Hakeemul Ummat

Hakeemul Ummat: Nuqoosh wa Tasurat (حکیم الامت: نقوش و تاثرات) is a biographical work about Ashraf Ali Thanwi, authored by Abdul Majid Daryabadi, stemming from their mentor-disciple dynamic. Focused on Thanwi's last phase from 1927 to 1943, covering 16 years, this work was first published by Darul Musannefin Shibli Academy in 1956. It is considered a masterpiece in the Urdu biography genre. The title of the book is derived from Thanwi's title, 'Hakeemul Ummat,' translating to the spiritual physician of the Muslims. Daryabadi was a disciple of Thanwi, establishing his connection with him after overcoming skepticism towards religion. In this work, Daryabadi presents Thanwi from a human perspective, based on personal meetings, experiences, and observations.

Foundation
Abdul Majid Daryabadi faced challenges in navigating a life shaped by his religious upbringing and English education, prompting a reevaluation of his established beliefs. Initially drawn to atheistic arguments, his encounters with Akbar Allahabadi and Mohammad Ali Jauhar had a lasting impact on him. His skepticism was shattered when he read the Quran in English, marking the beginning of a transformative journey guided by Ashraf Ali Thanwi and characterized by a critical analysis of contemporary Islamic ideologies.

Maintaining correspondence with Ashraf Ali Thanwi from 1927 to 1943, spanning sixteen years, Daryabadi, after Thanwi's demise in 1943, contemplated documenting the connections found in Thanwi's letters, leading to the creation of this book. The content draws from various sources, including topics sourced from the monthly magazine Al-Noor published in Thana Bhawan and excerpts from Sidq-i-Jadid. The objective of this compilation is to present reliable historical, literary, and religious information, presenting scholarly content. First published in 1956 by Darul Musannefin Shibli Academy and later reissued in 1967 from Lahore.

Elements and style
For composing biographies, a unique approach was taken—structuring chronological events through letters and personal details to capture moments, meetings, and influences within the mentor-disciple relationship. This approach covers diverse subjects like interpretation, hadith, jurisprudence, kindness, belief, wisdom, and literature, reflecting Ashraf Ali Thanwi's activities. The compilation includes Thanwi's responses to Daryabadi's inquiries, marked with symbols "Majid" and "Alif" for clarity. In the introduction, the author explains the rationale, highlighting his distinctive biographical style. The condensed writing style uses delicate hints, avoiding a detailed account of spiritual progress but capturing principles, experiences, and objectives during the last fifteen to sixteen years of Thanwi's life. Salahuddin notes a biographer's duty to impartially present information without passing judgment, assessing Daryabadi's adherence to this principle. Daryabadi's work deviates from conventional biography principles, focusing on knowledge, literature, religion, and social issues, reflecting Thanwi's human character. Early life details, birth, parents, marriage, and social aspects are omitted. Despite allegiance to Hussain Ahmed Madani instead of Thanwi, Daryabadi openly shared personal matters, seeking guidance.

Academic reception
Scholars from various academic backgrounds present insights into this book. Fauzia Khanam of Aligarh Muslim University regards it as a masterpiece in the biographical genre. Zubair Ahmad Siddiqui, also from Aligarh Muslim University, acknowledges its enduring recognition in literature. Ishtiaque Ahmad from Maulana Azad National Urdu University commends Daryabadi's writing style as eloquent, captivating readers with concise sentences. S. K. Salahuddin, linked to the University of Calcutta, appreciates the author's attempt in presenting life stages. Tahsin Firaqi, associated with Oriental College, views the work as a successful record of inner journey anecdotes, highlighting the author's commitment to authenticity.