Allama Mashriqi — A Giant Among Men
On Allama Mashriqi’s 122nd Birth Anniversary
Nasim Yousaf
Allama Mashriqi was the founder of Khaksar Tehreek. He wrote Tazkirah, a scientific commentary on the Holy Koran, which was nominated for the Nobel Prize.
Allama Inayatullah Khan Al-Mashriqi was born on August 25, 1888. Mashriqi obtained his initial education at home and then attended school in Amritsar, prior to joining Foreman Christian College (F.C. College) in Lahore. He obtained his Masters degree in Mathematics in first class from the University of Punjab and later went on to study at the University of Cambridge. Throughout his academic life, Mashriqi made history; it is believed that his academic records at the University of Cambridge – where he completed four Triposes within five years with distinction – are yet to be broken.
Upon completion of his studies, Mashriqi joined Islamia College (Peshawar) as Vice Principal, and was later appointed Under Secretary at the Education Department of the Government of British India. In light of emerging differences with the British, he was demoted to Head Master of Government High School in Peshawar. During his tenure in Government Service, he was offered Knighthood and Ambassadorship to Afghanistan, but declined both offers, as he considered them a means for the British authorities to use him for their own political purposes.
While in Government service, Mashriqi wrote Tazkirah, a scientific commentary on the Holy Koran, which was nominated for the Nobel Prize. When the Nobel Prize Committee asked him to translate the book into any major European language, he declined to do so; he considered this to be an insult to the millions of people who spoke the Urdu language. Admiring Mashriqi and Tazkirah, Air Marshal (Retd.) Qazi Javed Ahmed wrote (in a message to me), “I am an admirer of Allama sahib and have read some of his books…I have also read his two volumes of ‘Tazkira’…He is so relevant even today and we can all draw inspiration and guidance from what he has written.”
In 1930, Mashriqi founded the Khaksar Tehreek (Khaksar Movement) to revive the glory of the nation. However, the British became wary of the Movement’s ultimate goal, which was predicated on ending British rule in order to bring freedom to India. Thus, the Tehrik was banned in Punjab in 1940 and Mashriqi was imprisoned. In 1941, the ban on the Movement was expanded throughout the entire India. The Government of British India demanded that Mashriqi disband his movement, or continue to remain behind bars. However, Mashriqi refused to succumb to any threat and replied that the Khaksar Movement was not his personal property that he could dispose off. The British, therefore, continued to imprison him for an extended period of time; he faced all atrocities with extraordinary courage and remained steadfast. In fact, Mashriqi fasted for 80 days in jail to protest his unjust imprisonment; he was ultimately released, but his movements remained restricted.
Following Mashriqi’s release from prison, he vigorously began working for an end to British rule. He was warned many times by the British authorities to halt his activities, but he did not waver in his resolve. In 1945, he presented The Constitution of Free India, 1946, A.C., which provided protection for the rights of both Muslims and non-Muslims, and could serve as a precursor to jointly seeking independence. Unfortunately, the document was not adopted for political reasons.
Mashriqi continued his efforts until British rule in India came to an end in 1947. Despite achieving independence, Mashriqi was saddened by the division of India. To him, partition was not the solution to the country’s problems.
Allama Mashriqi died at Albert Victor Hospital (Mayo Hospital) in Lahore on August 27, 1963. A pall of gloom prevailed across the country following his tragic death; condolence messages from followers and admirers came from all over the world. Mashriqi’s funeral prayers were led by Maulana Abdus Sattar Khan Niazi at Badshahi Mosque in Lahore. All along the funeral procession, the public gathered to pay tributes to their leader and showered his body with flowers.
Mashriqi left behind a lasting legacy of combating injustice, communalism, and sectarianism. He worked all his life for unity, discipline, and fostering a peaceful co-existence among people, regardless of religion, class, color or creed. As a result of his unrelenting fight, he forever changed the history of the Indian subcontinent; Mashriqi’s vision of co-existence needs to be followed in order to bring peace to the world today.
Nasim Yousaf is an independent scholar and historian whose research primarily focuses on the role of Allama Mashriqi and the Khaksar Tehrik in the freedom movement.
http://www.allamamashraqi.com
This guy was one of the most revolutionary and non-stereotypical s among Muslims of Subcontinent. His interpretation of Islam is based on rationality, logic and science. In fact he rightly pointed out that DEEN coexists with Physical world as a living phenomena which asks humans to live for a higher purpose that Allah has asked humans to achieve through their intellect i.e to “overpower this Universe”. Allama Mashriqi’s great work “Takzara” is worth reading regarding DEEN as science not as relgion.
Alas!!!! Someone rightly said about Allama Mashriqi as a “Disowned Genius.” Really feel people like him should have been leading this nation. However taking heed from these guys, I hope that Pakistani nation should realize her higher purpose of existence as a Islamic Ideological State. We have wasted enough time and now it is time to wake up!!!!!
Nasim Yousuf Sahib — Everyone already knows that side of the story. But — I liked this Article. Always gives me hope for mankind, when I see a human being i.e. fully human. This is a human world & there should be no wars! Thank you so much!
I don’t know who owns what anymore? After hearing Bush said on RECORD he is talking to God, while dishing out death to humanity for the last TEN years as he ordered firstly to enter at Iraq then Afghanistan & Pakistan; I don’t think I believe in that Particular Bush’s God anymore — As ESP — (Extra Sensory Perception – DREAMS Ideology in Islam there are Various Angles- As Bush Described his Dreams/Illusions or ESP whatsoever was) — Right After Bush Extreme Measures in Afghanistan & Pakistan the Generation’s Future of Pakistan has come into GAZWA-e-HIND Zone. I believe that all humans should have the same rights – if
Bush does have ESP then I do have mine OWN — ESP & be treated with dignity; man’s inhumanity towards mankind seems always be cloaked in religion. With the grace of Allah we are ready for sacrifice & ready for Jehad. Almighty Allah Jj — Bless Pakistan — Pakistan Zindabad — I believe many of Educated Pakistanis Specially belonging of Minorities don’t want to be any part of that!
— “BUT — I Religiously DO”—
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=gazwa+e+hind&aq=0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtAwcnaDVZc&p=336D1DE567ADBA21&playnext=1&index=6
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtAwcnaDVZc&p=336D1DE567ADBA21&playnext=1&index=6
*QUD = Height Character Wise
*Naap = Measurement = What Characteristic of Pak Army – English Media is defining.
*N. J.= Nahee Jantay Aap = The Most Favorable Slogan of the WEST i.e. Divide & Rule.
*Mein Nay *A-o-B = Americans-o-Brits Ko Khub Parha Hay Janab = I do have rich & ample experience with Americans, Brits & Jews at Abroad from Top to Bottom – It is by mean from common man to Elite of their Respective Nations.
*Ju Kurtay Apnay Hee Logoun Say Lur Kur Khana-Kharab = Can Pakistan Army Generals Present a BALANCE SHEET since 1960s to Onwards — when they started to call Bengalis Traitor 1967 to ’71, thereafter, late Akbar Bugti 1973 to 2007 turned into BLF who are as yet pain in ASS of Pak Army, MQM 1985 to 2003 now have become Apple of eye of Pak Army — Jamia Hafza 2007 to as yet to-date & right now above all TALIBAN who are Ready to Fight with Pakistan Army against India & American Black Water/Xee Mercenaries in Pakistan.
*Mein Nay *A-o-B Ko Khub Parha Hay- Janab-
Divide & Rule Kis Ka Asool – Nahee Jantay– Aap-
Saloun Say Likh Raha— Kub Amal Karien Gay– Aap-
Mujh Ko Bhee Choro— Quran Mein Likha Saff —–Saff-
London America Ju Pak Fauj ————- Kay — Mai-Baap-
Pak Fauk Ka ———- Kiya *QUD – Lay Lia —– Inka *Naap-
*Ju Kurtay Apnay Hee Logoun Say — Lur Kur – Khana-Kharab-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=td2izBfFebo
I was under the impression that Allama Mashriqi did not pay any heed to the Hadith of Rasoolallah SHA in other words he has been famous as a Munkare Hadeeth. Now I could be wrong here but can someone clarify this allegations on this brother.
May Allah has mercy on his soul inshauallah
Khadimal forsA
Aba Abal QaQa
Really thanks to the PKKH efforts that you are introducing the Islamic Hero’s which this generation even don’t know their names also. Really we have no other media / source available to study about real history of Islam and its hero’s. Depending on Wikipedia is always doubtful and left lots of thirst of knowledge inside the readers heart & mind who wants to know the real history.
God Bless You PKKH
Assalam O Alaikum!
Thanks for such an informative article. We should really start to discover our true heroes & stars. Keep these articles coming. FiAmanAllah.
@Aba Abal QaQa
You are right. He was a munkir-e-hadith.
He was a giant among munkiraan-e-hadith.
See here:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/31885186/Famous-Hadith-Rejecters-Name-List-Whose-Works-Are-Intoxicating-the-Minds-of-a-Layman-Muslim
@Aba Abal QaQa
You are right. He was a munkir-e-hadith.
He was a giant among munkireen-e-hadith.
See here:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/31885186/Famous-Hadith-Rejecters-Name-List-Whose-Works-Are-Intoxicating-the-Minds-of-a-Layman-Muslim
Allama Mashriqi was one of the best Islamic scholars. Person with less knowledge can misinterpret his thoughts. His book, “Tazkirah”, is written in high flown Urdu. In fact, he was an authority on the Holy Quran. He was a true Muslim; he followed the teaching of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)
Allama Mashriqi was not only an Islamic scholar but a great leader and a brave freedom fighter. Pakistan and India would not have emerged, if Allama Mashriqi had not become a threat to British rule. Not many people are aware of the fact, Allama Mashriqi was very close to toppling the British rule in 1940, when he was arrested. Upon release he again became a threat.
The book mentioned below speaks loudly of his fight against the British rule. This book is authored by Allama Mashriqi’s grandson, Nasim Yousaf. People of the Indian sub-continent owe their freedom to Mashriqi.
Book title: “Government of British India on Allama Mashraqi and Khaksar Tehreek (Movement): A Select Chronology; A descriptive timeline of the correspondence of the Secretary of State, Viceroy of India, Provincial Governors, and high officials, intelligence reports, and other events (Focal Period: 1930s and 40s) ” by Nasim Yousaf
If you do not have access to the book, read the following article on the internet (one of the best articles about Mashriqi):
“Allama Mashriqi the Great – A Hero of All Times”
Also read “Maulvi Ka Ghalat Mazhab” by Allama Mashriqi.
Those who understand literature Hadith and its compilation process should have also known that it is bone of contention between Muslims. While Shias and Sunnis have their own compilations it doenst make any sense which is correct compilation and which isnt. Then you have fragile compilation process dating some 150-250 years after Muhammad (PBUH). It is also known that credibility of most of the compiler themselves has remained a question mark. Moreover, neither has Quran supported any literature other than itself nor does there was any indication that Muhammad (PBUH) asked his colleagues to create documents of his sayings.
Without the Ahadith, how many muslims would be circumcised? Circumcision isn’t mentioned anywhere in the Quran.
The Quran commands Muslims to give Zakah – but only from Hadith do we know how much to give.
These are just two examples – there are thousands more.
These things you are mentioning are changeable by time. When one says that Quran is beyond space and time then it means that implementation will be accordingly to that time. In medieval they have they implemented accordingly. Now days due to technological revolution value of Zakkat will be different so are other things. Now this involves Islamic Jurisprudence to decide what the percentage should be. Same things can be changed accordingly……
@Mohammad Ali,
Where in the Quraan does it say that the Kalimah is La ilaha illallaho Muhammadur rasoolullah?
How do we know this kalimah? From the Hadith of Rasoolullah S.A.W.
There are countless examples like this. Countless.
Value of Zakat is different today? What are you talking about? It has always been the same i.e. 2.5% or 1/40th of Zakatable assets.
Deniers of Hadith have never had a leg to stand upon.
@Abdul
Acts like Namaz, Rooza, Hajj, Zakat are part of your religion and the Sunnah of your Prophet (PBUH). The reason why Quran doesn’t mention them in detail is because people at that time were familiar with these basic acts of worship. For example, in Quran it is said, (cant recall the reference) “fasting is ordained for you as it was ordained for people before you…”. And I think you also know that Hajj was nothing alien to the Arabs of that time, though they had made some innovations which needed to be corrected (circling Kaaba while being nude) and Prophet (PBUH) corrected those. So please correct this misconception that namaz, roza, hajj, zakat were first given to Holy Prophet (PBUH). People attributed these acts to Abraham (PBUH) and had been transferring these from generations to generations.
The ahadith are classified based on their status, i.e., mutawatir, khabr-e-ahad (mashoor, ghareeb, etc.). The ahadith that deal with these acts of worships that are part of your religion can’t be based on khabr-e-ahad. The have to be mutawatir and anything less will not prove them part of religion. The sources should be so much varied that it eliminate all the possibilities of any doubt. Prophet (PBUH) took care for these to be reported to the coming generations.
The highest criteria in Khabr-e-ahad is that of a mashoor hadith. For a hadith to be mashoor, it has to be reported by AT-LEAST 3 people. So obviously a mashoor can’t compete with a mutawatir one in terms of importance and authenticity. And anything which is only know by around people after 100-150 years after your religion was completed hardly appeals to your intellect as being part of your religion. However, these sayings might have been said to different people under a specific context or some very individual instruction. And I think we might have also lost a large portion of such ahadith as a lot of people may have opted not to report them.
Please understand what other people are trying to say. Most of the people who are labeled by mullahs to be munkireen-hadith have similar opinions. And apart from Quran nothing is infallible. Collection of Haidth are humanly works. Just as Imam Bukhari (RA), Imam Muslim (RA), etc. created a new field Isma-ur-rijal, people should do they same today. The quest for knowledge should never stop. Everything that is attributed to the Prophet (PBUH) must be investigated and must be verified to the utmost limits.
I am sure you are aware of a mutawatir hadith (reported by as much as (approx) 70 people); “who ever invents a lie and attributes it to me, let it be known to him that he is preparing for himself a seat in hell fire”.
*And anything which is only known by around –3– people after 100-150 years,
@Zaigham
Thanks for the lecture. It doesn’t change anything.
You should spend some time with a Sheikh of Hadith. It’s the only way to discover the truth about this matter.
@abdul
sheikh of hadith… for example?
This article is about honorable Allama Mashriqi. I do not know why people are discussing Hadith here. Here is a list of eye-openning articles about Allama Mashriqi written by learned historian Nasim Yousaf. Hope these articles will educate people about respected and most honourable Allama Mashraqi.
# Allama Mashriqi — A Giant Among Men
# Allama Mashriqi the Great – A Hero of All Times
# Freedom of British India through the Lens of the Khaskar Movement
# Allama Mashriqi Maliciously Implicated in Murder Case
# The Historic Lahore Murder – March 19, 1940
# Man At War With His Own Species
# Behind the 1940-41 Ban on the Khaksar Tehrik
# Allama Mashraqi and the Unity of Mankind
# The Khaksar Martyrs of March 19, 1940
# Allama Mashriqi Desired to Erase Sectarianism
# A Distorted History
# Allama Inayatullah Khan Al-Mashriqi
# Foreward
# 41st death anniversary In memory of Allama Mashriqi (The Statesman, Pakistan, dated August 28, 2004)
The above articles are on Allama’s website:
http://www.allamamashraqi.com/grandsonsarticles.html
For books:
http://www.allamamashraqi.com/grandsonnyousafsworks.html
^^ oh somebody slandered Mashriqi sahib to be a munkireen hadith and it started from their…
An excerpt from one his essay:
میں چاہتا ہوں کے تمہیں بےچین کردوں، تمھارے اطمینان کے “الحمدللہ تم مسلمان ہو، الحمدلللہ مسلمان کے گھر پیدا ہوے ہو، خدا واحد کے نام لیوا ہو، جنّت کے حقدار ہو، الله کے لاڈلے ہو، تم پر دوزخ کی آگ حرام ہے، وغرہ وغرہ- ہاں، تمھارے اطمینان کو مشکوک کر کے تمہیں سچا اور کھرا اسلام بتاؤں- تم یہاں سے اٹھو تو پریشان ہو کر اٹھو- گھر واپس جو تو لڑکھڑا کر چلو-
تم پچھلے تین سو برس سے ذلیل و رسوا ہوتے گئے ہو- اس لئے کے تم تسلیوں میں مبتلا ہو، آرام کے کونے بنا بنا کر مزے سے بیٹھے ہو، تم نے، تمھارے دماغ نے، تمہاری کند ضمیر کی آواز نے، تمھارے نفس نے، تمھارے ذہنی اور دینی پیشواؤں نے کی قرنوں کسی ایسے خطرناک فکر اور سمجوتھے میں پرورش کی ہے کے اب آنکھیں ہو ہوا کے اس پتلی حالت پر راضی ہو- الحمدلللہ اس لئے کہتے ہو کے آرام کی کوئی راہ پیدا ہو، خدا کا شکر کرتے ہو کچھ کام نہ کرنا پڑے، شکر ادا کرکرکے خدا کو دھوکا دینا چاہتے ہو کے تمہاری بے محل خوشامد اسے بحالی لگے اور تم سے کسی عمل کا امیدوار نہ ہو، تم خدا کو سمجھاؤ کے اگرچے وہ سب کچھ چین کے لے گیا ہے غیروں کو دیتا جاتا ہے مگر چن جانے گھوم تو الگ رہا، ہم تو سرے سے کچھ مانگتے ہی نہیں! جو باقی ہے وہ بھی لےلے پھر بھی راضیہیں-
jo tujhay hazir o maujood say bay zaaar karay…
I read All Discussion. We must inquire one thing before adopted that was said by any human. Quran is the only book in which every Verse is an order of Almighty ALLAH. That must be obeyed. But what that is mentioned in hadith must be confirmed by some scholar. As Verses of Quran will never be changed. But hadith can be.
One question that always i wanted to ask and discuss… My question is from Zaigha.
Is there any concept of “Chastisement of Grave” in Islam?
As I know many hadith abou that but this is not mentioned in Quran as far as in my knowledge. If anybody know some verse of Quran about azab-e-qabar please share it.
@ Ayesha:
We know that this article is about honorable Allama Mashriqi. But Allama Sahab was not true bliever of hadith as in my knowledge (hearing).