Early Life and Background
Ishtiaq Ahmed (1944–2015), born in Panipat, India, migrated to Pakistan with his family during the Partition of 1947 and settled in Jhang, Punjab. His early experiences of displacement and the socio-political turbulence of post-Partition Pakistan deeply influenced his worldview and later writings. He began his literary career by penning short stories for children in the 1970s, eventually transitioning to full-length novels in 1973.
Literary Career and Major Contributions
Ishtiaq Ahmed became a household name in Urdu detective and spy fiction, renowned for his prolific output of over 800 novels—a world record for any author in any language. His works catered primarily to children and young adults, blending suspense, patriotism, and Islamic themes. Key highlights include:
Iconic Series:
- Inspector Jamshed Series: Launched in 1972, this series featured Inspector Jamshed, a detective solving crimes with his children Mehmood, Farooq, and Farzana, alongside allies like retired army officer Khan Rehman and scientist Professor Dawood. The series emphasized moral integrity, justice, and resistance against "anti-Islamic forces".
- Inspector Kamran Mirza Series: Another beloved series featuring Kamran Mirza and his son Aftab, blending mystery with patriotic themes.
- Shoki Brothers Series: A less popular but original series featuring four brothers running a detective agency, loosely based on Ahmed’s real-life siblings.
- Masoom Series – A collection of detective stories for younger children.
Popular Novels by Ishtiaq Ahmed
While the complete list is extensive, here are some of his well-known books:
- Jazeeray ka Samandar
- Batil-e-Qayamat
- Begal Mission
- Wadi-e-Dehshat
- Vaadi-e-Marjaan
- Jeral Ka Mansooba
- Jeral
- Big Boss
- Qatil Robot
- Khooni Darwaza
His books combined mystery, suspense, and moral lessons, making them a favorite among generations of Urdu readers.
Top 5 Biggest Novels of Ishtiaq Ahmed
1.Ghar ka Samandar (2000 Pages)
2.Dairay ka Samandar (1400 Pages)
3.Sunehri Chatan (1200 Pages)
4.Jazeeray ka Samandar (900 Pages)
5.Begal Mission (900 Pages)
Islamic Scholarship as Abdullah Farani:
Under the penname Abdullah Farani, Ishtiaq Ahmed authored the acclaimed series Seerat-un-Nabi Qadam Ba Qadam (Step-by-Step Biography of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ). This two-volume work, praised for its accessibility and depth, offered a detailed, child-friendly account of the Prophet’s life and teachings. It remains a cornerstone of Islamic educational literature, inspiring readers to align their lives with prophetic values.
Themes and Style:
- His novels often began with a Hadith (Islamic teaching) and a Doo Batain ("Two Words") section addressing readers with moral advice or commentary on global events.
- Early works focused on mystery and adventure, but later novels increasingly incorporated religious and sectarian themes, particularly emphasizing the Khatam-e-Nabuwwat (finality of prophethood) movement and opposition to Qadianis aka Ahmadis, whom he termed Jabanis.
- His stories promoted unity, critical thinking, and adherence to Islamic principles, resonating with families seeking wholesome entertainment
Legacy and Popularity:
- At his peak (1970s–1990s), Ishtiaq Ahmed’s books sold over 40 million copies, dominating Urdu children’s literature. His Inspector Jamshed series is celebrated for its creativity, with plans for film and comic adaptations to reintroduce his legacy to modern audiences.
- His works are preserved on platforms like KitabDost.com, a tribute site created by admirer Shahzad Bashir.
Contributions to Islamic Literature
Ahmed’s dedication to Islamic education extended beyond fiction. He served as the editor of Bachon ka Islam magazine, which simplified complex religious concepts for children. His works under Abdullah Farani and his detective series reinforced Islamic identity and ethics, earning him admiration as a literary guardian of Muslim heritage
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Despite controversies, Ahmed’s influence on Urdu literature is undeniable:
- Pioneer of Children’s Detective Fiction: He filled a void left by Ibn-e-Safi, adapting the genre for younger audiences.
- Adaptations: Plans for film and comic adaptations of the Inspector Jamshed series aim to revive his legacy for modern audiences.
- Mixed Reception: While celebrated for creativity, his works remain a subject of debate for blending entertainment with divisive ideologies.
Final Years and Enduring Legacy
Ishtiaq Ahmed remained active until his passing on 17 November 2015 in Karachi. His funeral drew thousands of admirers, reflecting his profound impact on Pakistani literature. He left behind a legacy of literary excellence and a commitment to nurturing faith and morality through storytelling.
Notable Works
- Detective Fiction:
- Packet ka Raaz (Inspector Jamshed #1, 1972)
- Jazeeray ka Samandar (1984)
- Yuda par Hamla (on anti-Islamic conspiracies)
- Begal Mission and Wadi-e-Dehshat.
- Islamic Literature:
- Seerat-un-Nabi Qadam Ba Qadam (as Abdullah Farani),
- Waqiat E Sahaba Qadam Ba Qadam
- Aima Arba Qadam ba Qadam
- Baron Ka Bachpan
- Bachon ka Islam magazine.
Ishtiaq Ahmed’s works continue to inspire readers, bridging entertainment and education while fostering a deeper connection to Islamic values. His unparalleled creativity and dedication to moral storytelling cement his place as a luminary of Urdu literature.
