In the garden of the Afghan nation blossomed another flower of bravery, pride, literature and poetry. The high hills and deserted landscape of the provincial area of Momand were brightened by the birth of a future thinker, scholar, writer and poet of the 20th century Afghanistan. Rishtin started his childhood in the dry and elevated mountains and steeps valleys of Momand. As a child, he loved to study and always occupied himself in getting a good education, no matter what it took.
At early childhood he received his education from his father. After reaching his school years he lost his father and was left to the upbringing of his mother. His mother who also came from a well-educated family continued to educate Rishtin. He was sent to different local schools and teachers in the area Later he attended Najm-ul-Madares of Nangrahar and there after the Dar-ul-Uloom Arabia of Kabul.
At his early age when he was attending school in Kabul, he got interested in literature and poetry. He wrote poems and other literary pieces some which were published. This encouraged him to continue his writing. Even if his writings were not published from time to time, this did not discourage him to continue. Professor Rishtin once said: "When my first poem was published, it encouraged me to write more. But later when some of my writings were not published, it did not stop me from writing. I continued to write about literature and poetry regardless of being published or not".
A man of high stature, raised in a well-educated family, schooled by his father, and later by prominent scholars of the town, Professor Siddiqullah Rishtin was a man of letters, high achievements and poetry.
Even though his native language was Pashto, Professor Rishtin was able to speak, read and write in Dari and Arabic. Professor Rishtin was well versing in the Quranic studies, philosophy, Fiqh, Ahadeece and other Islamic readings.
He sought and worked hard for the promotion and progression of the national language, Pashto, and tried to establish an international recognition for it. Professor Rishtin took pride in his nation, his national language and his nationality. His sentiments were free of prejudice and bias. His strive was for the betterment of the nation, the national language and character. He cherished being an Afghan and never bowed to any pressure.
Professor Rishtin's choices of words and quality of material provided in his writings are deliberate, emphatic, unprecedented, and quite instructive for the assessment of historical background and events. Professor Rishtin never got tired working toward the advancement of the Pashto language, literature and poetry. He continued his struggle and overcame many hindernesses. He described his never ending hard work in one of his couplet as follows:
Ka me da khedmat Pashto lara pkar shee / lf my service will be of any use for Pashtu
Pashtana pre ham la khoba rabaydar shee / By it, if Pashtoons could be awakened from their sleep
no halah ba me mehnat wanessee zayz tse / Only thereafter, my toil will be of influence
tse na tse ba me zargay ham pa karar shee / Than a little, my heart will have some peace
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