Legends-Abdul Aziz Al-Memony

Among the scholars of international repute, Allama Abdul Aziz Al-Memony's name ranks foremost. This world famous religious scholar, whom even the Arabs called "Ustad" (teacher) has not received due recognition from his own community or country. But he has been adequately recognised by the Arab world. It may be due to the fact that the Allama had complete command of Arabic language, Grammar and Usage and most of his work is in Arabic, which has endeared him more to the Arab world than his own countrymen and community. His mastery of the Arabic language stunned even the Arab scholars who sought his guidance in the subject. His books, written in Arabic, have been included in the curriculum of various Arab Universities including the famous Jamia Al Azhar of Egypt.

At the age of 12, the Allama went to Delhi from his birth place Rajkot, in Kathiawar and became a pupil of the noted scholar and interpreter of Qur'an and hadith, Mian Nazeer Hussain Dehlavi. He also studied under the guidance of Deputy Nazeer Ahmed. For higher studies he went to Amroha and Rampur and learned ancient philosophy and logic from Maulana Muhammad Tayyab Makki of Madrassa Aliya, Rampur passing his Munshi Fazil with distinction from Punjab University. He was selected for lectureship in Arabic and Persian at Edward Mission College, Peshwar. Later on, he was appointed Professor of Arabic at Oriental College, Lahore, and was an associate of Allama lqbal. Allama Memony was made Dean of Arabic and Persian Department. He authored simple translations of Arabic text books for which he received Maulvi Fazil. In 1925, he was appointed Reader of Arabic at Aligarh Muslim University - the first non-European to be appointed to this post. Here he wrote about 30 thought-provoking books which were all printed in Egypt and Syria. These books are highly rated in Arabic literature.

In 1928, the Allama received Fellowship from Arabic Academy of Damascus and subsequently the Egyptian Academy also offered him Fellowship, both of which were the highest honour for the experts of Arabic researchers and scholars.

At the insistence of Mr. Mumtaz Hassan, the Allama accepted the honorary Directorship of Central Institution of Islamic Research when Arabic Department was established in Karachi University. And at the request of the Vice Chancellor, Professor A.B.A. Haleem, he became the Head of the Arabic Department. He also offered his services to the Arabic Department of Punjab University for two years and later on, he was made the Head of Arabic Department in Oriental College.

Due to his old age, he could not continue as a full time professor and offered his service as Professor Emeritus at Karachi University and Sindh University. The Egyptian, Saudi

Among the scholars of international repute, Allama Abdul Aziz Al-Memony's name ranks foremost. This world famous religious scholar, whom even the Arabs called "Ustad" (teacher) has not received due recognition from his own community or country. But he has been adequately recognised by the Arab world. It may be due to the fact that the Allama had complete command of Arabic language, Grammar and Usage and most of his work is in Arabic, which has endeared him more to the Arab world than his own countrymen and community. His mastery of the Arabic language stunned even the Arab scholars who sought his guidance in the subject. His books, written in Arabic, have been included in the curriculum of various Arab Universities including the famous Jamia Al Azhar of Egypt.

At the age of 12, the Allama went to Delhi from his birth place Rajkot, in Kathiawar and became a pupil of the noted scholar and interpreter of Qur'an and hadith, Mian Nazeer Hussain Dehlavi. He also studied under the guidance of Deputy Nazeer Ahmed. For higher studies he went to Amroha and Rampur and learned ancient philosophy and logic from Maulana Muhammad Tayyab Makki of Madrassa Aliya, Rampur passing his Munshi Fazil with distinction from Punjab University. He was selected for lectureship in Arabic and Persian at Edward Mission College, Peshwar. Later on, he was appointed Professor of Arabic at Oriental College, Lahore, and was an associate of Allama lqbal. Allama Memony was made Dean of Arabic and Persian Department. He authored simple translations of Arabic text books for which he received Maulvi Fazil. In 1925, he was appointed Reader of Arabic at Aligarh Muslim University - the first non-European to be appointed to this post. Here he wrote about 30 thought-provoking books which were all printed in Egypt and Syria. These books are highly rated in Arabic literature.

In 1928, the Allama received Fellowship from Arabic Academy of Damascus and subsequently the Egyptian Academy also offered him Fellowship, both of which were the highest honour for the experts of Arabic researchers and scholars.

At the insistence of Mr. Mumtaz Hassan, the Allama accepted the honorary Directorship of Central Institution of Islamic Research when Arabic Department was established in Karachi University. And at the request of the Vice Chancellor, Professor A.B.A. Haleem, he became the Head of the Arabic Department. He also offered his services to the Arabic Department of Punjab University for two years and later on, he was made the Head of Arabic Department in Oriental College.

Due to his old age, he could not continue as a full time professor and offered his service as Professor Emeritus at Karachi University and Sindh University. The Egyptian, Saudi Arabian and Iranian universities tried their best to acquire the services of the Allama which he thankfully declined. The trend set up by the Allama continues in the family. His son, Muhammad Umar Memon, is also a professor.

The Allama was a man of principles and never compromised on them. He always believed in simple living and whatever he saved, he spent on research. He had a very valuable collection of rare books. Once, during discussion with a highly acclaimed scholar of Islam, the Allama was informed that the scholar was writing a book entitled "Downfall of Islam" at which the Allama was infuriated and replied that there has never been any down fall of Islam in the past and never would be in future. Downfall comes in the lives of people and not Islam, which had remained glorious throughout history.

When Allama went for Haj in 1957, he was treated as a royal guest and was given a royal accord by the Saudi government. Throughout Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Morocco, Tunis, Turkey and France for research work he was respected.

The Allama donated Rs. 300,000/- each to Nadwatui Islam (Voice of Islam) and Aligarh Muslim University , He also gave significant donations to Darul Uloom, Binori Town.

Karachi and donated thousands of priceless books on different research works to various universities.

The Arabic poets of various countries have written poems in honour of Allama Memony. He was also honoured with the degree of doctorate and awarded medals by various Arab countries. The Government of Pakistan conferred upon him the Pride of Performance.

The special feature about the Allama was his memory, particularly about books. He could easily tell anyone as to which rare book was available in which library and even on which shelf. He spoke Arabic like a native speaker and his speeches in Arabic were well recognised.

The Allama, due to his mastery of the Arabic language, was nominated on the Committee of Arab scholars to finalise the latest version of the Arabic Dictionary Al-Lisanul Arab.
Courtesy :Memon.com