15.  Tareekh Sindh, Mughal Daur, Volume six of Sindhi Adabi Board Project

16.  Tazkira Poorani Saddat (it is learned this work was complete)

17.  Tareekh adbiyat (Literary History) (On the pattern of the Literary History written by Brown)

18.  Makkli je muqbaran tey taareekhi farsi shaer.

19.  Waaqeaat e Kashmir (Reference Tazkira al Shahra vol 4, page 10)

20. Taeeleeqat, Muqaalaat (Perhaps on this pattern Takmila Kashmir was prepared).

Other scattered material

Besides above mentioned works, Rashidi has written numerous essays, prefaces, and introductions in Urdu, Sindhi, and Persian, which are scattered in various periodicals, books, etc. There is an acute need for these should be compiled thematically and published in anthologies.

Years ago Dr. Lakho suggested the establishment of Rashidi Academy, but alas no academy, chair, or institute has been established in his honor as has been done for a few other luminaries of Sindh.

Works about Rashidi

To acknowledge and explore his scholarship, a few books and some special issues of periodicals have also been published from time to time. These works are discussed below:  

1.      Maktubat-e-Babae Urdu (Urdu) 1964: This is a collection of the letters of Baba Urdu Molvi Abdul Haq (1870-1961) addressed to Syed Hussamuddin Rashidi. According to Dr. Lakho, these letters are not only crucial for the history of the Urdu language but are important to study the life and scholarship of Syed Hussamuddin Rashidi. This book is available online at https://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/detail/maktubaat-baba-e-urdu-syed-hussamuddin-rashidi-ebooks.

2.     Pir Hussamudin Rashidi Number, Sindhi Publications, Jamshoro, April 1973 compiled by Khan Muhammad Panhwar and Aijaz Sindhi.

3.     Pir Husamuddin Rashidi Number, Monthly Qomi Ziban, Anjuman Taraqqi-e-Urdu Pakistan, Karachi, December 1982. Compilers: Jamiluddin Aali and Syed Shabeer Ali Kazmi. It contained two articles written by Rashidi sahib and ten articles about him.

4.     Pir Hussamuddin Rashidi Number, Quarterly Mehran 1/1983, Sindhi Adabi Board, Jamshoro. Another special number of Quarterly Mehran 2/1997 was also dedicated to Rashidi sahib.

5.     Monthly Izhar Yadgar Number (Urdu) 1983: Monthly Izhar Urdu published by Sindh Information Department, dedicated a portion in memory of Pir Hussamuddin Rashidi in April-May, 1983 issue, which contained his Urdu book Sindhi Adab and some essays about him. It was edited by Kharim Bukhsh Khalid.

6.     Pir Hussamundin Rashidi, Souvenir on Second death anniversary, Institute of Sindhiology, Jamshoro, 1984, Compiler: Mehtab Akbar Rashidi. It contained some new pictures.

7.     Pir Hussamuddin Rashidi aur unke Ilmi Karname by Molana Sabbahuddin Abdur Rehman, Karachi University, 1984.

8.     Pir Hussamuddin Shah Rashidi by Dr. Fahmeeda Hussain in 1990 by the Culture and Tourism Department of Sindh. This booklet was prepared under the Children Literature series.

9.     Pir Hussamuddin Rashidi (Urdu) 1994. This is an abridged version of the booklet discussed at S#08 published by Hamadard Foundation, Karachi. It was rendered in Urdu by Dr. Fahmeeda Memon.

10.  Pir Hussamuddin Rashidi, 20th-century Scholar (English) 1996: This booklet was published on the occasion of the posthumous award for Pir Hussamuddin Rashidi, given during the two-day Seminar on Kalhora Period conducted with the support of the Government of Sindh in September 1996.

11.   Syed Hussamuddin Rashidi je Sanwahi Makhzan jo Jaezo, (Sindhi) 1997 and 2008: This bibliographic work was published in the Periodical Mehran (Issue 01, 1997 and issues 1-2, 2008) under different names but an actual researcher was Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Lakho.

12.  Pir Hussamuddin Number (Sindhi), 1997: Quarterly Mehran published this second special issue, which also contained a Sindhi translation of Syed Sabahuddin Abdur Rehman's (1911-1987)’s book mentioned above at S#07.

13.  List of an exhibition of rare material, relics, documents, and personal testimonials (Urdu and English) 2002: This booklet in full size was published by Karachi University with a preface by its then Vice Chancellor Dr. Zafar Saeed Saifee for the occasion of book inauguration.

14.  Makateeb-e-Rashidi banaam Dr. Muhammad Baqar (Urdu) 2005: This is a collection of 88 letters written by Rashidi sahib to a Scholar from Punjab Dr. Muhammad Baqar (d. 1993). Dr. Khizer Noushahee compiled and also wrote a valuable introduction and added explanatory notes. As such, this book would help in working on the biographies of both scholars.

15.  Special Issue of Daanish (Persian), 2007: Iran-Pakistan Research Centre for Persian Studies in its periodical Danesh, (90, autumn, 2007) dedicated a portion in memory of Syed Hussamuddin Rashidi on his 25th death anniversary, containing articles about his life and services.

16.  List of Manuscripts available in Pir Hussamuddin Corner of Sindhology Library (Sindhi and Urdu) 2007, 2008: On the insistence of Dr. Lakho, Dr. Anas Rajpur prepared the list of around 100 manuscripts available in the Rashidi Corner of the Institute of Sindhiology, Jamshoro. It was published in the periodical Sindhi Adab in 2007 and then in Urdu in Urdu periodical Paigam Ashna in two installments (Issue no 35, December 2008 and Issue No. 36, March 2009).

17.  Pir Hussamuddin Rashidi (English) 2008: This is a collection of 57 write-ups and articles about Rashidi sahib compiled by Abdul Sattar Bhatti.

18.  Sindh: Glimpses into Modern History (English, Urdu, and Sindhi), 2008: This is a collection of 41 essays presented at the International Conference on Modern History held on 18-19 October 2008 in the General History Department of the University of Jamshoro. Six including a keynote speech by Dr. Salim Akhtar were related to the life and works of Syed Hussamuddin Rashidi.

19.  Rosh Tahqeeq Hussamuddin Rashid dur gard avari w tasheeh kutub Farsi (Persian) 2010: Under this topic, Ms. Rozina Rasheed wrote the thesis in Persian under the guidance of Dr. Syed Jawad Hamdani for earning M.Phil. degree from Persian Department of International Islamic University.  

20. Pir Syed Hussamuddin Rashidi (Sindhi) 2011: This is the Sindhi version of the Urdu book written by Syed Sabahuddin Abdur Rahman, already mentioned above at S#07. It was translated by Imam Rashidi and published in Quarterly Mehran, then got published as a separate book with additions by Sindhi Adabi Board Jamshoro.

21.  Pir Hussamduddin Rashidi (Sanwanh, Ilmi Karnama an Haaslaat) compiled by Azad Kazi, published by Sindhi Adabi Board Jamsho on his first birth centenary in April 2014. This is a combined edition of special issues of Quarterly Mehran mentioned at S# 3 and a few other articles published in different issues than quarterly.

22.  Pir Hussamuddin Rashidi je Tareekhi Khidmatan jo Jaaezo (Sindhi) 2018: Under the topic “An appraisal of historical services of Pir Hussamuddin Rashidi”, Muhammad Ali Leghari, submitted his Ph.D. dissertation in the Muslim History Department, University of Sindh.  

Health Conditions and Last Days

In late 1958, Rashidi sahib sustained a severe heart attack and remained bedridden for three months. He has written in his memoirs that there seemed no chance of recovery, therefore, he got afflicted with a nervous breakdown. On the Doctor’s advice, he proceeded to Manila, where at that time his elder brother was working as Ambassador of the Pakistani Embassy in Manila, Philippines. There he underwent every suggested treatment but his condition could not improve. At last, after the lapse of more than a year, a Doctor was found, whose treatment resulted in improvement in his health. After some respite in his ailment, during that sojourn, he wrote memoirs in Sindhi, which were published as a book entitled Hoo Dothi hoo Denh. After two years, he returned with a set of restrictions imposed by the Doctor that he wouldn’t involve himself in any tedious work. But very soon he indulged in writing, editing, and compilation and further, he used to work for long hours daily.

According to his elder brother Pir Ali Muhammad Rashidi, during the last five years, he (Syed Hussamuddin) remained afflicted with deadly cancer. He sought permission to get treatment abroad, but it took a long time to get that permission. When he reached London for his treatment, the disease had already taken its toll. Further, that treatment also worsened his condition. According to Dr. Syed Aslam, when he went to his house for a checkup, he found that due to electric shocks, almost his full body was burnt, not a single hair was on his head and he could not move on his own. Dr. Aslam and Dr. Zaki Hasan decided to get him admitted to the hospital, but his condition was getting worse with each passing day, and at last, he breathed his last on 01 April 1982.  

 

References:

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[1] Rashidi, Ali Muhammad, “Hassamuddin Keenh Hassamuddin Thiyo (How Hussammuddin become Hussamuddin”   in  Pir Hussamduddin (Sawnh, Ilmi Karnama an Haslaat) compiled by Azad Qazi (Jamshoro: Sindhi Adabi Board,2014) p 96.

[2] Ibid. p. 95. According to Ali Rashidi sahib “Ghulam Muhammad Shaikh was renowned lawyer and expert in Astrology and Esoteric sciences. He was brother of Khan Bhahadar Gulam Ali Nana and uncle of Justice Feroze Nana.”

[3] Ibid., pp. 96-97

[4] Ibid., p 99

[5] Akhtar, Dr. Muhammad Saleem, “Pir Hassamuddin Rashidi (Sawanh an Khidmatoon, hik mujmil Tazikaro)” in anthology Pir Hussamduddin (Sawnh, Ilmi Karnama an Haslaat) compiled by Azad Qazi (Jamshoro: Sindhi Adabi Board,2014) p. 494. Rasheed Bhatti has also corroborated that fact. Ibid p 178

[6] Lakho, Dr. Ghulam Muhammad, “Muqadamo”, in Ghaliyoon Munjhe Sindh joon (Jamshoro: Sindhi Adabi Board, First edition, 1992), p 13. This article is now included in anthology of his articles and essays entitled “Ghaliyoon Goth Wanan joon” (pp11-12)

[7] Sadarangani, Dr. Haroomal Khadim, “Aah Hussamuddin” in Pir Hussamduddin (Sawnh, Ilmi Karnama an Haslaat) compiled by Azad Qazi (Jamshoro: Sindhi Adabi Board, 2014) p. 128. Sadarangani has acknowledged the assistance of Rashidi sahib in his preface of book entitled “Persian Poets of Sindh”, (Jamshoro: Sindhi Adabi Board,187) p.III.

[8] Akhtar, Dr. M. Saleem: Sindh Under the Mughals (Islamabad/Karachi: NICHR & Culture Department, 1990), p xi.

[9] Bhatti, Rasheed, “Pehee jin Parooriyo”, in Pir Hussamuddin Rashidi (Sanwanh, Ilmi Karnama and Haslaat), ed. Azad Qazi (Jamshoro: Sindhi Adabi Board, 2014), p.179

[10] Lakho, Dr. Ghulam Muhammad, “Pir Hissamuddin Rashidi (Ilmi Man Murtabo, Adabi Asaso an Asaan jo jawabdariyoon”, in Pir Hussamuddin Rashidi (Sanwanh, Ilmi Karnama and Haslaat), ed. Azad Qazi (Jamshoro: Sindhi Adabi Board, 2014), pp 264-284

[11] Ibid, p 265

[12] Panhwar, M H: PIR HASAMUDDIN RASHDI –A DEDICATED HISTORIAN, available at http://www.panhwar.net/PIR%20HASAMUDDIN%20RASHDI%20-%20A%20DEDICATED%20HISTORIAN.pdf

[13] Bhatti, Rasheed, op. cit., p179

[14] Joyo, Muhammad Ibrahim, “Hussamuddin Rashidi – my friend, my elder” in Pir Hussamuddin Rashidi (Sanwanh, Ilmi Karnama and Haslaat), ed. Azad Qazi (Jamshoro: Sindhi Adabi Board, 2014), p 236

[15] Rashidi, Syed Hassamuddin, “Munhjo Ilmi an Fikri Safar”, in Ghalyoon Munje Sindh joon ed. Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Lakho (Jamshoro: Sindhi Adabi Board. (1992). (first edition). P. 162

[16] Khawaja, Mushfiq (Khama Bagosh): Sukhan Haay Na Guftani, compiled by Muzaffar Ali Sayed (Karachi: Academy Bazyaft, 2004) p 186.

[17] Riazul Islam, Dr. : “Pir Hussamuddin Rashid BaitulZia Khhan AlHamra Taeen”, in  Pir Hussamuddin Rashidi (Sanwanh, Ilmi Karnama and Haslaat), ed. Azad Qazi (Jamshoro: Sindhi Adabi Board, 2014),page 153.

[18] Jalibi, Jameeluddin, “Betaasabi, Muhbat, Sadaqat, Mahnat, liaqat an Azmat ji Alamat”, in  Pir Hussamuddin Rashidi (Sanwanh, Ilmi Karnama and Haslaat), ed. Azad Qazi (Jamshoro: Sindhi Adabi Board, 2014) pp 160-161

[19] Qadiri, Dr. Mohamamd Ayoub, “Urdu jo Pir”, in  Pir Hussamuddin Rashidi (Sanwanh, Ilmi Karnama and Haslaat), ed. Azad Qazi (Jamshoro: Sindhi Adabi Board, 2014) pp 211-12

[20] Akhtar, Dr. Muhamad Salim, “Pir Hussamuddin Rashidi: Sawanh an Khidmatoon” in Pir Hussamuddin Rashidi (Sanwanh, Ilmi Karnama and Haslaat), ed. Azad Qazi (Jamshoro: Sindhi Adabi Board, 2014), pp 504-507.

[21] Riazul Islam, Dr. “Pir Hissamudin Rashidi from Baitul Zia to AlHamra”, in  Pir Hussamuddin Rashidi (Sanwanh, Ilmi Karnama and Haslaat), ed. Azad Qazi (Jamshoro: Sindhi Adabi Board, 2014)pp 150-156

[22] Qudoosi, Pir Hussamuddin: Munhjo Qudrdaan”, in  Pir Hussamuddin Rashidi (Sanwanh, Ilmi Karnama and Haslaat), ed. Azad Qazi (Jamshoro: Sindhi Adabi Board, 2014), 158

[23] Parkeh, Dr. Rauf: https://www.dawn.com/news/616449/pir-husamuddin-rashidi-a-scholar-a-bridge-an-institution-unto-himself.

[24] Bhatti, Rasheed, “Paihee jin Parooriyo”, in  Pir Hussamuddin Rashidi (Sanwanh, Ilmi Karnama and Haslaat), ed. Azad Qazi (Jamshoro: Sindhi Adabi Board, 2014), p 178

[25] Lakho, Dr. Ghulam Mohammad,           “Muqadamoo”, in Galiyoon Munhje Sindh joon, (Jamshoro/Karachi: Sindhi Adabi Board, Jamshoro & EFT for preservation of Heritage, 2020 (Third edition), p. 13

[26] Ibid.

[27] Lakho, Dr. Ghulam Mohammad, “Pir Hisammuddin Rashidi (Almi Maan Murtabo, adabi Asaaso, an Asan joon zimwariyoon”, p 264-284; “Rashidi Sahib jo Muntshar Adabi Zakheero”, p 419-423, “Syed Hussamuddin Rashdi and Sindhi Adabi Board”, p 428-433, and Syed “Hassamuddin Rashidi jo Ghat Maloom Chhapyal Kitaabi Zakheero”, p 481-485, in Pir Hussamuddin Rashidi (Sanwanh, Ilmi Karnama and Haslaat), ed. Azad Qazi (Jamshoro: Sindhi Adabi Board, 2014).

[28] See above at 25.

[29] Noshaee, Dr. Arif, “Pir Hissamuddin Iran me”, in Pir Hussamuddin Rashidi (Sanwanh, Ilmi Karnama and Haslaat), ed. Azad Qazi (Jamshoro: Sindhi Adabi Board, 2014), p 492.

[30] Rashidi, Syed Hussammuddin, Hoo Dothi Hoo Denh, (Jamshoro: SAB, 1977), p.5.

[31] Lakho, Dr. Ghulam Muhammad, “Endnote”, in On Sindh (History, Archaeology and Historiography) by M. H. Panhwar, compiled by Dr. Khalil-ur-Rahman (Karachi: Peacock Publishers, 2021), p. 242

[32] Akhtar, Dr. M. Saleem, op. cit., p 498