Draft:Muhammad Faheem Aalam
Muhammad Faheem Alam (born 12 October 1993) is a Pakistani children’s author, editor, playwright, and publisher known for his contributions to Urdu children’s literature. Over his 15-year career, he has written more than 500 stories and over two dozen books for young readers. His work spans themes such as Islamic history, biographies of prophets, and humorous storytelling, with his stories regularly published in leading Pakistani children’s magazines. In addition to writing, he has edited multiple children’s magazines and overseen publishing initiatives aimed at promoting literature for children in Pakistan.
Early Life and Education
[edit]Muhammad Faheem Alam was born in Jhugiyan village, Chunian Tehsil, District Kasur. His family migrated from Mewat to Pakistan following the partition of India. Alam’s father, Bashir Ahmed, initially worked in agriculture before joining the garment industry. The youngest of four brothers, Alam lost his mother at the age of seven.
He completed primary education in Jhugiyan before his family moved to Lahore. At the age of 11, he memorized the Quran at Madrasa Anwar-ul-Quran and later pursued the Dars-e-Nizami curriculum, graduating from Jamia Ashrafia in Lahore. Alongside religious studies, Alam completed his Intermediate (F.A.) and received a Master's equivalency certificate in Arabic and Islamic Studies from the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan.
Literary Contributions
[edit]Muhammad Faheem Alam has written extensively for children on topics such as Islamic teachings, biographies, and history. His works include humorous stories, such as the popular "Chacha Tez Gam" series, and educational books designed for young readers. Recognizing the lack of comic books in Urdu literature, he created *Urdu Comic*, a series aimed at making learning enjoyable for children.
His books, including *Sunnat Kahani*, *Ek Sunnat, Ek Kahani*, and *Chacha Tez Gam Ki Teziyan*, have been widely distributed, with several titles included in school curricula. His writings aim to simplify complex topics, making them accessible and engaging for children.
Editorial Work
[edit]Alam has served as an editor for ten children’s magazines, including *Iqra* (Grades 5-8), *Bachon Ki Dunya*, *Bachon Ka Bagh*, and *Jugnu*. His editorial career has spanned both Urdu and English publications, making him a prominent figure in children’s literature.
Playwriting
[edit]Alam’s storytelling extends to television, with his children’s drama *Naiki Ka Sikka* airing on Express Entertainment. The 30-episode series gained popularity for its engaging narrative and moral themes and has since been made available on YouTube.
Publishing Activities
[edit]Over the last decade, Muhammad Faheem Alam has managed three publishing houses: *Bachon Ka Kitab Ghar*, *Dar-ul-Mushaf*, and *Kitab Nagar*. These organizations have published over a thousand works by renowned writers, making children’s literature more accessible. Alam is also the founder of the Children’s Literary Society, a nonprofit organization that promotes children’s literature through contests, workshops, and seminars.
Awards and Honors
[edit]Muhammad Faheem Alam has received numerous accolades for his contributions to children’s literature:
Government Awards
[edit]- National Seerat Award: Presented seven times between 2013 and 2024 by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Pakistan, for works such as "Sunnat Kahani" and "Seerat E Muhammad bin Abdullah".
- Dawah Literary Award: Second prize in 2012 for "Ajnabi Khair Khwah" at the International Islamic University Islamabad.
Non-Governmental Awards
[edit]- UBL and Jang Literary Award (2013): For *Sunnat Kahani*.
- Majid Nizami Award (2016): For contributions to children’s literature.
- Akhuwat Literary Award (2023): Recognizing outstanding contributions to children’s literature.
Selected Publications
[edit]- Sunnat Kahani (Volumes 1 and 2)
- Ajnabi Khair Khwah
- Chacha Tez Gam Ki Teziyan
- Inspector Lomar Ke Jasoosi Karnamay
- Seerat Muhammad ﷺ bin Abdullah
- Urdu Comic series
Legacy
[edit]Muhammad Faheem Alam’s work has significantly contributed to the promotion of Urdu literature for children. Through his writing, editorial roles, and publishing activities, he has inspired a new generation of readers and writers in Pakistan.