Shaikh Abu al-Faiz ibn Mubarak, popularly known by his pen-name, Faizi was a poet and scholar of late medieval India. In 1588, he became the Malik-ush-Shu'ara (poet laureate) of Akbar's Court. He was the elder brother of Akbar's historian Abul Fazl. Akbar highly recognized the genius in him and appointed him tutor for his sons and gave place to him among his decorative 'Navaratnas'.
Background
Faizi was born in Agra, the fifth descendant of Shaikh Musa, a Sindhi Shaikh who lived in Rel near Siwistan (Sehwan), in the realm of Sindh. He was the eldest son of Shaikh Mubarak of Nagaur. He was born at Agra on 5 Sha'ban, AH 954 (24 September 1548). His father, Shaikh Mubarak, was a scholar in the philosophy and literature of Greece as well as in Islamic theology.
Career
In AH 974 (1566-8), he reached Akbar's court. Akbar successively appointed him tutor for his princes, Salim, Murad and Daniyal.[1] In AH 990 (1581), he was appointed sadr of Agra, Kalpi and Kalinjar. In 1588, he became poet laureate of Akbar's court. In AH 999 (1591-2), he was sent to Khandesh and Ahmednagar as Mughal envoy