Sabhi ka khoon hai shamil yaha ki mitti me: Muslim Freedom Fighters of India

Rasia Nayeem Hashmi

Also read: Ye watan hai hamara, tumhara nahi

In present times, Indian Muslims find themselves subjected to demonization and unwarranted questioning of their patriotism. Communal elements seek to manipulate history by intentionally excluding Muslims and disseminating false propaganda against them through social media. The vital contributions and sacrifices made by Indian Muslims in the struggle for India’s freedom from British colonial rule are systematically obscured. However, a closer examination of history reveals that not only did Indian Muslims play an essential role in the freedom movement, but they also made significant sacrifices for the cause of anti-colonial nationalism.

Indian Muslims: Unveiling Their Crucial Role

According to a report by the Milli Chronicle, the names of 95,300 freedom fighters are etched on the India Gate in Delhi, and remarkably, 61,945 of these names belong to Muslims, signifying that 65% of these brave individuals were Muslims. The significance of this statistic is eloquently captured by the renowned writer Mr. Kushwant Singh, who boldly states that the story of Indian freedom is etched in the blood of Muslims, emphasizing their disproportionately larger contribution to the struggle, considering their smaller population percentage.

Profiles of Courage: Muslim Freedom Fighters

The annals of history are adorned with the stories of Muslim freedom fighters who put their lives on the line to liberate India from the shackles of British oppression. These individuals, driven by an unwavering determination to secure their homeland’s independence, demonstrated exceptional courage and resilience.

To name a few:

Sultan Haidar Ali Salabat Jung: The First Freedom Fighter

   Sultan Haidar Ali, father of Tipu Sultan, pioneered the fight against British colonial forces. A secular leader, he united both Hindus and Muslims in his quest for freedom, although his efforts were eventually betrayed.

Tipu Sultan: A Trailblazer in Battle

   Son of India’s first freedom fighter Haider Ali, Tipu Sultan pioneered the use of iron-cased rockets, utilizing them effectively to defeat British forces in several historic battles over two decades.

Shaheed Ashfaqullah Khan: A Martyr’s Legacy

   Member of the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA), Ashfaqullah Khan paid the ultimate price for India’s freedom. Notable for his daring attacks on British government trains, his sacrifice remains etched in history.

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad: A Beacon of Unity

   Maulana Azad, a key leader in the anti-colonial nationalist movement, became the youngest President of the Indian National Congress. He rallied Hindus and Muslims alike against British oppression and launched Urdu Weekly Al-Hilal to expose British misrule.

Maulana Hasrat Mohani: Champion of Change

  

Mohani’s powerful Urdu speeches incited Indians to stand up against British rule. His unyielding spirit saw him arrested and jailed, but his impact on India’s fight for freedom remained profound.

Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan: The Frontier Gandhi

   A pivotal figure in the Khilafat movement, Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan established the Khudai Khitmatgars, promoting peace and unity. Jailed for 13 years by the British, his dedication was unwavering.

Sirajud Daula: Battling Against Betrayal

   The last Nawab of Bengal, Sirajud Daula, fought valiantly against British forces. Despite betrayal, he remained a symbol of resistance against British rule.

Vakkom Majeed: Courage Amidst Oppression

   Vakkom Majeed’s resilience during the Quit India movement earned him repeated jail terms, highlighting his unwavering commitment to India’s freedom.

Fazl-e-Huq Khairabadi: Life in Exile

   Sentenced to life in the notorious Kalapani jail on Andaman, Fazl-e-Huq Khairabadi continued his fight for freedom despite insurmountable odds.

Badruddin Tayabji: Founding the INC

    Badruddin Tyabji and Qamruddin Tyabji were instrumental in establishing the Indian National Congress (INC). Badruddin’s wife, Suraiya Tayabji, designed the present Indian flag.

Shah Nawaz Khan: A Triumphant Act

    Major of Azad Hind Force, Shah Nawaz Khan was the first to hoist the tricolor at the Red Fort, symbolizing India’s victorious struggle against British imperialism.

Barrister Saifuddin Kitchlew: A Voice for Justice

    Jailed for 14 years by the British for protesting against the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the Rowlatt Acts, Kitchlew’s opposition to the two-nation theory set him apart.

Bakht Khan: A Gallant Defender

    Bakht Khan’s courageous defense against the British in Delhi, Bengal, and Lucknow showcased his unwavering dedication to India’s freedom.

Titu Mir: Bengali Rebel

    Titu Mir’s armed resistance against British colonial authorities exemplified his determination to free India from British rule.

Syed Ahmad Barelvi: Organizing Resistance

    Syed Ahmad Barelvi’s efforts in uniting native armies against the British from Delhi to Kabul showcased his strategic prowess.

Zain-ul-Abideen: INA Officer’s Patriotic Slogan

    Zain-ul-Abideen, an officer of the Indian National Army (INA), coined the iconic patriotic slogan “Jai Hind.”

Empowering Women in the Freedom Struggle

The fight for India’s freedom was not limited to men; several Muslim women also contributed significantly to the struggle.

Begum Hazrat Mahal: A Rebel Leader

   Rebelling against the British in 1857, Begum Hazrat Mahal seized control of Lucknow from British forces, showcasing her leadership and courage.

Surayya Tyabji: Designing India’s Flag

   Wife of freedom fighter Badruddin Tayyabji, Surayya Tyabji designed the Indian flag that we proudly hoist today.

Abadi Bano Begum: A Pioneer in Politics

   Abadi Bano Begum, known as Bi Amma, actively participated in politics, matching her male counterparts in the Indian National Movement. Her sons went on to become prominent leaders.

Azizan: A Warrior’s Spirit

   Azizan organized a battalion of warrior women, displaying her remarkable skill in the art of war and refusing to yield to British pressure.

A Timeless Legacy

The contributions and sacrifices of Indian Muslims in the fight against British colonialism are immeasurable. While recounting the names of every Muslim freedom fighter may be an impossible feat, their collective impact remains undeniable. The fact that many chose to remain in India underscores their deep-rooted connection to the land. Despite attempts to distort history, India will forever be the cherished home of its Muslim citizens.

Conclusion

Urdu poet Rahat Indori’s words,

“Sabhi ka khoon hai shamil yaha ki mitti me,

Kisi ke baap ka Hindustaan thodi hai,”

encapsulate the essence of Muslim Freedom Fighters of India’ unyielding commitment to their homeland. The sacrifices and contributions of Indian Muslims in the struggle for independence stand as a testament to their unwavering dedication and indomitable spirit. Their stories deserve to be acknowledged and celebrated, inspiring future generations to honor the diverse tapestry of individuals who fought for a free and united India.