Khalifa Abdul Hakim facts for kids

Khalifa Abdul Hakeem (born July 1, 1893 – died January 30, 1959) was an important thinker from Pakistan. He was a philosopher, a poet, and a researcher. He also taught philosophy at Osmania University and led the Institute of Islamic Culture in Lahore. He helped people understand big ideas and different cultures.

About Khalifa Abdul Hakeem

Khalifa Abdul Hakeem came from the Dar family in Lahore. The word "Khalifa" was a special title in his family. It meant "teacher" or "skilled person." This was because his family members were known for their work in making pashmina and duri bags. Many people learned these skills from them. So, "Khalifa" became part of their name.

His grandfather, Khalifa Ramzan Dar, owned a small factory. His father, Khalifa Abdul Rahman, was a very religious man. He loved to read classic Persian books like Gulestan-i Saadi and Bustan-i Saadi. He often read parts of these books to his children. This is how young Khalifa Abdul Hakeem developed a love for Persian literature early in his life.

Khalifa Abdul Hakeem was born on July 1, 1893. This date is recorded from his time working at Osmania University.

His Early Life and Education

Khalifa Abdul Hakeem's father passed away when he was still young and had not yet started higher education. After his father's death, his family faced tough times financially. His mother, a strong and wise woman, worked hard to support and educate her children. She even started an old family business of removing husk from paddy.

During these years, Khalifa Abdul Hakeem also began writing poetry. His first poem was published in a magazine called Kashmiri Magazine in Lahore. He was very active in school literary events. He loved studying Urdu and Persian literature, and this passion grew stronger over time.

When he finished high school, many people in Punjab were interested in the educational ideas of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. Many families sent their children to Aligarh for studies. Khalifa Abdul Hakeem first joined Forman Christian College in Lahore. He chose science subjects, but he wasn't very interested in them.

After a few months, he left that college and moved to Aligarh. There, he chose Arts and Literature subjects for his first year of college. He quickly became the president of the debating union, showing his talent for speaking.

In 1912, he joined St. Stephen's College in Delhi. His philosophy teacher, Mr. Sain, was very impressed by his intelligence. In 1915, Khalifa Abdul Hakeem earned his BA degree. He was the top student in philosophy at University of the Punjab in Lahore. He continued his studies and earned his MA in Philosophy from St. Stephen's College, Delhi in 1917. Again, he was the top student in Punjab.

His Career and Work

In August 1919, a famous poet and philosopher named Allama Muhammad Iqbal recommended Khalifa Abdul Hakeem for a job. He became an Assistant Professor of Philosophy at the new Osmania University in Hyderabad, India.

In 1922, he traveled to Germany. He studied at the University of Heidelberg and earned his PhD in philosophy in 1925. His research paper was about the ideas of a famous poet named Rumi.

After getting his PhD, he returned to Hyderabad. He became a professor and head of the philosophy department at Osmania University. In 1943, he moved to Kashmir. There, he became the principal of Amar Singh College in Srinagar and later the director of education.

In 1947, he resigned and came back to Osmania University. He was appointed as the Dean of the Faculty of Arts. In 1949, he moved to Lahore, Pakistan. In February 1950, he helped establish the Institute of Islamic Culture in Lahore. He became its first director.

His Passing

Dr. Khalifa Abdul Hakeem passed away on January 30, 1959, in Karachi, Pakistan. He is buried in Miani Sahib Cemetery in Lahore.

His Books and Writings

Khalifa Abdul Hakeem wrote several important books:

• Iqbal and Mulla
• Iqbal thought
• The Metaphysics of Rumi: A Critical and Historical Sketch
• The Prophet and His Message
• Islamic Ideology: The Fundamental Beliefs and Principles of Islam and Their Application to Practical Life