Political struggle of Quaid-i-Azam
THE tribute of Hindu-Muslim unity in British India and the foundation of Islamic Republic of Pakistan for the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent solemnly can be paid to Quaid-i-Azam, Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Quaid’s interest in politics developed during his academic visit to London from where he acquired a law degree. During his England stay, MAJ was deeply influenced by the liberal politics of Lord Morley and Indian politician Dadabhai Naoroji who remained his Private Secretary for some time.
The way Quaid-i-Azam participated in the practical politics of India in the presence of great and pronounced leaders like Sir Agha Khan was fabulously considerable, because this young man took responsibility for the better future of the nations inhabited in India in the existence of great names.
This was the time when India was completely under the influence and oppression of the English race. Quaid-i-Azam never struggled for a particular nation like other politicians.
In fact, he dreamt of the independence of all the nations of the Indian subcontinent and worked hard for the freedom of his people. Mrs Sirojini Naidu entitled him “Ambassador of Hindu-Muslim unity” as a consequence of Quaid’s selfless efforts.
It was a good decision of MA Jinnah to step into politics at the time when Indians initiated different freedom movements despite admitting the British Raj in terms of dressing, education, lifestyle and language. Even, specific Muslim leaders were recommending the adoption of western education to the Muslims. However, it was not that much easier for a dignified person like the Quaid to stay stuck to his point of view, but Sir Syed Ahmad Khan had paved the way to some extent for modern and western kind of politics and society.
Fourteen hundred participants were sitting in a meeting held by Indian National Congress in Nagpur in December 1920 where the majority were Muslim.
Gandhi presented a resolution in favour of the ‘home rule league.’ Due to his distinct personality and political observations, Quaid-i-Azam rejected it by saying that only the constitutional way is right so they should mould their arguments according to the constitution.
Though the majority of the participants stood against Quaid’s decision, he did not alter his judgment either.
The main difference between the Quaid and Gandhi’s political vision was that Quaid preferred constitutional and democratic struggle, whereas Gandhi favoured protests and strikes in politics. It was a significant part of Quaid’s personality that he always took decisions wisely and sanely.
This is the reason that he never had to repent what he decided. And that is how he favoured the decision of giving NWFP the status of the Pashtun Province in 1901 when Sikhs stood against this decision.
His bold pronouncements were undeniable specialties of his character. All the efforts he did were for the betterment of the entire Indian subcontinent irrespective of their caste, religion and region.
The Lucknow Pact of 1919 was also an attempt of bringing Hindus and Muslims together which could not reach its expected goals. After observing the non-cooperative behaviour of Congress leaders, Quaid-i-Azam resigned from the Indian National Congress in 1920.
In the 1909’s Minto-Morley Reforms, Muslims gained the right of separate electorate that proved to be a game changer for the Muslims of the subcontinent.
Allama Mohammad Iqbal presented his concept of separate nationalism after detecting the prejudice and Muslim enmity of Congressional leadership.
The offensive and discourteous attitude of Congress compelled the Quaid to say that politics is the gentleman’s game.
He was aware of the real meaning and true spirit of politics. But the pathetic role of anti-Muslim dis-hearted Quaid and he left for London.
By doing so, he actually aimed to make the Muslim leadership realize his importance. He knew that the Muslim leadership needs to get aware of the loss of liberal, honest and rational politician who was only the Quaid at that time.
Though Quaid already identified the real faces of Congress’ leaders, but was also well-aware of the fact that a pure political movement had become necessary for his country fellows that can free them from the darkness of slavery and subjugation and enable the coming generations to live a free life with respect and dignity.
That is why, even being the member of Indian National Congress, the Quaid joined All India Muslim League in 1913 and chaired the Lucknow Pact of 1916 with the aim of leading them in the right way.
The Muslims of the subcontinent were blessed to have a courageous and energetic leader in those crucial times when Muslims were direly looking for Moses.
Quaid never used religion in politics and thus condemned Gandhi’s being in favour of Khilafat Movement. He stayed right for the rights of the Muslim community after observing the negligent behaviour of Congress in dividing India.
In all his directions, he just cared about the separate land of Muslims. Gandhi-Jinnah Agreement evidently presents Quaid as a hero because Mohan Das Karam Chand Gandhi offered Jinnah to work together and kick the British out of India and after that the matter of separate land for Muslims can be resolved. The Quaid knew these tactics and rejected Gandhi’s offer.
Consequently, when the Quit India Movement initiated, Quaid daringly responded with Divide and Quit which meant that the British could only go after dividing India.
The nations, that are embraced by honest, brave and selfless leaders like Quad-i-Azam, are fortunate because such leaders think for the better future of their nation instead of thinking of their life, power and kith and kins.
The Quaid risked his married life for the bright future of coming generations and in this struggle he lost his wife and only child Dina Jinnah.
He truly proved to be the ‘Father’ of this ‘Nation’ and fulfilled all his responsibilities so honourably that the enemies also praised him as “Few individuals significantly alter the course of history. Fewer still modify the map of the world. Hardly anyone can be credited with creating a nation-state. Mohammad Ali Jinnah did all three.”
—The writer is Lecturer of English, University of Sialkot.
