Life and Works of Dr. Professor Allamah Nasiruddin Hunzai
By : Karima Jooma
Today we have gathered here in an auspicious assembly to commemorate Yom-i Tasis of our revered teacher and to pay tribute to his breadth and depth of understanding of true Islam and its principles. However, we are fully aware that mere words will neither express our reverence for you nor convey the gratitude we feel for the warm and illuminated nurturing of our soul and intellect we have received through you. It is the greatest grace of Mowla that he has brought you to us once again. During this visit your wisdomful lectures full of new discoveries on Spiritual and Qur’anic Science have opened for us many new thought provoking avenues to explore. Inshallah your teachings will remain with us forever and we will build on this secure foundation of knowledge.
Respected Allamah Sahib, despite your ill health and physical difficulty you spared these precious moments for us. Our souls were also restless to meet you again and spend time in your warm companionship. It will not be an exaggeration if I may say that in the mirror of the stories of our Holy Prophets are reflected the most profound attributes of our esteemed Ustaaz and why not if a man is created in the image of God then it should not be surprising to see the legacy of our Holy Prophets revived in a successful Momin. Thus in the path of spirituality we find in you the Tajadud-i Amsal of Hazrat Ismail’s great sacrifice, Hazrat Haqub’s model of weeping for didar of his luminous son, the beauty of Hazrat Yusuf’s astral body and wisdom. Hazarat Musa’s journey to the mount of spiritual and intellectual resurrection, Hazrat Dawud’s world of particles, Hazrat Israfil’s musical instrument, Hazrat Suleman’s spiritual kingdom, Hazrat Ayyub’s lesson of patience and Hazrat Isa’s miracle of rejuvenating the dead person in faith are all alive and refreshed in your illuminated personal world. As it is said:
Respected Allamah Sahib, despite your ill health and physical difficulty you spared these precious moments for us. Our souls were also restless to meet you again and spend time in your warm companionship. It will not be an exaggeration if I may say that in the mirror of the stories of our Holy Prophets are reflected the most profound attributes of our esteemed Ustaaz and why not if a man is created in the image of God then it should not be surprising to see the legacy of our Holy Prophets revived in a successful Momin. Thus in the path of spirituality we find in you the Tajadud-i Amsal of Hazrat Ismail’s great sacrifice, Hazrat Haqub’s model of weeping for didar of his luminous son, the beauty of Hazrat Yusuf’s astral body and wisdom. Hazarat Musa’s journey to the mount of spiritual and intellectual resurrection, Hazrat Dawud’s world of particles, Hazrat Israfil’s musical instrument, Hazrat Suleman’s spiritual kingdom, Hazrat Ayyub’s lesson of patience and Hazrat Isa’s miracle of rejuvenating the dead person in faith are all alive and refreshed in your illuminated personal world. As it is said:
Fayz-i Ruhu’l Qudus ar baz madad farmayad
Digaran ham bikunand anchih Masiha mikard
If the grace of Holy Spirit ever helps again
Others will also perform the same (mirales) that Jesus used to perform
Digaran ham bikunand anchih Masiha mikard
If the grace of Holy Spirit ever helps again
Others will also perform the same (mirales) that Jesus used to perform
To list all the accomplishments of Allamah Sahib, one would but need volumes still then it will not suffice. The scope of work that Allamah Sahib has been able to accomplish in his lifetime is evident by the fact that one of his student i.e. Senior training officer, LG Rubina Barolia ( who is al-hamdu lillah accompanying Allamah Sahib during this visit to UK and USA) is pursuing a doctorate degree on Life and works of Dr. Professor Allamah Nasiruddin Hunzai. Nonetheless, it is realized that we have done no justice in recognizing his contributions. However today when we are gathered here to celebrate the Yom-I Tasis of respected Allamah Sahib, I feel fortunate to have availed this opportunity to highlight some of Sahib’s most significant contribution in diverse fields serving the Ismaili world and the humanity at large.
Dr. Professor Allamah Nasiruddin Hunzai is a distinguished scholar, poet and researcher from the NA of Pakistan. His literary and scholarly services span 68 years. Dr. Allamah Nasiruddin Hunzai was born on 15th May, 1917 A.D. in the village of Haydarabad, Hunza, His interest in religion was from a very early age.. In his youth he went to the government primary school, Baltit, for ten months, during which he studied the third and fourth classes and then he could not continue. Despite the adverse conditions he continued to acquire knowledge through self-study rather than formal training. In 1939 he was recruited in the Gilgit Scouts during which time he experienced a whole world of learning. At age 22 he joined the army for the period of 7 years. According to Allamah Sahib the greatest and the most useful riyaddat is one, which God Himself imposes on His servant because it’s during and after the God-imposed riyadat that the chain of spiritual knowledge and wisdom continues. Allamah Sahib states that It was the blessing of this extremely arduous riyaday which was imposed on me during my stay in China that I was able to see the wonders and marvels of knowledge and recognition. After the spiritual revolution in China Allamah Sahib commenced his research in three fields
1. Qur’anic knowledge and wisdom
2. Devotional literature and
3. Compilation of dictionary, grammar and other literature in the Burushaski language.
Service in the field of Qur’anic Knowledge and wisdom: Allamah Sahib throughout his entire life has made a profound attempt to draw the attention of the humanity to the treasures of Qur’anic Wisdom and spirituality. According to AllamahBuzurgwar Qur’an is an unfathomable ocean full of pearls of knowledge and wisdom. It was in 1957 that Sahib wrote his first book. He states that I was convinced that I had been given a great trust of the recognition of self and it became necessary for me to transfer it from the heart to the book. Allamah Sahib’s most important contributions to the world of religion and spirituality, are such revolutionary subjects as science and religion, soul and matter, spatial and non-spatial words, flying saucers, subtle body, spirituals science and spiritual health on which he has written extensively. To date he has written around a hundred books of which 60 have been translated into English and several others into French, Swedish, Persian, Turkish, and Gujarati languages. His translated works are taught in educational institutions of the western countries for instance Dr. Boustan Hirji, has used “Qur’anic Healing” successfully in the clinical pastoral education at the Washington Hospital Center, U.S.A. When a reader studies Allamah Sahb’s works minutely, he finds “discoveries of knowledge” on every page of these books. It is because of this, when the name of this dignitary, is mentioned or read, instantly the feelings of reverence arise in our hearts. His works illumine heart and soul and every stratum of society benefits from them. The depth and appeal of his writings indicate that they are not based merely on traditional and acquired knowledge, but they are divinely inspired. Allamah Hunzai’s influential personality is a beacon of knowledge and action for the present and future generations. In 1994 the local government of the Northern Areas conferred upon Allamah Sahib the title of “Hakimu’l-Q alam (Sage of the Pen)”. He has also received the title of “Lisanu’l-Qawm (Spokesman of the Nation)”
Devotional Literature: As we all know that the sacred tradtion of Ginans or manqabat enriches our families with the luminous wealth of the soul of faith (ruhu’l Iman). It keeps us alive and unwavering in religious spirit and most importantly it is through manqbat that the soul of Ishq-i Imam is breathed in us. Thus this sacred tradition undoubtedly is the fountainhead of all religious powers from which the soul of mu’mins always attain nourishment, strength and light. Allamah Sahib has worked tremendously hard to enhance and preserve this tradition, this is evident by the fact that Allamah Buzurgwaar has compiled the first Diwan (collection of poems) in Burushaski language. Sahib has also composed poetry in Urdu, Persian and Chinese Turkish. In 1961 Sarkar Mowlana Hazir Imam sent a Talika to Allamah Sahib in which he blessed Sahib for his devoted services and graciously shown his happiness at the completion of Ginan Book in Hunza language. Recently respected institute of Ismaili Studies published an anthology of Ismaili poetry titled “Shimmering Lights” in which they have included 5 poetry of Allamah Sahib due to its superb beauties.
Allamah Sahib’s poems are based on the teachings of the esoteric aspects of the Ismaili faith,they are full of the pure essence of spirituality, wisdom and the praise & glorification of the Imam of the time. Al hamdu lillah! This poetry plays a significant role in the ethical and spiritual upbringing of the community.
Service in the field of Qur’anic Knowledge and wisdom: Allamah Sahib throughout his entire life has made a profound attempt to draw the attention of the humanity to the treasures of Qur’anic Wisdom and spirituality. According to AllamahBuzurgwar Qur’an is an unfathomable ocean full of pearls of knowledge and wisdom. It was in 1957 that Sahib wrote his first book. He states that I was convinced that I had been given a great trust of the recognition of self and it became necessary for me to transfer it from the heart to the book. Allamah Sahib’s most important contributions to the world of religion and spirituality, are such revolutionary subjects as science and religion, soul and matter, spatial and non-spatial words, flying saucers, subtle body, spirituals science and spiritual health on which he has written extensively. To date he has written around a hundred books of which 60 have been translated into English and several others into French, Swedish, Persian, Turkish, and Gujarati languages. His translated works are taught in educational institutions of the western countries for instance Dr. Boustan Hirji, has used “Qur’anic Healing” successfully in the clinical pastoral education at the Washington Hospital Center, U.S.A. When a reader studies Allamah Sahb’s works minutely, he finds “discoveries of knowledge” on every page of these books. It is because of this, when the name of this dignitary, is mentioned or read, instantly the feelings of reverence arise in our hearts. His works illumine heart and soul and every stratum of society benefits from them. The depth and appeal of his writings indicate that they are not based merely on traditional and acquired knowledge, but they are divinely inspired. Allamah Hunzai’s influential personality is a beacon of knowledge and action for the present and future generations. In 1994 the local government of the Northern Areas conferred upon Allamah Sahib the title of “Hakimu’l-Q alam (Sage of the Pen)”. He has also received the title of “Lisanu’l-Qawm (Spokesman of the Nation)”
Devotional Literature: As we all know that the sacred tradtion of Ginans or manqabat enriches our families with the luminous wealth of the soul of faith (ruhu’l Iman). It keeps us alive and unwavering in religious spirit and most importantly it is through manqbat that the soul of Ishq-i Imam is breathed in us. Thus this sacred tradition undoubtedly is the fountainhead of all religious powers from which the soul of mu’mins always attain nourishment, strength and light. Allamah Sahib has worked tremendously hard to enhance and preserve this tradition, this is evident by the fact that Allamah Buzurgwaar has compiled the first Diwan (collection of poems) in Burushaski language. Sahib has also composed poetry in Urdu, Persian and Chinese Turkish. In 1961 Sarkar Mowlana Hazir Imam sent a Talika to Allamah Sahib in which he blessed Sahib for his devoted services and graciously shown his happiness at the completion of Ginan Book in Hunza language. Recently respected institute of Ismaili Studies published an anthology of Ismaili poetry titled “Shimmering Lights” in which they have included 5 poetry of Allamah Sahib due to its superb beauties.
Allamah Sahib’s poems are based on the teachings of the esoteric aspects of the Ismaili faith,they are full of the pure essence of spirituality, wisdom and the praise & glorification of the Imam of the time. Al hamdu lillah! This poetry plays a significant role in the ethical and spiritual upbringing of the community.
From Nasir’s poetry, I smell the fragrance of the flowers of his love,
O lovers, come! Here are the flowers of spiritual nutrition.
Compilation of dictionary, grammar and other literature in the Burushaski language:
Allamah Sahib has preserved the Burushaski language; it’s grammar, vocabulary, history and traditions from becoming extinct. The services, which Sahib has rendered for the Burushaski language, are not confined to regional and national levels, but also in the form of co-operation with foreign universities. He is co-author of “Hunza Proverbs” published by department of philology, University of Montreal with Prof. E. Tiffou and also co-author of Burushaski-German dictionary, published by Prof. Herman Berger from Heidelberg University. According to Allamah Sahib there were immense difficulties in the path of Burushaski poetry. The impressions of some local people about it were not favorable. They used to say that “it is entirely a language of bickering”. The reason for this was that certain vulgar words had dominated its countless beauties as if a dragon was sitting on the treasure of precious pearls. Thus Allamah Sahib has not only preserved the language with its ancient features and characteristics, but has also given it new life by introducing for the first time religious literature in the language both in prose and poetry. It is Allamah Sahib’s wish that inshallah one day qualified scholars from Hunaz, Nagar and Yasin, will complete a common dictionary and grammar via mutual cooperation. In recognition of Allamah Sahib’s services, for the Burushaski language he has received the title of “Baba-I Burushaski (Father of Burushaski)”.
Allamah Sahib, despite his advanced age, has also traveled widely and has borne countless difficulties in order to spread his mission of knowledge and has left no stone unturned in the path to continue the flow of his creative ideas between the East and the West. In this regard Allamah Sahib has established three organizations: DKH, IA and BRA, for the promotion of knowledge and letters. DKH was established in early 1960’s with the object of promoting Qur’ani wisdom and spirituality. The institute also seeks to promote research on the works of Dr. Professor Allamah Hunzai. At present by the grace of Allah there are many office bearers and scholars spread world wide who work together in the spirit of brotherhood According to Allamah Sahib it is true; that had the present zeal of devotion not been there in translation and other matters, the circle of our service would have been very limited, in saying this he was referring to the extraordinary service of English translations performed by Dr. Faquir Muhammad Hunzai, his colleagues and other translators.
For Allamah Sahib’s his fundamental contribution to the field of Spiritual Science with the intention to help and cure the ailing humanity and bring peace and harmony, he has been recognized by the Senior University of USA and Canada in the form of an honorary Doctorate degree. Further more; in a recently held One day Spiritual Science conference in Islamabad, SUI formally announced the establishment of The institute for the study of spiritual science and appointed Dr. Professor Hunzai as its Foundation Dean and honorable Dr. Faquir Sahib as the Associate Dean. This One Day Spiritual Science Conference held in Islamabad received tremendous success as it was attended by many dignitaries and various government officials such as presiding person for the conference was Lt Gen (Rtd) Moinuddin Haider (Interior Minister) and Chief Guest was Mr. Javed Jabbar, the advisor to the Chief Executive on Natl. Affairs, Information and Media Development. They both lauded the services of Dr. Nasiruddin Hunzai and said his work deserved State recognition at the highest level. Allamah Sahib’s unique approach to Spiritual Science is also drawing the attention on National and International electronic media. In this connection an in depth interview on Pakistan Television (PTV Islamabad) of Dr. Professor Hunzai and Shahnaz Hunzai was aired on May 30th, 2000. And Al-hamdulillah today on July 30th exactly two months later, on this auspicious day of the celebration of Yom-I Tasis we watched yet another TV interview of respected Sahib & Gohar Afshan Shahnaz, this time aired from a US Television – Houston. In addition, Scholar Shahnaz during her recent visit to USA, did several radio programs in various cities such as Houston, Dallas, Chicago, and Vancouver Canada on this revolutionary subject of Spiritual Science and we had the opportunity to listen to one this am at 1180am.
In short, Ustaaz-i Buzurgwaar, through his powerful pen and profound speech, which are full of higher realities and recognition, has influenced a vast universe of countless personalities and has left deep impressions on the minds of many intellectuals.
Ustaaz-i Aali’s circle of comprehensive service which he render for the promotion of knowledge, encompasses the levels of Islam, country, and humanity at large. Despite this eminence in knowledge his adherence to the principle of true darwishi is commendable. He shines like a bright star in the firmament of knowledge. He is the fragrant flower of the rose garden of spirituality from whom exudes the fragrance of ma’rifat.
Dear Allamah Sahib for awakening in us a deep yearning for knowledge and to kindle the spark of sincere ambition to acquire knowledge. For all this and much more that we cannot express on paper we remain eternally grateful to you from the depth of our hearts and would like to offer you a standing ovation.
Allamah Sahib has preserved the Burushaski language; it’s grammar, vocabulary, history and traditions from becoming extinct. The services, which Sahib has rendered for the Burushaski language, are not confined to regional and national levels, but also in the form of co-operation with foreign universities. He is co-author of “Hunza Proverbs” published by department of philology, University of Montreal with Prof. E. Tiffou and also co-author of Burushaski-German dictionary, published by Prof. Herman Berger from Heidelberg University. According to Allamah Sahib there were immense difficulties in the path of Burushaski poetry. The impressions of some local people about it were not favorable. They used to say that “it is entirely a language of bickering”. The reason for this was that certain vulgar words had dominated its countless beauties as if a dragon was sitting on the treasure of precious pearls. Thus Allamah Sahib has not only preserved the language with its ancient features and characteristics, but has also given it new life by introducing for the first time religious literature in the language both in prose and poetry. It is Allamah Sahib’s wish that inshallah one day qualified scholars from Hunaz, Nagar and Yasin, will complete a common dictionary and grammar via mutual cooperation. In recognition of Allamah Sahib’s services, for the Burushaski language he has received the title of “Baba-I Burushaski (Father of Burushaski)”.
Allamah Sahib, despite his advanced age, has also traveled widely and has borne countless difficulties in order to spread his mission of knowledge and has left no stone unturned in the path to continue the flow of his creative ideas between the East and the West. In this regard Allamah Sahib has established three organizations: DKH, IA and BRA, for the promotion of knowledge and letters. DKH was established in early 1960’s with the object of promoting Qur’ani wisdom and spirituality. The institute also seeks to promote research on the works of Dr. Professor Allamah Hunzai. At present by the grace of Allah there are many office bearers and scholars spread world wide who work together in the spirit of brotherhood According to Allamah Sahib it is true; that had the present zeal of devotion not been there in translation and other matters, the circle of our service would have been very limited, in saying this he was referring to the extraordinary service of English translations performed by Dr. Faquir Muhammad Hunzai, his colleagues and other translators.
For Allamah Sahib’s his fundamental contribution to the field of Spiritual Science with the intention to help and cure the ailing humanity and bring peace and harmony, he has been recognized by the Senior University of USA and Canada in the form of an honorary Doctorate degree. Further more; in a recently held One day Spiritual Science conference in Islamabad, SUI formally announced the establishment of The institute for the study of spiritual science and appointed Dr. Professor Hunzai as its Foundation Dean and honorable Dr. Faquir Sahib as the Associate Dean. This One Day Spiritual Science Conference held in Islamabad received tremendous success as it was attended by many dignitaries and various government officials such as presiding person for the conference was Lt Gen (Rtd) Moinuddin Haider (Interior Minister) and Chief Guest was Mr. Javed Jabbar, the advisor to the Chief Executive on Natl. Affairs, Information and Media Development. They both lauded the services of Dr. Nasiruddin Hunzai and said his work deserved State recognition at the highest level. Allamah Sahib’s unique approach to Spiritual Science is also drawing the attention on National and International electronic media. In this connection an in depth interview on Pakistan Television (PTV Islamabad) of Dr. Professor Hunzai and Shahnaz Hunzai was aired on May 30th, 2000. And Al-hamdulillah today on July 30th exactly two months later, on this auspicious day of the celebration of Yom-I Tasis we watched yet another TV interview of respected Sahib & Gohar Afshan Shahnaz, this time aired from a US Television – Houston. In addition, Scholar Shahnaz during her recent visit to USA, did several radio programs in various cities such as Houston, Dallas, Chicago, and Vancouver Canada on this revolutionary subject of Spiritual Science and we had the opportunity to listen to one this am at 1180am.
In short, Ustaaz-i Buzurgwaar, through his powerful pen and profound speech, which are full of higher realities and recognition, has influenced a vast universe of countless personalities and has left deep impressions on the minds of many intellectuals.
Ustaaz-i Aali’s circle of comprehensive service which he render for the promotion of knowledge, encompasses the levels of Islam, country, and humanity at large. Despite this eminence in knowledge his adherence to the principle of true darwishi is commendable. He shines like a bright star in the firmament of knowledge. He is the fragrant flower of the rose garden of spirituality from whom exudes the fragrance of ma’rifat.
Dear Allamah Sahib for awakening in us a deep yearning for knowledge and to kindle the spark of sincere ambition to acquire knowledge. For all this and much more that we cannot express on paper we remain eternally grateful to you from the depth of our hearts and would like to offer you a standing ovation.
Thankyou.
