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Maghfoor Ahmad Ajazi

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Maghfoor Ahmad Ajazi
Maghfoor Ajazi
Born(1900-03-03)3 March 1900
Muzaffarpur, British India
Died26 September 1966(1966-09-26) (aged 66)
Muzaffarpur, India
Occupations
Known forFounder of All-India Jamhur Muslim League & Flag bearer for the cause of Urdu Language
MovementIndian independence movement
Signature

Maghfoor Ahmad Ajazi (3 March 1900 – 26 September 1966) was a political activist from Bihar, prominent in the Indian independence movement.

Early life

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Ajazi was born on 3 March 1900 in village Dihuli, Block Sakra of District Muzaffarpur, in British India.[1] His father Hafizuddin Husain and grandfather Imam Bakhsh were zamindars and his mother's name was Mahfoozunnisa. His maternal grandfather Reysat Husain was an advocate in Sitamarhi.[2]

He became a disciple of Ajaz Husain Budayuni, the Khalif of Fazle Rahman Ganj Muradabadi, and assumed title of 'Ajazi'.[1] He gained his patriotism from his father Hafizuddin who had organized the peasantry against the European indigo planters.[1]

Ajazi's mother died in his childhood, while his father died in Lucknow during treatment and was buried in Chaar Bagh Qabristan when Ajazi was in school.[3] His elder brother Manzoor Ahsan Ajazi was also a freedom fighter.[4] He had only one sister, Noorun Nisa.[5]

Ajazi received his elementary and religious education from Madarsa-e-Imdadia, Darbhanga and then joined North Brooke Zila School, Darbhanga, from where he was expelled for opposing the Rowlatt Act. He passed the matriculation examination from Pusa High School and took admission in B.N. College, Patna, for higher studies. He was married to Azizul Fatima. After nikah, marriage ceremony which was attended by Shafi Daudi, Binda babu (later on Speaker, Bihar Assembly) and Deep babu (later on cabinet minister, Bihar), was completely transformed into a public meeting for freedom struggle where anti-British Raj and pro-freedom slogans were raised.[6][7][3]

Pre-Independence activism

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Ajazi left his studies at Bihar National College to follow Mahatma Gandhi and joined the Non-cooperation movement in 1921.[6]

He collected funds for freedom struggle through ‘Muthia’ drive. ‘Muthia’ meant to take out a muththi or fist of grain before preparing every meal to fund freedom struggle. Once he unknowingly reached the house of his cousin in a remote village. He inquired about 'Muthia'. He received a negative answer. His cousin recognised him and requested him to take meal, but he refused even a glass of water.[8] When his sister promised to take out muthia and donated the dues, he agreed to take meal.[9]

He attended the AICC session held at Ahmedabad in 1921 and supported Hasrat Mohani's motion on 'Complete Independence', which was opposed by Mahatma Gandhi and failed."The Hindu", English Daily in its article published on 2 March 2022 entitled "Colonial's Rule's Impact :Wipe Out British Raj's Ethos"says "Sri Aurbindo advocating for Poorna Swaraj in 1907, going against the proposal of colonial Self-Government given by Dadabhai Naoroji. Hasrat Mohani, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Maghfoor Ahmad Ajazi, and Bipin Chandra Pal reinforced this call for Complete Independence"[1] He met Gandhiji at Sabarmati Ashram.[10] Ajazi was not in support of the dominion status for India as many people in the Congress wanted at that time. He was always of the opinion that India should not remain under British imperialism for any significant amount of time and that the Raj had no moral right to subjugate Indians. This was the reason that he went against many Congress leaders of his time who were contented with dominion status and he instead wholeheartedly supported the motion of Complete Independence for India.[7]

Ajazi launched a Seven Point Programme to raise funds for the Congress and Khilafat Committees of Muzaffarpur which helped in purchasing land for the District Congress which is now known as Tilak Maidan, Muzaffarpur. Some of the features of his mobilization schemes included selling khadi clothes, burning foreign clothes, boycotting other foreign goods, procuring handful of grains from households and collecting funds for the freedom movement. In one such public meeting at his ancestral village, Dihuli, he burnt a bonfire of his own western clothes. By the end of October 1921, Muzaffarpur district had become an important centre of the Non-cooperation movement. The colonial authorities decided to suppress the movement. So, the police raided Daudi’s house and Ajazi, Daudi and Abdul Wadood were among the leaders arrested and put behind bars.[11] In the Gaya Congress session of 1922, Ajazi met C. R. Das and made fervent electoral campaigns for the Congress candidates in the municipal polls. In 1923, a special session of the Congress took place in Delhi presided over by Abul Kalam Azad. During this session, an issue of sitting arrangement came up whereby the delegates from Bihar were not given seats in the front row. Ajazi registered his strong objection to this discriminatory arrangement after which Bihari delegates were also given appropriate seats. His protest was admittedly on the issue of self-respect of the Biharis and due to his attitude of not accepting any discrimination among people based on their faith, caste or place of origin.[1][12]

He represented the Central Khilafat Committee at the All Parties Conference and All Muslim Parties Conferences on Nehru Report along with Shaukat Ali, Begum Md. Ali, Abdul Majid Daryabadi, Azad Subhani, Abul Muhasin Muhammad Sajjad and others.[13] On the direction of Md Ali Jauhar, he took charge of the Khilafat Committee Calcutta.[1] He was arrested while participating in a protest march led by Subash Chandra Bose.[10] Later, he was released. He led the demonstrations against Simon Commission at Patna in 1928.[14][15] He along with Rajendra Prasad worked extensively in relief operations during the 1934 Nepal–India earthquake which was one of the worst earthquakes in India's history.[15][3][16] He operated several relief camps providing the affected people with food and shelter. In 1941 he joined the Individual Civil Disobedience and started mobilizing people. During one such mobilization in Muzaffarpur while he was leading a peaceful protest, the local police resorted to lathi charge because of which Ajazi and his followers suffered serious injuries.[12] Despite the death of his eldest son on 25 July 1942, he took part in the Quit India movement and attended the AICC session held at Bombay on 8 August 1942 where he played an important role in adoption of resolution demanding complete independence from the British government. Due to his active involvement in the movement, arrest warrant was issued in his name.[12] A search operation was undertaken at his house. This pushed him to work secretly.[10] Finally, he was arrested and put behind bars along with other national leaders by the British authorities in order to quell the movement.[12]

First Session of All India Jamhur Muslim League, which was established by Maghfoor Ahmad Ajazi to support a united India (1940).

Ajazi opposed Muhammad Ali Jinah and the creation of a separate Pakistan. He founded the All-India Jamhur Muslim League in 1940 to counter Jinnah's All-India Muslim League, and served as its first general secretary.[10] Opponents used to come in batches to his residence, virtually spitting and shouting slogans.[17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][15][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32] He asserted his politics against the divisive politics of 1940s. He didn't give in despite increasing communalization of Indian landscape in the run up to the independence and remained firm in his belief that Muslims and Hindus can take the nation forward through co-operation and working together for the common good.[7]

Ajazi was also a poet and writer in the Urdu language as well as an orator. His papers, diaries, letters and files are preserved in the Nehru Memorial Museum & Library in New Delhi, National Archives in New Delhi and the Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library in Patna.[33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48] Govt. of India has decorated his photograph in Azadi Ke Deewane Museum of Lal Qila, Delhi with caption "Opposed Jinnah's Two Nation Theory and founded All India Jamhur Muslim League to counter it".[49][50][7][51]

Post-independence activism

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He was the chairman of the Urdu Conference of Muzaffarpur held in 1960, in which for the first time a resolution was passed demanding that Urdu be accepted as an official language in Bihar.[52][53][54]

Ajazi established Anjuman Khuddam-e-Millat, based on the pattern of Sir Syed's Educational society.[53] This society established a school, renovated the Company Bagh Mosque of Muzaffarpur, now the biggest Mosque of this city, built a rest house, and undertook the last rites of unclaimed dead bodies.[55][56][57][58]

Death

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Ajazi died on 26 September 1966 in Muzaffarpur at his own residence Ajazi House. Thousands of people attended his Namaz-e-Janaza which was performed at historic Tilak Maidan, the land bought by the funds collected and donations made by Ajazi himself. It was the largest gathering ever for a funeral procession in the city's history. He was buried in Qazi Mohammadpur Qabristan.[12]

President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed recalled his services during Freedom Struggle saying as "He was in forefront of India's War for Independence. The story of his life is a unique and interesting story of an important era of the country". Acharya J.B. Kripalani said: "Dr. Ajazi was a great patriot, a devoted servant of humanity and a lovable friend. Selfless patriot like him are becoming rare. His death is a loss to society".[59] Author Kalam Haidry and novelist and journalist Moin Shahid called him "Baba-e-Urdu, Bihar" (Father of Urdu in BIhar) for his services towards Urdu language. Journalist and poet Wafa Malikpuri described him an old 'Mujahid' (crusader) for Urdu language. Muzaffarpur Municipal Board named the road leading to his residence as "Dr. Ajazi Marg".[60][7][61][62][63]

Tributes by Govt. of India

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  • Govt. of India has recognised him as one of the Unsung Heroes of Indian Freedom Struggle on the eve of Amrit Mahotsav of Independence.[10] Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of India's independence and the glorious history of its people, culture and achievements.
  • Embassy of India in Greece pays tribute to him as India celebrates 75 years of its Independence.[64]
  • Govt. of India has decorated his photograph in Azadi Ke Diwane Museum of Lal Qila, Delhi with caption "Opposed Jinnah's Two Nation Theory and founded All India Jamhur Muslim League to counter it".[49][7][51] The Azadi Ke Diwane museum in the Red Fort complex is dedicated to the unsung heroes who sacrificed their lives and fought for India's freedom. It is a one-of-a-kind museum which aims to inspire younger generations, inform them about the cost of freedom and make them aware that they should not take independence for granted as great freedom fighters achieved it by sacrificing their lives. The museum was built by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), with the multi-sensory experiences (to engage visitors) co-created by Tagbin. It is housed in a double-storey building and is divided into 22 zones, arranged in chronological order from 1857 to 1947 paying homage to those who gifted Indians with an independent nation.[65][66]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Maghfoor Ahmad Ajazi.

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f Sajjad, Mohammad (6 January 2013). "Maghfur Aijazi: A freedom-fighter and a builder of Indian democracy". TwoCircles.net. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
  2. ^ Bihari Lal Fitrat (1883) AAin-e-Tirhut published from Bahar-e-Kashmir Press, Lucknow, republished with translation by Mahrajdhiraj Kameshwar Singh Kalyani Foundation, Darbhanga-2001 P291
  3. ^ a b c Singh, Major Kulbir (1 July 2017). "Maghfoor Ahmad Ajazi: Political activist from Bihar". youngbites.com.
  4. ^ "Manzoor Ahsan Ajazi :- Great Freedom Fighter of India who spent 13 years in British Jails". Heritage Times. 30 November 2017.
  5. ^ AMU, Aligarh's Organ "Tahzib-ul-Akhlaque" started by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, Feb. 2004, p. 49
  6. ^ a b Ahmed, Syed Naseer (2014). The Immortals. Azad House of Publications, Guntur (AP). pp. 203–4.
  7. ^ a b c d e f Rahman, Syed Ubaidur (2021). Biographical Encyclopedia of Indian Muslim Freedom Fighters. Global Media Publications. pp. 568–70. ISBN 978-8188869510.
  8. ^ "Maghfoor Ahmad Ajazi". mpositive.in.
  9. ^ Bihar Vibhuti-Vol. iii-Bihar Abhlekhagar, Govt. of Bihar--2014 p233-35
  10. ^ a b c d e Ministry of Culture, Government of India. "Maghfoor Ahmad Ajazi". amritmahotsav.nic.in.
  11. ^ "Shafi Daudi: The builder of the Congress in Muzaffarpur". Heritage Times. 28 October 2018.
  12. ^ a b c d e "Maghfoor Ahmad Ajazi: Unsung hero of war of Independence". Teesri Jung (in Hindi). 4 March 2021.
  13. ^ Reneissance Law College Indore B.A, LLB (Hons) 2nd. Sem. History Unit-1
  14. ^ Geeks for Geeks 27 June 2022 Entitled Why Was the Simon Commission rejected by Indians?
  15. ^ a b c Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (2003). NMML Manuscripts: An Introduction. Nehru Memorial Museum and Library. p. 120. ISBN 9788187614050.
  16. ^ "Freedom Fighter Dr Maghfoor Ahmad Ajazi remembered on Republic Day". Prabhat Khabar (in Hindi). 24 January 2022.
  17. ^ IAS 100 by Chronicle
  18. ^ The Expression International e-journal, vol. 2, issue-1
  19. ^ Article by Veena Nair published in siasat.com on 15/8/2022 entitled Indian Muslims Who fought against Jinnah's two nation theory
  20. ^ S. M. Azizuddin Husain, Jamia Millia Islamia (India) (2005). Madrasa Education in India, Eleventh to Twenty First Century. Kanishka Publishers, Distributors. ISBN 9788173917417.
  21. ^ Sir Syed Ahmad Kahn:Vision and Mission Delhi: Manohar, 2008, pp. 181–197
  22. ^ Terrorism is Comes from US, Barath Kumar PKT, published by A. Palanivelu
  23. ^ Muslim Freedom Fighters Of India By Mohd. Talat Aziz
  24. ^ South Asian History And Culture Routledge, London, Vol. 2, pp. 16–36. ISSN 1947-2498, Taylor and Francis Group
  25. ^ Builders Of Bihar By Dr. Syed Ahmad Quadri-2008-pp 61–63
  26. ^ World HeritageEncyclopedia, ID:WHEBN0038065375
  27. ^ The Muslim Heroes Of Bihar By Fakhruddin Ahmad Nishter-2013-pp 34–36
  28. ^ Monograph on Dr. Maghfoor Ahmad Ajazi by Dr. Farooque Ahmad Siddiqui Published by Bihar Urdu Academy, Govt. of Bihar, Patna, 2010
  29. ^ Dr. R. K. Thukral (2017). BBihar District Factbook: Muzaffarpur District: Key Socio Economic Data of Muzaffarpur District. Datanet India Pvt. Ltd. p. 5. ISBN 9789386683793.
  30. ^ Preparatory Course in Social Science published by Jharkhand Rai University p170
  31. ^ University of Jammu, Reference Study Material for M.A Sociology, Semester ivth
  32. ^ Preparatory Course in Social Sciences, NIILM University Haryana
  33. ^ Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, New Delhi, 16th Annual Report, 1981–82, p. 9
  34. ^ Nehru Memorial Museum and Library New Delhi, 27th Annual Report 1992–93, p. 13
  35. ^ National Archives, New Delhi F NO. 4(3) 1/92 PA
  36. ^ Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library Patna Acc. No. 2209
  37. ^ About Islamic World in Medicine, Quran, Translation
  38. ^ Bihar Govt. Magazine "Bihar"Republic Day Spl. 2002, p67
  39. ^ Contesting Colonialism and Separatism: Muslims of Muzaffarpur Since 1857
  40. ^ Lahu Bolta Bhi Hai by Shahnawaz Ahmad Qadri & Krishna Kalki, pp. 197 - 98
  41. ^ Josh General Knowledge
  42. ^ Dr.G.M.Patel (25 February 2021). "مسلم مجاہد آزادی ڈاکٹر مغفور احمد اعجازی". Avadhnama (in Urdu).
  43. ^ My Govt.in
  44. ^ Muslim Vikas Parishad By Abdussamad Sheikh, Marathi
  45. ^ Mitr shri Telegu October 2020
  46. ^ Muslim Leaders Of Bihar & Gandhi Ji By Prof. Md. Y.H.Hakeem 15/08/2020 Article
  47. ^ Article Gaurav Gatha-Dr. Maghfoor Ahmad Ajazi By Anand Vardhan Singh Lucknow
  48. ^ Sada-e-Jaras By Ashraf Asthanvi, ISBN 978-81-925836-7-9
  49. ^ a b Azadi Ke Deewane Museum, Red Fort, New Delhi
  50. ^ Remembering the Role of Muslims in Indian Freedom Movement, The English Daily Kashmir Images, Srinagar,15/08/2021
  51. ^ a b Dr. Maghfoor Ahmad Ajazi Ki Aham Shakhsiat Se Mulaquat By Prof. M.R.Kazmi HOD Political Science, Bihar University
  52. ^ Huma Urdu Digest Delhi, Urdu Number
  53. ^ a b Sajjad, Mohammad (2019). Muslim Politics in Bihar: Changing Contours. Taylor & Francis Group. ISBN 9780367176747.
  54. ^ "Educational Concerns of the Muzaffarpur Muslims". Bihar Times. 10 July 2011. Retrieved 28 January 2022.
  55. ^ Afkar-e-Milli, New Delhi, Spl. Bihar Issue, July, 2000, p254
  56. ^ Bihar Anjuman
  57. ^ English Daily The Times Of India. Independence Day Issue
  58. ^ Nuqoosh-e-Qalam p120, Nairang-e-Qalam, p. 26, Aati Hai Unki Yaad p. 19 All By Anwarul Hasan Wastawi
  59. ^ "बिहार के नायक Dr.मग़फ़ूर अहमद अजाज़ी के जीवन के रोचक तथ्ये". The Gyan Ganga (in Hindi). 15 May 2019.
  60. ^ Bihar Govt. Magazine "Bihar", March, 2005, p38
  61. ^ Remembering Muslim Makers Of Modern Bihar By Mohammad Sajjad For Bihar Collective, Brown Books, Aligarh, pp150-158, Hindustani Musalman-masaei-o-Imkanat By Prof.Md. Sajjad, Brown Books, Aligarh, ISBN 978-93-67497-69-6
  62. ^ Biswin Sadi Men Bihar Ke Bahuayami Vyktitv & Khiraj-e-Aqeedat By Dr. M.R.Kazmi, Dr. Akhileshwar Sharma & Moin Shahid
  63. ^ Nigarishat-e-Dr. Ajazi, Khitabat-e-Dr. Ajazi & Dr. Maghfoor Ahmad Ajazi Aur Unki Samaji, Lesani Wa Saqafti Khidmat, All By Dr. Rizwan Ahmad Ajazi
  64. ^ Embassy of India, Athens, Greece. "Maghfoor Ahmad Ajazi: Unsung Hero of India's Freedom Struggle".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  65. ^ Museums of India, under the aegis of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). "Azadi ke Diwane Museum". Archived from the original on 1 March 2022. Retrieved 1 March 2022.
  66. ^ "Azadi Ke Diwane museum opens at Red Fort to pay homage to unsung fallen heroes". Times of India. 8 March 2019.
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