Happy Independence Day!
The entry of the British East
India Company in the 16th century marked the beginning of British rule in
India, which ended in 1947 on 15 August. Immediately after the Mughal rule in
India, the British Crown took over control of Indian territory, and India
witnessed 200 years of atrocities and barbaric rule. While the British in India
might have destroyed its economy and freedom, they also established education
in India. Finally, India gained freedom on 15 August 1947 from the clutches of
the British government. Independence Day is celebrated on 15 August 1947
everywhere in India. It is celebrated to commemorate the freedom fighters of
India who fought for Indian independence. Independence Day is celebrated across
the length and breadth of the country with enthusiasm.
It cannot be forgotten that
enemies of Islam have erased the names of Islamic scholars who attained the
highest level of devotion, shahadah, through their love and sacrifice for
India's beloved resistance in history. However, it must be acknowledged that
we, too, have played a role, whether knowingly or unknowingly, in aiding the
commission of this crime. On the other hand, there is a large group of Muslims
who are unaware of their contributions to India's freedom.
Presented here are the
distinguished Islamic scholars who poured their dedication, effort, and even
their lifeblood into the pursuit of India's freedom.
Notable figures include Hazrat Allama Maulana Fazl-e-Haqq
Khairabadi, Hazrat Allama Maulana Sayyed Kifayat Ali Kafi Moradabadi, and
Maulana Mufti Inayat Ahmad Kakorvi. Here, we present some of their
biographies to the readers.
Allama Fazl-e-Haqq was born in 1212 AH/ 1797 AD. He received his primary education
from his father, Hazrat Allama Maulana Fazl-e-Imam, Mufti Sadruddin Azurdah,
Sha Abdul Qadir, and Sha Abdul Aziz Muhaddis Dehlavi.
By the age of thirteen, he had reached the pinnacle of knowledge
in various fields. Allama Sahab initiated the battle against the British
Government on 18 August.
On the other hand, a Munshi
of Bahadur Shah Zafar complained to the British and submitted a comprehensive
report about him. The report mentioned that upon arriving in Delhi, he started
standing with the people against the British. In his speech to the people, he
mentioned that he had read the announcement from the British Parliament in the
Agra Grant. The British Government had stated in this parliament that they
intended to destroy all cities and kill all citizens, leaving only one of the mosque's
minarets as a reminder.
Due to this complaint, Allama Sahab was arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment.
Hazrat Allama Maulana Kifayat Ali Kafi Moradabadi was not only an Islamic
scholar and Hafiz but also possessed numerous positive qualities.
He was one of the most fearless and prominent freedom fighters
among Muslims.
He opposed the British government during the 1857 movement and
was involved in the instigation against them.
At that time, the British Government announced a reward for
whoever captured those conspiring against them, promising their property as a
reward. None of the Mujahids could escape.
Molvi Sayyed Kifayat Ali Kafi Muradabadi was also captured and
killed. The person responsible for his capture was Fakhruddin Kalal.
Maulana Mufti Inayat Ahmad Kakorvi was born in 1228 AH/ 1813 AD. His father's name was Munshi
Muhammed Bakhsh.
He completed his primary education
in Nahw and Sarf in the Rampur village and obtained a Hadith certificate in
Delhi.
He was arrested because he
endorsed the Fatwa published against the British Government. The British sent
him to the Andaman Nicobar Island. Allama Fazl-e-Haqq Khairabadi, Mufti Mazhar
Kareem Daryabadi, and other respected Islamic scholars were also brought to
that location. Through the blessings of these scholars, the island became a centre
of knowledge.
They continued their
scholarly activities there such as writing books and preching Islam despite
adverse conditions and challenges.
Mufti Inayat Ahmad Kakorvi wrote the book "Ilmussega"
(علم الصیغہ), which is still taught in Alim courses. He also composed
"Tawareekhe Habibe Ilah" (تواريخ حبيب اله).
When Ramadan arrived, there
was no Hafiz capable of leading Taraweeh recitations. With unwavering belief in
Allah, he began to lead Taraweeh prayers with Quranic recitation. He learned
one para every day and recited it during Taraweeh, ultimately completing the
recitation of the holy Quran. He became a Hafiz by the end of Ramadan.
In 1862, he decided to
perform Hajj in Makkatul Mukarrama. During his ship journey, the ship
encountered a collision with an iceberg, leading to the drowning of all
passengers. Mufti Inayat Sahab, too, succumbed to the waters, attaining the
esteemed rank of martyrs at the age of fifty two.”
We could make this nation
free after numerous sacrifices and immense struggles. We must not forget the
contributions of the Islamic scholars who laid down their lives for the sake of
its freedom. These individuals exerted immense effort during the Freedom
Struggle. We should pay tribute by recalling their historical legacy. It's
crucial not to overlook their significant contributions. May Allah grant us the
guidance to remember and honour them, and may we be blessed to follow in their
righteous footsteps.