Hossain Mahmud :
In the last part of 19th century a renaissance was being a crying need for the development of the Muslims of Indo-Pak-Bengal subcontinent in their vacant fields of political, religious, social and cultural life. Sharp on that crisis moment Syed Ismail Hossain Shiraji came and took the prominent part for rejuvenation of the Bengal Muslims.
This great man was born on 13th July, 1880 in Sirajganj, a subdivision of Pabna district in British India. His father’s name was Syed Abdul Karim and mother’s was Nurjahan Khanam. This literary figure passed his last breath in his own house Banikunja at the age of 51 on 17th July, 1931.
Syed Ismail Hossain Shiraji was born in such a period when the Indian sub-continent was under British rule. From boyhood he was unhappy seeing the British command over this sub-continent and the tragic condition of the backward Muslims in every part of their life. From that era he was determined to grow a better conscience in them. No sooner he started to penetrate a better renaissance ideology among the Muslims by writing articles, poems, novels and by delivering fiery speeches. In this way he dedicated his whole life for creating a higher consciouness about the rich ideology of the Muslims of this sub-continent. Keeping this aim in forefront he started to write on various periodicals and other magazines prominent at that time from his boyhood.
Anal Probaha, an anthology of poems of Syed Ismail Hossain Shiraji having infuriating verses was published in 1900. As soon as it was published, the young Muslims were encouraged with its heat and responded promptly. ‘The poems of Anal Probaha echoed the Muslims of that time to rise up from sleep and encouraged them for achieving liberation of the country. That time no other Muslim poet dared to write any verse for creating conscience of liberty among the Indians. But the valiant young Ismail Hossain Shiraji had done this heroic job. It was the first collection of poems dealing in verses of freedom of the Muslims of this region and a call for self-rule. The second edition of this anthology was published in 1908 (1315 Bengali year). The effects of these poems calling the youths for breaking the chain of slavery seemed very alarming to the rulers of that time in British India. Thinking this anthology as a threat to British rule, the British Government confiscated the ‘Anal Probaha’, in February, 1910. He was charged in a court of law for spreading verses of raze for liberation and of freedom. Thus, he was sentenced to suffer a rigorous punishment of 2 years’ imprisonment. He was the first poet, and a Muslim poet as well, in this Indo-Pak-Bengal sub-continent to receive any punishment of imprisonment for writing poems on liberation. What he first enlightened with the message of rebellion, later encouraged the pronounced rebel poet Kazi Nazrul Islam to write same rebellious poem like him. And, thus, Kazi Nazrul Islam later started to write on liberation.
Syed Ismail Hossain Shiraji got released from jail on May of 1912. That time Turkey became involved in Balkan war. Shiraji feeling the sense of World Muslim fraternity joined to a medical team organized by Indian Red Crescent and as a member of All-India Medical Mission he went to Turkey to help the Turk -Balkan war endangered destitutes on 5th December, 1912.
He returned from Turkey in July 1913. He attended in war field there. He sketched the live pictures in his book Turaska Bhromon (A journey to Turkey). Thus, in modern Bengali literature he became known as the first War Essay Writer. While he stayed there for seven months he learnt Turkish language. He delivered an enthusiastic exciting lecture in English at Bab-e-Ali in favour of the Turkish. News of this exciting lecture was printed in all Turk newspapers along with that time’s other renowned English newspapers. In the war field, he nursed the injured Turk warriors, and inspired them in their brave jobs by which he could earn a lot of fame from the Turk authority. The Turk Sultan, the 5th Mohammad awarded him the Gazi-e-Balkan and gave him hefty presentations. In this occasion he delivered a lecture in the Sultan’s Royal court in Turkish language which drew keen attention of the attendants. Later his description of participating in the Balkan War was recorded by the Turkish authority and lectures were preserved in Ankara Museum.
He extended his activities for the welfare and betterment of his nation in addition to his literary works. He was a great orator. He delivered many lectures in many remote areas of Bengal. Many people invited him in their public meetings that time, to listen his patriotic and nationhood lectures. In those gatherings he delivered lectures on religious peace and also called for self reliance and development of the then undeveloped Muslim community.
He was liked by the attendants for his wide voice, bold argument and of nice presentation of lecture. This is why the spectators listened to his lectures being spell bound. It is a remarkable matter that wherever he went to deliver speech, he used to establish there one boys’ or girls’ school, if not, even he tried.
Shiraji was an omnipotent spokesman on behalf of the Women Folk of that time. He wrote in his literary writings and cited in his speeches in well gesture and posture, about the heroic women of ancient Muslim history who are renowned for their valor. He realised it inevitable the raise of women folk for the nation’s renaissance. He also noted it that for the raise up of women their education and freedom is a must. He wrote an essay Stree Shiksha (Education of Women) for rising them ups. He gave importance to women education and social awareness. He was a prominent defender against the child marriage. He manifested vehement objections protesting the bad usage of child marriage in his poems. For inspiring the Muslim women folk of Bengal, he wrote a book mentioning the great achievements of the Turk Women; the title of which is Turkey Naree Jiban (Life sketch of Turk women). In this book he elaborated the life and dedications of Turk women and compared those with the life and position of Bengal women of that time.
Shiraji was fervent in fraternity of the world Muslim brotherhood. It was his fervent dream for the unity-solidarity-reunion of the Muslims of the world so that they could get back their past dignity, fame and power. He tried his best to uplift the Bengali backward Muslims and to run them in the mainstream of development oriented Muslim world. His desire was let the Bengal Muslims come forward with well education, come forward in trade and business management; by which let them be broad minded and obtain the wealth of the world. He started to stimulate the Muslims of that era in this region having the teachings of the Holy Quran in his one hand and having scientific lessons of the Science world in the other hand. He cited an instance in his ‘Turoska Bhromon’ (Tracel to Turkey), ‘Muslims will have to adopt the Quran on their right hand and the science on the left hand.’
Shiraji was away from all kinds of dirty deeds and kept his heart distant from all sorts of unholy thinking in his personal life. He arrived on earth with a widen mind of a free limitless sky and a free heart similar to an ocean. Through his whole 51 years of life he was straight forward and rigid to his principles. Even he left no stone unturned to help others involving his last resort. He was like the donor Hatem Tai to the poor and a shelter nest of the oppressed. Many poor meritorious students were well established taking aid from him which is unrecorded till today. He dedicated his every moment of whole life for a new awakening of the Bengal Muslims of that time. For which he is known as a fighting spirit, homogeneous lover, defendant of heritage, unstoppable activist, writer, magnificent orator, social leader and a renaissance reformer. These adjectives are rare to the other contemporary leaders of that time.
Ismail Hossain Shiraji did not live long. His movement in the field of literature was only of thirty-one years. The storm of renaissance and rebellion which rippled in his boyhood became a vehement torrential river at his later life. For these activities which is known as indigenous love he was aimed a rebellion to the ruling English administration. They left no stone unturned to harass him. But he didn’t move a single step far from his ideology. The English ruling class always treated him as a threat to the British rule and to the contrary he always treated them as exploiter and oppression group.
He wrote many books. During his lifetime he published 5 books on poem, 4 novels, 6 books with various article collections, one travel story, and two songs collections. During his lifetime total number of his publications was of 18 books. These are : poem books; Anal Probaho (The stream of fire, 1900), Uchchash (Surges, 1907), Nobo Uddipana (New Inspirations, 1907), Udbodhon (Inaugurations, 1908), Spain Bijoy Kavya (Poems of Spain victory, 1907); novels are Roynondini (Daughter of Roy, 1915), Tarabai (Tarabai, 1916), Firoza Begum (The Firoza Begum,1918 ), Nuruddin (Nuruddin, 1919), essay books; Spainio Musalman Shobbhyota (The Muslin civilization of Spain, 1907), Stree Shiksha (Learning for the wives, 1907), Swajati Prem (Love of the homogenious, 1909), Adab Kaida Shiksha (Learning of etiquette, 1914), Shuchinta (Good Thinking, 1916), Turkey Nari Jiban (The female life of Turkey, 1913), travelogue; Turaska Bhromon (A journey to Turkey ), Sangeet Sanjebonee (The songs of living, 1915), Premanjalee (A palm full love, 1916). In addition, his epic Mahashiksa Kavya ( Anthology of great history) was published by Bangla Academy in 2 volumes in 1969 and in 1971. An anthology of his 35 collected essays was published in 2013 which name is Probondho Sangroho (Collection of essays). Total 20 books were published written by him. Excluding those publications he has some unpublished scripts of which were published on famous periodicals of that time and some hand-written scripts. These are : Shuchinta vol. 1 & vol. 2 (Good Thinking, part 1 & part 2), Kara Kahinee (Story of jail), Muktir Bani (Anecdotes of Freedom), Bibidha Probandha (Articles on various subjects), Turaska Bhroman, 2nd vol. (A journey to Turkey, 2nd vol.), Turasker Diary (Diary of Turkey), Nabbya Turki (Neo-Turks), Syria Bhroman (Journey to Syria), Shudhanjalee (Sweet Offerings) Gourab Kahinee (Story of Pride), Kusumanjalee (Tender Offerings), Abey Hayat, Kabbya Kusumoddan (Garden of tender poetries) and Pushpanjalee (Offerings of Flower).
It is an established truth that his literary works showed the Muslim community a path to know themselves as a nation, and inspired them to rise up again on their own foot to find their own land. His poetries inspired the nation to win their freedom. Indeed, his articles taught the Muslim nation about their self esteem.
Analyzing all activities of Ismail Hossain Shirajee, it can be said safely that, he was the best pioneer of the Muslims and the first Muslim poet calling for liberty of them. He was the second famous historical novelist after Mir Mosharaf Hossain. He was the greatest Muslim orator and a glorious symbol of the Muslims of that time. Though he is not a history creator of time, but he was a real hero of an age. He had a remarkable role in the politics of that time. He played an important role for the independence of British India with a joint struggle of both the Hindus and the Muslims. On the other hand, he did no compromise for any reduction of rights from any corner in both social and political for the Muslims of Bengal. He conquered all intimidations and could overcome all temptations. He taught the Muslims to go ahead keeping head straight forward and smart. Let the Muslims of Bengal regain their past glorious pride and going forward, let them stand on the line of developed nations and countries- it was his dream throughout whole life. It was his clear dream from heart. A purist humanity and sympathy was dormant in his every manner. His tireless efforts could raise the dignity of the Muslims of that age high enough to get an independent land, the clamorous nation of that time could get an ambition and philosophy of truth and correctness about their religion. Shiraji could get the Muslims of that time rise from sleep. Now the Muslims in this area are having a peaceful and happy life which was the true dream of Ismail Hossain Shiraji. And here is the remarkable achievement of him.
He focused to the nation of their glorious past but did not ask them to go back. Rather, he inspired them to be educated by attaining the world’s modern knowledge and science. He was a sage who was dedicated to his own nation and at the same time he was the pioneer of Muslim renaissance in Bengal. These characteristics placed Ismail Hossain Shiraji. n
In the last part of 19th century a renaissance was being a crying need for the development of the Muslims of Indo-Pak-Bengal subcontinent in their vacant fields of political, religious, social and cultural life. Sharp on that crisis moment Syed Ismail Hossain Shiraji came and took the prominent part for rejuvenation of the Bengal Muslims.
This great man was born on 13th July, 1880 in Sirajganj, a subdivision of Pabna district in British India. His father’s name was Syed Abdul Karim and mother’s was Nurjahan Khanam. This literary figure passed his last breath in his own house Banikunja at the age of 51 on 17th July, 1931.
Syed Ismail Hossain Shiraji was born in such a period when the Indian sub-continent was under British rule. From boyhood he was unhappy seeing the British command over this sub-continent and the tragic condition of the backward Muslims in every part of their life. From that era he was determined to grow a better conscience in them. No sooner he started to penetrate a better renaissance ideology among the Muslims by writing articles, poems, novels and by delivering fiery speeches. In this way he dedicated his whole life for creating a higher consciouness about the rich ideology of the Muslims of this sub-continent. Keeping this aim in forefront he started to write on various periodicals and other magazines prominent at that time from his boyhood.
Anal Probaha, an anthology of poems of Syed Ismail Hossain Shiraji having infuriating verses was published in 1900. As soon as it was published, the young Muslims were encouraged with its heat and responded promptly. ‘The poems of Anal Probaha echoed the Muslims of that time to rise up from sleep and encouraged them for achieving liberation of the country. That time no other Muslim poet dared to write any verse for creating conscience of liberty among the Indians. But the valiant young Ismail Hossain Shiraji had done this heroic job. It was the first collection of poems dealing in verses of freedom of the Muslims of this region and a call for self-rule. The second edition of this anthology was published in 1908 (1315 Bengali year). The effects of these poems calling the youths for breaking the chain of slavery seemed very alarming to the rulers of that time in British India. Thinking this anthology as a threat to British rule, the British Government confiscated the ‘Anal Probaha’, in February, 1910. He was charged in a court of law for spreading verses of raze for liberation and of freedom. Thus, he was sentenced to suffer a rigorous punishment of 2 years’ imprisonment. He was the first poet, and a Muslim poet as well, in this Indo-Pak-Bengal sub-continent to receive any punishment of imprisonment for writing poems on liberation. What he first enlightened with the message of rebellion, later encouraged the pronounced rebel poet Kazi Nazrul Islam to write same rebellious poem like him. And, thus, Kazi Nazrul Islam later started to write on liberation.
Syed Ismail Hossain Shiraji got released from jail on May of 1912. That time Turkey became involved in Balkan war. Shiraji feeling the sense of World Muslim fraternity joined to a medical team organized by Indian Red Crescent and as a member of All-India Medical Mission he went to Turkey to help the Turk -Balkan war endangered destitutes on 5th December, 1912.
He returned from Turkey in July 1913. He attended in war field there. He sketched the live pictures in his book Turaska Bhromon (A journey to Turkey). Thus, in modern Bengali literature he became known as the first War Essay Writer. While he stayed there for seven months he learnt Turkish language. He delivered an enthusiastic exciting lecture in English at Bab-e-Ali in favour of the Turkish. News of this exciting lecture was printed in all Turk newspapers along with that time’s other renowned English newspapers. In the war field, he nursed the injured Turk warriors, and inspired them in their brave jobs by which he could earn a lot of fame from the Turk authority. The Turk Sultan, the 5th Mohammad awarded him the Gazi-e-Balkan and gave him hefty presentations. In this occasion he delivered a lecture in the Sultan’s Royal court in Turkish language which drew keen attention of the attendants. Later his description of participating in the Balkan War was recorded by the Turkish authority and lectures were preserved in Ankara Museum.
He extended his activities for the welfare and betterment of his nation in addition to his literary works. He was a great orator. He delivered many lectures in many remote areas of Bengal. Many people invited him in their public meetings that time, to listen his patriotic and nationhood lectures. In those gatherings he delivered lectures on religious peace and also called for self reliance and development of the then undeveloped Muslim community.
He was liked by the attendants for his wide voice, bold argument and of nice presentation of lecture. This is why the spectators listened to his lectures being spell bound. It is a remarkable matter that wherever he went to deliver speech, he used to establish there one boys’ or girls’ school, if not, even he tried.
Shiraji was an omnipotent spokesman on behalf of the Women Folk of that time. He wrote in his literary writings and cited in his speeches in well gesture and posture, about the heroic women of ancient Muslim history who are renowned for their valor. He realised it inevitable the raise of women folk for the nation’s renaissance. He also noted it that for the raise up of women their education and freedom is a must. He wrote an essay Stree Shiksha (Education of Women) for rising them ups. He gave importance to women education and social awareness. He was a prominent defender against the child marriage. He manifested vehement objections protesting the bad usage of child marriage in his poems. For inspiring the Muslim women folk of Bengal, he wrote a book mentioning the great achievements of the Turk Women; the title of which is Turkey Naree Jiban (Life sketch of Turk women). In this book he elaborated the life and dedications of Turk women and compared those with the life and position of Bengal women of that time.
Shiraji was fervent in fraternity of the world Muslim brotherhood. It was his fervent dream for the unity-solidarity-reunion of the Muslims of the world so that they could get back their past dignity, fame and power. He tried his best to uplift the Bengali backward Muslims and to run them in the mainstream of development oriented Muslim world. His desire was let the Bengal Muslims come forward with well education, come forward in trade and business management; by which let them be broad minded and obtain the wealth of the world. He started to stimulate the Muslims of that era in this region having the teachings of the Holy Quran in his one hand and having scientific lessons of the Science world in the other hand. He cited an instance in his ‘Turoska Bhromon’ (Tracel to Turkey), ‘Muslims will have to adopt the Quran on their right hand and the science on the left hand.’
Shiraji was away from all kinds of dirty deeds and kept his heart distant from all sorts of unholy thinking in his personal life. He arrived on earth with a widen mind of a free limitless sky and a free heart similar to an ocean. Through his whole 51 years of life he was straight forward and rigid to his principles. Even he left no stone unturned to help others involving his last resort. He was like the donor Hatem Tai to the poor and a shelter nest of the oppressed. Many poor meritorious students were well established taking aid from him which is unrecorded till today. He dedicated his every moment of whole life for a new awakening of the Bengal Muslims of that time. For which he is known as a fighting spirit, homogeneous lover, defendant of heritage, unstoppable activist, writer, magnificent orator, social leader and a renaissance reformer. These adjectives are rare to the other contemporary leaders of that time.
Ismail Hossain Shiraji did not live long. His movement in the field of literature was only of thirty-one years. The storm of renaissance and rebellion which rippled in his boyhood became a vehement torrential river at his later life. For these activities which is known as indigenous love he was aimed a rebellion to the ruling English administration. They left no stone unturned to harass him. But he didn’t move a single step far from his ideology. The English ruling class always treated him as a threat to the British rule and to the contrary he always treated them as exploiter and oppression group.
He wrote many books. During his lifetime he published 5 books on poem, 4 novels, 6 books with various article collections, one travel story, and two songs collections. During his lifetime total number of his publications was of 18 books. These are : poem books; Anal Probaho (The stream of fire, 1900), Uchchash (Surges, 1907), Nobo Uddipana (New Inspirations, 1907), Udbodhon (Inaugurations, 1908), Spain Bijoy Kavya (Poems of Spain victory, 1907); novels are Roynondini (Daughter of Roy, 1915), Tarabai (Tarabai, 1916), Firoza Begum (The Firoza Begum,1918 ), Nuruddin (Nuruddin, 1919), essay books; Spainio Musalman Shobbhyota (The Muslin civilization of Spain, 1907), Stree Shiksha (Learning for the wives, 1907), Swajati Prem (Love of the homogenious, 1909), Adab Kaida Shiksha (Learning of etiquette, 1914), Shuchinta (Good Thinking, 1916), Turkey Nari Jiban (The female life of Turkey, 1913), travelogue; Turaska Bhromon (A journey to Turkey ), Sangeet Sanjebonee (The songs of living, 1915), Premanjalee (A palm full love, 1916). In addition, his epic Mahashiksa Kavya ( Anthology of great history) was published by Bangla Academy in 2 volumes in 1969 and in 1971. An anthology of his 35 collected essays was published in 2013 which name is Probondho Sangroho (Collection of essays). Total 20 books were published written by him. Excluding those publications he has some unpublished scripts of which were published on famous periodicals of that time and some hand-written scripts. These are : Shuchinta vol. 1 & vol. 2 (Good Thinking, part 1 & part 2), Kara Kahinee (Story of jail), Muktir Bani (Anecdotes of Freedom), Bibidha Probandha (Articles on various subjects), Turaska Bhroman, 2nd vol. (A journey to Turkey, 2nd vol.), Turasker Diary (Diary of Turkey), Nabbya Turki (Neo-Turks), Syria Bhroman (Journey to Syria), Shudhanjalee (Sweet Offerings) Gourab Kahinee (Story of Pride), Kusumanjalee (Tender Offerings), Abey Hayat, Kabbya Kusumoddan (Garden of tender poetries) and Pushpanjalee (Offerings of Flower).
It is an established truth that his literary works showed the Muslim community a path to know themselves as a nation, and inspired them to rise up again on their own foot to find their own land. His poetries inspired the nation to win their freedom. Indeed, his articles taught the Muslim nation about their self esteem.
Analyzing all activities of Ismail Hossain Shirajee, it can be said safely that, he was the best pioneer of the Muslims and the first Muslim poet calling for liberty of them. He was the second famous historical novelist after Mir Mosharaf Hossain. He was the greatest Muslim orator and a glorious symbol of the Muslims of that time. Though he is not a history creator of time, but he was a real hero of an age. He had a remarkable role in the politics of that time. He played an important role for the independence of British India with a joint struggle of both the Hindus and the Muslims. On the other hand, he did no compromise for any reduction of rights from any corner in both social and political for the Muslims of Bengal. He conquered all intimidations and could overcome all temptations. He taught the Muslims to go ahead keeping head straight forward and smart. Let the Muslims of Bengal regain their past glorious pride and going forward, let them stand on the line of developed nations and countries- it was his dream throughout whole life. It was his clear dream from heart. A purist humanity and sympathy was dormant in his every manner. His tireless efforts could raise the dignity of the Muslims of that age high enough to get an independent land, the clamorous nation of that time could get an ambition and philosophy of truth and correctness about their religion. Shiraji could get the Muslims of that time rise from sleep. Now the Muslims in this area are having a peaceful and happy life which was the true dream of Ismail Hossain Shiraji. And here is the remarkable achievement of him.
He focused to the nation of their glorious past but did not ask them to go back. Rather, he inspired them to be educated by attaining the world’s modern knowledge and science. He was a sage who was dedicated to his own nation and at the same time he was the pioneer of Muslim renaissance in Bengal. These characteristics placed Ismail Hossain Shiraji. n
(The writer, a grandson of Syed Ismail Hossain Shiraji, is a senior journalist, an author and editor of many books and ex-editor of the children-juvenile monthly Sabuj Pata)
Translated by Ataturk Kamal Pasha
