Considered the father of the modern Lebanese novel, Youssef Habashi Al Ashqar (born 1929) is a Lebanese novelist and story writer. He was born in Beit Chabab and pursued his early and middle years of education in Beit Chabab, completing his secondary education in Saint Joseph's School for Jesuit Fathers. He graduated from Saint Joseph University with a degree in law and general philosophy, logic, and the history of philosophy. His first publication was a collection of stories titled "طعم الرماد" but he achieved fame with his novel "Don't Grow Roots in the Sky" published in 1971. His novel "Laylu al Shita2" received the Youssef Alexander Nasr award from Ahlul al Qalam group. His novel "The Old Land" received the Friends of Books award. He died of a heart attack on August 5, 1992, at the age of 62-63.