Syed Shah Israil


Syed Shah Isra'il, also known as Shah Bondegi, was a 16th-century Persian language writer from Bengal. He is celebrated as a renowned medieval author of the Sylhet region.

Background

He was a member of the famous Syed family which ruled over Taraf, a renowned literary centre of learning. His father was Syed Khudawand, the son of Syed Musafir - who was the son of Syed Sirajuddin, the son of Sipahsalar Syed Nasiruddin. Israil was the second son; his older brother being Syed Mikail and his younger brother being Syed Bondegi Saif.

Life

Famed for his high proficiency in the Arabic and Persian languages, he wrote Ma'dan al-Fawa'id in 941 AH. This is the earliest book in the Sylhet region, and thus Israil is considered Sylhet's first author. He was awarded the title of Malik al-Ulama, just like his uncle Syed Ibrahim.
Israil had 12 sons; Syed Hemad, Syed Taj Jalali, Syed Ismail, Syed Abdullah Thani, Syed Ibrahim, Syed Muhammad, Syed Abdullah Muhammad, Syed Yaqub Faqirabadi, Syed Ilyas Quddus, Syed Kamal, Syed Nuh and Syed Qutb.