QUAID’S PLEDGE OF SACRIFICE

Most of the writers, while paying homage to their ideal leader Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, concentrate on his legal mind, professionalism, political career, statesman’s acumen and the unprecedented integrity of his character. However, in this write up an effort has been made to dig out from annals of history a rare quality of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s deep sense of inferences from our mutual source of spirituality. As a grateful and responsible citizen of the land, he carved for us, everyone would be wondering to pay homage to his selfless services and sacrifices he rendered to relieve us from the subservient status and clutches of the then colonial masters by ensuring to elevate us as an independent, pragmatic, happy and prosperous members of the world community. While pondering upon his life and the historic struggle; one finds it difficult to attempt a detailed appraisal of his contribution of his public life to the cause and creation of an independent, sovereign Muslim state. The way, he developed his personality externally and enhanced his abilities as a convincing speaker and “skillful debater”, “incisive reasoning”, the close analysis, the careful chiseling of facts and arguments on points of vantage were equally strong characteristics of his personality. Similarly, when we learn about his steadfastness coupled with the confidence and the conviction about his case and cause, we found him intrinsically convinced and fully engrossed in Quranic teachings, “Fa-‘izaa ‘azamta fatawakkal ‘alallah. ‘Innallaaha yuhibbul-Muta-wakkiliin.” 159:3 i.e. “When thou hast taken a decision, put thy trust in Allah. For Allaha loves those who put their trust (in Him)”. Actually, as a researcher of unique features of Pakistan Movement, this scribe came across multiple arguments and objections by his political adversaries. These included inter-alia representatives of the then colonial dispensation, cleaver but narrow minded Hindu politicians and narrow sighted nationalist religious opponents. Despite the collusion of all his opponents, it looks quite surprising that Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was contesting, countering and contradicting all sorts of objections against creation of a Muslim State in South Asia single handedly. What were the motivating ingredients and power that gave him this trust and conviction which inspired him to face all these odds? While sorting out various dilapidated old history papers, this scribe came across an old document, tilted “PLEDGE OF SACRIFICE” (this is mailed separately in its original shape/form pl). It dates back to April 9-10, 1946 as reproduced below:- PLEDGE OF SACRIFICE At the convention of national legislatives held in Delhi on April 9-10 April, 1946. They took the following pledge: In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful 162: 6 و نسکی و محیا ی و مماتی للہ رب العلمین" - " قل ان صلا تی Qul’ inna salaatii wa nusuki wa mah-yaaya wa mamaa-tii lil-laahi Rabbil- aalimiin; Say”, My prayers and my sacrifice and my living and my dying are all for Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. I M. A. Jinnah a member of Muslim League party at the Central Legislative Assembly / Council do hereby solemnly declare my firm conviction that the safety and the security and the salvation and the destiny of the Muslim nation inhabiting in the sub-continent of India lie only in the achievement of Pakistan, which is the one equitable, honourable and just solution of the constitutional problem and which will bring freedom and prosperity to the various nationalities and communities of this great sub-continent. I most solemnly affirm that I shall most willingly and unflinchingly carry out all the directions and instructions which may be issued by the All India Muslim League in pursuance of any movement launched by it for the attainment of this cherished national goal of Pakistan, and, believing as I do in the righteousness and the justice of my cause, I pledge myself to undergo any danger, trial or sacrifice which may be demanded of me. 250:2:3 ربنا افرغ علینا صبراو ثبت اقدامنا وانصرناعلی القوم الکفرین Rabbanaaa afrig alaynaa sabranw-wa sabbit ‘aqdaamanaa wan-surnaa ‘ alal-Qawmil- kaa-firin. “Our Lord! Bestow on us endurance and keep our steps firm and help us against the disbelieving people.” Ameen. Signature: M. A… Jinnah Dated: - 9 April, 1946…………………………………….. TODAY. Let every Muslim also take this pledge of sacrifice in the cause of national freedom. This is why, this scribe has inferred the above verse of Al-Quran. The esteemed readers may like to oblige to read it with full attention and themselves draw a conclusion as how far the founder of Pakistan was actually committed to his cause. He had been coming before Allah that whatever sacrifices are required for the national freedom, come what may, whether it demands of blood, life, danger, trial etc., he along with his fellow Muslims would hardly fear and care and would fight till their last breath to achieve their cherished goal of creation of Pakistan. This was the spirit of Pakistan Movement, which we, are required to impress upon our present leadership and inculcate among our younger generation. All the times, each and every one have been complaining about corruption, nepotism and partisan among our present dispensation. This scribe was wondering to suggest that along with normal oath, let everyone being elevated to any high echelon, also take this pledge of sacrifice for the cause of development, prosperity and avoid nepotism, undue favours, doling out Assembly/ Senate seats other than the voters of the said constituency so as if they defy it during the occupancy of the public office, besides peoples wrath, let Allah’s benedictions guide/help them to publically repent or face the Almighty’s wrath too as is being witnessed now a days. ________________________________