Table of Contents
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, a prominent figure in India’s struggle for independence, was not only an Islamic theologian but also a prolific writer, earning him the title of ‘Maulana,’ meaning ‘Our Master.’ He adopted ‘Azad’ (Free) as his pen name, signifying his commitment to freedom.
Celebrated as National Education Day, his birthday is a tribute to his significant contributions to India’s education foundation. Azad was a multifaceted personality, composing Urdu poetry and writing on religion and philosophy. His rise to prominence came through journalism, where he fearlessly criticised British rule and championed the cause of Indian nationalism. Leading the Khilafat Movement and aligning with Mahatma Gandhi, Azad fervently supported non-violent civil disobedience, organising the non-co-operation movement in protest of the oppressive 1919 Rowlatt Acts.
At just 35 years old, he became the youngest President of the Indian National Congress in 1923. Azad played a pivotal role in establishing Jamia Millia Islamia, a significant educational institution, and later facilitated its move to New Delhi. He was a key organiser of the Dharasana Satyagraha in 1931 and advocated for Hindu-Muslim unity, secularism, and socialism.
His tenure as Congress president from 1940 to 1945 saw the launch of the Quit India rebellion, for which he was imprisoned alongside the entire Congress leadership. Through his work, including the Al-Hilal newspaper, Azad tirelessly worked towards fostering harmony between Hindus and Muslims, leaving an indelible mark on India’s struggle for freedom.
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Early life
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, originally named Sayyid Ghulam Muhiyuddin Ahmed bin Khairuddin Al Hussaini, was a prominent figure in India’s history. Born on November 11, 1888, in Mecca, which was then part of the Ottoman Empire (now Saudi Arabia), Azad came from a distinguished lineage.
His father, Muhammad Khairuddin bin Ahmed Al Hussaini, was a respected Afghan scholar who had a significant influence on his life. Tragically, Azad’s father passed away when he was very young, and his family moved to Delhi, where he was raised by his maternal grandfather. During the Indian Rebellion of 1857, his father had left India and settled in Mecca.
His lineage was marked by a rich scholarly tradition, with his father having authored twelve books and having numerous disciples. Azad’s mother, Sheikha Alia bint Mohammad, was the daughter of Sheikh Mohammad bin Zaher AlWatri, a renowned scholar from Medina. Azad’s family eventually settled in Calcutta in 1890, marking the beginning of his journey in India. His life was deeply intertwined with India’s struggle for independence and his role as a freedom fighter and scholar.
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Education and Influences
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s remarkable journey of self-education and academic prowess is a testament to his insatiable thirst for knowledge. Homeschooled and self-taught, he exhibited extraordinary linguistic abilities, mastering not only Arabic but also languages like Bengali, Hindustani, Persian, and English. Azad’s education extended beyond languages; he delved into the intricacies of various Islamic jurisprudential schools and received comprehensive instruction in areas such as mathematics, philosophy, world history, and science from a team of dedicated tutors hired by his family.
His intellectual curiosity was evident from a young age as he managed a library, established a reading room, and initiated a debating society, all before he reached the age of twelve. By the time he was fourteen, Azad was contributing scholarly articles to the literary magazine Makhzan, and at the age of fifteen, he was teaching a class of students, many of whom were twice his age. Astonishingly, he completed the traditional course of study at just sixteen years old, a remarkable achievement nine years ahead of his peers, while also publishing a magazine at the same age.
His commitment to education was further demonstrated by his marriage at the age of thirteen to Zulaikha Begum. In addition to his diverse academic pursuits, Azad compiled numerous treatises interpreting the Qur’an, the Hadis, and the principles of Fiqh and Kalam, leaving an indelible mark on the world of Islamic scholarship. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s lifelong dedication to learning and prolific contributions to various fields remain an enduring legacy.
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Journalistic Career
In the early years of his career, Azad demonstrated a remarkable passion for journalism. His journey began at the tender age of eleven when he established the poetical journal, Nairang-e-Aalam, in Calcutta in 1899. By 1900, at just twelve years old, he was already taking on the role of an editor for the weekly publication Al-Misbah. Azad’s writings also found their way into various Urdu magazines and journals, including Makhzan, Ahsanul Akhbar, and Khadang e Nazar. In 1903, he launched Lissan-us-Sidq, a monthly journal that ran from December 1903 to May 1905, unfortunately closing due to financial constraints.
Azad’s journey in journalism took a significant turn when he was invited by Shibli Nomani to join Al Nadwa, the Islamic theological journal of the Nadwatu l-Ulama. He further expanded his editorial experience by overseeing Vakil, a newspaper in Amritsar, from April 1906 to November 1906. Azad later relocated to Calcutta briefly, where he contributed to Dar-ul-Saltanat, but eventually returned to Amritsar, resuming his editorial duties at Vakil until July 1908. Azad’s early career in journalism laid the foundation for his later prominent role in the field.
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Struggle for Indian Independence
In 1908, during a transformative journey through Egypt, Syria, Turkey, and France, Abul Kalam Azad, an influential figure in the struggle for Indian independence, forged connections with revolutionaries from various backgrounds. This experience significantly shaped his political outlook, leading him to embrace radical nationalist ideals, which were unconventional among Muslims at the time. Azad emerged as a vocal critic of both British colonial rule and Muslim politicians.
He condemned the British for their racial discrimination and failure to address the needs of the Indian populace, while also chastising Muslim leaders for prioritising communal issues over the greater cause of common interest. Azad’s perspective underwent a significant shift when he encountered Sunni revolutionaries in Iraq who ardently opposed imperialism and championed Arab nationalism. This encounter profoundly influenced him. Despite prevailing Muslim sentiment at the time, Azad openly opposed the partition of Bengal in 1905.
He became increasingly involved in revolutionary activities, thanks to his association with prominent Hindu revolutionaries Aurobindo Ghosh and Shyam Sundar Chakravarty. Initially, his dedication surprised fellow revolutionaries, but he earned their admiration and trust by discreetly organising revolutionary activities and meetings across Bengal, Bihar, and Bombay. Abul Kalam Azad’s journey represents a unique and pivotal chapter in the quest for India’s independence.
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad post Independence Career
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad played a pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence and its subsequent transformation into a nation. The partition of India in 1947, along with the violence it unleashed, especially in Punjab, Bihar, Bengal, and Delhi, posed a significant challenge. Millions of Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims crossed borders in search of safety and stability. Azad assumed responsibility for the welfare of Muslims in India, tirelessly working to organise refugee camps, provide supplies, and ensure security. His powerful speeches encouraged peace and unity, urging Muslims to stay in India without fear.
One of Azad’s significant contributions was in restoring peace to Delhi. However, his clash with Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel over the dismissal of Delhi’s police commissioner, who was accused of bias, created tension. Patel argued against the dismissal, fearing it might divide the city police. Differences also emerged regarding resource allocation and housing for displaced Muslims. Patel advocated for a secular government with no preferential treatment for any religious community, while Azad strived for the rehabilitation of Muslims in India while upholding secularism, religious freedom, and equality for all.
Azad maintained a close alliance with Prime Minister Nehru, influencing national policies and championing initiatives like universal primary education. As India’s first Minister of Education, he emphasised educating the rural poor and girls. Azad’s leadership saw the establishment of the Central Institute of Education in Delhi, which later became a department at the University of Delhi. He was instrumental in founding the Indian Institute of Technology in 1951 and the University Grants Commission in 1953, contributing to the development of India’s education infrastructure.
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s dedication to the cause of education and the empowerment of marginalised communities left an indelible mark on the nation. His legacy endures as a testament to his unwavering commitment to a secular, inclusive, and prosperous India.
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad as the Congress Leader
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, a prominent figure in Indian politics, made significant contributions to the nation’s struggle for independence. His journey in the Congress working committee, as well as roles such as general secretary and president, underscored his commitment to the cause. In 1928, Azad forged a close friendship with Jawaharlal Nehru and embraced the idea of socialism to combat pressing issues like inequality and poverty.
He played a key role in naming the Muslim political party Majlis-e-Ahrar-ul-Islam. Azad strongly believed in Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals, particularly the power of nonviolence in achieving Indian independence. He took a leadership role during the Dharasana Salt Works raid, a nonviolent protest organised in response to the Salt Satyagraha initiated by Gandhi in 1930. Azad’s commitment to the cause led to his imprisonment from 1930 to 1934. The Gandhi-Irwin pact secured the release of many activists, including Azad, in 1931.
Azad also played a pivotal role in organising the Congress election campaign in 1935 under the Government of India Act. He fundraised, selected candidates, and rallied volunteers to spread awareness about the elections across India. Azad’s unwavering support for Jawaharlal Nehru and socialism marked his involvement in the Congress’s leadership. He engaged in discussions with Jinnah and the Muslim League between 1935 and 1937, exploring avenues for Congress-League cooperation. Maulana Azad’s legacy is one of dedication and leadership in the fight for India’s freedom.
Conclusion
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was a remarkable figure in India’s struggle for independence. He was not only a great scholar but also a passionate journalist and a leader in the Indian National Congress. His early life was full of learning and self-education, and he was a gifted writer from a young age.
Azad played a crucial role in India’s fight for freedom, working alongside Mahatma Gandhi and other leaders. He supported non-violence and organised movements against British rule. He also believed in Hindu-Muslim unity and worked towards a secular and inclusive India.
After independence, Azad continued to serve the nation. He was India’s first Minister of Education and played a significant role in shaping the country’s education system. His legacy is one of dedication to the cause of freedom and education for all.
In simple words, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was a great leader who worked hard to free India from British rule and believed in the power of education to make India a better place for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who was Maulana Abul Kalam Azad?
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was an important figure in India's fight for independence. He was not only a religious scholar but also a writer and journalist. He was a key leader in the Indian National Congress and played a vital role in shaping the country's education system.
Why is Maulana Abul Kalam Azad celebrated on National Education Day?
National Education Day is celebrated on his birthday to honor his significant contributions to education in India. He was a strong advocate for education and played a crucial role in establishing educational institutions.
What was Maulana Abul Kalam Azad's early life like?
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was born in Mecca in 1888, and his family moved to India when he was very young. He came from a scholarly background, and his father and maternal grandfather had a significant influence on his upbringing.
How did Maulana Azad's education influence his life?
Azad had a remarkable education, learning various languages and subjects. He was homeschooled, learned Arabic, and was a self-taught scholar. He even started teaching when he was very young and wrote for literary magazines.
What role did Maulana Abul Kalam Azad play in Indian journalism?
Azad was deeply involved in journalism from a young age. He started his own publications and worked as an editor for various newspapers and magazines, contributing to the world of Urdu journalism.
