Professor Bashir Ahmed Nahvi: The Quintessential Iqbalian Scholar

Professor Bashir Ahmed Nahvi: 

The Quintessential Iqbalian Scholar

Dr Basharat Khan 

یقیں محکم عمل پیہم محبت فاتح عالم 

جہاد زندگانی میں ہیں یہ مردوں کی شمشیریں

(علامہ اقبال) 

In the year 1957, amid the serene tranquility of Bijbehara, Professor Bashir Ahmad Nahvi entered the world, greeted by the wonders it held in store. His odyssey toward enlightenment began humbly within the modest confines of a local government school, where the fertile seeds of knowledge were first planted. However, beneath his unassuming guise lay treasure trove of literary excellence, an ancestral legacy passed down through generations of forebears.

His father, Maulana Ghulam Hassan Nahvi, was a distinguished poet and orator of his era, cast a radiant glow upon his lineage, his words resonating like melodic symphonies in the hearts of listeners. The ink of his pen birthed the poetic collection known as "Armugani Nahvi," a testament to his mastery of verse and the art of rhetoric. 

Adding to this illustrious lineage was Professor Nahvi's grandfather, Maulana Ghulam Mustafa, whose literary opus, the voluminous "Tareekh Ul Anbiya," unfolded like a timeless epic, spanning the vast expanse of Kashmiri language with near forty thousand couplets spread across eight volumes, a saga of unparalleled depth and resonance.

Steeped in the serene anbience of GDC Boys Anantnag, Professor Nahvi found himself under the tutelage of luminaries like Professor Laeeq Ahmad Quraishi and Shoreeda Kashmiri, their wisdom shaping his intellect and guiding his path. 

Embarking on a journey of higher learning, he pursued his Masters in Urdu language at the prestigious University of Kashmir before finding solace and enlightenment at the revered Iqbal Institute of Culture and Philosophy University of Kashmir.

Under the discerning mentorship of Professor Ale Ahmad Suroor, a luminary in the realm of Urdu literature, Professor Nahvi digged deeper into the labyrinthine depths of academia, emerging with the degrees of M Phil and Phd adorning his brow. His professional odyssey led him to the illustrious halls of Doordarshan Kendra Srinagar, where he collaborated with luminaries like Mazhar Imam and Farooq Nazki, crafting narratives that resonated with the soul of the nation.

In the year 1989, the corridors of Kashmir University welcomed him as a lecturer in the Department of Urdu, where he nurtured the minds of future scholars with his boundless wisdom and passion for knowledge. A decade later, he returned to the embrace of the Iqbal Institute of Culture and Philosophy, this time as a reader, ascending to the esteemed position of Director, a mantle he wore with grace for fifteen illustrious years.

Beneath his tutelage, the Institute blossomed into a bastion of intellectual discourse, where seminars echoed with the symphony of enlightened debate and conferences served as crucibles of innovation. Countless books and research projects bore witness to his unwavering commitment to the pursuit of knowledge, while his presence graced national and international seminars with the brilliance of his insights.

نگہ بلند سخن دل نواز جاں پرسوز 

یہی ہے رخت سفر میر کارواں کے لیے

(علامہ اقبال)

 

With "Iqbaliyat" and its allied subjects as his guiding lights, Professor Nahvi's tenure as the Dean of the School of Arts and Director of the South Campus illuminated the path for countless souls seeking enlightenment.

Since 1950, the promotion of "Iqbaliyat" in Jammu and Kashmir has brought recognition to key figures in knowledge and art, who embrace historical reality with scholarly and literary credibility. Allama Iqbal's ideas are cherished as a rich source of intellectual, artistic, scientific, and literary endeavors within Iqbaliyat. Professors Ale Ahmad Saroor, Jagannath Azad, Muhammad Amin Andrabi, and Professor Bashir Ahmad Nahvi are praised for their significant contributions in this field. Their academic and literary influence in the realm of Iqbaliyat is widely acknowledged globally. Notably, the efforts of Professors Ale Ahmad Saroor and Jagannath Azad have played a crucial role in promoting Iqbaliyat and fostering a unified understanding of Iqbal's philosophy in Jammu and Kashmir. Dr. Muhammad Asadullah Wani's article, "A Review of Iqbaliyat in Jammu and Kashmir," underscores how their expertise has sparked a renewed interest in Iqbal among the educated class, igniting a new wave of consciousness and enthusiasm.

Professor Bashir Ahmad Nahvi exemplifies the ideals, principles, and depth of thought associated with Dr. Allama Iqbal. He not only possesses a profound understanding of Allams Iqbal's philosophy and vision but also actively engages in promoting his work. He embodies the essence of Iqbal's teachings and contributes significantly to the study, interpretation, and dissemination of his works, thereby inspiring others to hunt deeper into Iqbal's intellectual legacy.

Professor Nahvi's literary legacy is rich and diverse, encompassing both authorship and editorial roles. As an author, he has contributed significant works such as Iqbal: Afkar-o-Ahwal, Mehsoosat (Muntakhib Mazameen), Masa'il Tasawwuf aur Iqbal, Iqbal: Urfan ki Awaz, Iqbal: Eik Tajziyah, Tareekh al-Ambiya (in three parts), Gulshan-e-Ma'safa, and Armaghan-e-Nahvi. These publications digs deeply into various aspects of Iqbal's philosophical and literary endeavors, reflecting Professor Nahvi's profound understanding and scholarly insight.

Besides his authored works, Professor Nahvi has also played a crucial role as an editor, overseeing publications such as Iqbal: Ek Tajziyah, Nafahat-e-Iqbal,Fikr Azad, Ehsas-o-Adrak, Yadshuridah Kashmiri, Yad Khawaja Muhammad Amin, Iqbal's Multiformity, and Iqbal's Idea on Self. Through these edited volumes, Professor Nahvi has curated and refined the writings of esteemed scholars, preserving and disseminating their invaluable contributions to the understanding of Allama Iqbal's philosophy and legacy.

Dr. Bashir Nahvi's book "Masail Tasawwuf Aur Iqbal" thoroughly explores the connection between Sufism and Allama Iqbal's journey, a topic extensively examined by scholars and Sufis globally. This subject, both captivating and intricate, significantly influences Iqbal's intellectual and poetic endeavors. Allama Iqbal intricately investigates various aspects of Sufism through his poetry and prose, providing detailed insights steeped in tradition. 

Professor Nahvi's work expands on diverse theoretical aspects of Sufism, particularly focusing on theories of existence and observation, while also presenting the profound perspectives of scholars and Sufis. Moreover, it critically assesses Allama Iqbal's occasional reactions to Sufism, shedding light on his preferences and motivations. Consequently, the book offers valuable insights into the specific Sufi groups or branches revered by Iqbal, along with the reasons behind hisadmiration. 

Throughout the text, Professor Nahvi aims to clarify the factors guiding Iqbal's passionate responses to Sufism, ensuring a thorough exploration of the subject.

"Armaan-e-Nahvi" is a compilation of succinct poetic verses of his father Gh Hassan Nehvi comprising couplets and diverse poetic compositions. It features insights from scholars, intellectuals, and religious leaders, illuminating various facets of poetry and personality.

Dr. Reyaz Ahmad Tawheedi Kashmiri highlights "Masail Tasawwuf" by Professor Bashir Ahmad Nahvi as a significant contribution to Iqbaliyat and Islamic mysticism. Written in a clear style, the book explores essential aspects of Sufism and debunks misconceptions using scholarly research and insights from esteemed Sufi figures. Professor Nahvi also underscores Allama Iqbal's deep investigation of universal Sufi principles, showcasing his lifelong commitment to interpreting them through his art and intellect.

Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Ganai lauds Professor Bashir Ahmad Nahvi as a beacon of scholarly excellence and intellectual prowess, highlighting his unwavering dedication to preserving the legacy of Allama Iqbal. Professor Nahvi's influence extends widely across academic circles. His tenure as the Director of South Campus and Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Kashmir University reflects his commitment to advancing education and literature. Through mentoring numerous Ph.D. scholars, including a notable number of female researchers, Pro Nahvi has made a significant impact in research on Iqbaliyat nationwide. Under his guidance, a new generation of scholars is actively exploring various dimensions of Iqbal's philosophical legacy, ensuring its enduring relevance for generations to come.

یہ ہے خلاصۂ علم قلندری کہ حیات 

خدنگ جستہ ہے لیکن کماں سے دور نہیں

(علامہ اقبال)

Professor Bashir Ahmad Nahvi's profound influence is marked by his unwavering dedication to mentorship, academic excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, global outreach, and ethical reflection.Through his visionary leadership and profound commitment, he leaves an indelible imprint on the scholarly community, ensuring the perpetual relevance and resonance of Iqbal's ideas for future generations of scholars. His legacy serves as a testament to the transformative power of mentorship and scholarship, shaping the trajectory of intellectual inquiry and contributing to the profound advancement of knowledge across diverse domains.

The author is a writer, translator, columnist and critic. He can be reached here