Sample of digital version of al islah

AL-ISLAH (Lahore) Launched by

Allama Inayatullah Khan Al-Mashriqi Nobel Prize Nominee in Literature Founder of the Khaksar Tehrik (Khaksar Movement)

Sample Version

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Al-Islah—The Khaksar Tehrik’s Weekly Compiled and organized by Nasim Yousaf Allama Mashriqi’s Grandson

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First Edition reproduced in 2011 by AMZ Publications New York United States of America http://www.amzpublications.net )

Al-Islah (CD-ROM) ISSN 2165-0551 All rights reserved. No part of this publication/compilation may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, whether graphic, electronic, digital or mechanical, including printing, photocopying, recording, taping, or by any information storage retrieval system, without the written permission of the editor/compiler. This work is sold subject to the conditions that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, re-sold, hired out, or otherwise circulated without the editor/compiler’s prior written consent, in any form of binding or cover or any format, other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition, including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

This publication is compiled and reproduced in the United States of America.

All rights reserved.

Copyright Š 2011 Nasim Yousaf.

This work is protected by US copyright law.

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Dedication This work is dedicated to Allama Inayatullah Khan Al-Mashriqi (famously known as Allama Mashriqi) and his Khaksar followers, who made countless sacrifices for the freedom of British India. The people of the Indian subcontinent (Pakistan, India and Bangladesh) owe their freedom to the founder of the Khaksar Tehrik and his followers.

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Allama Mashriqi’s Power “Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Untouchables, Christians of the FrontierProvince have witnessed with their own eyes that one order from Khaksar-i-Azam sets in motion five million…Khaksar soldiers.”

— Al-Islah (Lahore), December 01, 1946 (translated from Urdu)

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Khaksar Tehrik’s Vision of Unity

The Khaksar Tehrik’s Flag, A Symbol of the Unity of the Human Race

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Publisher’s Note The compilation of Al-Islah weekly is an extraordinary academic undertaking pertaining to the freedom movement of the Indian subcontinent; it marks a landmark publication in South Asian histiography. Every effort has been made to ensure that this is a comprehensive and accurate compilation. However, the editor/compiler, Nasim Yousaf, cannot be held responsible for omissions, missing pages or dates, or other errors of any kind. If a page is missing within a given time period, it is likely because it was unavailable or lost. When citing information from this document, please include page numbers so that other researchers can conveniently locate the information.

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Founder of Al-Islah—Allama Mashriqi Allama Inayatullah Khan Al-Mashriqi (famously known as Allama Mashriqi) changed the history of British India by leading the nation towards independence with his Private Army (the Khaksar Tehrik), which generated millions of followers and admirers.

Mashriqi was born in Amritsar, British India on August 25, 1888. After obtaining an M.A from Punjab University (Lahore), he joined the University of Cambridge (U.K.) in 1907. Here, he excelled, earning a number of prestigious honors, breaking numerous records, and earning four Triposes in five years with distinction, an unprecedented feat. Following his time at Cambridge, Mashriqi returned to India in 1913 to begin a career in education. He joined Islamia College as Vice Principal and was soon promoted to Principal in 1917. Over the next few years, Mashriqi continued his work as an educationist, serving as Under Secretary of Education in India. Because of differences with the Government, he was demoted to Head Master of a High School in Peshawar. Based on Mashriqi’s work as an educationist and genuine concern for the people of India, he developed a large following amongst the masses. During this time, he also had the opportunity to observe the dire socio-economic conditions in the country, and realized that the people desperately needed a means to free themselves from foreign rule — all existing political parties had failed in this regard.

Thus, in 1930, Mashriqi resigned from government service and formed the Khaksar Tehrik (Movement) in order to bring freedom to British India. The Tehrik was structured much like a traditional army. Members were required to wear a Khaki military-style uniform that included a badge with the word “Akhuwat” (brotherhood) inscribed on it. Furthermore, instead of rifles, each Khaksar carried a spade, which symbolized the dignity of labor and reform of society. The Khaksar flag included the word Akhuwat, which means brotherhood. In order to avoid any misappropriation of funds within the organization, there was no membership fee, and all members were required to utilize their own funds for participating in the organization’s activities. Most importantly, Mashriqi emphasized that the

Tehrik was above sectarianism and communalism and that anyone could join the Movement (regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender, class, etc.).

Based on Mashriqi’s ideology and emphasis on justice, equality, social service, independence, and unity for the human race, the Tehrik quickly gained members and supporters. In order to continue to promote its message, the Tehrik also began publishing a weekly newspaper entitled Al-Islah. By the late 1930s, the Movement had amassed a massive following throughout every corner of India (as well as branches in many parts of the world) and had become the most powerful and disciplined force in India’s political landscape. Indeed, the Government was frightened and tried to crush the Movement by imprisoning Mashriqi (and restricting his movements) multiple times and banning the Tehrik; despite its best efforts, however, the Government failed to suppress the Tehrik. The Khaksar Tehrik played a key role in events such as the Bombay Naval Mutiny, and held a final military camp from November 07-10, 1946 (the camp included military exercises and a mock war) that signaled to the British that their days in India were numbered. Consequently, the British decided to transfer power.

Ultimately, Mashriqi and the Khaksars played a key role in bringing freedom to India.

As a freedom fighter, Mashriqi made immense sacrifices for the nation; he was imprisoned multiple times (where he endured brutal treatment), his movements were restricted, he was stabbed (for attempting to prevent the division of India), one of his sons died from police injuries, and his property and bank accounts were seized. Through it all, he continued fighting to free his people from foreign rule.

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When Mashriqi passed away on August 27, 1963, people from all walks of life, including highly prominent personalities, paid rich tributes to him. Special meetings were held to recognize his services and struggle for the nation. His death was mourned by his followers across the world and his family received thousands of condolence messages. Over 100,000 people attended his funeral and Ghaibana Namaz-e-Janaza (funeral prayers) were not only observed in Pakistan, but also in many countries across the world. His death marked the closing of a major chapter in the history of the Indian sub-continent.

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Editor & Compiler—Nasim Yousaf Nasim Yousaf, grandson of Allama Mashriqi, is a scholar, historian, and author of a number of books and research papers focusing on the role of Allama Mashriqi and his Khaksar Tehrik in the independence movement of British India. He has revealed many hidden facts regarding partition in his published works. His forthcoming book, Mahatma Gandhi & My Grandfather, Allama Mashriqi, seeks to bring a fresh perspective to the role of the two personalities in the partition episode.

Mr. Yousaf comes from a famous family of Pakistan; he is a grandson of the late prominent political leader Allama Mashriqi (whose book Tazkirah was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature) and a nephew of Nobel Peace Prize nominee Dr. Akhtar Hameed Khan (who pioneered microcredit). His family’s political background enables him to bring to his works inside knowledge and deep insight into the politics of the Indian-subcontinent. Additionally, his interactions (while in the USA and abroad) with many cultures and keen interest in the histories and politics of various societies have contributed to his perspective on world politics.

Mr. Yousaf’s knowledge of Mashriqi comes not only from his far-reaching research, but also from his discussions with Mashriqi’s sons and daughters (who were part of the struggle), other family members, and Mashriqi’s followers and admirers. Further, Mr. Yousaf had the honor of observing Mashriqi from a close distance. He saw Mashriqi in many key moments: addressing crowds (with the masses’ love and dedication toward their leader on display), behind bars and under house-arrest, and in his last days, including the heartbreaking sight of Mashriqi’s funeral.

Mr. Yousaf has written extensively on Allama Mashriqi and his Khaksar Tehrik (also known as Khaksar Movement); he has presented papers at conferences in the USA. His academic piece published in Harvard Asia Quarterly (Spring 2009) challenged the traditionally held belief that the partition of British India was inevitable and exposed a complex picture of the partition episode. In 2011, an article by Mr. Yousaf on Allama Mashriqi and the Khaksar Movement was published in the World History Encyclopedia (21 volumes) by ABC-CLIO (a world-renowned publisher of research publications). Mr. Yousaf’s works have changed the complexion of the current history of the Indian sub-continent and have added a new dimension to the independence episode. His research has compelled historians to re-visit the history of the region and correct the fabrication and elimination of many important facts.

Author’s website: 

http://www.nasimyousaf.info

Author’s page on Facebook: 

http://www.facebook.com/nasim.yousaf

Selected Works: Research Paper Published in Harvard Asia Quarterly (Spring 2009, Vol. XII, No. 2): 

India’s Partition in the Face of Opposition: An Unveiled Perspective

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Presentations at New York Conference on Asian Studies (NYCAS): 

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“Freedom of British India through the Lens of the Khaksar Movement” A slide show (Powerpoint) on Khaksar military activities was also presented at the said conference.

“Pakistan and India: The Case for Unification”

Published Books: 

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Government of British India on Allama Mashraqi and Khaksar Tehreek (Movement): A Select Chronology; A descriptive timeline of the correspondence of the Secretary of State, Viceroy of India, Provincial Governors, and high officials, intelligence reports, and other events (Focal Period: 1930s and 40s) Hidden Facts Behind British India’s Freedom: A Scholarly Look into Allama Mashraqi and Quaid-eAzam’s Political Conflict Allama Mashriqi & Dr. Akhtar Hameed Khan: Two Legends of Pakistan Pakistan’s Freedom & Allama Mashriqi: Statements, Letters, Chronology of Khaksar Tehrik (Movement), Period: Mashriqi’s Birth to 1947 Pakistan’s Birth & Allama Mashraqi: Chronology & Statements,Period: 1947 - 1963

Published Books on Import & Export: 

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Import & Export of Apparel & Textiles: o Part I: Export to the US o Part II: Import From Pakistan Import & Export of Hand Knotted Oriental Rugs: o Part I: Export to U.S.A. o Part II: Import from Pakistan Export Housewares, Gifts & Decorative Accessories to the United States of America Importing Gifts, Housewares & Decorative Accessories from Hong Kong

Articles on Allama Mashriqi:              

Allama Mashriqi’s Warnings — The Time Has Come To Wake-up Allama Mashriqi & Mahatma Gandhi Allama Mashriqi — A Giant Among Men Allama Mashriqi the Great - A Hero of All Times Allama Mashriqi Maliciously Implicated in Murder Case The Historic Lahore Murder - March 19, 1940 Man At War With His Own Species Behind the 1940-41 Ban on the Khaksar Tehrik Allama Mashraqi and the Unity of Mankind Allama Mashriqi Desired to Erase Sectarianism 41st Death Anniversary - In memory of Allama Mashriqi (The Statesman, Peshawar (Pakistan), dated August 28, 2004) The Khaksar Martyrs of March 19, 1940 Allama Mashriqi’s Historic Car: A Symbol of a National Heritage in Ruin Lessons from India’s Partition

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Web sites dedicated to Allama Mashriqi:   

http://www.allamamashriqi.info http://www.allamamashraqi.com http://allama-mashriqi.8m.com

Article on Hameedah Begum (daughter of Allama Mashriqi and wife of Dr. Akhtar Hameed Khan): 

Hameedah Begum – The Woman Behind the Great Dr. A.H. Khan

Miscellaneous:   

Tribute to Khaksar Leader Hameeduddin Ahmed Al-Mashriqi A Distorted History (Letter) Why Democracy Failed in Pakistan (this piece was circulated among the participants of the Tufts & Harvard Universities Conference, held in 2007)

Articles on Nobel Peace Prize Nominee Dr. Akhtar Hameed Khan (who pioneered Microcredit & Microsavings):     

Dr. Akhtar Hameed Khan — An Inspirational Social Scientist Remembering Dr Akhtar Hameed Khan Dr. Akhtar Hameed Khan’s Vision of Development through Self-Reliance Dr. Akhter Hameed Khan - The Pioneer of Microcredit 7th Death Anniversary – A Tribute to Dr. Akhter Hameed Khan

The above articles are available at: 

http://akhtar-hameed-khan.8m.com

Compilation of historic publication Al-Islah (the Khaksar Tehrik’s weekly): 

Years: 1935, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1939, 1940, 1946.

For pertinent updates, visit the following websites:   

http://www.nasimyousaf.info http://www.allamamashraqi.com http://www.allamamashriqi.info

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Foreword by Nasim Yousaf In 1947, the British divided India and transferred political power to the All-India Muslim League (AIML) in Pakistan and the India National Congress (INC) in India. In both countries, history has therefore been written under the influence of these two parties respectively. Consequently, the role of the Khaksar Tehrik, which was crucial to independence, has thus far been suppressed. The result, then, is a completely distorted view of history and a false perception of the partition episode amongst the populace.

Given the prevailing circumstances, it is time that historians, writers and speakers realize that history needs to be rectified and documented not from the narrow perspective of the AIML or Congress, but rather from the perspective of the people of the region. Realizing the falsehoods contained in the history books, I have written books and articles and presented papers in scholarly conferences in the USA to try to correct the prevailing misperceptions. This compilation of Al-Islah is another step towards apprising people of the true story behind the freedom movement. Al-Islah was started in 1934 as the weekly newspaper of the Khaksar Tehrik. Over the years, it documented countless facts, activities and events pertaining to Allama Mashriqi and the Khaksar Tehrik. Organizing and compiling the thousands of pages of Al-Islah has been a challenging endeavor. It is my sincere hope that this initiative will help preserve one of the most imperative and crucial documents of the freedom movement, and that this document will serve as a valuable resource for researchers, academics, journalists, historians, students and others. I also recognize that this document represents but a small drop in the ocean of knowledge regarding the Khaksar Tehrik. There are still extensive Khaksar Tehrik materials (from 1930-1947) that have yet to be collected, including letters, statements, memos, brochures, pamphlets, booklets, posters, flyers, film slides, photo albums, Al-Islah (Lahore, Delhi, Calcutta), and The Radiance (Aligarh). Allama Mashriqi’s followers also published papers (from various locations), including Al-Mashriqi (Peshawar), Piyam-e-Ithad (Abbotabad), Jihad (Calcutta), Mujahid (Rangoon), and Akhuwat (Peshawar). And in 1939, a Khaksar monthly was launched from Nairobi (Kenya) in Urdu, English, and Gujrati. Many of these materials have already been destroyed, lost or scattered.

In the absence of these Khaksar materials (and their translation), the history of the India sub-continent will remain incomplete. To fill this void in the Indian sub-continent’s history, the Governments of the region have an obligation to form dedicated research institutes to collect relevant materials from the National Archives of Pakistan and India and the Directorate of Archives & Libraries of Bangladesh (including the India Office in Britain, administered by The British Library), and make them available to researchers and the public.

In closing, this compilation of Al-Islah will hopefully bring the public one step closer to understanding Allama Mashriqi and the Khaksar Tehrik’s ideology and global vision.

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Al-Islah July - August, 1935

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Al-Islah July , 1935

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Al-Islah August, 1935

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