Abul Khair Kashfi

Muhammad Abul Khair Kashfi is a Pakistani author, researcher, and linguist who specializes in Urdu literature. He works as a scholar, journalist, and literary critic.

Early life and education

Kashfi was born on 19 February 1932 in Kanpur. He pursued his higher studies at the University of Karachi, where he earned an M.A. in Urdu in 1952. After completing his initial degree, he continued his academic journey to obtain a Ph.D. from the same institution in 1971. His doctoral dissertation focused on "The Historical and Political background of Urdu Poetry from 1707 to 1857 A.C."

He also traveled abroad to expand his linguistic expertise. In 1968, he earned a master's degree in Teaching of English as a Second Language from Teachers' College at Columbia University.

Career

Kashfi maintained a long tenure at the University of Karachi. He served as a professor and chairman in the Department of Urdu from 1958 to 1994. While he was based in Pakistan, he also held a position as a visiting professor at the Osaka University of Foreign Studies in Japan. His academic influence extended through various publications that addressed complex literary and linguistic problems.

His written works include several notable titles published by various houses in Karachi and Lahore. He wrote "Hayat-e-Muhammadi: Quran-e-Majeed Ke Aaine Mayn" for the Dada Bhai Foundation. Other significant books are "Urdu Sha’iri Ka Siyasi Aur Tarikhi Pasmanzar," which was released by Adabi Publishers, and "Hamare Ahed Ka Adab Aur Adeeb" from Qamar Kitab Ghar. He also produced "Jadeed Urdu Adab Ke Do Tanqecdi Jaezay" through the Urdu Academy Sindh.

Kashfi's bibliography contains diverse subjects ranging from poetry to religious history. He authored "Hamare Adabi Aur Lisani Masail" for Majlis-e-Matbuaat-o-Tahqiqaat-e-Urdu and "Yeh Log Bhi Ghazab Thay" via Feroze Sons Lahore. His research also covers specific poets and figures, such as "Ghalib Ki Cheh Ghazlen" and "Maulana Room (R.A) Aur Unki Kahaniyan."

Following his retirement from formal university roles, he transitioned into different professional spheres. He devotes his time to writing, guiding research, and making media appearances. He also engages in public speaking to share his scholarly insights.

Awards and recognition

The scholar has received multiple honors for his contributions to literature and religion. In 1975, he won the Dawood Literary Award for his book "Urdu Sha’iri Ka Siyasi Aur Tarikhi Pasmanzar." The Government of Pakistan presented him with the National Seerat Award in 1991 for his work "Hayat-e-Muhammadi - Quran-e-Majeed Ke Aaine Mayn."

He earned two additional prestigious honors during the early 1990s. Kashfi received the Nishan-e-Azmat Award in 1991 and the Quaid-e-Azam Adbi Award in 1993.