Faizul Hasan Saharanpuri
Faizul Hasan Saharanpuri was an Indian Islamic scholar, poet, and educator, known for his work in Arabic, Persian, and Urdu literature, as well as in logic, philosophy, and Islamic studies. Some of his famous students include Shibli Nomani, Syed Ahmad Khan, Khalil Ahmad Saharanpuri, Hamiduddin Farahi, and Altaf Hussain Hali.
Early life
Faizul Hasan was born in 1816 in Saharanpur into a family of landowners. His ancestry traced back to Qalandar Bakhsh Jurat, and he belonged to the Quraysh lineage, although his full genealogical record is not completely documented. He received instruction in Persian and Arabic from his father and, by the age of twenty, had gained recognition in logic, earning the title Faiz al-Hasan Mantaqi. He pursued advanced studies under several teachers: in Delhi, he studied foundational Islamic sciences with Sadr al-Din Azrada and hadith with Akhwan Vilayati, from whom he obtained the isnad ; in Rampur, he studied logic, literature, and philosophy under Fazl-e-Haq Khairabadi; and he also visited Lucknow to consult other scholars. Additionally, he studied Persian poetry with Maulana Sahbai and sought guidance in Urdu poetry from Mirza Ghalib. His education further included philosophical studies with Hakim Imam al-Din and spiritual instruction under Ahmad Saeed al-‘Umri al-Dehlawi.Career
After completing his studies, Saharanpuri taught for several years in northern India. He was invited by Syed Ahmad Khan to tutor his son, Syed Mahmood, and assist with translation work for the Scientific Society of India. He later served as a professor of Arabic at Oriental College, Lahore, where he also edited the monthly journal Shifa al-Sudur. He taught in Lahore for approximately fifteen to sixteen years, instructing students in Arabic literature, grammar, and composition.Among his notable students were Altaf Hussain Hali; Maulana Ismail Koli; Ahmad Uddin Lahori; Syed Al-Hasan Amrohi; Hamiduddin Farahi; Khalil Ahmad Saharanpuri; Khalil Ahmad Sambhali; Syed Ahmad Khan; Shibli Nomani; Quazi Zafaruddin Lahori; Abdul Jabbar Umarpuri; Abdullah Tonki; Muhammad bin Ahmad Tonki; Syed Muhammad Irfan Tonki; and Mushtaq Ahmad Ambethi.
Saharanpuri died in February 1887 from a snakebite in Lahore. In accordance with his wishes, his body was transported to Saharanpur for burial.
Works
Saharanpuri wrote in Arabic, Persian, and Urdu, producing works in logic, philosophy, literature, and Islamic studies. He also composed poetry under the pen names Faiz and Khiyali, reflecting classical Persian and Urdu literary traditions. He declined the honorary title Shams al-Ulama offered by Punjab University, demonstrating his preference to remain outside formal recognition. Left-handed in writing, his manuscripts were noted for their precision and careful composition.His notable works include: Halle Abyat Baizawi, Taaliqaat al-Jalalayn, Faizi Sharah Hamasa, Tohfa-e-Siddiqiya, Hashiya Diwan-e-Hassan bin Sabit, Riyaz-ul-Faiz Sharah Saba-al-Mualqat, Hashiya Diwan An-Nabigahatuz-Zubyani, Qamoos-ul-Faiz, Urooz-ul-Miftah, Dian-ul-Faiz, Sharah Tarikh Taimoori, Zau-ul-Mishkat Sharh-e-Mishkat, Khulasa Kitaab al-Maghazi, Quraaba Deen-e-Faizi, Naseem Faizi, Masnawi Roza Faiz, Masnawi Subhe Eid, Faizia, Ansaab wa Ayyam al-Arab, Majallatu Shifa us-Sudoor, Majallatun Nafaul Azeem, Faiziyatu fil-Urduwiya fi Usool al-Manazirah, Gulzaar-e-Faiz-e-Diwan, Chashma-e-Faiz, Tohfa-tul-Siddiqiya, Ous wa Khazraj Tasikh-ul-Qabilatain, Sineeh-ul-Islam, Waseelatu-Safas, Hashiyatul Aqd-ut-Tameen, Risala-e-Guldasta, and Qasaid-e-Qasmi.