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Leaders enlighten people, galvanize the younger generation for revolution, etch new narratives in the annals of history, and etch themselves indelibly in hearts. They require no validation from any self-proclaimed authority. One such inspiring figure, a visionary leader, a statesman, and a sagacious lawmaker, is our benefactor, our Quaid, Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
The history of the Indian subcontinent testifies that Muslims ruled this region for over eight centuries. This was followed by the establishment of a colonial system, marking the beginning of a two-century-long era of British rule. As Muslims resisted foreign domination over their homeland, they faced persecution under British rule, and were also subjected to the prejudiced behavior of Hindus. Amidst this period of subjugation, a beacon of hope emerged in the form of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who would go on to become the savior and leader of the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent.
Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was born in Karachi on December 25, 1876. He commenced his early education in 1882 and, after passing the matriculation examination in 1893, proceeded to London to pursue higher studies in law. He possessed a distinct and constructive mindset from childhood. Renowned author and biographer Hector Bolitho recounts in "Jinnah: Creator of Pakistan" (1954) that Quaid-e-Azam, upon seeing neighborhood children playing marbles in Kharadar, advised them to stop as it dirtied their hands and clothes. Instead, he taught them cricket, and when departing for Britain, gifted them his cricket kit.
Quaid-e-Azam was a true Muslim and a devoted follower of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. He opted to enroll at Lincoln's Inn university, London, as the name of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was prominently inscribed above its entrance, amongst the greatest leaders who shaped the world through law. He passed the Bar examination at the age of 19 and returned to his homeland in 1896. Upon his return, he told fellow lawyers in London, "I am going back to India with a great mission.
Upon his return, Quaid-e-Azam gave a new direction to the politics of the Indian subcontinent. He entered the field of practical politics to advocate for Muslim rights and joined the National Congress in 1906. He was hailed as the ambassador of Hindu-Muslim unity. However, after becoming an active part of the Congress, Quaid-e-Azam's experience revealed the party's Hindu-biased and self-serving stance, making it clear that it had little concern for Muslim welfare. In 1913, he joined the All India Muslim League and formally initiated a political and constitutional struggle for the preservation of Muslims' rights and separate identity, a mission he pursued until his death.
The Hindu politicians of the subcontinent and Quaid-e-Azam had vastly different perspectives. On one occasion, Gandhi remarked, "You have mesmerized the Muslims." Quaid-e-Azam retorted, "And you have hypnotized the Hindus."
Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, with his far-sighted thinking and discernment, realized that the welfare and survival of Muslims lay in acquiring a separate homeland. Through his exceptional leadership and strategic wisdom, he instilled a remarkable sense of determination, unity, and revolutionary thought among Muslims. He was first bestowed the title of Quaid-e-Azam at the 1938 All India Muslim League session in Patna by Maulana Mazharuddin, in recognition of his outstanding leadership of Muslims in an exemplary manner, and the title gained widespread acceptance across the subcontinent.
In 1941, Quaid-e-Azam was returning after addressing a Muslim League session in Madras when he passed through a town where Muslims gave him a rousing reception, chanting "Pakistan Zindabad". In the crowd, an eight-year-old boy, wearing a tattered knicker, was also shouting the slogan. Quaid-e-Azam had his car stopped and called the boy over, asking, "Do you understand the meaning of Pakistan?" The boy was taken aback, but Quaid-e-Azam encouraged him, repeating the question gently. The boy replied, "I may not know the full meaning, but I know where Muslims rule, that's Pakistan, and where Hindus rule, that's Hindustan." Quaid-e-Azam turned to the accompanying journalist and said, "This little boy from Madras understands Pakistan, but Gandhi doesn't." The journalist noted this, and the remark was published in newspapers the next day.
American historian and author Stanley Wolpert writes in his famous book "Jinnah of Pakistan", published in 1984.
“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. Muhammad Ali Jinnah did all three.”
The Quaid not only unified the Muslims of the subcontinent into a single nation but also secured an independent homeland, Pakistan, for future generations through his unwavering resolve and relentless struggle. In 1947, the Quaid, addressing the Constituent Assembly, provided a clear agenda, stating;
“If we want this great State of Pakistan happy and prosperous, we should wholly and solely concentrate on the well‑being of the people, and especially of the masses and the poor.”
Living nations never forget their benefactors. On December 25, Quaid Day, the nation pays tribute to the Saviour of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. May Almighty Allah bless his soul and guide our nation towards unity, progress, and prosperity, fulfilling the vision he laid for Pakistan.
Ameen |