Quaid-e-Azam: A man for all seasons

Rehan Khan

“Few individuals significantly alter the course of history. Fewer still modify the map of the world. Hardly anyone can be credited with creating a nation-state. Muhammad Ali did all three.” These words produced by the pen of Stanley Wolpert throw a bright light upon the multi-faceted personality of Quaid e Azam. Perching on the exalted standards of character, he has left an indelible mark in the history of Sub-Continent. His powerful command upon the speech, the reflection of utter determination in actions and the wisdom to sail the ship of Muslims from the tumultuous shores of anarchy to the secure destination of independence, collectively bring upon our minds a figure that has very few parallels in the revolutionary, social, and political history of Muslims. But, still many of his exceptional faculties are ignored or left in the shadow of history. We will make a journey into the different dimensions of his life.

Quaid e azam was a very decent man in his private circle. He had a strong bond of affinity with his mother. Upon his educational journey to America for the first time, his mother enticed him to engage in the nuptial knot, on which he didn’t show even an iota of grimace. His wife Ruttie Jinnah enjoyed a peaceful drive of marriage in early stages but soon due to the steep inclination of Quaid e azam towards politics, both suffered a strain in relationship. But, Quaid harbored deep love for her till the last breath of his wife. The

most fascinating relationship was with Fatima Jinnah who never registered a complaint of any neglect by Quaid even in times of great depression. To keep a balance in political, judicial and private affairs demands an exceptional strength and Quaid reflected it is his life.

Quaid e azam was an outstanding lawyer who had earned the medals of respect in every house of Sub-Continent. His reputation spanned out of the frontiers of Sub-Continent, sailed across the waters of Indian Ocean and knocked at the doors of Britain who could not contain themselves from deferring to the precedence of his talent. In 1935, he had earnings of 3500 rupees each day. He practiced privately in Bombay for a long span of time, but later on upon the request of Allama Iqbal, he left aside his profession and embarked on a journey in the political landscape of Sub-Continent.

Mr Jinnah was the chief architect of political resurgence of Muslims in the first half of 20^th century. His unique quality of persuasion brought Hindus and Muslims on one table for several times; in return, he bagged the title of ‘Hindu Muslim Ambassador”. But, after a marathon campaign to unite Hindus and Muslims for an exorbitant period of time, he came to know the indifference of Hindus to consider Muslims as a separate national unit in the national mainstream of politics. He stepped up his gear and joined All- Muslim League and soon rose to the highest echelons of power. He instilled the sense of oneness in Muslims and galvanized the dispersed masses by bringing his political statesmanship into full effect. Muslims held on to the rope of hope shown by Quaid and brought about an epoch-making change in the course of history by creating Pakistan.

Quaid e azam had a fascinatingly alluring arsenal of leadership qualities. He had the voice of utter softness to read the minds of his people and the iron hand to crush the rising heads of evil. Ignoring the severity of illness his feeble soul was experiencing, he rose to the occasion and accepted the charges of Governor-General after the independence. He had no strength to utter a single word, but sensing the gravity of situation he delivered speeches in far-flung regions of Pakistan. Once, he was hardly in a position to stand on his feet, made up his mind to visit East Pakistan and offered a speech. He stitched up the courage and reached East Pakistan where he categorically rejected the inclusion of Bengali as the national language in an accented tone. His leadership had the force of determination and the eyes of wisdom.

Lastly, the most unnoticed dimension of his disposition is his association with the world of spirituality. Quaid, later in his life, endeared himself to spiritual forces. Upon the death of Allama Iqbal, he said,” The spiritual force behind me has left the world.” Quaid immersed into the ocean of spirituality and collected wisdom and intellect to steer the vehicle of Muslims.  Without Quaid, Pakistan was a historical impossibility. The statement of Jaswant Singh sums up the personality of Muhammad Ali Jinnah,” Gandhi himself called Jinnah a great leader, why don’t we call him the same……….”.