Principled individuals often remind us that it is essential to remember the sacrifices of our ancestors and recognise their contributions as national assets
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
JAMIA MILLIA ISLAMIA in Delhi is currently celebrating its centenary, with a variety of programs highlighting its illustrious history. Amid these celebrations, one question lingers in mind: Is there any recognition of the university’s founder, Mohammad Ali Jauhar? Sadly, the answer is in the negative. Mohammad Ali Jauhar was a figure of immense significance, yet even his own people have largely forgotten him. Therefore, on the occasion of the university’s 104th foundation day, I dedicate this writing to the remarkable life and legacy of Mohammad Ali Jauhar.
Some personalities leave an indelible mark on our consciousness, one that cannot be erased. Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar is undoubtedly one of them. Although I cannot recall the exact moment when I first encountered his story, my knowledge of him has grown over the years, culminating in a vivid image of his character. Clad in a sherwani, adorned with a velvet cap, and wearing round glasses reminiscent of Gandhi, he stood as an imposing figure who accomplished a remarkable number of tasks in a relatively short lifespan.
As I delved deeper into the history of Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar, I became increasingly captivated by his persona. His selfless love and fervent dedication to his community transformed me into a sort of disciple of his ideals. My admiration for him spurred me to read extensively about his life and contributions.
During my early studies, I eagerly devoured the pages of “Hamdard,” the publication founded by Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar, as well as “Zamindar,” edited by Maulana Zafar Ali Khan. My time at Jamia Millia Islamia — an institution founded by Jauhar — was a serendipitous blessing, allowing me to further immerse myself in his legacy. Recently, my thoughts have often wandered back to Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar, prompted by various reflections.
One significant reason for my contemplation of his life is that Mohammad Ali Jauhar was an alumnus of Oxford University. After learning about him, I harboured aspirations to study at Oxford myself. Although I did not gain admission there, I feel grateful to have attended one of the UK’s esteemed institutions, Swansea University. It is a curious coincidence that both Jamia Millia Islamia and Swansea University were established in 1920, and Swansea is also commemorating its centenary with various events.
In one of his articles, our friend Afroz Alam Sahil outlines the establishment of Jamia Millia Islamia alongside the historical context surrounding Mohammad Ali Jauhar. The year was 1919, and the British Empire had commenced aggressive actions against Turkey. This intervention deeply disturbed the Muslims of India, including what is now Pakistan. The collective sentiments of anger and injustice led to widespread protests. In response, the ‘All India Muslim Conference’ in Lucknow established the ‘Khilafat Committee.’
Amidst this turmoil, Mohammad Ali Jauhar wrote a poignant letter to the Viceroy of India, Chelmsford, on April 24, 1919, warning against interference in the Caliphate’s affairs and demanding the return of occupied territories to Turkey. This letter marked the beginning of the ‘Khilafat Movement’ in India.
The Ali Brothers, comprising Maulana Mohammad Ali and his brother Shaukat Ali, undertook a nationwide tour alongside Mahatma Gandhi to rally support for non-cooperation with the British government. During a special session of the Indian National Congress in Kolkata in September 1920, Gandhi proposed a boycott of government education to protest the injustices inflicted upon Turkey and advocate for India’s independence. On October 11, the Ali Brothers, along with Gandhi and Swami Satyadev, reached Aligarh, where the idea of establishing a “Muslim National University” began to take shape.
On October 29, 1920, the establishment of Jamia Millia Islamia was officially announced during a speech delivered by Sheikh-ul-Hind Maulana Mahmood Hasan at the Aligarh Mosque. This marked the laying of the foundation stone for what would become a beacon of education and empowerment for the Muslim community in India, completing over 104 years of its existence today.
Another reason for my recent reflections on Mohammad Ali Jauhar is the heightened international focus on Jerusalem and Al-Quds. It is in this city that Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar rests, a poignant reminder of his connection to the ongoing struggles faced by Muslims worldwide. The last year has been marred by conflict and suffering in that land, deepening my thoughts about the legacy of those who have fought for justice.
Maulana Abdul Majid Daryabadi recalls the final moments of Mohammad Ali Jauhar in his book “Mohammad Ali: Some Pages from a Personal Diary.” Daryabadi writes, “The last journey was to London, for the Round Table Conference; and in reality, it was the journey of the Hereafter. The pessimists wondered what this mound of dust could possibly be. But when he stood to speak, both the English and the Indians exclaimed, ‘This is a man of flesh and blood, or a moving volcano!’ He boldly declared (as if foreseeing the future), ‘I have come to claim freedom; I will either return with freedom or lay down my life on this land.’ On the fourth of January 1931 and the fifteenth night of Sha’ban 1350 Hijri, at the very moment when Muslims around the world were imploring their Lord for sustenance, health, success, life, and forgiveness, Divine Will took this great blessing from the world of Islam” (p. 592).
In India, Mohammad Ali Jauhar is widely recognised as a prominent leader of the Khilafat Movement. While we were unable to save the Caliphate — a sorrow that resonated deeply with Jauhar and countless Indians — the efforts he made to protect it remain noteworthy. This commitment was acknowledged by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during his visit to India in 2017. On that occasion, Jamia Millia Islamia awarded Erdoğan an honorary degree, during which he paid tribute to the university, the Khilafat Movement, and the spirit of independence, recalling the legacy of Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar.
Today, however, we find ourselves in an era marked by what can only be described as ingratitude. The current generation seems to forget its benefactors, and this trend is neither surprising nor particularly alarming. As principled individuals often remind us, it is essential to remember the sacrifices of our ancestors and recognise their contributions as national assets. Yet, when nationalism becomes sickly and narrow-minded, even the highest leaders may forget the sacrifices made by freedom fighters from distant lands.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Israel from July 4 to 6, 2017, at the invitation of the Israeli government. However, he did not deem it appropriate to pay homage to this great freedom fighter with even a simple floral tribute while in the vicinity of his grave.
Unfortunately, during this time, we Indian Muslims were unable to mobilise any campaign to honour Mohammad Ali Jauhar. The Ministry of External Affairs and Indian diplomats seemed oblivious to the significance of remembering a figure like Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar during such a crucial visit. If the prime minister himself could overlook this gesture, it would have brought immense joy to the hearts of over 1.2 billion Indians if even a minister or envoy had chosen to pay homage through a floral tribute.
The unfortunate reality is that when intoxication of power takes hold and biases cloud judgment, patriotism and nationalism can become shackled to specific ideologies. A nation whose leader neglects to honour a foreign martyr cannot be expected to acknowledge its own benefactors.
In reflecting on Mohammad Ali Jauhar’s life and contributions, we must confront the uncomfortable truth that contemporary narratives often overlook those who have shaped our history. The legacy of figures like Jauhar should serve as a reminder of the ideals of unity, justice, and freedom for which they fought. His commitment to the Muslim community, to education, and to the cause of independence should inspire future generations to carry forward his vision.
As we continue to celebrate the centenary of Jamia Millia Islamia, let us not forget the sacrifices made by those who laid its foundation. Let us honour Mohammad Ali Jauhar, not only as a historical figure but as a symbol of perseverance and dedication to the ideals of justice and freedom. We owe it to ourselves and to the future to remember and cherish the contributions of those who have fought for our rights and dignity.
In conclusion, while the current generation may appear to forget its benefactors, it is crucial that we actively strive to keep the memory of figures like Mohammad Ali Jauhar alive. Their legacy is not merely a relic of the past but a guiding light for the future. As we reflect on their sacrifices, let us pledge to uphold their ideals and ensure that their contributions are never forgotten. Through our actions and our commitment to justice and education, we can honour their memory and continue the struggle for a better world.
