Maulana Syed Muhammad Baqar Shams known by his pen name Shams, was born on August 10, 1909 (23 Rajab 1327 AH) in Jaunpur, India. Maulana Shams passed away in Karachi, Pakistan, on January 6, 2007 (16 Dhul Hajj 1427 AH). Maulana Shams authored numerous books, many of which became foundational texts in literary and historical studies. His contributions to literature, history, and education remain a lasting legacy, solidifying his place among the great intellectuals of the Indian subcontinent. His book Philosophy of Khayyam, published in 1937 by Sarfaraz Press, Lucknow, was a significant scholarly contribution, analyzing the rubaiyat (four-line stanzas) of the 11th-century polymath Omar Khayyam in the context of his philosophical perspectives. This book was included in the Bachelor of Arts and Dabeer-e-Kamil (Master’s in Writing) syllabus at Lucknow University for many years. His passion and interests extended beyond literature, encompassing medicine and hunting as well.

Family and Early Life

Maulana Syed Muhammad Baqar,. He hailed from the esteemed lineage of Ijtihad (theocracy) in India and Pakistan. His father, Aalim-ul-Ulama (noblest of scholars) Maulana Syed Sibt-e-Hussain Sahib Qibla Tab-Sarah (may his grave be fragrant), was a renowned Mujtahid (religious authority). His mother was the daughter of Malaaz-ul-Ulama (shield of scholars), Maulana Syed Abu Al-Hassan, also known as Maulvi Bachchan Sahib Qibla Tab-Sarah.

Education and Linguistic Proficiency

Raised in a household steeped in scholarship, Maulana Shams received a distinguished education. He earned a Dabeer-e-Kamil (Master’s in Writing) from Lucknow University and studied medicine at Munmba-e-Tib College, Lucknow. His linguistic prowess extended across Urdu, Persian, and Arabic, with familiarity in Hebrew and English.

Literary and Scholarly Career

Maulana Shams embarked on his literary journey at an early age, beginning poetry in 1923 at just 14 years old and publishing literary articles and essays by 1926 at 17. Throughout his life in both India and Pakistan, he remained dedicated to research, literary criticism, creative writing, composition, and education reforms.

Published Works

His notable works include:

• Failure of Mirror شکستِ آئینہ (1928)
• Philosophy of Khayyam  فلسفہ خیام(1937)
• Versified Pearl درِ منظوم (1937)
• Language of Lucknow لکھنؤ کی زبان (1955)
• History of Lucknow تاریخِ لکھنو (1972)
• Wisdom of Poetry شعورِ شاعری (1974)
• Youth of Lucknow  شبابِ لکھنو(1975)
• Poetry of Lucknow  لکھنؤ کی شاعری(1978)
• Selections of Diwan-e-Javed انتخاب دیوانِ جاوید (1978)
• Civilization of Lucknow لکھنؤ کی تہذیب (1982)
• Writings of Color نگارشاتِ رنگ رنگ (1989)
• History of Urdu Language تاریخِ زبانِ اُردو (1991)
• Critical Discussions تنقیدی مباحث (1995)
• Signs of Sun آثارِ شمس (1998)
• Five Methods پنج آہنگ (1999)

His articles were widely recognized in prominent publications, including:

• Daily Sarfaraz (Lucknow)
• Haqaiq Magazine (Lucknow)
• Monthly Nigar (Lucknow) – Edited by Niaz Fatehpuri
• Monthly Aks-e-Latif (Karachi) – Edited by Makram Lucknowi
• Tulu Afkar (Karachi) – Edited by Hussain Anjum

Associations and Companionship

Maulana Shams was a close associate of many esteemed literary figures, including:

• Arzoo Lakhnavi
• Dr. Ahsan Farooqui
• Dr. Shaukat Sabzwari
• Hazrat Aziz Lakhnavi
• Hazrat Safi Lakhnavi
• Hussain Anjum
• Josh Malihabadi
• Maulana Ali Naqi (Naqan Sahib Qibla)
• Mirza Jafar Ali Khan Assar
• Mirza Kazim Hussain Mehshar
• Mirza Muhammad Hadi Aziz
• Mirza Muhammad Hadi Ruswa
• Mushfiq Khawaja
• Nadim Sitapuri
• Niaz Fatehpuri
• Professor Masood Hasan Adeeb
• Sahir Lakhnavi

Recognition and Legacy

Maulana Shams was revered for his vast scholarly contributions, earning him numerous titles from literary luminaries, including:

• Adroit Commentator چابک دست مبصر
• Advisor to Men of Letters مصلح الادباء
• Author of His Time ادیبِ دوراں
• Collection of Perfections مجموعہ کمالات
• Flagbearer of Language and Narration  عظمتِ زبان و بیان کے علم بردار
• Genius of Time نابغۂ روزگار
• Great Historian مؤرخِ کبیر
• Great Investigator عظیم محقق
• Honor of Lucknow آبروئے لکھنو
• Literary Reformer ادیبائی مجتہد
• Lucknow’s Circle of Knowledge لکھنؤ کے دائرۃ المعارف
• Master of Poets استاذ الشعراء
• Master of the Era علامۂ عصر
• Ocean of Knowledge in the Science of History علمِ تاریخ کے بحرِ ذخار
• Peerless in His Era فریدِ دہر
• Prince of Writing رئیس التحریر
• Renowned Author ادیبِ شہیر
• Unique Scholar  فاضلِ یگانہ
• Unrivaled Researcher محققِ یگانا
• Visionary Critic ناقدِ بصیر
• Wealth of Honor سرمایۂ افتخار