Muhammad Yusuf Hashmi facts for kids

Muhammad Yousaf Hashmi (born 1887, died 1960) was an important teacher and leader from Sialkot, Punjab. He was known for being great at English studies in British India. He taught many students how learning different languages, like English and Arabic, could help them grow and learn about other cultures. He also worked to make education better for people in British India, especially for Muslims in South Asia. He played a part in the Pakistan Movement by giving advice and helping people develop good character.

Early Life and Family Background

Muhammad Yusuf Hashmi was born in 1887 in a village near Sialkot District. His family was an old Muslim noble family, known as Hashmi-Qureshi. They owned land and had members who worked in different jobs for many centuries.

He went to local schools and learned several languages very well. These included English, Arabic, Persian, and Urdu. He also studied religion, law, and how to manage communities. This was a common tradition for noble Muslim families like his.

His relatives lived all over South Asia. Some well-known family members included Pir Syed Jammat Ali Shah from Ali Pur Syedan. His three brothers became successful in education, law, and medicine. His two sisters were taught at home and married into other respected families.

A Career in Education

University Studies and Early Teaching

Hashmi earned his Master's degree in English from Forman Christian College in Lahore. He was the top student in his class at the University of the Punjab. After finishing his studies in English and Arabic in 1909, he started his professional life.

He received job offers from Forman Christian College, Punjab University, and Aligarh Muslim University. He chose to teach at his old college, Forman Christian College, after being invited by Dr. Ewing. He taught there for a short time.

Moving to Calcutta

Later, he joined the Indian Education Service and moved to Calcutta. At that time, Calcutta was the capital of British India and a major center for education and culture. He taught English, Bengali, Hindi/Urdu, and Arabic at Madrasa 'Aliya. This school was founded in 1781 by Warren Hastings.

He also gave lectures at the University of Calcutta. He was in charge of Baker Hostel there. Many of his students became important leaders in India, including Muslims from famous families. He was the first Indian person to become the principal of this important school.

His students, colleagues, and friends wanted him to stay in Calcutta. So, he joined the Bengal Senior Education Service. He remained in Calcutta until he retired in 1943. The British Government gave him special titles, Khan Sahib and Khan Bahadur, for his excellent work in Indian education.

Contribution to the Pakistan Movement

After retiring in 1943, he returned to Sialkot. He then spent most of his time working for the Pakistan Movement. Leaders in academics, society, and politics often asked him for his advice. He played a key role in the 1944 Sialkot Convention. This meeting helped the All India Muslim League gain strong support in Punjab.

With his friends in Punjab, he helped start the Jinnah Islamia College in Sialkot in 1951. He was chosen as the first principal of the college. He accepted the job but did not take a salary. He said his British pension was enough for him. He continued to serve the college throughout the 1950s.

Later Life and Legacy

After his time as principal of Jinnah Islamia College, Hashmi moved to Lahore. He passed away in 1960 and was buried in Lahore. He left behind a large family.

His Writings

Muhammad Yusuf Hashmi mainly wrote books on Islamic Law. He also wrote textbooks and teaching guides for English, Arabic, and Persian studies. These were used at Madrasa 'Aliya and the University of Calcutta.

One important book he translated with Maulvi Wilayat Husain is called The Fatawa-i-Qazi Khan. It is a well-known Islamic law book. It covers topics like marriage, divorce, and the care of children. These books were widely used in Bengal and other schools in British India. They even led to new laws and education rules in many Islamic countries.