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Pakistan Writers Guild

Munshi Sahib was appointed as the first secretary of the Pakistan Writers Guild, Sub-Region Multan. At that time, local writers and poets were fragmented into various groups. Munshi Sahib successfully unified them under a single platform, initiating monthly scholarly and literary meetings that quickly gained popularity.

 

Under his leadership, the Guild established a reference library that housed over one thousand classical books on prose and poetry, covering areas such as:

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1. Farhang

2. History of Urdu

3. Criticism

4. Iqbaliat

5. Ghalib

6. Literature (Adabiat)

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This library became a valuable resource, frequently utilized by scholars and literary figures.

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Despite the positive impact, Munshi Sahib faced opposition from communist elements within the Writers Guild, who clashed with writers and poets of Islamic perspectives. These factions were disturbed by Munshi Sahib's secretaryship and frequently conspired against him. Through constitutional means, Munshi Sahib thwarted their schemes and united patriotic and Islamic-minded writers, preserving the integrity of the Guild for four years while advancing its literary cause.​

 

Due to the conflicts and controversies affecting his reformative and literary efforts within the organisation, Munshi Sahib resigned from the Pakistan Writers Guild. The Daily Nawa-e-Waqt Lahore commented on his resignation, stating:

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“Munshi Abdul Rehman Khan deserved to be congratulated that instead of surrendering before communist writers he fought against their conspiracies and foiled their designs. This is infact duty of every patriot and Islam loving writer and author to help achieve this great task. 

Writers Guild had become an asylum and sanctuary of the communist minded writers and poets of not only Multan but of the whole country. So much so that the elements who were previously active in furthering their agenda through communist party, NAP, Anjuman Taraqqi Pasand Musannafeen and similar organizations were now using the platform and cover of Writers Guild for their communist activities. In each area they were establishing communist cells as they considered themselves safe under the shelter of Writers Guild. Meanwhile there was also a group of good natured but simple and innocent people who were unaware of the communist tactics and misled by assumption that they would utilize the communist writers for the greater good of the country.

Although nowhere in the world non-communist people have ever succeeded in using communists for achieving personal national or state objectives. These are the communists who have capitalized over the simplicity and good nature of non-communist and use them. We have already started experiencing dangerous results of this lax attitude. Communists in the name of art and literature have succeeded in establishing their cells in several universities, colleges, Arts Councils literary bodies, Radio, T.V and Print Media. Infact In non-communist countries the first target and objective of communist parties have been to capture sources and institutions of mass communication, literature and education. The same had been happening in Pakistan and results were before us. 

There was a need that not only in Multan but all over Pakistan conspiracies and subversive activities of such elements be confronted with full force."

 

Munshi Sahib's resignation marked the end of a significant chapter in the Pakistan Writers Guild, highlighting his dedication to preserving literary integrity against ideological subversion.

Books Written or Compiled by Munshi Sahib

After beginning his practical life among anarchists, communists, socialists, and Congress members, Munshi Sahib transitioned to embracing the teachings of eminent religious and Islamic scholars. This shift enriched his intellect and insight with religious wisdom and Islamic thought. It marked the beginning of his prolific writing career.

 

Munshi Sahib authored and compiled approximately one hundred books, covering a wide range of scholarly, literary, social, political, and religious topics. These works garnered national and international recognition, with some recommended for the Aligarh University syllabus.

 

Several of his books received awards and prizes, being recognized as highly useful, beneficial, and engaging.His literary contributions earned him high praise from numerous eminent personalities, including:

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  • Mahir-ul-Qadri

  • Allama Shabbir Ahmed Usmani

  • Moulana Zafar Ali Usmani

  • Mufti Mohammad Shafi Deobandi

  • Moulana Ehtisham-ul-Haq Thanvi

  • Syed Sulaiman Nadvi

  • Abdul Majid Darya Abadi

  • Moulana Abul Aala Moudoodi

  • Dr. Syed Abdullah

  • Dr. Mohammad Baqar and several.

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These distinguished scholars were impressed by his writings, offering glowing tributes and praise.

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The name of Munshi Abdul Rehman Khan was also included in the internationally acclaimed book titled, “The prominent Asian Writers and Thinkers” written by Professor Govell of Harward University of USA in 1971.

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Significance, Usefulness, and True Worth of His Writings

The significance and usefulness of Munshi Sahib's books are highlighted by the following observations from renowned newspapers and magazines:

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Daily "Imroze" Lahore: "There is no stamp of any sect or group on him."

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Daily "Nawa-e-Waqt" Lahore: "These are a unique collection of knowledge which tell us what type of human beings are desired by Islam."

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Monthly "Maarif Azam Garh", India: "These impart moral lessons as well as insight into religious affairs."

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Daily "Nawa-e-Pakistan": "Great efforts have been made in the writing and compilation of these books."

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Weekly "Al-Etisam" Lahore: "Reading these books is beneficial and useful for both young and old, men and women, and even children."

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Al-Hadith Sohadra: "They are useful for every library, bookstore, and every home."

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Weekly "Qandeel" Lahore: "These books are a great source of addition in the matter of knowledge and literature."

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Monthly "Faran" Karachi: "Their reading results in the purification of heart and mind."

 

These comments underscore the broad impact and enduring value of his literary contributions, which serve as a rich source of knowledge and moral guidance for readers of all ages and backgrounds.

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