Book & Author
Mohammed Farooq: The Untold Stories of an Indian Freedom Fighter (Khatiraat by Zafar Hasan Aybek)
By Dr Ahmed S. Khan
Chicago, IL
The Untold Stories of an Indian Freedom Fighter by Mohammed Farooq is the English translation of Urdu book Khatiraat (Services), the autobiography of Zafar Hasan Aybek (1990), edited by Professor Dr Ghulam Hussain of the Faculty of Literature at Istanbul University. Professor Hussain had previously taught at Punjab University’s Oriental College. Dr Hussain persuaded Aybek — who made Istanbul his home — to write his memoirs and took it upon himself to organize the manuscript and make its publication possible.
Zafar Hasan Aybek was a close associate of Ubaidullah Sindhi (10 March 1872 – 21 August 1944) aka Buta Singh Uppal, a political activist and a dynamic leader of the Indian independence movement. He served as the Home Minister of the first Provisional Government of India established in Afghanistan in 1915. He served Jamia Millia Islamia for a long time. At age 15 he converted to Islam and later was educated at Darul Uloom Deoband. He went to Kabul to seek the support of Afghan Amir Habibullah Khan, and later in 1915 joined the Provisional Government of India and stayed in Afghanistan until the end of WWI. Then he left for Russia and spent two years in Turkey, and eventually reached Hijaz where he stayed for 14 years exploring the philosophy of Islam in light of Shah Waliullah Dehlawi’s scholarship. In 1938 he returned to Karachi and passed away on August 21, 1944. His major works include: Safarnama-i-Kabul, Shah Waliullah aur Unka Falsafa, Shaoor-o-Agahi, Qurani Shaoor-e-Inqalab, Khutbat-o-Makalat, Mere Zindegi, and Zaati Diary (an autobiography).
In the Translator’s note, summarizing the life and struggles of Zafar Hasan Aybek, Mohammad Farooq observes: “In the early 1990s I was introduced to this autobiography by my father, Mian M. Rafique, who was a friend of the author Zafar Hasan Aybek. My father had met the author several times over many years when he went to Istanbul, Turkey for his reinsurance work as Director for the PIC (Pakistan Insurance Corporation). He also used to be in touch with the author by mail. I remember my father bringing the first draft of the autobiography in Urdu from Istanbul to Lahore. He always had words of praise for the achievements of the author whenever the opportunity to do so came up in family discussions. The first time I read this autobiography in Urdu, it impressed me as a historical document, one filled with details of personal experiences, dates of events, and names. The people included in the book were brought to life with their own backgrounds and family histories that sometimes spanned over many countries including India, Turkey, Afghanistan, Russia, Iran, and Pakistan. Zafar Hasan Aybek's contributions include: his work to free India from the clutches of the British empire, the establishment of the first free Indian Government in exile in Afghanistan and writing of the first free Indian constitution (along with his esteemed spiritual and political teacher Obaid Ulla Sindhi). His achievements as a diplomat, statesman, activist, freedom fighter, journalist, military Captain in the Turkish army, a teacher, and a linguist fluent in at least 8 or more languages - Urdu, Farsi, Afghani, Persian, English, Turkish, Russian, and French. The British wanted him dead because of his participation in the Afghan and Indian freedom movements but against all odds he stood firm, never wavering and never giving up his goal of jihad (extreme struggle against evil and oppression) against the British occupation of his homeland India….His impeccable ethical standards of living with meager means, his resourcefulness, his services in bringing countries together and helping in their freedom, diplomacy, trade, and social interactions led to awards of the highest levels of citizenship by Afghanistan, Turkey, and Pakistan…I wanted to translate this autobiography partly because of the above reasons and more so for our youth who may benefit from the lessons learned here in bringing freedom and democracy to the Indian subcontinent. Indeed, it is very rare to find a person honored by three countries, who all claimed him to be their own…I took some liberty in translating this book to be culturally sensitive about social and religious prejudices of the time.``
In the foreword, Dr Mohammad Ahmadullah Siddiqi, Professor Emeritus of English and Journalism, Western Illinois University, observes: “Historical autobiographies play an important role in helping readers grasp a sense of the ongoing events that shaped the world as well as the world views at a certain point in time. One can draw lessons for a future course of action by looking into a particular historical window. There was a time when Muslim historians were famous for their comprehensive and insightful historical analyses of past events including the fall and rise of nations. They were able to present to their readers narratives based on verifiable facts rather than gossip and fiction. However, Muslims lost their sense of history and their understanding of the present and the future remained frozen in the past.”
Dr Siddiqui further states: “The autobiography of late Mr Zafar Hasan Aybek (born, 1895; died, 1989) is not only a personal account of a freedom fighter of the Indian subcontinent but also a story of one of the earliest initiatives taken by a group of college students under the leadership of Maulana Obaidullah Sindhi, a renowned scholar and leader of one of the earliest movements to free India from the occupation of British rule. It is a story of the sacrifices, wisdom, and courage of a young man who left college education in 1915 and travelled to Afghanistan, Turkey, Russia, Hijaz (now Saudi Arabia), Switzerland, France, Czechoslovakia (now Czech Republic), Austria and Germany. It describes the socio-political upheavals during the first World War and how some visionary leaders of the free-India movement planned to take advantage of the emerging conflicts between England, France, Italy, and Russia on the one side and Germany, Ottoman Turkey, etc. on the other side. Had this initiative been successful, India would have achieved freedom much earlier than 1947.The autobiography brings to our attention, especially our youth, that patriotism requires sincerity, courage, sacrifices, farsightedness, and a lifetime of hard work, the characteristics that highlight the life of Zafar Hasan Aybek. It also brings to the reader's attention that many times, it is not so much the enemies but the traitors and the hypocrites within, who cause the greater damage and lead to the failures of movements as well as nations.”
Reflecting on the translator’s role and efforts, Dr Siddiqui notes: “The English translation of Aybek's autobiography in your hands is made possible by Mr Mohammad Farooq, MS, MHA. Mr Farooq has been residing in the United States for more than four decades. He is fascinated by the extraordinary personality of Aybek, the efforts he made, the journeys he undertook and the causes he served. I too am delighted to read through his autobiography in Urdu and think that the stories must be shared with non-Urdu speaking readers, especially the younger generation. I am very happy to see that Mr Farooq undertook this task and completed the English translation of Zafar Hasan Aybek's autobiography. The translation provides an interesting historical perspective of the earliest days of India's freedom struggle by an insider who dedicated his youth and his entire life for this cause. I am sure it is going to inspire and enlighten readers.”
The book has twenty-eight chapters: 1. Story Begins - Birth, Education, upbringing, Admission into Government College Lahore, Grooming of National Feelings, Incidence of a fire at the Government College, 2. Our preparations for migration from Punjab and departure to the border Chapter, 3. Our departure from the head office of Jamaat Mujahideen to Kabul Chapter, 4. The Geopolitical conditions of Afghanistan Chapter, 5.Our entry into Afghanistan, The conditions in Kabul at that time, 6. Maulana Sindhi Plan in Kabul and activities of Indian Government in Exile, 7. Departure of Shaykh ul Hind Maulana Mahmud ul Hasan to Hijaz, (Saudi Arabia), The (Rashmi) Silk Letter, 8. Murder of Amir Habibullah Khan, One Angle, Direction of internal Afghan politics, 9. The War for the Freedom, Independence of Afghanistan, Preparation for the Freedom war and various battle fronts. Attack on Thal, The Army Chief Nadir Khan, My Participation in The Battle of Thal, 10. Peace treaty between Amir Amanullah Khan and the British, Dispatch of our delegation to Kabul, Last days of our stay in Khost, Return of The Army Chief to Kabul, 11. Conditions After the peace treaty, Migration of Muslims from the Indian subcontinent, Arrival of Jamal Pasha in Kabul and visit of Anwar Pasha to Bukhara and his Martyrdom, Increasing British influence in the court of Amir Amanullah Khan, Departure of Maulana Sindhi and his friends from Kabul to Russia, Choice of the most difficult route, 12. My Stay in Moscow with Maulana Obaidullah Sindhi, 13. My admission to Moscow University, The Book "Capital" and teaching of Atheism, Religion and Communism, Situation of some friends, my travel to Leningrad, 14. Meetings of Maulana Sindhi with the Russian Foreign Minister Chicherin. My efforts for meeting arrangement with Maulana Sindhi and the foreign Minister of Russia, first meeting of June 1923, Maulana Sahib's agreement with Chicherin, Maulana's departure for Turkey, 15. My Stay in Russia after Maulana Sahib and the Journey to Turkey, My Article/Thesis presentation in the Moscow University, My wish to acquire military education, My writing articles in the Bombay Chronicle, Correspondence with Maulana Sindhi, Disagreements and enmity among Russian leaders, My arrival in Turkey, Indian Monastery and rest house, Abdul Rahman Riaz Babar, Maulana Sindhi residence in Istanbul, 16. Our Political activities during our stay in Istanbul, Lajt Roy and Abdul Rahman Siddiqi arrival in Istanbul, Arrival of Dr. Ansari in Istanbul, Abdul Rahman Peshawari, My introduction with the Turkish scholars and writers, situation of Teja Singh Azad Akali, Political program prepared by Maulana Sindhi, Saru Ragia party, Confiscation of our program in the subcontinent, My writing in the newspaper "Musalman" as a journalist, Meeting of Maulana Sindhi with Asad Fawad Bok, 17. Maulana Sindhi’s departure for Hijaz, after his departure my activities in Istanbul, Arrival of Rabindranath Tagore in Istanbul, My employment, My translating of Maulana Shibli Books, My travel for Hajj and meeting with my mother, My activities after arrival from Hajj, Translation of Seerat Un Nabi, 18. Kemalist Revolution in Turkey, Reformations in Turkey, Reasons for change of Turkish Alphabets, Conditions in Turkey, Kurdish revolt, My adoption of Turkish citizenship, 19. My admission into Turkish Military, Saleemia Fort, Education in Turkish Cadet college, Military exercises, Maneuvers, Battle enactments in Barsa, Declaration/ Communique of Nadir Shah, My commission in the Turkish military, 20. My admission into Artillery specialization college, Higher education in Artillery college, Fortune telling, My engagement and marriage, My appointment in Konia, Military exercises, Permission to go to Afghanistan, 21. Our departure for Afghanistan, My going to Kabul through Russia, Khanum's arrival in Kabul through India, Martyrdom of Amir Nadir Shah, My arrival in Kabul, 22. My Teaching at the Afghani Cadet college, Chaotic system of education in the Afghan army, Our social life in Kabul, Turkish Military mission in Afghanistan, 23. My Going to Europe for buying new Artillery Guns for Afghanistan, Khanum's trip to Turkey, My journeys to Czechoslovakia, France Switzerland and Austria, Experiments and testing of ammunition for new artillery guns, Visit of Afghanistan Prime Minister to Germany, My departure again to Paris, Meeting with lqbal Shadai, 24. My return to Afghanistan, Leaving Istanbul, Passing through Russia, Travel to the land of Iran, Arrival in Afghanistan, Artillery bombardment for testing of new Guns, My brother Mian Mehmood UI Hassan's visit to Kabul, Breaking of my contract and return to Turkey, 25. Our departure from Kabul via Russia to Turkey, Trip to Tashkent, A heart wrenching scene, Moscow, Odessa, 26. My Military services in Turkey, Second World War, My appointment in Thrise, Teaching in the Reserve officer's college, Pension, 27. Residence in Istanbul, Teaching in the Staff college, Independence of the subcontinent, Creation of Pakistan, My first trip to the homeland after independence, and 28. On my return to Turkey, My services for strong relations between Pakistan and Turkey.
Recalling his school days, the author states: “In those days it was compulsory to study Persian. I studied from school books but only learned small words like Aab-zar (gold water) and nan-garam (hot bread). While I was in India, I was never able to converse in Persian, and in Kabul I could not speak the language either. We had books like Sarf Nahw, Gulistan Bostan, and Saadi's stories, which were full of wisdom and in the future, I took advantage of these sayings. For example, 'The man of God is the one who eats half of his bread and gives half to the fakir (beggar). In the future, this was my usual mode of daily living. Another saying of Saadi is 'Once a wise man was asked where did you learn to be respectful? He said, from disrespectful ones—whatever they did, I stayed away from it and learned respect and saved myself.' This wise saying of Saadi impressed me very much and I stayed away from the company of useless people.”
Reflecting on college days and his admiration of Allama Iqbal’s poetry, the author states: “I was in Government College for about a year when the War of Trablus happened. Then in 1912 the first Balkan War occurred. There was unrest among Muslims in support of the Turks. Many functions were held, and donations collected for those who were injured in the war. A Red Crescent delegation was to be sent to Turkey. Dr Allama lqbal used to recite his poems during these functions/meetings. I also used to attend with my class peers. lqbal's poetry on the topic of the Prophet (SAWS)’s service impressed our hearts very much.
`Dear Prophet (saws)
We don't find peace in our life
What we are searching, We don't find that like
There are thousands of beautiful flowers in this world
We don't find even one flower-bud with fragrance'
Dr lqbal's poetry was very effective in inclining the mind toward national and Islamic thought.
Commenting on the lifestyle of Amir of Kabul, the author states: “In the later stages of his life Amir Habibullah Khan from 1915-1919 was involved in great luxury. He lost contact with the internal and external affairs of his country. The crown prince Sardar Inayatullah Khan (Moin ul Sultanat) was of good character and used to side with the British and was not in favor of positioning Afghanistan against the British. The younger brother of Amir Sardar Nasrullah Khan (Niab ul Saltanat) vice Amir was his rival. Whenever Amir Sahib wanted to pressure the British to settle matters, he would go through the vice Amir who was very conservative and Haji Abdul Razak Khan (educated at Dao Bund and Kabul' judge Qazi-Al Qaza). The Amir Sahab's third son Sardar Amanullah Khan (Ayan u Daula) was well liked by the public because of his very influential queen mother.”
Describing the communication of the provisional Indian Government in exile in Afghanistan, the author notes: “One-night, Maulana Sindhi had the following announcement printed for the Indians in Urdu and English. ‘Brave Indians! Courageous countrymen. You have read the account of the organization of the Provisional Government of India. It has Raja Mahend Pratap as its president, and M Barkatullah (of Ghadar Party) as its Prime Minister and M Ubedullah as its administrative minister. Its objective is to liberate India from the iron clutches of the English and to establish an indigenous government there. This government of yours heard with utmost pleasure the news of your gallant deeds done for the noble cause of liberty…’”
Remembering his return to his homeland, the author observes: “After 34 years of exile (from 1915-1949) now there was hope that I could visit the country of birth, at least once. I would be able to meet my relatives and friends who were still alive. In 1949 I decided to visit the subcontinent with my wife. Although Khanum's brother Professor Muzaffar Shoqi Yazbok was not in favor of this journey because he thought that I might just go and stay there, thereby separating him and his only sister. But after some heated discussion we were able to convince him that we would take this journey only once. My travel expenses were subsidized by a Turkish trading company called Tibet Export Company Limited. I was to find a market for their products in the subcontinent exporting from Turkey items like cloth, large cotton sacks and Turkish tobacco cigarettes and dry fruits…Also Mr Diwan Chaman the Indian ambassador wrote introductory letters me to famous personalities like Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Abdul Azad the Minister of Education, Transportation Minister Mr Kidwai and Secretary of Education Mr Humayun Kabir. We left Istanbul by air on February 28th, 1949, for Delhi India. Enroute landed at Karachi airport as transit passengers.”
Reflecting on his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Nehru, the author states: “…Nehru the Indian Prime Minister invited us for lunch. Also present were the Governor of Punjab Tary Waydi, Lady Mountbatten, the daughter of Nehru Indira Gandhi and a big shareholder of Tata Company, and two other Indian leaders. After lunch, Nehru wanted to hear a summary of my life story. When I told the audience my story in Afghanistan, Russia, and Turkey they were in awe and very surprised. Upon hearing my story, the Governor of Punjab Tary Waydi approached me and said that he did not catch my name and asked for my name again, When I told him that my name was Zafar Hasan, he turned around and sat far away from me and never talked to me during the duration of my visit at the Nehru residence. I encountered another incident which convinced me that Hindus present there did not even tolerate listening to my admirable activities since I was a Muslim. After lunch, I privately mentioned to Nehru that there was a possibility of increased communist activities in India so he should take advantage of Turkish methods and techniques to suppress them. If he would like Turkey could help. The next day we were scheduled to have lunch with General Karyapa the Indian Army Chief who seemed to be very open-minded because he was vouching for a quick peace deal with Pakistan. Since we had to catch a flight to Pakistan, we had to decline the lunch offer.”
Recalling his arrival in Pakistan, the author notes: “On April 3rd [1949] my wife and I arrived in Lahore from Delhi by air. We were received at the airport by my younger brother and his wife who I was meeting after 34 years since I had left my house in 1915. He was only a few years old and now he was an engineer educated in England. I was meeting my brother after I had met him in Kabul 12 years ago. We hugged each other and I could not hold my tears back. I met my sister at my brother's house. She a year ago had vowed to God that until he brought me to her, she would fast every day even to the day of her death. Meeting thirty-four years later we were ecstatic. I also met my niece Syeda Begum who was a newborn when I left but now was a physician. My sister-in-law Saleem Begum had prepared a room for us where we stayed as guests for 22 days. During this time, my relatives who had settled in nearby towns came to see us….On our way back to Turkey we stopped in the port city of Karachi. ”
The Untold Stories of an Indian Freedom Fighter by Mohammed Farooq is the English translation of Zafar Hasan Aybek’s Urdu autobiography Khatiraat (Services) edited by Professor Dr Ghulam Hussain of the Faculty of Literature at Istanbul University. It is an important historical document that chronicles the trials and tribulations of Zafar Hasan Aybek’s life in exile — filled with details of personal experiences and historical events, spanned over more than seven decades, which took place in India, Turkey, Afghanistan, Russia, Iran, and Pakistan. It is an essential reading for all students of history. The book can be used as a reference book for South Asian history courses.
(Dr Ahmed S. Khan — dr.a.s.khan@ieee.org — is a Fulbright Specialist Scholar)
