Pir Aaqa Ghulam Mujaddid Sarhandi
Pir Aaqa Ghulam Mujaddid Sarhandi (1881–1958) was a Muslim scholar, spiritual leader, orator of Islam and its teachings, fighter for supremacy of Islam and humanity. He had devotion to his missions and revolutionary thoughts towards welfare of poor and needy people. He belongs to the Spiritual family of Farooqui Mujaddidi Naqshbandi which links to the Great Spiritual Soofi Saint of Subcontinent and Afghanistan Mujaddid Alf Sani Shaikh Ahmed Faruqi Sarhandi (RA) (1563–1624). Also he is in linked in 39th generation with 2nd Caliph of Islam Hazrat Umar bin Al Khatab.
Sarhandi Mujaddidi family
Sarhandi Mujaddidi family migrated from Sarhand Sharif of Indian Punjab to Afghanistan in 1177 AH. Complete history from 18th Century with the birth of Khawja Shah Abdur Rahim Sarhandi Mujaddidi Alias Hazrat Aagha Sahib S/o Shah Zial ul Haq Shaheed Sarhandi Mujaddidi (1222-1296 Hijra) of Sarhandi family is available . These books were compiled by Pir Ghulam Rasool Sarhandi (1912–1990), father of Pir Ghulam Mujaddid Sarhandi, present Chairman (Sajjada Nasheen) Dargah Pir Sarhandi Mujaddidi Matiari, Sindh.
According to the book after the death of Shah Ghulam Nabi Mir Sahaib Sarhandi Mujaddidi in 1222 Hijrah Shah Ziaul Haq Shaheed Sarhandi Mujaddidi (1192–1257 ) became the head of Sarhandi Mujaddidi Jamait (Spiritual Party). Khawaja Shah Abdul Rahim alis Aagha Sahib, the elder son of Shah Zia-ul Haq Shaheed was born in 1222. He was one of the prominent spiritual leader as well as Islamic freedom fighter in Sarhandi Mujaddidi family. He started preaching very early and travelled throughout Sindh in general and Tharparker and Umerkot in particular. The base of Sarhandi Mujaddidi Spiritual Empire in Sindh was founded by Aagha Sahib. He performed Hajj in 1266 Hijrah with his father and more than one thousand followers. Afghan Jihad was started in 1267 Hijrah against the insurgence of Abdur Rehman (cousin of King Ayub Khan) with the backing of British Government against the ruler of Afghanistan King Ayub Khan. Haji Aagha Son of Hazrat Agha Sahib fought three battles in command of Mohammad Khan Mahmand with his 600 followers. They were victorious in first two battles. During this period Haji Aagha refused heavy bribe of British Government for the support. Amir Ayub Khan lost the third battle because of the conspiracy of Loaynab, one of the assistant of the Amir and Abdur Rehman became the Amir of Afghanistan. Amir Ayub Khan was captivated in Lahore and he died there.
In 1293 Hijrah Haji Aagha migrated from Afghanistan after sever torture and settled in Matiari Sindh permanently and died in 1296 H.
Early life
Pir Aaqa Ghulam Mujaddid Sarhandi S/o Khawaja Abdul Haleem Alias Haji Aagha was born in 1881 and got Islamic lesson of Bismillah of Qur'an from his grandfather Khawaja Hazrat Agha Sahib (AR) at the age of 4 years, 4 months and 4 days. Qazi Abdul Rehman was His teacher of Qurran, His Persian teacher was Molavi Aziz ullah and Maulana Hassanullah Siddiqi (Pat sharif) was his Arabic teacher. After completion of His education He went to Hajj in 1904 at the age of 21 years. Pir Aaqa revised the books of Hadith during this visit of Arabia in front of Al Shaikh al Sayyad Ali Vatri (AR) and Maulana Abdul Haq Allahabadi Muhajar Makki (AR). From there he bought books worth Rs.80,000 for his library. On his return, his father Khawaja Abdul Haleem (AR) gave him the permission of preaching in front of three hundred Uleema and Soofies on Thursday, 12 Jamadi us Sani, 1322 Hijri . He became the Spiritual Leader (Sajjada Nasheen) of His Spiritual Empire on 27 Safar 1331 Hijri (17 Feb 1912).
He owned a large library with more than 50000 books (of which 10000 man script) including Quran, written with liquid gold, books of Islamic Education and other subjects. He owned number of Islamic Schools throughout Sindh, Gujarat and Rajhastan. He was also engaged in social welfare works through the income of more than 3000 acre agriculture lands in different areas of the than subcontinent including free food for every one for twenty four hours.
Spiritual leader and freedom fighter
Matiari was the first centre of Mujaddid Alf Sani’s descendents in Sindh that’s why number of Naqshbandi Monastery became the (Mureed) followers of Pir Aaqa’s family. So in those days Pir Aaqa Ghulam Mujaddid Sarhandi has a circle of thousands of followers in different areas of than Subcontinent such as Sindh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Kutch Bojh, Kathiawar, Banni, Bombay and even Afghanistan. Nawab of Palanpur State, Nawab of Radhanpur State, Nawab of Mangrol and Nawab of Kathiawar pay great respect to Pir Aaqa. Abdul Rasheed Khan, the Commander of Kutch Boh armed forces was also the follower of Pir Sahaib. Simply he was the king of Spiritual Empire in those days.
He was the true lover of Islam and its Teachings and firm believer of Islamic brotherhood that’s why he came out with his all resources and powers including his spiritual followers and joined Khilafat Movement to save the Turkish Empire of Usmania and fought the British. He was the only leader from Southern part of the Subcontinent who gave full support and fought whole heartedly with and bear uncountable losses.
Pir Aaqa fought the policies of British Government in India with full force. He not only spent thousands of Rupees personally but also collects and sent hundreds of thousand rupees from Sindh from which more than Rs12000/- only from Matiari. Akhund Muhammad Rahim the first Shaheed (martyred) of Khilafat Movement is also belongs to Matiari who was shot dead by police during the first protest in the leadership of Pir Aaqa.
During Khilafat Movement he was arrested on 17 September 1921 from Hyderabad. Six other leaders including Maulana Mohammad Ali johar and Shaukat Ali Johar were also arrested and insurgence case was trialed in Khaliqdina Hall Karachi. Pir Aaqa bravely faced the charges and spoke courageously and presents the Islamic views in this regard in front of the judges. At one stage he said “I would have been felt more comfortable when trialed the [...] case of George 5th”. In a letter Bibi Ammajee his mother wrote “If you are true, be assertive to your aims and objects according to Islamic Teachings and do not apologized. If failed to do so, never show me your face” Courageous and fearless Pir Aaqa honored the words of his mother and did not show any weakness in his opinion. Court sent him jail for two years.
Even during imprisonment Pir Aaqa live the same courageous Islamic way of life. He Hifz complete Quran (learn by heart) in jail. On teasing for performing religious duties, insulting of Quran, its teachings and for not giving permission of Friday prayer he went on hunger strike for 24 days. Governor took notice and he visited Pune Jail personally apologized for Quran incident and grant permission for Friday prayers with Qutba. It is the impact of his preaching that two Sikh prisoners accept Islam only few days before their execution During imprisonment as an act of gesture Bi Amma mother of Mohammad Ali Johar along with his wife visited Maitiari, Sindh. They were welcomed by the followers of Pir Sahaib and gave heavy donation for Khilafat Movement.
Pir Aaqa was one of the prominent leader of Jamiat Uleema e Hind but he left the jamait in 1930 along with Hazrat Shah Sulaiman Phulwari, Mir Ghulam Baig Nairang, Mulana Abdul Majid Badayuni, Mulana Mohammad Ali Johar, Mulana Mazhar uddin Shaheed editor Al-amaan Delhi, Mulana Abdul Hamid Badayuni, Maulana Hasrat Mohani, Mulana Nasir Ahmed Kanpuri, Maulana Abdul Kafi Alahabadi, and Maulana Mohammad Fakhir. They formed Jamiat ul uleema Kanpur under the president ship of Mohammad Ali Johar.
Even after his redemption he never sits for a while and always spent his life the same way and leads the Muslims of Subcontinent in particularly and whole world in general with courage and devotion. He was one of the top spiritual leaders who involved in solving numbers of Hindu Muslim disputes successfully. He was also a prominent leader of different movements of Muslims world including Hijrat, Khilafat Movement, Movement of Anjuman e Hilal Ahmer, Movement of Masjid Manzil Gah, Movement of Anjuman e Kuddam e Kaaba and Reshmi Rumal Movement. In 1939 he went to solve the dispute of Masjid Manzil Gah, Sukkar with 313 workers of Sarhandi Jamait and Muslim League. Government failed to fulfill the promise of handing over of Masjid to Muslims and arrested Pir Aaqa and sent him jail on order of Governor of Sindh on 9 November 1940 for two months. On his sit in protest and reciting of Quran, government changed the route of a cannel to save the Masjid in Bhirya Road, Sindh. On invitation of Mulana Mohammad Ali Johar he went to Kanpur and resolved the Kanpur Masjid dispute that was going towards bloody riots between Hindu and Muslims.
Personality
During a train journey collector Mr. Gipson (later became the chief commissioner Sindh) offered him juice. Pir Aaqa refused to drink and said “ I cannot drink the juice from the drinkers of blood of our Turk brothers. Further He astonished the collector with these courageous and Historic words “I would have drink curiously if you offer me your blood”.
Pir Aaqa returned almost all the lands given by the government for his fore fathers including land in Dhingo near Bhirya road and land for free food project near Lundo railway station, sindh cannel, Nawabshaw. He also returned 24 all India arm licenses. On returned of lands and other benefits government became annoyed and on charges of contacts with Afghan jihadis and presence of the leaflets and booklets they raided the library number of times and destroyed this precious treasure.
Government always watched his activities very closely and arrested and registered cases against him and sent him jail number of times. During this struggle he also lived away from his home and shrine for years. Government destroyed his library, schools, home and confiscated his whole agriculture land. He lost his Empire, his Health and Wealth for Islam and Muslims.
Crystal Clear Political Career
Even than he did not give up and continue his struggle and joined Muslim League. To strengthen Muslim League in Sindh Quaid e Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah sent a delegation comprising President Muslim League Sindh Ghulam Muhammad Khan Bhurgari, Vice Chairman Sir Abdullah Haroon and Joint Secretary Mr. Tayyab Ali to invite Pir Aaqa Ghulam Mujaddid Sarhandi to join Muslim League. Pir Sahaib accepts the invitation and joined the party on February 10 and was included in 17thmember Sindh Council immediately. This team successfully sow the seed of the unity of Muslims in Sindh.
Sindh Muslim League conference was held in 1938 in Karachi under the President ship of Quaid e Azam and he appointed Sir Abdulah Haroon President, Pir Aaqa Ghulam Mujaddid Sarhandi as Vice President, General Secretary Sheikh Abdul Majeed Sindhi, Joint Secretary Pir Ali Mohammad Rashdi & Agha Ghulam Nabi Pathan and Treasurer Sir Ghulam Hussain Hidayyat Ullah of Muslim League Sindh. He along with his dedicated companions converted Muslims into a binding force under the banner of Muslim League.
After the announcement of 1946 Elections it was the do and die situation for the Muslims of the subcontinent to prove themselves as a separate force for the division of British India into two countries Pakistan and India. At that time there were three strong groups of Muslim League in Sindh namely Sir Ghulam Hussain Hidayatullah Group, Khan Bahadur Mohammad Ayub Khoro Group and G M Syed Group and everyone wanted tickets for his group. Quaid e Azam sent three facts finding missions headed by Nawabzada Liaquat Ali Khan, Nawab Mohammad Ismail Khan and Syed Hussain Imam who submitted the report after meeting with the office bearers and workers of Muslim League throughout Sindh. The workers and Office Bearers gave decision against G M Syed due to his thoughts and policies. Quaid e Azam accepted the decision and awarded the tickets to other groups. Contrary the decision G M Syed formed his own group. Quaid E Azam appointed G Allana as Honorary Secretary Election Committee and asked planning and hard work for 100% results in favor of original group. Quaid e Azam wanted strong candidate against G M Syed as he wanted to win this seat in any case and wish Pir Aaqa to contest the elections. He do not wanted full-time politics due to his spiritual responsibilities and suggested the name of Mr. Qazi Mohammad Akber. For getting the best possible results in Sindh Pir Aaqa along with Pir Abdur Rehman his son Pir Abdur Rahim of Bharchundi Sharif (District Ghotki) and Sadar uddin Shah, Editor of Daily Naqeeb with other Muslim League leaders, Spiritual heavy weights and Uleema, Mashaiq and local groups went door to door throughout the Province of Sindh and spread the message of Muslim League. Pir Aaqa personally wrote an open letter in which he quoted “I request all the Muslims living in subcontinent for unanimous support for the success of Muslim League candidates for acquiring a separate home land for Muslims for the supremacy and implementation of Almighty Allah’s Rules and Regulations”. He further wrote “I believe Inshallah every one will live peaceful and pleasant life under the flag of Pakistan that would be an example for humanity”. “I also believe the independence of other nations and religious groups in British India is also co-related to the Independence of Pakistan. It was his dedication and hard work that all Muslims became united during the elections, got majority, formed the government and passed the resolution in favor of Pakistan. With one year courageous bloody struggle of the Muslims Pakistan came into being on 14th August 1947.
Summary
Immediately after the independence evil forces unite into one force for the taking control of this gift of Allah. Pir Aaqa sensed the ugly power game of influential individuals and departments. He foreseen the results of the conspiracies against newly formed country and disassociates himself from politics for once in for all times to come. The past history and present horrible, horrendous and terrible situation of Pakistan proved that he took the Wright decision.
Pir Aaqa refused the titles of Shams ul Uleema and Sir. He also did not accept financial support and assistance from his friends and government officials. Even he turned down the suggestions of requesting the government for the return of his more than 3000 acre of agriculture land confiscated by the British Government, he said “Never wish the return of anything which spent or given in the name of Almighty Allah”. This is the character and the thoughts that Pir Aaqa Ghulam Mujaddid Sarhandi still alive in the hearts of every one particularly poor, helpless and needy peoples everywhere.
In short in love of Islam, Muslims and Humanity he lost everything of this perishable world but left the model of noble character and unforgettable services for the Mankind that should have to be written in Golden Words.