Malik Muhammad Wasif (15 January 1929 – 18 January 1993), best known through his pen-name Wasif Ali Wasif, was a Pakistani teacher, writer, poet and Sufi figure.
The author of some 40 books, he is known for his aphorisms and short prose pieces and essays, often taken from his columns in Urdu newspapers, many of these books being collections of his speeches and public lectures, while he has also written poetry.
He was close to some of Pakistan's best-known intellectuals of his era such as Qudratullah Shahab, Ashfaq Ahmed and Hanif Ramay.
Early life and education Wasif was born to Malik Muhammed Arif into a family of the Awan clan on 15 January 1929 in Khushab, Punjab.
After getting his early religious education from his father, he matriculated from Government High School Khushab in 1944 before moving to Jhang, where his maternal grandfather was the headmaster of a Government High School, later graduating from Government Degree College Jhang. Moving to Lahore, he earned his MSc in Mathematics from Government Islamia College Civil Lines, Lahore and MA in English from Government College, Lahore (GC).
As a student, he was a good player of hockey and started writing for the GC magazine Ravi, in both Urdu and English.
Professional career In 1954, Wasif passed the Punjab Civil Service (PCS) examination but chose to become a teacher instead. After teaching in some private institutions for some time, he founded Lahore College for English (Lahore English College) near Anarkali in Lahore, in 1958.
Books This is a list of Wasif's books, both originals works as well compilations and translations: Shab Chiragh (Urdu poetry) 1978 Kiran Kiran Sooraj (Aphorism) 1983 The Beaming Soul (English version of Kiran Kiran Sooraj) 2008 Dil Darya Sumandar (Essays) 1987 Qatra Qatra Qulzum (Essays) 1989 Ocean in Drop (English version of Qatra Qatra Qulzam) 1989 Harf Harf Haqeeqat (Essays) 1994 The Truth Unveiled (English version of Harf Harf Haqeeqat) 2023 Bharay Bharolay (Punjabi poetry) 1994 Shab Raaz (Urdu poetry) 1994 Baat Say Baat (Aphorism) 1995 Segue of Spiritual Whispers (English version of Baat Se Baat) 2023 Gumnam Adeeb (Letters) 19?? Anonymous Writer (English version of Gumnam Adeeb) 2023 Mukalama (Dialogue, Speeches & Interview) 1990 Ziker-e-Habeeb (Na'tia poetry) 2004 Dareechay (Aphorism) 2004 Doors To The Insight (English version of Dareechay) 2022 WasifYat (Essays) 2013 Kulyat-e-Wasif Ali Wasif (Poetry) 2014 Aqwaal-e-Wasif Ali Wasif Ka Encyclopedia 2014 Guftgoo (Questions & Answers Series – 30 volumes) Guftgoo 1–5 (volume 1) 2015 Guftgoo 6–10 (volume 2) 2015 Guftgoo 11–15 (volume 3) 2015 Guftgoo 16–20 (volume 4) 2015 Guftgoo 21–25 (volume 5) 2015
References
Further notes
External links
WASIF ALI WASIF Official Website Wasif Khayal Magazine Dailytimes.com.pk: Seminar to commemorate Wasif Ali Wasif