Allama Mashriqi’s
Message of Akhuwat
By Nasim
Yousaf
New York
Over one billion Muslims inhabit the earth.
Though they share a common religion, they are divided into
hundreds of sects and sub-sects, the two most common of
which are the Sunnis and the Shias. The 10th of Muharram
(the first month of the Islamic calendar) is typically
characterized by riots between these two sects, as it is
on this date that the commemoration of Muharram reaches
its peak level. The riots are a disconcerting
manifestation of sectarian disharmony. Allama Mashriqi, a
distinguished scholar on Islam and founder of the Khaksar
Tehrik, was fiercely against sectarianism and, through his
words and actions, set an example for today’s leaders to
follow.
Allama Mashriqi believed that bigotry and
sectarianism were incredibly divisive forces among
humanity — therefore, he always preached unity. The
ideology of his Khaksar Tehrik (which he founded in 1930)
offers insight into Mashriqi’s views on the subject. The
word Akhuwat (brotherhood) was inscribed on the Tehrik’s
flag as well as on the shoulder badge of every Khaksar. It
was meant to send a lucid message to the world that the
Khaksars stood for unity and brotherhood. According to a
decree by Mashraqi on October 15, 1937: “The Khaksar will
not interfere with the belief of any sects of Muslims, for
he considers the freedom of belief as the religious right
of every Muslim; but he stands for unity among all these
sections.” Thus, Mashriqi sought a harmonious and peaceful
society by defeating all sectarian sentiments and
“religious prejudices of mankind.”
Mashraqi’s desire to
seek a non-sectarian society is perhaps best exemplified
by his intervention in the Sunni-Shia riots in Lucknow
(India). The riots began in the month of Muharram in 1939.
By March or April of 1939, “20,000” Muslims had been
imprisoned and “hundreds were wounded…and thousands…
starved” (as discussed at the Central Legislative Assembly
on September 23, 1942). Mashraqi was quite upset by this
state of affairs. In order to put an end to the tumult and
chaos, he sent numerous telegrams to the Government of UP.
When the Government – which, according to Mashraqi, was
behind the skirmishes – failed, he issued a directive to
the Khaksars to reach Lucknow. In compliance, a large
number of Khaksars from various provinces of British India
arrived in Lucknow. Mashraqi joined them and held meetings
with leaders of both sects. After hectic efforts, an
amicable settlement between the two sects was attained.
Thus, Mashraqi brought the sufferings of the people to an
end.
Mashraqi firmly believed in harmony and stood up
against all forces that promoted division. We must learn
from his message of Akhuwat and philosophy of a
non-sectarian society. It is imperative that the leaders
of today follow Mashraqi’s example in order to guide
people to peace and brotherhood, regardless of religion,
sect, caste, color or creed. Furthermore, leaders who
promote sectarianism for vested reasons must be condemned.
Equanimity, tolerance and respect towards different faiths
needs to prevail if the threat of a global sectarian war
is to be prevented. Indeed, Mashraqi’s message to the
world to rise above sectarianism and forge unity is one
that must not be forgotten.
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