Pakistan is a paradigm example of a failed state that has undergone an extremely dangerous form of radical Islamisation.
The Muslim League
The foundation of Indian National Congress in 1885 was an attempt to narrow
the Hindu-Muslim divide and place the genuine grievances of all the communities
in the country before the British. But Sir Sayed and other Muslim leaders like
Ameer Ali projected the Congress as a representative body of Hindus and thus,
thwarted the first genuine attempt in the country for Hindu-Muslim unity. Poor
participation of Muslims in Congress proves it. "Of the seventy-two delegates
attending the first session of the Congress only two were Muslims". Muslim
leaders opposed the Congress tooth and nail on the plea that Muslims'
participation in it would create an unfavorable reaction among the rulers
against their community.
Muslim orthodoxy or its patrons in elite sections in the community with the
sword of 'religious identity' and slogan - 'Islam is in danger' continuously
challenged the political awakening in Indian society if it directly or
indirectly affected their superior status and influence. They therefore viewed
the democratic and secular movement launched by the Congress - as challenge to
their supremacy over the Hindus. Acceptance of Devanagari script and Hindi as an
official language of United Province now Uttar Pradesh in place of Persian in
1900 by Lieutenant Governor A. Macdonnel was another significant development to
stir the Muslims on communal line. No such aggressive resistance was made when
the British replaced Persian with English in late thirties of nineteenth
century. Sir Sayed Ahmed died in 1898 but his followers in defense of Urdu
language launched agitation against the decision of the representative of
British power in United Province.
On first October 1906 a 35-member delegation of the Muslim nobles,
aristocracies, legal professionals and other elite section of the community
mostly associated with Aligarh movement gathered at Simla under the leadership
of Aga Khan to present an address to Lord Minto. They demanded proportionate
representation of Muslims in government jobs, appointment of Muslim judges in
High Courts and members in Viceroy's council etc. Though, Simla deputation
failed to obtain any positive commitment from the Viceroy, it worked as a
catalyst for foundation of AIML to safeguard the interests of the Muslims.
Under the active leadership of Aligarhians, the movements for Muslim
separatism created political awakening among the Muslims on communal line. This
ideology of political exclusiveness in the name of religion gave birth to AIML
in the session of All India Mohammedan Educational Conference held in Dacca
(December 27-30, 1906). Nawab Salimullah, Chairman of the reception committee
and convener of the political meeting proposed the creation of AIML. A 56-member
provisional committee was constituted with prominent Muslim leaders from
different parts of the country. Even some Muslim leaders within Congress like
Ali Imam, Hasan Imam, Mazharul Haque (All Barristers from Bihar) and Hami Ali
Khan (Barrister from Lucknow) were included in the committee. Mohsin-ul-Mulk and
Viqar-ul-Mulk were jointly made the secrearies. After the death of
Mohsin-ul-Mulk in 1907, Viqar-ul-Mulk was in full control of the League. First
session of the League was held at Karanchi on December 29 & 30, 1907 with
Adamjee Peerbhoy as its President.
Mohammad Ali Jinnah, a prominent leader of the Congress did not join the AIML
till 1913 though, he supported the League movement for separate electorate for
Muslims. He even successfully contested against the League candidate for the
election of Viceroy's Legislative Council. Within the Congress he however always
tried to bargain for one-third reservation for his community.
Formation of All India Muslim League:
The formation of AIML was a major landmark in the history of modern
India. The first formal entry of a centrally organized political party
exclusively for Muslims had the following objectives:
- To promote among the Muslims of India, feelings of loyalty to the British
Government, and remove any misconception that may arise as to the instruction
of Government with regard to any of its measures.
- To protect and advance the political rights and interests of Muslims of
India, and to respectfully represent their needs and aspirations to the
Government.
- To prevent the rise among the Muslims of India of any feeling of hostility
towards other communities without prejudice to the afore-mentioned objects of
the League.
Initially AIML remained a pocket organization of urbanized Muslims. However,
the support of the British Government to the political Islamists in their
non-secular intention as well as contemptuous attitude towards majority rule
helped the League to become the sole representative body of Indian Muslims. To
confront the challenge of modern political system, the AIML successfully
achieved the status of separate electorates for the Muslims within three years
of its formation. It was the first big achievement of the party, which granted
separate constitutional identity to the Muslims. Lucknow Pact in 1916 put
official seal on the separate identity of Muslims, which was another landmark in
the separatist movement launched by the AIML.
