Abdul Haq

Abdul Haq is a renowned Pakistani linguist and scholar who is widely recognized as Baba-e-Urdu. He dedicated his life to the development of the Urdu language during the 20th century. Throughout his career, he advocated for Urdu to serve as the national language of Pakistan.

Early life and education

Born on 20 April 1870, Haq was deeply influenced by the political and social views of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. He followed these wishes by learning English and various scientific subjects. Like his mentor, he believed that Urdu functioned as a major cultural and political influence for Muslims in the Indian subcontinent.

In 1886, he became the secretary of the All India Muhammadan Educational Conference. This organization was founded by Sir Syed to promote intellectualism and education within Muslim society. Haq later transitioned to a new role when he was appointed secretary of the Anjuman Taraqqi-i-Urdu in 1912.

Under his leadership, the Anjuman flourished through the publication of several significant magazines. He launched the journal Urdu in January 1921 and followed this with Science in 1928. He also released Hamari Zaban in 1939 to further linguistic interests.

Career

Haq served as the Principal of Osmania College in Aurangabad until he retired from the position in 1930. Following this retirement, he focused his efforts on compiling an authoritative English-Urdu dictionary. He was a scholarly critic who encouraged his students to master literary skills and appreciate Urdu works.

After migrating to Pakistan in 1948, he re-organised the Anjuman Taraqqi-e-Urdu in Karachi. He used this organization to launch journals, establish libraries, and build schools. His work helped preserve the Hyderabadi Urdu traditions that are known as "Old Urdu."

He also engaged in political activism to promote Urdu as the sole official language of Pakistan. Haq pushed for the creation of an Urdu College in Karachi so that the language could be used as a medium of instruction. In 1959, he worked to organize a national Urdu conference.

His published works include several notable titles such as Chand Ham Asar, Maktoobat, and Muqaddimat. He also authored Tauqeedat, Qawaid-e-Urdu, and Debacha Dastan Rani Ketki. These texts contributed to his reputation as a premier scholar of the language.

Personal life

The migration process and the riots of 1947 caused significant personal loss for Haq. Much of his property was lost during this period, specifically his valuable books and manuscripts. Some of the material he successfully brought to Pakistan is currently held in the Urdu Dictionary Board library.

The ordeals of partition also negatively affected his physical health. Despite suffering from cancer and failing health, he continued his linguistic advocacy. He died after a long period of incapacitation on 16 August 1961 in Karachi.

Awards and recognition

He is officially regarded as Baba-e-Urdu due to his immense achievements in promoting Urdu literature. His work helped establish Urdu as a unifying medium for Pakistani Muslims. This status remains a testament to his lifelong dedication to linguistic research.

In recognition of his services, Pakistan Post issued a commemorative stamp in his honor. This occurred on 16 August 2004 as part of the 'Men of Letters' series. The Anjuman Taraqqi-e-Urdu continues to operate as an important intellectual organization in Pakistan.