Shibli Nomani (4 June 1857 – 18 November 1914) was a prominent figure in the Indian subcontinent during the British Raj, recognized for his diverse contributions as an Islamic scholar, poet, philosopher, historian, educational thinker, author, orator, reformer, and critic of orientalists. His life and work spanned various domains, and he is particularly hailed as the father of Urdu historiography.
Early Life and Education
Born on 4 June 1857 into a Muslim Rajput family, Shibli Nomani emerged as a multifaceted personality in the Indian subcontinent during the British Raj. His early education followed traditional Islamic lines under the guidance of Muhammad Farooq Chirayakoti, a rationalist scholar.
Aligarh and the Aligarh Movement
Despite his traditional education, Shibli Nomani became associated with the Aligarh and Nadwa movements. While supporting the Deobandi school, he believed in incorporating English language and European sciences into the education system. However, his dissatisfaction with the intellectual atmosphere at Aligarh led to his eventual departure.
Middle East Journey and Influences
Shibli Nomani’s quest for knowledge took him to the Middle East, where he taught Persian and Arabic languages at Aligarh for sixteen years. His travels with British scholar Thomas Arnold provided him with firsthand experience of Western ideas. In Istanbul, he received a medal from Sultan Abdul Hamid II. His encounters with scholars like Muhammad Abduh in Cairo shaped his scholarly perspective.
Educational Reforms in Hyderabad and Lucknow
After the death of Sir Syed Ahmed in 1898, Shibli Nomani left Aligarh and contributed to educational reforms in Hyderabad, advocating Urdu as the medium of instruction at Osmania University. Later, he moved to Lucknow, becoming the principal of Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, introducing significant reforms in teaching and curriculum.
Founding Darul Musannefin and Death
Shibli Nomani’s dream of establishing Darul Musannefin materialized after his death, with his disciple Sulaiman Nadvi taking the lead. The Darul Musannefin Shibli Academy was founded in 1914, just three days after Shibli’s passing on 18 November 1914.
Ideological Stance and Aligarh Movement
Shibli Nomani, along with Syed Ahmed, aimed for the welfare of Muslims but had differing approaches. While Syed Ahmed focused on saving Muslims from British wrath post the War of Independence in 1857, Shibli aimed at making them self-reliant by regaining their lost heritage and tradition. Scholars debate his stance on the Aligarh movement, with some suggesting his opposition to Sir Syed’s ideologies.
Legacy and Family
Shibli Nomani’s legacy lives on through his family, including daughters Rabia Khatoon and Jannutul Fatima, and son Hamid Hassan Nomani. His contributions were recognized with a commemorative postage stamp by Pakistan Postal Services in 1992.
The Shibli Project
The Shibli Project, initiated by Jamia Millia Islamia, seeks to preserve Shibli Nomani’s legacy and make his works accessible. Through various activities, including exhibitions, educational tours, and interdisciplinary studies, the project aims to promote compatibility among Urdu, Islamiyat, and History disciplines.
Notable Works
Shibli Nomani’s diverse works spanned various subjects, reflecting his deep scholarship and progressive ideas. Some of his notable works include:
- Sirat-un-Nabi (Life of the Prophet): Although initiated by Shibli, his student Sulaiman Nadvi completed this monumental work after Shibli’s death.
- Al-Faruq: A biography of the Caliph Omar Farooq.
- Al-Ghazali: A biography of Imam Al-Ghazali.
- Sher-ul-ʻAjam: A history of Persian poetry.
- Safar Nama e Rome-o-Misr-o-Sham: A travelogue of Rome, Egypt, Syria, and Turkey, co-authored with Thomas Walker Arnold.
Shibli Nomani’s enduring impact on Islamic scholarship and education continues to be celebrated, marking him as a visionary whose ideas and contributions transcend time.