In the struggle for Pakistan and the fight for independence, just as politicians and social leaders played their roles under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam, the revered Sufi saints and esteemed scholars were at the forefront of this movement. These scholars, defending their Islamic identity, made every sacrifice necessary to establish a state founded on the principles of faith.
History bears witness that the scholars of the subcontinent and the Sufi saints associated with the shrines across India stood shoulder to shoulder with Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and other prominent leaders. They tirelessly worked day and night for the creation of a separate nation in the name of Islam. The scholars confronted various challenges, thwarted conspiracies, and prevented discord at every front. They gave a strong response to the opponents of Quaid-e-Azam and stood firmly in support of Jinnah.
The thinker of Pakistan and poet of the East, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, envisioned an independent Islamic welfare state for the Muslims of the subcontinent. This vision became a reality through the efforts of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and other leaders who are no longer among us today. Here, we mention a few renowned religious figures who, like millions of Muslims during the Pakistan Movement, made significant sacrifices of life and property for the cause. These scholars and Sufi saints were the right-hand supporters of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Pir Jamaat Ali Shah
He actively participated in the Pakistan Movement and maintained close contact and consultation with Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Declaring his complete trust in the Muslim League and Quaid-e-Azam, he provided full support in advancing the movement. In a telegram to the Viceroy of India, he stated, “The Muslim League is the sole representative body of the Muslims of India, and Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah is their sole leader. The nomination of Muslim members to the Executive Council is the responsibility of the Muslim League and Quaid-e-Azam. My millions of disciples across India stand with the Muslim League.”
Mujahid-e-Millat Maulana Abdul Sattar Khan Niazi
On the instructions of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, Maulana Niazi founded the “Muslim Students Federation” and, along with his companions, worked tirelessly for the Pakistan Movement. He corresponded with and met with the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam, who once said, “With young men like Niazi, who can stop us from creating Pakistan?”
Shah Abdul Aleem Siddiqui Meerthi
Among those who actively participated in the Pakistan Movement was Shah Sahib, who held several meetings with Quaid-e-Azam, during which they discussed the establishment of a separate state for the Muslims of India and efforts to unite them on one platform. Shah Sahib also played a key role in garnering the support of global leaders, particularly Muslims, for the cause of Pakistan during his international tours, upon the request of Quaid-e-Azam.
Maulana Abdul Haq Badauni
As part of the vanguard of the Pakistan Movement, Maulana Badauni strongly supported the Pakistan Resolution during the historic All India Muslim League session at Manto Park in Lahore. He and his companions declared their support for the resolution. His contributions during the elections in British India were unforgettable. He traveled to remote areas of UP, Bihar, Orissa, Bengal, Assam, Bombay, Sindh, Balochistan, and Punjab to persuade Muslims to vote in favor of the Muslim League. Maulana Badauni was part of the delegation sent by Quaid-e-Azam for the referendum in the North-West Frontier Province.
Allama Syed Ahmad Saeed Kazmi
Among the scholars of India, one prominent name is Allama Kazmi, who ensured his participation in the All India Sunni Conference in Banaras, which was attended by thousands of scholars and millions of people. His participation helped spread the message and purpose of the Pakistan Movement to his followers across India, giving it further strength. The All India Sunni Conference held on April 27, 1946, is considered a milestone in the struggle for independence.
In the caravan of the freedom movement, many other warriors, devoted followers of Jinnah, and loyal members of the Muslim League can be mentioned, whose efforts and achievements would require many chapters to recount. The truth is that during this period, scholars from all schools of thought set aside all sectarian divisions and differences, made the creation of Pakistan their ultimate goal, and spread across India at the direction of Quaid-e-Azam, spreading the message of the struggle for Pakistan and ensuring its success.
Pir Jamaat Ali Shah, Maulana Abu Al-Hasanat, Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi, and their companions, Maulana Shafi Deobandi, Maulana Idris Kandhlawi, Maulana Shabbir Ahmad Usmani, and Maulana Zafar Ahmad Usmani instructed Muslims of all sects across India, whether in mosques, shrines, or public gatherings, to participate in the struggle for an independent homeland and made the Pakistan Movement a success.
