Majlis-i Ahrar-i Islam
Definition
Majlis-i Ahrar-i Islam (مجلس أحرار الإسلام) was a semireligious political organization that actively struggled for the emancipation of Muslims from British-Hindu oppression after the War of 1857. It emerged as a revolutionary party formed at the call of Mawlana Abul Kalam Azad. The Majlis was known for its staunch opposition to the Ahmadiyya community and for its alliance with the Indian National Congress, opposing the creation of Pakistan. The organization was banned by the Pakistani government on June 27, 1957.
Etymology
- Arabic: مجلس أحرار الإسلام
- Turkish: İslam Hürler Meclisi
Historical Context
- Formation and Objectives: The organization was formed to challenge the socio-political issues facing Muslims under British colonial rule, leveraging both religious and political strategies. The Majlis-i Ahrar-i Islam also focused on preserving orthodox Islamic teachings and resisting any groups they deemed heterodox.
- Political Alignment and Opposition: During its active years, the Majlis fiercely opposed the Ahmadiyya community, whom they considered non-Muslim. The group’s political alliance with the Indian National Congress led them to resist the partition of India and the creation of Pakistan, believing it would lead to more sectarian division and weaken the Muslim cause.
- Dissolution: After Pakistan gained independence, the party’s activities were scrutinized due to their controversial stances and were ultimately banned in 1957 for their continued anti-Ahmadiyya campaigns and potential to incite religious conflict.
Suggested Books for Further Reading
- “Islamic Revival in British India: Deoband, 1860-1900” by Barbara D. Metcalf - Provides an elaborative context to understand the environment during which organizations like the Majlis-i Ahrar-i Islam emerged.
- “Muslims against the Muslim League: Critiques of the Idea of Pakistan” edited by Ali Usman Qasmi and Megan Eaton Robinson - Offers a critique and deeper analysis of the opposition to the creation of Pakistan.
- “Religious Nationalism” by Peter van der Veer - Explores the intersections of religion and politics in Indian nationalism, providing context for the actions of Majlis-i Ahrar-i Islam.
Takeaways and Conclusion
The Majlis-i Ahrar-i Islam played a pivotal role in the religious and political dynamics of pre-Independence India. Its activities profoundly influenced Muslim political thought and activism. Their anti-Ahmadi stance and alignment with the Indian National Congress provide a crucial perspective on the complex interplay of religion and politics during the era. Although banned, the legacy of the Majlis-i Ahrar-i Islam remains a significant area for scholars studying South Asian history and Islamic political movements.
