Bilal Bashir Bhat
“Where are you going and why? Raise your eyes. The minarets of Jama Masjid want to ask you a question. Where have you lost the glorious pages from your chronicles? Was it only yesterday that on the banks of the Jamuna, your caravans performed wazu? Today, you are afraid of living here. Remember, Delhi has been nurtured with your blood. Brothers, create a basic change in yourselves. Today, your fear is misplaced as your jubilation was yesterday.”
These are the words of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s iconic Speech at Jama Masjid, on 23 October 1947. Azad played a crucial role in opposing the partition of India in 1947. His steadfast opposition to the country’s division was rooted in his vision of a united and inclusive India, where people of different religions and communities coexisted harmoniously.
Born in Makkah, Saudi Arabia on 11 Nov 1888 Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, a prominent scholar, freedom fighter, journalist, and the first Minister of Education in independent India serves as a beacon for those who believe in the idea of a harmonious and inclusive India.
“It was not long ago when I warned you that the two-nation theory was the death knell to a meaningful, dignified life; forsake it. I told you that the pillars you were leaning on would inevitably crumble. To all this, you turned a deaf ear. You did not realize that, my brothers! I have always attempted to keep politics apart from personalities, thus avoiding those thorny valleys. That is why some of my messages are often couched in allusions. The Partition of India was a fundamental mistake. How religious differences were incited, inevitably, led to the devastation that we have seen with our own eyes. Unfortunately, we are still seeing it in some places.”
This quote (from the above-stated speech) reflects Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s commitment to a united India, where people of all faiths can live together in peace. His words continue to resonate, reminding us of the importance of unity, secularism, and the shared destiny of a diverse nation.
Azad’s opposition to partition was not only based on political considerations but also his deep commitment to the idea of a secular and pluralistic India. He believed that a divided India would be detrimental to the interests of its diverse population and would lead to communal tensions and conflicts. In the face of mounting pressures and divisive forces, Azad remained resolute against the partition.
Maulana Azad continued to work for the well-being of the Muslim community and the nation as a whole, serving as India’s first Minister of Education after independence. His stance against partition showcased his commitment to the idea of a united, secular, and inclusive India.
Azad’s Farsightedness
Today, it’s important to note that opinions on the legacy and predictions of historical figures can vary, and evaluating whether Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s views on the partition and Pakistan have been proven right involves subjective analysis. However, some arguments can be made based on historical events and the contemporary situation.
In an interview with journalist, Shorish Kashmiri for a Lahore-based Urdu magazine, Chattan, in April 1946, Azad made some startling predictions during the interview, saying that religious conflict would tear apart Pakistan and its eastern half would carve out its future. He even said that Pakistan’s incompetent rulers might pave the way for military rule.
This interview has not been published in any book so far — neither in the Azad centenary volumes nor in any other book comprising his writing or speeches — except for Kashmiri’s book Abul Kalam Azad, which was printed only once by Matbooat Chattan Lahore, a now-defunct publishing house. Former Union Cabinet Minister and current Governor of Kerala Arif Mohammed Khan discovered the book after searching for many years and translated the interview for COVERT MAGAZINE.
In the interview, Moulana was asked What is wrong if Pakistan becomes a reality? After all, “Islam” is being used to pursue and protect the unity of the community.
Maulana answered “You are using the name of Islam for a cause that is not right by Islamic standards. Muslim history bears testimony to many such enormities. In the battle of Jamal [fought between Imam Ali and Hadrat Aisha, widow of the Holy Prophet] Qurans were displayed on lances. Was that right? In Karbala the family members of the Holy Prophet were martyred by those Muslims who claimed companionship of the Prophet. Was that right? Hajjaj was a Muslim general and he subjected the holy mosque at Makka to brutal attack. Was that right? No sacred words can justify or sanctify a false motive.”
I feel that right from its inception, Pakistan will face some very serious problems:
1. The incompetent political leadership will pave the way for military dictatorship as has happened in many Muslim countries.
2. The heavy burden of foreign debt.
3. Absence of friendly relationships with neighbors and the possibility of armed conflict.
4. Internal unrest and regional conflicts.
5. The loot of national wealth by the neo-rich and industrialists of Pakistan.
6. The apprehension of class war as a result of exploitation by the neo-rich.
7. The dissatisfaction and alienation of the youth from religion and the collapse of the theory of Pakistan.
8. The conspiracies of the international powers to control Pakistan.
In this situation, the stability of Pakistan will be under strain and the Muslim countries will be in no position to provide any worthwhile help. The assistance from other sources will not come without strings and it will force both ideological and territorial compromises.”
While these points suggest some alignment between Azad’s vision, for readers, it’s essential to recognize the complexities and nuances involved.
