Ahmad Faris al-Shidyaq

Ahmad Faris ibn Yusuf ibn Mansur al-Shidyaq (1804–1887 CE), a scholar of language and literature, whom the biographical dictionary "al-A'lam" describes as a researcher. ¹

He was born in the village of al-Hadath in Lebanon to Maronite Christian parents, who named him Faris. He went to Egypt and studied literature with its scholars, then went to Malta, where he managed the work of the American press, and he travelled in Europe. The biography says he embraced Islam in Tunis, and was called "Ahmad Faris". ¹

He was then invited to Constantinople, where he lived for some years and issued the newspaper "al-Jawaib" in 1277 AH, which lasted twenty-three years. He died in Constantinople, and his body was taken to Lebanon. ¹

His works include "Kanz al-Raghaib fi Muntakhabat al-Jawaib", in seven volumes chosen by his son Salim from his father's articles, "al-Wasita fi Ahwal Malta", "Kashf al-Mukhba an Funun Uruba", "al-Jasus ala al-Qamus", "al-Lafif fi Kull Ma'na Tarif", and "al-Saq ala al-Saq fima huwa al-Faryaq". ¹