KARACHI: Allama Ghulam Mustafa Qasmi, one of the last of the generation of freedom fighters and a scholar of Shah Waliullahi philosophy, passed away in Hyderabad on Tuesday night. He was 79.

He was born in a learned family of Larkana district on June 24, 1924, in the Bhanbho Khan village, and had early schooling at his native village. Later he studied at Deoband, and came in contact with freedom fighters, including Maulana Mohammad Sadiq Khadewala, Maulana Taj Mohammad Amroti, Maulana Mohammad Hussain Azad, Maulana Maftoon Humayuni, Maulana Din Mohammad Wafai and the Ali brothers. His association with these personalities marked a turning point in his life.

Allama Qasmi had a liking for philosophy, especially Waliullahi thought that made him study Islamic mysticism, philosophy, logic and jurisprudence. He established the Shah Waliullah Academy in Hyderabad to sponsor the thought and philosophy of the great thinker. He also started publication of the periodical Alwali.

His study of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai and mysticism led him to author a lengthy note on the mystic.

The Allama explored many branches of knowledge from linguistics to ‘tafsir’ to the social sciences. He was also associated with many institutions and projects such as the Sindhi department of Sindh University and a dictionary compiling venture.

His works include Tafsir Surah Saba; Shah-jo-Risalo; Parah Am (translations); Ilhamur Rahman Fil Tafsirul Quran; Samaji Insaf aeen ijtamaayat, Shah Waliullah je phalsaphe ji roshni mein; Istattaat (translation); Araheem (editing); Insaaf; Mufeedul Talba (logic, Arabic).

Allama Qasmi was appointed professor at the Sindh University, a position he held for many years, and continued to guide research students. His services were also acquired by the Hijra Committee and he was nominated as a member of the Majlis-i-Shoora.

He is survived by two sons and four daughters.