"Maulana Abul Kalam Azad: Personal Life & Legacy Insights"

Table of Contents

Introduction:

Maulana Azad (1888–1958) was a distinguished Indian freedom fighter and leader of the Indian National Congress. Post-independence, he became India’s first Minister of Education, contributing significantly to the nation’s education foundation. His birthday is celebrated as National Education Day. Known for his early work in Urdu poetry and as a journalist critical of British rule, Azad played a key role in the Khilafat Movement and later aligned with Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of non-violent civil disobedience. As the youngest President of the Indian National Congress in 1923, he actively promoted Swadeshi and Swaraj. Azad’s influence extended to the founding of Jamia Millia Islamia, with a gate named in his honor. He played a crucial role in the Dharasana Satyagraha in 1931 and served as Congress president during the Quit India rebellion. Maulana Azad’s legacy is marked by his tireless efforts for Hindu-Muslim unity, secularism, and socialism, as well as his instrumental role in shaping India’s post-independence education system.

Early Life :

Azad was born on November 11, 1888, in Mecca, which was then part of the Ottoman Empire and is now part of Saudi Arabia. Originally named Sayyid Ghulam Muhiyuddin Ahmed bin Khairuddin Al Hussaini, he later became known as Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. His father, a Muslim scholar of Afghan descent, resided in Delhi with his maternal grandfather after his father’s early demise. Following the Indian Rebellion of 1857, Azad’s father moved to Mecca, leaving India. Known as Muhammad Khairuddin bin Ahmed Al Hussaini, he authored twelve books, had numerous disciples, and claimed noble lineage. Azad’s mother, Sheikha Alia bint Mohammad, was the daughter of Sheikh Mohammad bin Zaher AlWatri, a respected scholar from Medina with a reputation that extended beyond Arabia. In 1890, Azad and his family established themselves in Calcutta.

Education Background:

Azad received his education through homeschooling and self-directed learning. He was Fluent in Arabic as his primary language, he expanded his linguistic proficiency to include Bengali, Hindustani, Persian, and English. His family employed tutors to instruct him in Mazahibs of Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali fiqh, Shariat, as well as subjects such as mathematics, philosophy, world history, and science. A dedicated and ambitious learner, Azad demonstrated remarkable precocity by establishing a library, reading room, and debating society before turning twelve. By the age of twelve, he aspired to write about the life of Al-Ghazali and started contributing scholarly articles to Makhzan, a literary magazine, by fourteen. At fifteen, he was teaching a class of students, many of whom were twice his age, and completed the traditional course of study by the age of sixteen—nine years ahead of his peers. Simultaneously, he launched a magazine at the same age.

Azad authored numerous treatises that provided interpretations of the Qur’an, the Hadis, and the principles of Fiqh and Kalam.

Personal Life:

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad had a private life that involved family responsibilities. Here is a brief overview of his personal life, including details about his wife and children:

Wife: Zuleikha Begum

Maulana Azad was married to Zuleikha Begum at the age of thirteen.
Zuleikha Begum was his companion throughout his life and supported him in his personal and public endeavors.

Children:

Daughter – Zainab Azad:
- Maulana Azad had a daughter named Zainab Azad.
- Information about his children, particularly Zainab, is not extensively documented in public records.

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s personal life was relatively private, with limited information available about his family. His focus was primarily on his public roles as a political leader, freedom fighter, and educational reformer.

Journalist Career:

Azad’s journalistic journey began at eleven when he launched the poetical journal Nairang-e-Aalam in Calcutta in 1899. By the age of twelve, he was already editing the weekly Al-Misbah. Azad contributed to Urdu publications like Makhzan, Ahsanul Akhbar, and Khadang e Nazar. In 1903, he started the monthly journal Lissan-us-Sidq, which ran until 1905. Later, he joined Al Nadwa and served as the editor of Vakil in Amritsar from 1906 to 1908, briefly shifting to Calcutta during this period.

Struggle for Indian Freedom:

In 1908, Azad’s travels through Egypt, Syria, Turkey, and France connected him with revolutionaries like Kamal Mustafa Pasha’s followers and Young Turk Movement members. This experience transformed him into a fervent Indian nationalist, challenging both the British government and Muslim politicians in his writings. Initially critical, Azad’s views evolved after encountering Sunni revolutionary activists in Iraq, influencing his anti-imperialist stance and Arab nationalism. Despite common Muslim opinions, he opposed the 1905 Bengal partition and actively engaged in revolutionary activities, collaborating with Hindu revolutionaries like Aurobindo Ghosh and Shyam Sundar Chakravarty in secret meetings across Bengal, Bihar, and Bombay.

Established Al-Hilal And Khilafat Movement:

In 1912, Azad founded the Urdu weekly newspaper Al-Hilal, openly criticizing British policies and advocating for Indian independence. As World War I unfolded, Al-Hilal was banned in 1914 due to increased British censorship. Azad’s role in Anjuman-i-Ulama-i-Bangala in 1913 improved Hindu-Muslim relations in Bengal after the divisive partition. He also supported the Khilafat agitation, seeking to protect the Sultan of Ottoman Turkey. Despite facing challenges, Azad launched the journal Al-Balagh in 1916, leading to his arrest under the Defence of India Regulations Act. Restricted from several provinces, he was jailed in Ranchi until January 1, 1920.

Involve in Non-co-prational Movement:

Upon his release, Azad re-entered a charged political atmosphere fueled by resentment against British rule. The Rowlatt Acts of 1919 and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre triggered public outrage. Gandhi’s leadership and his support for the Khilafat struggle became pivotal. Azad, along with the Ali brothers, collaborated on a non-cooperation program, urging Indians to boycott British institutions and emphasizing non-violence and Hindu-Muslim unity. Despite setbacks, Azad remained steadfast in his commitment to Gandhi’s ideals, even starting the banned weekly Paigham. In 1923, he became the youngest Congress president, leading efforts like the Flag Satyagraha in Nagpur and working towards unity between Swarajists and Khilafat leaders. Post-movement, Azad traveled extensively, promoting Gandhi’s vision, education, and social reform across India.

As A Congress Leader:

Azad’s political journey in Congress was marked by diverse roles, serving as general secretary and president multiple times. In 1928, he endorsed the Nehru Report, advocating for an end to religious-based electorates and championing a secular, independent India. Azad actively supported Gandhi’s calls for dominion status and later, complete independence.

During the Dandi Salt March in 1930, Azad led a non-violent raid on the Dharasana salt works, protesting salt taxes and production restrictions. This began a decade of imprisonments, with releases following the Gandhi–Irwin Pact in 1931.

In the 1935 elections, Azad organized the Congress campaign, avoiding contesting a seat due to reservations about the Act’s un-elected members. He continued supporting socialism within the Congress, leading to disagreements with conservative members. Despite differences, Azad advocated dialogue with Jinnah and the Muslim League, seeking broader political cooperation while rejecting Jinnah’s exclusive representation demand.

Join the Quit India Movement:

In 1938, Azad mediated between Congress factions, particularly supporters of Subhash Bose, who aimed to steer the Congress away from Gandhi’s leadership. Despite endorsing Gandhi’s stance, Azad reluctantly supported Congress’s withdrawal in 1939 due to India’s entry into World War II, causing nationalist uproar over the lack of consultation.

As support for the British war effort waned, Azad sided with Gandhi when British overtures were ignored. His criticism of Jinnah intensified, and in 1940, he was elected Congress president, vehemently opposing Jinnah’s Two-Nation Theory.

In 1942, Azad supported the “Quit India” call, rallying thousands before his arrest. Confined for nearly four years, he used his time for scholarly pursuits and maintained unity with fellow prisoners. Despite proposing negotiations in 1943, Azad faced rejection. In 1944, he criticized Gandhi’s talks with Jinnah as counterproductive.

Role As A Congress President Of India:

As the Congress President, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad played a crucial role in steering the party during a significant period in India’s political history. Elected to this position in 1940, Azad’s leadership spanned critical phases, and his contributions were diverse and impactful.

Opposition to Two-Nation Theory:

Azad vehemently opposed Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s Two-Nation Theory, advocating for a united India. His speeches and actions aimed to counter the divisive narrative and preserve the unity of Hindus and Muslims.

Quit India Movement:

During the Quit India Movement in 1942, Azad, as Congress President, actively supported the call for the British to leave India. His impassioned speeches and rallying cries contributed to mobilizing masses for the cause of independence.

Imprisonment and Resilience:

Following the launch of the Quit India Movement, Azad, along with other Congress leaders, was arrested by the British. Despite the incarceration that lasted nearly four years, Azad maintained resilience and continued to influence the political discourse.

Post-Independence Contributions:

After India gained independence in 1947, Azad continued to play a crucial role, serving as the country’s first Education Minister. His contributions to shaping India’s educational policies and institutions left a lasting impact.

Commitment to Secularism: Azad’s tenure as Congress President was marked by a steadfast commitment to secularism. He emphasized the importance of religious harmony and the inclusion of all communities in the nation-building process.

In summary, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s role as Congress President was characterized by his unwavering commitment to a united India, active participation in the freedom struggle, resilience during imprisonment, and subsequent contributions to post-independence nation-building, particularly in the field of education.

First Education Minister of India:

As India’s first Education Minister, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s educational landscape. Appointed in 1947, he worked towards fostering a robust and inclusive education system. Azad’s vision encompassed promoting literacy, scientific temper, and a harmonious blend of traditional and modern education.

Under his leadership, initiatives were launched to expand educational opportunities, particularly for marginalized communities and women. Azad emphasized the importance of education in nation-building, envisioning a society where knowledge and enlightenment would flourish.

Azad’s contributions extended beyond policy-making; he actively advocated for educational reforms and the establishment of institutions of excellence. His commitment to secular education reflected his belief in fostering unity and understanding among diverse communities.

In summary, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s tenure as India’s first Education Minister left an indelible mark on the country’s educational framework, emphasizing accessibility, inclusivity, and a holistic approach to learning.

Award And Honor:

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad received several awards and honors in recognition of his significant contributions to India’s political and educational landscape. Notable among them are:

Bharat Ratna
Commemorative Stamp
National Education Day
Legacy and Institutions

These awards and honors reflect the recognition and respect accorded to Maulana Azad for his multifaceted contributions as a freedom fighter, educationist, and a key figure in India’s political history.

Death:

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad passed away on February 22, 1958. His death marked the end of an era in Indian politics and education. Azad’s demise left a void that was deeply felt across the nation. He had played a pivotal role in the Indian independence movement and had a lasting impact as the country’s first Education Minister.

Maulana Azad’s death occurred while he was still in public service, contributing to the development of the nation. His legacy continues to be remembered and celebrated through various honors, awards, and institutions dedicated to his name, reflecting the enduring impact of his contributions to India.

Written By: Shalik Khan

“Exploring Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s Personal Life, Family, and Legacy”