Tag Archives: Saifuddin Kitchlew

Sabhi ka khoon hai shamil yaha ki mitti me: Muslim Freedom Fighters of India

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Freedom Fighters (under research project), Leaders, Martyrs of the Nation, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

INDIA:

Uncover the remarkable contributions of Muslim freedom Fighters of India to fight for freedom from British colonial rule.

In present times, Indian Muslims find themselves subjected to demonization and unwarranted questioning of their patriotism. Communal elements seek to manipulate history by intentionally excluding Muslims and disseminating false propaganda against them through social media. The vital contributions and sacrifices made by Indian Muslims in the struggle for India’s freedom from British colonial rule are systematically obscured. However, a closer examination of history reveals that not only did Indian Muslims play an essential role in the freedom movement, but they also made significant sacrifices for the cause of anti-colonial nationalism.

Indian Muslims: Unveiling Their Crucial Role

According to a report by the Milli Chronicle, the names of 95,300 freedom fighters are etched on the India Gate in Delhi, and remarkably, 61,945 of these names belong to Muslims, signifying that 65% of these brave individuals were Muslims. The significance of this statistic is eloquently captured by the renowned writer Mr. Kushwant Singh, who boldly states that the story of Indian freedom is etched in the blood of Muslims, emphasizing their disproportionately larger contribution to the struggle, considering their smaller population percentage.

Profiles of Courage: Muslim Freedom Fighters

The annals of history are adorned with the stories of Muslim freedom fighters who put their lives on the line to liberate India from the shackles of British oppression. These individuals, driven by an unwavering determination to secure their homeland’s independence, demonstrated exceptional courage and resilience.

Sultan Haidar Ali Salabat Jung: The First Freedom Fighter


   Sultan Haidar Ali, father of Tipu Sultan, pioneered the fight against British colonial forces. A secular leader, he united both Hindus and Muslims in his quest for freedom, although his efforts were eventually betrayed.

Tipu Sultan: A Trailblazer in Battle


   Son of India’s first freedom fighter Haider Ali, Tipu Sultan pioneered the use of iron-cased rockets, utilizing them effectively to defeat British forces in several historic battles over two decades.

Shaheed Ashfaqullah Khan: A Martyr’s Legacy


   Member of the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA), Ashfaqullah Khan paid the ultimate price for India’s freedom. Notable for his daring attacks on British government trains, his sacrifice remains etched in history.

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad: A Beacon of Unity


   Maulana Azad, a key leader in the anti-colonial nationalist movement, became the youngest President of the Indian National Congress. He rallied Hindus and Muslims alike against British oppression and launched Urdu Weekly Al-Hilal to expose British misrule.

Maulana Hasrat Mohani: Champion of Change

Mohani’s powerful Urdu speeches incited Indians to stand up against British rule. His unyielding spirit saw him arrested and jailed, but his impact on India’s fight for freedom remained profound.

Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan: The Frontier Gandhi


   A pivotal figure in the Khilafat movement, Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan established the Khudai Khitmatgars, promoting peace and unity. Jailed for 13 years by the British, his dedication was unwavering.

Sirajud Daula: Battling Against Betrayal


   The last Nawab of Bengal, Sirajud Daula, fought valiantly against British forces. Despite betrayal, he remained a symbol of resistance against British rule.

Vakkom Majeed: Courage Amidst Oppression


   Vakkom Majeed’s resilience during the Quit India movement earned him repeated jail terms, highlighting his unwavering commitment to India’s freedom.

Fazl-e-Huq Khairabadi: Life in Exile


   Sentenced to life in the notorious Kalapani jail on Andaman, Fazl-e-Huq Khairabadi continued his fight for freedom despite insurmountable odds.

Badruddin Tayabji: Founding the INC


    Badruddin Tyabji and Qamruddin Tyabji were instrumental in establishing the Indian National Congress (INC). Badruddin’s wife, Suraiya Tayabji, designed the present Indian flag.

Shah Nawaz Khan: A Triumphant Act


    Major of Azad Hind Force, Shah Nawaz Khan was the first to hoist the tricolor at the Red Fort, symbolizing India’s victorious struggle against British imperialism.

Barrister Saifuddin Kitchlew: A Voice for Justice


    Jailed for 14 years by the British for protesting against the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the Rowlatt Acts, Kitchlew’s opposition to the two-nation theory set him apart.

Bakht Khan: A Gallant Defender


    Bakht Khan’s courageous defense against the British in Delhi, Bengal, and Lucknow showcased his unwavering dedication to India’s freedom.

Titu Mir: Bengali Rebel


    Titu Mir’s armed resistance against British colonial authorities exemplified his determination to free India from British rule.

Syed Ahmad Barelvi: Organizing Resistance


    Syed Ahmad Barelvi’s efforts in uniting native armies against the British from Delhi to Kabul showcased his strategic prowess.

Zain-ul-Abideen: INA Officer’s Patriotic Slogan


    Zain-ul-Abideen, an officer of the Indian National Army (INA), coined the iconic patriotic slogan “Jai Hind.”

Empowering Women in the Freedom Struggle

The fight for India’s freedom was not limited to men; several Muslim women also contributed significantly to the struggle.

Begum Hazrat Mahal: A Rebel Leader


   Rebelling against the British in 1857, Begum Hazrat Mahal seized control of Lucknow from British forces, showcasing her leadership and courage.

Surayya Tyabji: Designing India’s Flag


   Wife of freedom fighter Badruddin Tayyabji, Surayya Tyabji designed the Indian flag that we proudly hoist today.

Abadi Bano Begum: A Pioneer in Politics


   Abadi Bano Begum, known as Bi Amma, actively participated in politics, matching her male counterparts in the Indian National Movement. Her sons went on to become prominent leaders.

Azizan: A Warrior’s Spirit


   Azizan organized a battalion of warrior women, displaying her remarkable skill in the art of war and refusing to yield to British pressure.

A Timeless Legacy

The contributions and sacrifices of Indian Muslims in the fight against British colonialism are immeasurable. While recounting the names of every Muslim freedom fighter may be an impossible feat, their collective impact remains undeniable. The fact that many chose to remain in India underscores their deep-rooted connection to the land. Despite attempts to distort history, India will forever be the cherished home of its Muslim citizens.

Conclusion

Urdu poet Rahat Indori’s words,

“Sabhi ka khoon hai shamil yaha ki mitti me,

Kisi ke baap ka Hindustaan thodi hai,”

encapsulate the essence of Muslim Freedom Fighters of India’ unyielding commitment to their homeland. The sacrifices and contributions of Indian Muslims in the struggle for independence stand as a testament to their unwavering dedication and indomitable spirit. Their stories deserve to be acknowledged and celebrated, inspiring future generations to honor the diverse tapestry of individuals who fought for a free and united India.

source: http://www.munsifdaily.com / The Munsif Daily / Home> News> Indai> Pan India / by Munsif Web Desk / August 18th, 2023

Saadat Bano was more than the wife of Saifuddin Kitchlew

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Freedom Fighters (under research project), Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , ,

Amritsar, PUNJAB:

Sadaat Bano Kitchlew with a foreigner (Courtesy Heritage Times)
Sadaat Bano Kitchlew with a foreigner (Courtesy Heritage Times)

Qudsia Bano once remarked that in a family led by a towering personality, the other members will always remain dwarfs. She failed to add that if the other family member is a woman, her stature will diminish further.

This is so true about many women including Saadat Bano, who was the wife of the well-known freedom fighter Saifuddin Kitchlew. It was against his arrest that the people were protesting at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar when Dyer fired upon them, killing 379 and injuring more than 1200 people. Not many would remember Saddat Bano since our patriarchal society teaches us “Saadat was married to Saifuddin” and not that “Saifuddin was the husband of Saadat”.

Seldom do we find any mention of Saadat Bano in our history textbooks as an independent woman or for her work.

Should Saadat be only remembered as the wife of a great man? Especially when she was a published writer and women’s rights activist even before she married Kitchlew. She was an excellent orator on social and political issues.

Born in 1893 in Amritsar, Saadat was home-tutored in Urdu, Persian, and English. At a very young age, she started writing in leading magazines of the early 20th century like Deccan Review, Tehzeeb e Niswaan, and Khatoon. With a series of articles by the title of Hurriyat e Niswaan (Freedom of Women) published in Tehzeeb e Niswaan at 16, she became one of the leading women thinkers in India. Her writings were not limited to women’s issues; she wrote about the educational reforms of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, the politics of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, fashion, etc.

Years before marrying the Cambridge-educated  Saifuddin Kitchlew in 1915, she also had a name as a poet. She composed poems on nationalism and humanism. One of the couplets from a poem, “Pyare watan ke naam pe jaaun nisaar main, Ujde chaman mai dekhun Ilahi bahaar main” (I wish to sacrifice my life for my country and bring back its lost glory), bears testimony to her emotions.

After her marriage at the age of 22, she became more active in public life. Saifuddin was a prominent leader. After her marriage to a leading nationalist leader, Sadaar could write without fear. When Lala Lajpat Rai returned to Punjab after a long exile, Saadat welcomed him with an emotional poem. She wrote, “even when thousands are oblivious of the national duty, Lajpat has kept the honour of the nation”.

In 1919, Saifuddin was jailed for agitating against the Rowlatt Act. People organised a public meeting at Jallianwala Bagh to register a protest against it. What happened at Jalianwalla Bagh is history, but not many know that Saadat was supposed to be there addressing the protesters. People had gathered to listen to Saadar but she could not reach the venue in time.When Saifuddin was in jail, Saadat addressed meetings, met political leaders, attended Congress sessions, wrote in newspapers, and participated in All India Women Conference activities. She was a good orator. 

Saadat along with Saifuddin was one of the most severe critics of Jinnah’s demand for Pakistan. When most of the Muslims from Amritsar fled to Pakistan the couple left Delhi. After India gained freedom, Sadaat remained active with Women’s organisations and Peace Conference till her last day – 18 August 1970.     

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Saquib Salim / May 21st, 2023    

English, Urdu books on contribution of Indian Muslims in freedom movement released

Amazing Feats, Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Community Involvement / Social Issues, Freedom Fighters (under research project), Leaders, Martyrs of the Nation, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

NEW DELHI :

Patna: 

In a glittering ceremony, two books on Muslims’ contribution in India’s Freedom movement were launched here in Patna on 17th December. The function was presided over by Harsh Mandar, former IAS officer and human rights defender in the country.

The books ‘Muslim Freedom Fighters: Contribution of Indian Muslims in the Independence Movement’ and its Urdu version ‘Muslim Mujahideen-e-Azadi aur Tehrik-e-Azadi Mein Unki Khidmat’ have been authored by Delhi based author and journalist Syed Ubaidur Rahman.

The two books try to fight the oft-repeated allegations that Muslims are anti-national and have not contributed for the freedom of the nation. The books nail the lie and prove that Muslims not just participated in the freedom movement, they went on to lead the freedom struggle for a long time. The first war of Independence or Mutiny of 1857 was led by Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar in Delhi and Begum Hazrat Mahal in Lucknow. The Independence Movement in the first two decades of the twentieth century was led by Mahmud Hasan and ulama of Deoband and they had respect and support of everyone including Hindus and Muslims.

If anyone has any doubt about the Muslim contribution in the freedom movement, the fact that the Indian National Congress had as many as nine Muslims as its president till the year 1947 will remove such doubts.

While speaking on the occasion, Harsh Mandar said that the divisive forces in the country are trying to divide the nation on the basis of religion and faith. He said that the danger from such forces for the national fabric and its unity has become grave.

Harsh Mandar added that the threat to the communal amity in the country was never so high as is today as divisive forces are doing every thing to pit one community against the other and create a fear psychosis among the majority community prompting it to turn it against minorities.

Khursheed Mallick, a Chicago based urologist, philanthropist and director of IMEFNA said that the book is a timely reminder to the nation that Muslims and Hindus both sacrificed for the nation and this fact must be clearly told to our young generation. He said Muslims sacrificed heavily for the cause of the freedom of the nation and efforts must be made to tell the history.

Syed Ubaidur Rahman, the author of the two books, while speaking on the occasion said Muslims have been rather loath to write about the sacrifices they have made for the cause of the Independence and freedom. He said Muslims suffered badly throughout the freedom movement. They were the worst suffers in the wake of the mutiny of 1857 and its aftermath when Muslims were hounded across North India and beyond. Tens of thousands of Muslims lost their lives for the freedom.

Syed added that ulama of Deoband played a stellar role in the freedom movement. Unlike the common perception, they were secular to the core and when they established a government in exile in Kabul in 1915, they appointed Raja Mahendra Pratap as its President and Maulana Barkatullah Bhopali as its Prime Minister.

The book documents the lives of forty renowned Muslim freedom fighters including, Shaikhul Hind Maulana Mahmud al-Hasan, Maulana Barkatullah Bhopali, Hakim Ajmal Khan, Maulana Ubaidullah Sindhi, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar, Dr Maghfoor Ahmad Ajazi, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad Ansari, Ashfaqulla Khan, Maulana Hasrat Mohani, Maulana Muhammad Mian Mansoor Ansari, Asaf Ali, Husain Ahmad Madani, Aruna Asaf Ali (Kulsum Zamani), Peer Ali Khan, Saifuddin Kitchlew, Mohammed Abdur Rahiman, Captain Abbas Ali, Abdul Qaiyum Ansari, Prof. Abdul Bari, Moulvi Abdul Rasul, Nawab Syed Mohammed Bahadur, Rahimtulla Mahomed Sayani, Syed Hasan Imam, Sir Syed Ali Imam, M.C. Chagla, Yusuf Meherally, Justice Fazal Ali, General Shah Nawaz Khan, Allama Fazle Haq Khairabadi, Maulana Shaukat Ali, Syed Mahmud, Maulana Mazharul Haque, Badruddin Tyabji, Col Mehboob Ahmed, Begum Hazrat Mahal, Maulana Shafi Daudi, Rafi Ahmed Kidwai, Syed Mohammad Sharfuddin Quadri, Batak Mian

The book launch function was organized at Anjuman Taraqqi Urdu and was presided over by Abdul Qaiyum Ansari, chairman of Anjuman Taraqqi Urdu Bihar.

Name of the Book: Muslim Freedom Fighters: Contribution of Indian Muslims in the Independence Movement
Author: Syed Ubaidur Rahman
ISBN: 81-88869-43-0
Price Rs 225/-
Global Media Publications
E-42, G. Floor, AFE, Jamia nagar, Okhla, New Delhi-110025

source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> India / by ummid.com News Network / December 12th, 2017

Sify columnist releases book on Indian Muslim freedom fighters

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Freedom Fighters (under research project), Leaders, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

NEW DELHI :

FreedomFightersMPOs22dec2017

Patna:

In a glittering ceremony, two books on the Muslim community’s contribution to the Indian freedom movement were launched in Patna last week. The function was presided over by Harsh Mander, former IAS officer and human rights activist.

The books ‘Muslim Freedom Fighters: Contribution of Indian Muslims in the Independence Movement’ and its Urdu version ‘Muslim Mujahideen-e-Azadi aur Tehrik-e-Azadi Mein Unki Khidmat’ have been authored by well-known Delhi based author and journalist Syed Ubaidur Rahman.

The two books try to fight the oft-repeated allegations that Muslims are anti-national and have not contributed for the freedom of the nation. The books nail the lie and prove that Muslims not just participated in the freedom movement, they went on to lead the freedom struggle for a long time. The first war of Independence or Mutiny of 1857 was led by Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar in Delhi and Begum Hazrat Mahal in Lucknow.

The Independence Movement in the first two decades of the twentieth century was led by Mahmud Hasan and ulama of Deoband and they had respect and support of everyone including Hindus and Muslims.

If anyone has any doubt about the Muslim contribution in the freedom movement, the fact that the Indian National Congress had as many as nine Muslims as its president till the year 1947 will remove such doubts.

While speaking on the occasion, Harsh Mander said that the divisive forces in the country are trying to divide the nation on the basis of religion and faith. He said that the danger from such forces for the national fabric and its unity has become grave.

Mander added that the threat to the communal amity in the country was never so high as is today as divisive forces are doing every thing to pit one community against the other and create a fear psychosis among the majority community prompting it to turn it against minorities.

Khursheed Mallick, a Chicago based urologist, philanthropist and director of IMEFNA said that the book is a timely reminder to the nation that Muslims and Hindus both sacrificed for the nation and this fact must be clearly told to our young generation. He said Muslims sacrificed heavily for the cause of the freedom of the nation and efforts must be made to tell the history.

Syed Ubaidur Rahman, the author of the two books, while speaking on the occasion said Muslims have been rather loath to write about the sacrifices they have made for the cause of the Independence and freedom. He said Muslims suffered badly throughout the freedom movement. They were the worst suffers in the wake of the mutiny of 1857 and its aftermath when Muslims were hounded across North India and beyond. Tens of thousands of Muslims lost their lives for the freedom.

Syed added that ulama of Deoband played a stellar role in the freedom movement. Unlike the common perception, they were secular to the core and when they established a government in exile in Kabul in 1915, they appointed Raja Mahendra Pratap as its President and Maulana Barkatullah Bhopali as its Prime Minister.

The book documents the lives of forty renowned Muslim freedom fighters including, Shaikhul Hind Maulana Mahmud al-Hasan, Maulana Barkatullah Bhopali, Hakim Ajmal Khan, Maulana Ubaidullah Sindhi, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar, Dr Maghfoor Ahmad Ajazi, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad Ansari, Ashfaqulla Khan, Maulana Hasrat Mohani, Maulana Muhammad Mian Mansoor Ansari, Asaf Ali, Husain Ahmad Madani, Aruna Asaf Ali (Kulsum Zamani), Peer Ali Khan, Saifuddin Kitchlew, Mohammed Abdur Rahiman, Captain Abbas Ali, Abdul Qaiyum Ansari, Prof. Abdul Bari, Moulvi Abdul Rasul, Nawab Syed Mohammed Bahadur, Rahimtulla Mahomed Sayani, Syed Hasan Imam, Sir Syed Ali Imam, M.C. Chagla, Yusuf Meherally, Justice Fazal Ali, General Shah Nawaz Khan, Allama Fazle Haq Khairabadi, Maulana Shaukat Ali, Syed Mahmud, Maulana Mazharul Haque, Badruddin Tyabji, Col Mehboob Ahmed, Begum Hazrat Mahal, Maulana Shafi Daudi, Rafi Ahmed Kidwai, Syed Mohammad Sharfuddin Quadri, Batak Mian .

The book launch function was organized at Anjuman Taraqqi Urdu and was presided over by Abdul Qaiyum Ansari, chairman of Anjuman Taraqqi Urdu Bihar.

Syed Ubaidur Rahman is a New Delhi based writer and commentator. He has written several books on Muslims and Islam in India including Understanding Muslim Leadership in India.

source: http://www.sify.com / Sify.com / Home> SifyNews> National / by SIFY.com / Friday – December 22nd, 2017