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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