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Academician Professor
Abdul Shakoor Rashad
The great scholar of Pashto Literature,
Researcher, Historian as well as Brilliant Writer and Poet of
Afghanistan and The Region
Written by: Dr. Tariq (Rashad).
Compiled & Updated By: Mohammad Hamed (Mutawazae).
BIRTH DATE AND FAMILY ROOTS
Academician Professor Abdul Shakoor Rashad was born in an
esteemed family on November 14th, 1921; right two years after
his country got its independence from the Great Britain (1919),
in Kandahar City, Bābaŗ’s Street. His family beside private
business was also interested in education and adding to their
knowledge. His late father Abdul Ghafoor Khan was a person who
used to keep himself up to date with that time's required
knowledge. Beside his mother language, Pashto, he spoke Persian,
Arabic, Urdu and English. His late grandfather Haji Mohammad
Ayaz Khan was a well known trader of his time. Ayaz Khan's
father was Mohammad Jan Khan and his father Naik Mohammad Khan
and his father was Saap Khan who owned 100, 000 golden coins.
Saap Khan was one of the closest colleagues of the new
Afghanistan's founder, Ahmad Shah Baba (Ahmad Shah Durani)
(1747-1773). This family was called kingmakers. As Noor Mohammad
Khan Bābaŗ 1 who was working as
income tax collecting officer and Gul Mohammad Khan Bābaŗ was
responsible for the financial affairs of the country. Gul
Mohammad Khan also had a family relation with King Ahmad Shah
Baba as King's grandson Crown Prince Zaman who later became king
after his father Temor Shah and was famous as Shah Zaman was his
son-in-law.
Lt. Abdul Ghafoor Khan played a great role in raising his son,
Abdul Shakoor Rashad. As Professor Rashad has mentioned in an
interview with Gorbat Magazine: "My first teacher was my father.
God bless him that he raised me but unfortunately he passed away
while I was (13) and I couldn't take full advantages of his
knowledge. But (69) year ago (Presently 73 years ago) I learned
English alphabet from my father and also some brief Arabic
books. I have learned some Persian books such Gulistan, Bustan
also from my father. Of course I had some other teachers too,
but my first teacher was my father". And also there was a paper
called "Afghanistan", which was published in Lahore. This paper
had a Pashto part and he used to study that as well.
PERSONALITY AND CHARACTERISTICS
Professor Rashad was living in northern side of Kabul City,
called Khair Khana Meena (Part one). In his small house he has a
huge guest room for his scholar friends, his students, friends
and his admirers.
Scholars, writers and thinkers from all Afghan tribes came to
see him, and seek his social, cultural and political advises on
daily bases. His guest room had the capacity of serving tea,
soft drinks for almost 50 people sitting on chairs, and
listening to his historical, social, cultural and political
advises on daily bases.
Professor Rashad had a smiling face and friendly attitude to all
his visitors, students and admirers.
The Afghan, Pakistani, Indian, Iranian and other regional
scholars including some Westerns diplomats and scholars used to
come to him and pay their love and respect from Professor
Rashad’s wide range of local and international knowledge, even
every and different ruling party members of Afghanistan valued
Professor Rashad’s wise advises for the benefits of
Afghanistan’s national interest.
Professor Rashad never compromised his basic principle for any
reason that is why Professor Rashad stays a very respectful
scholar of Afghanistan.
EDUCATION
Professor Rashad used to be an intelligent and smart student in
his school and soon he graduated in (1933) with the first grade
and in (1934), while he was (13) he was appointed as a teacher
in school and started his first career. He was famous as "young
teacher" and more interestingly even some of his students were
older than him.
In (1948) he went to India for further education and continued
his research in Pashto language. He wrote the book "Lodi
Pashtoons" consisting of (351) pages and beside that he learned
Hindi Languages and written (Dewanagary) in 6 months as well.
Academician Professor Rashad besides his native language
(Pashto) spoke fluent Persian, Arabic, Urdu, Hindi, Russian,
English and knowledge of Sanskrit, Japanese and other regional
languages and had written poems in Persian and Urdu languages as
well. But he has devoted all his life in study and research of
Pashto2 literature.
POLITICAL BELIEVES
Professor Rashad believed that all tribes of Afghan Society must
get united instead of separation of tribalism. He strongly
believed that Afghan must stay an Afghan and worked hard for
National Unity of Afghan dignity, which unfortunately some or
even most of the Afghan’s society so-called leaders encourages
the tribal values among Afghans and Professor Rashad rejected
this national division of the Great Afghan Society.
That is why his political theory had never been welcomed by
those Afghans who believe in separation of Afghan Nation.
POLITICAL ENDEAVOR
In (1946) he was appointed as Director of Kandahar City
Selection Committee and in (1947) he became Deputy Mayor of
Kandahar City.
In (1952) he was elected as a representative of "Weesh Zalmian"
3 (awaken youth) party from
Kandahar Province to the parliament. Weesh Zalmian was the first
party based on democratic principles in Afghanistan history. But
due to the opposition of Governor Abdul Ghani Khan and the
officials of that time, his vote box was confiscated by the
police from the election bureau.
Professor Rashad became a member of Weesh Zalmian while he was
(26). Even during Jihad (The Holy War) against Russians
(27/12/1979 – 15/02/1989) and Civil War in Afghanistan, he
always stayed in Kabul. He wrote some poems and articles
critical of the puppet regime4His
poems and articles were published by alias names for security
reasons in unrelated and independent newspapers in California,
Norway, Germany, India, Peshawar, Karachi, and other places. His
poems and articles were also published in Kabul until 1992 (when
Mujahedeen groups took control of Kabul and the civil war broke
out), which symbolically condemned the puppet regime and
encouraged the freedom movement in Afghanistan.
During the Taliban regime in a gathering, which was held to
condemn the Russian invasion of Afghanistan he clearly stated
that "I was a Weesh Zalmai and I am still and I will be. This
party (Weesh Zalmian) is the first party, which encouraged the
democratic values in Afghanistan" and shortly right after this
statement, he left the gathering.
From his poetry and articles we can judge that he spent his life
in opposition with the governmental officials because he could
have never accepted unfairness and atrocities in his country. He
also could not bear the invasion and occupation, and
installation of puppet regimes, which were always controlled by
the outside countries. He had always been a reformist and in
favor of moderate policies. He revealed his opposition in public
while he felt no serious danger and has stated his opposition in
secret in an oppressed situation. That is why he was
consistently under surveillance and watched and even threatened.
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS
In (195۷) he became a professional member of Pashto Tolana
(Pashto Academy) and Pashto teacher at the Faculty of Language
and Literature at the Kabul University and later became
Assistant Director of Pashto Tolana while he held his position
until his last breaths.
In (1961) he was appointed as a Pashto teacher in the Institute
of Eastern Research in St. Petersburg (Previous Lenin Grad) and
there he served for two and a half years. Later on he served
again at Kabul University in the Faculty of Language and
Literature as Professor and became the Chief of the Pashto
Department..
In (1978), after the coup he was the first retired, but always
kept close academic relations with the institutions, and never
had any relation with the radical regime of that time.
TRAVELLING
Beside all his social and political problems in his country, he
got the opportunity to travel to Japan, India, Pakistan, Yemen,
USA, Saudi Arabia, and some other countries but returned home
(Afghanistan), because he always preferred to stay in his
fatherland although he was facing with lots of difficulties in
his own country.
He lived in his country till the last day of his life, as he had
said “Everyone loves his country but I love my country to death,
I live in my country and will die in my country.”
PUBLICATIONS
Professor Rashad has written scientific and literature articles,
which had been translated in many other languages of the world.
He wrote his first poem in (1934) when he was only (13) and it
was published in (1938).
His first research article was published in (1941) in
Afghanistan.
Some collections of his poetry such as Mulhed Shahee, Tanzeem
Shahee and Talib Shahee, which were published, condemned that
time’s governmental policies.
His (59) books, prefaces and hundreds of articles, which have
been published, are as mentioned below:
1.
His poetry collection from
(1978) coup until (1992) Mulhed Shahee or Communist Shahee (infidel monarchy or
communist monarchy), condemned that time's governmental policies.
2.
From (1992) till (1996)
another poetry collection titled Tanzeem Shahee (partisan monarchy).
3.
After the fall of Taliban
another poetry collection called Talib Shahee (Talib Monarchy).
4.
Lodi Pashtoons first part
(351 pgs), published in 1958.
5.
Delhi in the Times of
Pashtoons, preface, published in 1960.
6.
Three Stories of Lev Tolstoy
(Pashto Translation), published in 1961.
7.
Pashto Textbook for Grade
11, published in 1961.
8.
Pashto Textbook for Grade
12, published in 1961.
9.
Hindi Poetry of De Ameer
Khesraw Dehlawi, published in 1974.
10.
The Words of Khair-ul-Bayan
preface, published in 1974.
11.
Three Articles on
Khair-ul-Bayan Preface, published in 1974.
12.
Preface on Dawlat Lawani's
Collection, published in 1974.
13.
Preface on some poems of
Wasel Roshani and correction, published in 1974.
14.
Panini, Ashet Adheyaee Au Pe
Hagha ke Pashto Kalemi (Pashto words in the Panini, Ashet Adheyaee), published
in 1975.
15.
Preface on the Pashto
Translation of Geet anjeli (written by Rabandranat Tagor, 104 pgs), published in
1975.
16.
Preface on the Pashto
Translation of Taj (written by Rabandranat Tagor), published in 1975.
17.
Preface on Golden State
Dictionary, published in 1977.
18.
Preface on Gulshani Roh (192
pgs), published in 1977.
19.
Preface on some poems of
Ahmad Shah Baba with Explanations, published in 1978.
20.
Ahmad Shah Baba's Poetry
Collection (Ghor Chan) published in 1978.
21.
Badee (the branch of
rhetorics that deals with the aesthetical aspects of Pashto Poetry) for Teacher
Training, published in 1980.
22.
Pashto Translation of Ibne
Seena Makkharej Alhuroof.
23.
History of Pashto Tajweeds
(74 pgs), published in 1980.
24.
Preface on names of God
(Asmaul Husna'a), published in 1980.
25.
Mia Omar of Tsamkani,
published in 1981.
26.
Preface on Poetry of Haji
Juma Barakzai and wordlist, published in 1982.
27.
A Few Words on Afghanistan
and British-India, published in 1982.
28.
Dictionary of Pata Khazana
(Hidden Treasurs), published in 1983.
29.
About Zafar Nama Akbari and
It’s Poet, published in 1986.
30.
The Bloody Event of Qesa
Khwani, published in 1988.
31.
Ten Articles, published in
1988.
32.
Sobahash Chandrabos
published in 1989.
33.
Da Zŗa Weini (Heart Blood),
Poetry Collection, published in 1991.
34.
Da Afghanistan Badi Wrazi
(Hard Days on Afghanistan),
Poetry Collection, published in 1994.
35.
Loolapa Peghla (Burning
Girl), Poetry Collection, published in 1995.
36.
Korosh Khoon Asham (Korosh’s
blood-thirsty), Poetry Collection, published in 2000.
37.
Da Pashtano Ghamiza
(Pashtoon's Sorrow), Poetry Collection, published in 2001.
38.
Khashmedalae Amrica
(American rag), Poetry, published in 2002.
39.
Da Taodoweino Hamam
Afghanistan (Warm bloody bath in Afghanistan), Poetry, published in 2003.
40.
Da Wāda
Kaley Karbala So, etry Collection, published
in 2003.
41.
Collection of Interviews
about Historical Geography of Afghanistan, Part 1, published in 2004.
42.
To be misleads (Historical
and Literatural), Part 1, published in 2004.
43.
Handless Woman (Translation
of Lev Tolstoy), published in 2004.
44.
Great Ahmad Shah Baba in
opinion of people, by academy of Afghanistan, published
in 1991.
45.
Ronee Oshki (Bright Tears)
collection of poems (120 pgs).
46.
Da Gulano Geedey (The bunch
of flowers), 46 pgs.
47.
Da Baenawa Yad, 45 pgs.
48.
Adabi Nasruna (Literatures
Prose), 61 pgs.
49.
Da Karnamoo Mairmani (The
Heroines), 68 pgs.
50.
Nisabul Subian,
Preface, 1982, 15 pgs.
51.
Fawayede Faqeerullah,
Suspensions and Vocabulary, 81 pgs, 1980.
52.
About Pashto Japanese
Dictionary.
53.
Verification,
Annotation and Suspensions on Pashto translation of Hayyati Afghani.
54.
Preface, Vocabulary
and Suspensions of Halnama.
55.
Prosodic Side of Pata
Khazana.
56.
Preface of Tarekh – e
– Sayyah Maseh.
57.
Preface of Zaman Shah
and Sultan Tepo.
58.
Pashtoon Poets (third
edition).
59.
Preface on Tabeenul
Wajebat of Mulla Abdul Baqi.
His unpublished works
1.
Peshtana Shua'ara Pa Urdu Ke
(Pashto Poets in Urdu): this book is the introduction of (383) Pashtoon Poets
who have written poems in Urdu (850 pgs).
2.
Peshtana Shua'ara Pa Farsi
Ke (Pashto Poets in Farsi): this book is the introduction of (200) Pashtoon
Poets who have written poems in Farsi (700 pgs).
3.
Aya? (An aux. Word used for
questions): this book indicates all common mistakes made in Pashto and Farsi
Literature (500 pgs).
4.
Notes on Pashtoon clans and
tribes, (670 pgs).
5.
Mustashreqeen
(Orientalists), in this book, (200) scholars who have conducted research on
East, Afghanistan, Pashto
and Farsi are introduced (540 pgs).
6.
Amin-ul-Mulk Gul Mohammad
Khan Ghorya Khel Babeŗ and his family who is grandfather of him (240 pgs).
7.
National Hero, Ghazi Mohammad Akbar Khan (230 pgs).
8.
Sori Pashtoons (400 pgs).
9.
Ghalib Jang Ghazi Nawab
Ahmad Khan Bangash and his family (190 pgs).
10.
Kandahar School Textbooks
(400 pgs).
11.
Hazrat-e-Abu Baker Seddiq
(230 pgs).
12.
Pashto words in Old Persian
and Awesta (this was written for Masters Degree in the Kabul University) (380
pgs).
13.
Kandahar Ziaratoona (Holy
Sites) (700 pgs).
14.
Literature Dictionary (in 6
editions, 1st edition 1200
pgs, 2nd edition 630
pgs, 3rd edition 1250 pgs, 4th edition 600 pgs, 5th
edition 650 pgs, 6th edition 120 pgs).
15.
Pashtana Musnifein (Pashtoon
Authors) (in 3 editions, 1st edition 1000 pgs, 2nd edition
760 pgs, 3rd edition 580 pgs).
16.
Geographical Notes (in 2
editions, 1st edition 800 pgs and 2nd edition 360 pgs).
17.
Kandahar Historical Notes
(in 2 editions, 1st edition (970 pgs) is about Kandahar before the
Mughuls and 2nd edition (1040 pgs) is about Kandahar after Mughuls).
18.
The Ahmad Shah Era Heroes,
in 2 editions, 1st edition (500 pgs) is about Ahmad Shahi Shahnami
Tahliqat and the 2nd edition is about except Ahmad Shahi Shahnami
other heros (420 pgs)).
19.
Pashtoon Famous Men (in 3
editions, 1st edition 150 pgs, 2nd edition 200 pgs and the
3rd edition was under work as Prof. Rashad passed away).
20.
Da Tareeqat Shajaree: This
book explains the religious schools or ways, which are famous in Afghanistan and
among Pashtoons (200 pgs).
21.
Nasabi Shajaree (Family
Trees), in 5 editions, 1st edition (270 pgs) is about the famous and
influential Pashtoon families in India, 2nd edition (90 pgs) is about
Sadozaee Kings, Princes and dignitaries, 3rd edition (185 pgs) is
about Mohammadzaee Kings, Princes and Dignitaries, 4th edition is
about general Pashtoon tribes and clans and the 5th edition is also
about general Pashtoon tribes (120 pgs).
22.
100 Proverbs in seven
languages: this book is written in 4 editions and these proverbs are written in
Pashto, Persian, Arabic, English, Russian, Urdu and Turkish languages.
23.
2000
Russian Proverbs in Pashto, this book is written in 4 editions, the 1st
edition has 365 pgs, the 2nd edition has 450 pgs, the 3rd
edition has 420 pgs and the 4th edition has 425 pgs.
24.
Da Khoshal Farhang: in 7
editions, 1st Teb Nama "medical guide" (400 pgs), 2nd
Baznama (Hawks guide (260 pgs)), 3rd Rubayat au Qeta'at (quatrains
and pieces) "poetry" (280 pgs), 4th Dastarnama "rules and customs of
the tribe" (480 pgs), 5th Ghazalyat au Qasa'ed "poetry" (520 pgs), 6th
Ghazalyat au Qasa'ed (320 pgs), 7th Ghazalyat au Qasa'ed (lyrics and
odes poetry (360 pgs)).
25.
Da Pati Khazanee (Hidden
Treasure) Dictionary, 2nd edition (400 pgs).
26.
Gulshane Roh Mini Dictionary
(800 pgs).
27.
About
Dictionaries: this book (560 pgs) explains all dictionaries of eastern languages
as follows:
·
Pashto
Dictionaries in Alphabet Order.
·
Persian
Dictionaries in Alphabet Order.
·
Arabic
Dictionaries in Alphabet Order.
·
Turkish
Dictionaries in Alphabet Order.
·
Indian
Dictionaries in Alphabet Order.
28.
Badee (the branch of
rhetorics of Pashto Poetry) in 750 pages.
29.
Bayan (rhetoric) in 500 pgs.
30.
Qafia (Rhyme or rime) in 650
pgs.
31.
Urooz (Prosody) in 4
editions, 1st 1130 pgs, 2nd edition in 368 pgs, 3rd
edition in 440 pgs and 4th edition in 95 pgs.
32.
Ma'ani (the branch of
rhetoric, rhetoric meaning) in 650 pgs.
33.
Naqd (comments and critics
on literature) About Pashto, Persian and Arabic literatures in scientific
sections, 500 pgs.
34.
School Dictionary (this
dictionary is about the vocabulary used in school textbooks consisting of some
6000 words explanations).
35.
Gulshane Roh ke da Babu Jan
Muntakhabat Naser na dai, written for PHD degree. (The Babu Jan Selections in
Gulshan Roh are not prose (240 pgs)).
36.
La'ala (Tulip), Collection
of poems (150 pgs).
37.
Forty Published Hadis
"Particularly the sayings of Prophet Mohammad (PBUOH).
38.
Da Muhabbat Naghmee (Lovely
melodies), collection of poems (150 pgs).
39.
Nim did (unfinished
meeting), collection of poems.
40.
Five collections of poems, 1st
collection 62 pgs, 2nd collection 50 pgs, 3rd collection
126 pgs, 4th collection 62 pgs and the 5th collection 180
pgs.
41.
Shamsul-Kofat-e-Khwaja
Bozorg Ahmad ben Hassan Meimandi (105 pgs) incomplete.
42.
Former President Martyr
Mohammad Dawood Khan (60 pgs) incomplete.
43.
King Amanullah Shah Ghazi.
44.
100 words (old words).
45.
The grammar of Sanskrit
Language (740 pgs).
46.
The grammar and information
about Japanese Language this book is in 2 editions, 1st has 130 pgs
and the 2nd has 165 pgs.
47.
The grammar of Russian
Language, this book is in 2 editions, the 1st has 160 pgs and the 2nd
has 170 pgs.
48.
Pa Pashto ke Munazaree
(debate in Pashto) 75 pgs.
49.
Alefnamai (85 pgs).
50.
Prosodic system in Pashto
poems (Pa Pashto Nazam ke Uroozi system) (450 pgs).
51.
Poems kinds in Pashto
Language (290 pgs).
52.
Sabk-pezhandana (literatural
styles or Methodology) 200 pgs.
53.
Irrelevant misleads in
Doran’s Pashto Dictionary.
54.
To be Misleads in Pashto,
Dari and Arabic books.
55.
Pashto Nakluna au Pashto
Qesee (Pashto stories and fables).
56.
Some literatural speeches
(200 pgs).
57.
Da Japan Safarnama (Log
about Japan) (90 pgs).
58.
Da America Safarnama (Log
about America) (100 pgs).
59.
Da Yemen Safarnama (Log
about Yemen) (135 pgs).
60.
Baretsi Pashtana (Baretsi
Pashtoons) (120 pgs).
61.
Participant Ayub Khan,
incomplete.
62.
Barmakies (Barmakyan) (22
pgs) incomplete.
63.
Old Persian (50 pgs).
64.
Memorandum of Sociology (120
pgs).
65.
Pashtoon Poets in Arabic
Language, incomplete.
66.
Clerks of Pashto Books (120
pgs).
67.
Suspensions (60 pgs).
68.
Suryanie’s Ode (40 pgs).
69.
Memorandum about Khushal
Khan (100 pgs).
70.
Nawab Hafiz Rahmat Khan
Bareatsey and his family.
71.
Arabic grammar (120 pgs).
72.
Sn’t Shaykh Qasim Sulaimani
(120 pgs).
73.
Incomplete script about
Tohfat-ul-Qasimi.
74.
Pronunciation of some words
in Khoast,
Zadran, Tani and Gurbez dialects, incomplete.
75.
Five books of different
memorandums, (around 600 pgs).
76.
Suspension of Kabul war,
written by Qasim Ali Dehlawi, incomplete.
77.
Pradi Dodoona (others
traditions), 20 pgs.
78.
Words of “Fawayedi Dawa”,
(150 pgs).
79.
Wahdatul
Wujood, (40 pgs).
80.
Raqoom Nawesee.
Professor Rashad's unpublished books and
research articles add up to 80 (Edition wise 116) and his published books are
only (59). His hundreds of short articles and poems are also published in
different periodicals in different times.
Family
Professor Rashad has left (4) sons and (5) daughters. His oldest son is Prof.
Khaled Rashad who is a surgery specialist and has a private clinic and two
Lunatic Asylums in Shimada City, Japan, Dr. Tariq Rashad, his second son, lives
in Netherlands, Eng. Sher Shah Rashad also lives in Japan and his fourth son is
Ahmad Shah Rashad who is a graduate of Literature Faculty, Pashto Section,
presently resides in Los Angeles, USA. His youngest daughter Drs. Marghalara
Rashad lives along with her family in Japan and Professor Rashad’s other (4)
daughters along with his wife live in Afghanistan.
His two daughters Mrs. Najiba Rashad and Koko Rashad are also writing poetry and
some of their poems are published in some periodicals.
Regional and Global Respect of Professor Rashad
According to his talent, interest, efforts and studies, Academician Professor
Rashad has been recognized as a prominent scholar and teacher. Pashto Literature
expert and historian late Candidate Academician and Researcher Mohammad Seddiq
Rohi writes about Professor Rashad: "Due to his knowledge and experience in
history, literature, and word analysis, Professor Rashad has been designated as
(Respected Teacher). His vast knowledge and strong memory impress his
listeners".
Professor Rashad who died (83) years old, has devoted most of his life to the
moral side of his life, indiscriminately to all of Afghans and Non-Afghans human
being equally, which concentrated on study and research of Pashto literature and
history. His friends were his pen and books and he had been living them so far.
At the time he passed away he was the only source of troubleshooting in areas of
Pashto and Persian classic literature. Professor Rashad was not famous due to
his knowledge only but also because he had an outstanding character that was
beloved among the entire Nation.
=================================================
1= Note: Brief introduction of the
Bābaŗ Tribe. Ref: {Tauarikh – e – Khurshid – e – Jahan, written
by: Sher Mohammad Gandapor.} .
2= Pashto is the language of the
large percentage (65 %) of the people of Afghanistan and this
language is also spoken in Pakistan, India and other parts of
the world. Ref: “The Pattans” written by: Sir Alof Karo. .
3= Brief description of the
movement of “Weesh Zalmian”, which started from Kabul (946).
Ref: “Weesh Zalmian is a political movement” (1946 – 1973)
written by: Mohammad Alam Batsarki. .
4= The Ex – Soviet invasion of
Afghanistan Dec 27th, 1979. . |