A thread on a Scholar, an Activist and a Writer:

3 civil servants who aimed to transform Pakistan through reformed religion, activism and literature

1) A Scholar

Ghulam Ahmad Pervez 1903-85

also known as Sir Ghulam Pervez or Allama Pervez was a well-known Quranic Scholar who aimed to rationalize Quranic interpretation. Unsurprisingly, he was declared a fitna by religious clergy.

1.1 Under Wings of Iqbal

Iqbal personally patronized Talu e Islam magazine which was named after his famous poem. Pervez being its editor got the opportunity of working with both Iqbal and Jinnah. He, therefore, advocated the idea of Iqbal's Pakistan all his life.

1.2 Second Sir Syed

- Like Sir Syed he supported rationalistic interpretation of Quran. He would give naturalistic explanations to miracles discussed in Quran.

- Supported understanding Quran with translation or by learning Arabic

- Differentiated between Deen and Madhab

1.3 Quranic Scholar

- Left his job in 1955 to dedicate his life to Quranic teachings

- Known for his meticulous and rationalistic analysis of Quran

- Exposition of Quran has become his magnum opus

1.4 Legacy

-Author of more than dozen books with multiple volumes

-'Islam: A Challenge to Religion' has been touted as one of the most influential books in Pakistani history

-Website for his works http://www.parwez.tv 

-Youtube lecture series on Quran and Islam

2 An Activist

Masood Khaddarposh 1916-85

An ICS officer who took up the cause of the downtrodden and the neglected segments of our society. Was labelled as a communist and anti-religious for his activism.

2.1 Masood Bhagwan

After induction in ICS in 1941. He was posted to remote areas of Bombay Presidency. This exposed him to the plight of poor Bhil tribe. He extricated them from clutches of greedy moneylenders and won their appreciation in the form of title: Masood Bhagwan

2.2 Masood Hari

After appointment as DC Nawabshah in 1946 and member of Hari Commission, he closely witnessed exploitation of Haris at hands of Jagirdars.

He wrote famous Notes of Dissent to Hari Report and Indus Water Treaty which were not made public

2.3 Masud Khaddarposh

He came to be known as Khaddarposh because he wore locally woven Khaddar fabric for most part of life.

Simplicity and humility became his hallmark. He droped all pretensions of a CSP officer and adopted a common man's life style

2.4 Masood Son of Soil

-Zealous proponent of Punjabi language. Issued Punjabi magazine Haq Allah from Karachi.

-Formed 'Punjab Forum' and 'Group 83' for promotion of dying Punjabi language

-Masood Khaddarposh Trust MKT is a leading org today supporting Punjabi

3 A writer

Mukhtar Masood 1926-2017

An Aligarh alumnus, life-long admirer of Sir Syed and literary giant whose writing style has been termed as blend of Wasif Ali Wasif and Qudratullah Shahab. His writings are full of nuanced observations and subtle social critique.

1.1 Awaz e dost

This book consists of two chapters.

'Minar e Pakistan' in which its construction is uniquely discussed in context of other 'minars' and Pakistan's ideology.

Second chapter 'Qehat ur Rijal' discusses 13 personalities along with incisive analysis of society

1.2 Loh e Ayyam

Loh e Ayyam is a biographical account of MM's stint as an ambassador in RCD. He witnessed Iranian Revolution and how Iran's situation unfolded on daily basis.

Gripping and riveting account! This book would inspire a writer within you.

1.3 Safar naseeb & Harfe Shoq

Haven't read these 2 books yet. Heard a lot about stories mentioned in Safar naseeb.

Just read its Preface and you'll notice why MM is a best selling author and most importantly why does he have a loyal fan base among Pakistan's intelligensia

These 3 towering figures could not realize what they aimed for in their life-time. They were left alone. Let's not forget them. Their rich legacies can still inspire generations to come.

Moral: Do not let your jobs hamper your intellectual pursuits