The Voice of Unity: How Maulana Mazhar ul Haque United Hindus and Muslims Against Colonial Rule

By Syed Amjad Hussain, New Age Islam 7 January 2025 Maulana Mazhar ul Haque was a visionary freedom fighter who worked for communal harmony, education, and democratic decentralisation. He united Hindus and Muslims, supported India's independence, and established institutions like Sadaqat Ashram, leaving an enduring but underappreciated legacy. Main Points: 1. Mazhar ul Haque was an active participant in key movements such as the Champaran Satyagraha, Non-Cooperation, and Khilafat Movements, and resigned from lucrative positions to join the freedom movement. 2. He was a firm believer in Hindu-Muslim unity and said, "Whether we are Hindus or Muslims, we are in the same boat," bringing harmony between communities. 3. He advocated for free and compulsory primary education and established institutions like Sadaqat Ashram and Bihar Vidyapeeth to promote nationalist education. 4. Haque opposed the purdah system, supported women’s empowerment, and advocated for grassroots governance through Panchayats for the inclusion of democracy. 5. Despite his massive contributions, his birthplace and family are neglected, and his role in India’s freedom struggle is hardly acknowledged. ----- Introduction Maulana Mazhar ul Haque (22 December 1866 – 2 January 1930) was a towering figure in India's freedom movement—a lawyer, educator, social reformer, and an ardent advocate for communal harmony and democratic decentralisation. Despite his immense contributions, his legacy has been largely forgotten, with little recognition for his sacrifices and achievements. This article delves into the life, ideals, and contributions of this visionary leader, who dedicated his life to India's independence and the upliftment of society. Early Life and Education Born in Bahpura, Patna district, Bihar, into a zamindar family, Mazharul Haque was the only son of Sheikh Ahmadullah, a wealthy landlord. He began his education at home under the guidance of Maulvi Sajjad Hussain, learning Urdu and Persian. He later attended Patna Collegiate School, matriculating in 1886. Haque pursued higher studies at Canning College, Lucknow, but left in 1888 to study law in England. His time in London was transformative, as he interacted with Indian students from diverse communities, strengthening his commitment to Hindu-Muslim unity. He founded Anjuman-i-Islamia, an organisation that brought Indians together on a platform that transcended religious and regional lines. This forum became a space to discuss India's problems, and it was here that Haque introduced Mahatma Gandhi to public life. In 1891, after completing his law degree, Haque returned to India and started practising law in Patna. He briefly served as a Munsif in the judiciary but resigned due to differences with the District and Sessions Judge. A Life Committed to Public Welfare Mazhar ul Haque's public life began in 1897 during the famine in the Saran district, where he played an active role in relief work. This experience reinforced his resolve to work for the masses. He advocated for the formation of the Bihar Provincial Conference, which sought to press for Bihar's recognition as a separate province due to its distinct requirements. In 1906, Haque was elected Vice Chairman of the Bihar Congress Committee, marking the beginning of his active involvement in the Indian freedom struggle. A staunch proponent of communal harmony, he famously declared, "Whether we are Hindus or Muslims, we are in the same boat. We must sail or sink together." Key Contributions to the Freedom Movement The Home Rule Movement (1916): As President of the Bihar chapter of the Home Rule Movement, Haque worked closely with Annie Besant to promote self-governance and mobilised the people of Bihar. The Champaran Satyagraha (1917): Haque actively participated in Mahatma Gandhi's Champaran Satyagraha, which sought justice for indigo farmers oppressed by British planters. His involvement led to a three-month prison sentence, further cementing his role as a committed nationalist. Non-Cooperation and Khilafat Movements (1920): Responding to Gandhi's call, Haque resigned from his lucrative legal practice and his position in the Imperial Legislative Council. He dedicated himself entirely to the freedom struggle, even giving up Western attire in favour of traditional Muslim clothing as a symbolic gesture of his commitment. Beyond political activism, Haque emphasised grassroots development. He organised Panchayats in the Saran district to promote local governance and empower rural communities. Revolutionising Education: Sadaqat Ashram Education was central to Haque's vision for an independent India. A staunch advocate of free and compulsory primary education, he pushed for this reform during his tenure in the Imperial Legislative Council. In 1920, he donated 16 Bighas of land on the Patna-Danapur Road to establish Sadaqat Ashram and Bihar Vidyapeeth. These institutions became centres of nationalist activities and education for students who boycotted British-run schools during the Non-Cooperation Movement. Sadaqat Ashram served as a hub for imparting education rooted in Indian culture and values. Haque also launched a weekly magazine, The Motherland, from the Ashram, using it as a platform to critique British policies and promote nationalistic ideals. Championing Social Reform Mazhar ul Haque was a vocal advocate for social reform, particularly the anti-purdah movement, which sought to integrate women into mainstream society and politics. He supported Gandhi's efforts to empower women, recognising their critical role in both the independence struggle and societal transformation. Advocacy for Hindu-Muslim Unity Throughout his life, Haque prioritised communal harmony. His efforts to unite Hindus and Muslims were evident in his leadership and actions. The Anjuman-i-Islamia in London, which he founded, exemplified his commitment to bridging religious and regional divides among Indians abroad. His iconic statement, "Whether we are Hindus or Muslims, we are in the same boat. We must sail or sink together," encapsulates his vision of a united India. The Neglect of a Legacy Despite his immense contributions, Mazharul Haque's legacy has been largely forgotten. The house where he was born, which he donated in 1926 to establish a madrasa and middle school, now functions as a government school. The building also serves as an office and a ration storage facility for the school's midday meal scheme. Efforts by locals to preserve his memory have been limited. Yusuf Khurshidi, a resident of Bahpura, lamented, "It is unfortunate that a person who sacrificed everything for the country has been forgotten so fast." Struggles of His Family and Limited Recognition Haque's family now lives in obscurity, struggling financially. This reality highlights the nation's failure to honour its heroes. One of the few tributes to his memory is the Maulana Mazhar ul Haque Arabic and Persian University in Patna, established in 1998. A Visionary Leader Mazhar ul Haque’s vision extended far beyond political independence. He was a pioneer in advocating democratic decentralisation, universal education, and communal harmony. His efforts to establish Panchayati Raj, promote primary education, and bridge religious divides showcase his farsightedness. Conclusion Maulana Mazhar ul Haque was a patriot, a visionary leader, and a selfless freedom fighter who dedicated his life to India’s independence and social transformation. His unwavering commitment to communal harmony, education, and grassroots governance offers valuable lessons for contemporary India. It is high time that his contributions are acknowledged and celebrated. Establishing a memorial in his honour, preserving his birthplace, and including his story in school curricula would be fitting tributes to this forgotten hero. As we remember the sacrifices of countless freedom fighters, let us ensure that Mazhar ul Haque's legacy inspires future generations and remains a shining example of service, sacrifice, and unity. ---- Syed Amjad Hussain is an author and Independent research scholar on Sufism and Islam. He is currently working on his book 'Bihar Aur Sufivad', based on the history of Sufism in Bihar. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/unity-mazhar-haque-united-hindus-muslims-colonial/d/134262 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism