Ibn-e-Safi, also spelt Ibne Safi, was the pen name of Asrar Ahmad (, 26 July 1928 – 26 July 1980), a Pakistani fiction writer, novelist, and poet who wrote in Urdu. The name Ibn-e-Safi is a Persian expression meaning “Son of Safi,” with Safi translating to “chaste” or “righteous.”

He began his literary career in British India during the 1940s and continued writing in Pakistan after the country's independence in 1947.

His main works were the 124-book series Jasoosi Dunya (The Spy World) and the 121-book Imran Series, with a small canon of satirical works and poetry. His novels were characterised by a blend of mystery, adventure, suspense, violence, romance and comedy, achieving massive popularity across a broad readership in South Asia.

Biography

Early life and education

Asrar Ahmad was born on 26 July 1928 in the town 'Nara' of district Allahabad, India. His father's name was Safiullah and mother's name was Naziran Bibi.

He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Agra University. In fact, he wrote 36 novels of 'Jasoosi Duniya' and 79 novels of 'Imran Series' after his recovery from depression. In the 1970s, he informally advised the Inter-Services Intelligence of Pakistan on methods of detection.

Death

Ibne Safi died on 26 July 1980 of pancreatic cancer at age 52.

Literary career

Early attempts

Ibn-e-Safi started writing poetry in his childhood and soon earned critical acclaim in whole South-Asian community. After completing his Bachelor of Arts, he started writing short stories, humour and satire under various names such as "Siniki (Cynic) Soldier" and "Tughral Farghan." In the Nakhat magazines, he published several satirical articles which commented on various topics ranging from politics to literature to journalism. His early works in the 1940s included short stories, humour and satire. Akhtar credited Ibn-e-Safi with teaching him the power of memorable characters, a lesson that helped inspire iconic Bollywood villains like Gabbar Singh in Sholay (1975) and Mogambo in Mr. India (1987).

Translations

The first English translations of Ibne Safi's mystery novels began appearing in 2010, with The House of Fear from the Imraan Series, translated by Bilal Tanweer and published by Random House India. In 2011, Blaft Publications in association with Tranquebar released four more novels, this time from the Jasoosi Duniya series, translated by the highly acclaimed Urdu critic Shamsur Rahman Faruqi.

  • Larkiyon Ka Jazirah (The Island of Maidens)
  • Raat Ka Shehzada (The Nocturnal Prince)
  • Dhuain ki Tehreer (Scribblings in Smoke)
  • Pathar Ka Khoon (Blood in Stones)
  • Neelay Parindey (The Birds in Blue)
  • Jaron Ki Talash (The Search for the Roots)
  • Chattanon Mein Fire (Shootout at the Rocks) (1955)

See also

  • List of Pakistani writers
  • Jasoosi Dunya
  • Imran Series
  • List of Jasoosi Dunya
  • List of Imran Series
  • The House of Fear

References

  • Ibn e Safi The Master Craftman
  • Ibne Safi's literary place and status BBC Urdu Service, 23 July 2011
  • Aik Hero Ajmad Islam Amjad's Column on Ibne Safi's 32nd death anniversary at Daily Express (newspaper) in Urdu language
  • Ibne Safi Ibne Safi's Official Website