The 45th death anniversary of fiction and detective writer, novelist and Urdu poet Asrar Ahmed known as Ibn-e-Safi observed today, 26 July. He is best known for his stories of Imran Series. His creation `Imran’ an extremely intelligent but comic agent is still popular among readers of all ages.
The real name of this legendary literary figure was Israr Ahmad, born on July 26, 1928, in Allahabad. After the partition of India, he migrated to Karachi along with his family. In 1955, he wrote the first novel of the Imran Series titled “Khaufnaak Imarat” (The Terrifying Building). The main character of this series, Ali Imran, became so popular that it gave rise to a new genre in Urdu literature.
Ibn-e-Safi also wrote in the field of satire and humor, but the fame and recognition he gained from the Imran Series remained unmatched. His novels were so popular that they would sell out at bookstalls even before officially hitting the shelves—proof of his widespread popularity.
Ibn-e-Safi passed away on July 26, 1980. Interestingly, both his birth and death dates fall on the same day — July 26.
His real name was Israr Ahmad, and his father’s name was Safiullah, which is why he chose the pen name Ibn-e-Safi, meaning “son of Safi.” He wrote around 250 novels in the famous Imran Series. Each of his new spy novels would sell out even before reaching the bookstalls, a clear sign of his immense popularity.
According to Ibn-e-Safi’s son, Ahmed Safi (a mechanical engineer), his father belonged to a prosperous landlord family in the village of Nara (Allahabad, now in Kaushambi).
His father, Safiullah Sahib, had a deep interest in reading, so their house was filled with piles of classical tales and novels. However, young Ibn-e-Safi was not allowed to touch any of the books.
To get around this, he would pretend to be going out to play, pick up a book, and head to the rooftop, where he would spend the entire day reading from morning till evening. This became a daily routine until one day he got caught. Though he was scolded, the final decision went in his favor. His grandmother stood up for him and said, “My grandson is better than the boys who waste their day playing in the streets.” From then on, no one stopped him again, and he went on to read countless stories and classical tales.
According to Ibn-e-Safi’s sister, Rehana Latif, their father frequently moved due to his job and could never stay in one place for long. It was their mother’s love and dedication that ensured Ibn-e-Safi’s education, as she took full responsibility and played both mother and father for the children.
She shared that they were three sisters and one brother. Their elder sister was named Khurshid, who was older than Ibn-e-Safi, while Ghafira and Rehana herself were younger than him. There was a deep bond of love among all the siblings.
Ibn-e-Safi received his early education from Majidiya Islamia High School in Allahabad and completed his matriculation there. The school he attended was known as D.A.V. School.
