Religion & Esoteric Teaching

Description

Mirza Mohammad Said (1886-1962) belonged to a cultured family of Delhi, associated with the cause of education and enlightenment. He did his Masters in English Literature with distinction from Government College Lahore in 1905. After a year or two as Lecturer in M. A. O. College, Aligarh, he came back to serve his Alma Mater for nearly two decades. He wrote his two pioneering Urdu novels, Khawb-i Hasti (Dream of Life) and Yasmin before finishing college, and soon his growing reputation as an outstanding scholar and professor drew him into the circle of the intellectual elite of the sub-continent. He first knew Iqbal as his philosophy teacher in G.C. during his graduation and this paved the way to his close and life-long relations with the philosopher-poet. A voracious reader and a linguist with a prodigious memory, the range and depth of his study as reflected in Religion and Esoteric Teaching was truly amazing. His long and in-depth study of modern and classical literature, philosophy and history led him to conclude, however, that no knowledge, science or philosophy could claim to be the last word for human understanding and perception, hence his endless search for new theories and ways of thinking. He would always remain in touch with publishers in US and Britain for latest works on philosophy, religion, history and civilization. After early retirement from service in 1931, he moved to Delhi, where his modest study- cum-sitting room became a magnet for intellectuals – educationists, scholars, writers, poets, even political activists, from the sub-continent and beyond. The flow of conversation and the ensuing debate and discussion on various topics and issues could continue for hours. At the same time, he played an active role in the administrative affairs of Delhi University, acted as adviser or examiner for various institutions of higher learning, and his lectures were broadcast from All India Radio; also served on All India Muslim League’s Council and Working Committee, and at the height of the Pakistan Movement, was elected unopposed President of Delhi Provincial League. Following Partition in 1947, he was forced to leave his native city to reside in Karachi. For a person with his sensitive nature, delicate constitution and regular habits, such a sudden and drastic change in life must have been hard to bear. He still remained involved in literary and academic activities and in 1959 presided over the first session of newly formed Writers’ Guild, but on the whole, he spent his last years in seclusion, surrounded by his books and occasionally meeting such old and new visitors who shared his intellectual interests. To the last he retained his clarity of mind and passion for knowledge. A.R ISBN: 978-969-0-02511-1 Rs. 1500.00 FEROZSONS (Pvt.) LTD. LAHORE-RAWALPINDI-KARACHI www.ferozsons.com.pk 789690 025111