“Our National Hero and Great Politician: The Jinnah”

Muhammad Ali Jinnah, born on December 25, 1876, was a prominent figure in Pakistan’s history, known as the founder of the nation. Trained as a barrister in London, he initially pursued law but later shifted his focus to politics. Rising within the Indian National Congress, he initially advocated for Hindu-Muslim unity and played a significant role in the 1916 Lucknow Pact. However, he later resigned from Congress over differences regarding their approach to political activism.

By 1940, Jinnah firmly believed that Muslims in the Indian subcontinent needed a separate state to safeguard their interests, leading to the adoption of the Lahore Resolution by the Muslim League under his leadership. Following the Second World War, amidst increasing tensions between the Congress and the Muslim League, Pakistan emerged as a Muslim-majority state upon the partition of British India.

As the first governor-general of Pakistan, Jinnah played a pivotal role in establishing the new nation’s governance and policies. He also oversaw the resettlement of millions of Muslim refugees who migrated from India to Pakistan during the partition. Jinnah’s leadership and vision left a lasting impact, earning him titles such as Quaid-e-Azam (“Great Leader”) and Baba-e-Qaum (“Father of the Nation”) in Pakistan.

Despite his passing in September 1948, Jinnah’s legacy continues to be revered in Pakistan, with numerous universities and public institutions bearing his name. His birthday is celebrated as a national holiday, and he is regarded by many as Pakistan’s greatest leader.

During his time in England as a student, Muhammad Ali Jinnah was influenced by 19th-century British liberalism, much like other future leaders of Indian independence. He drew inspiration from thinkers such as Bentham, Mill, Spencer, and Comte, shaping his political views towards democratic ideals and progressive politics.

Jinnah also admired Parsi British Indian political figures like Dadabhai Naoroji and Sir Pherozeshah Mehta, attending Naoroji’s maiden speech in the House of Commons during his time in England.

In addition to his political pursuits, Jinnah’s style was heavily influenced by the Western world. He adopted Western-style clothing, always appearing impeccably dressed in public, owning a vast collection of over 200 suits and meticulously starched shirts with detachable collars. Even during his final days, he insisted on maintaining a formal appearance, refusing to travel in anything less than proper attire. He was often seen wearing a Karakul hat, later known as the “Jinnah cap.”

Despite briefly considering a stage career with a Shakespearean company, Jinnah ultimately pursued law and became the youngest British Indian to be called to the bar in England at the age of 19 in 1895. Although he initially returned to Karachi, he soon moved to Bombay to continue his legal career.

Advocating Hindu-Muslim Unity:

Muhammad Ali Jinnah, alongside Gokhale, represented the Congress in meetings with British officials in Britain. Despite being a Hindu, Gokhale recognized Jinnah’s qualities, describing him as someone free from sectarian prejudice and capable of promoting Hindu-Muslim unity.

He was what God made him, a great pleader. He had a sixth sense: he could see around corners. That is where his talents lay … he was a very clear thinker … But he drove his points home—points chosen with exquisite selection—slow delivery, word by word.

Delegation to London and Encounter with Gandhi:

In 1914, Jinnah led another Congress delegation to London, aiming to discuss Indian reforms. However, the outbreak of the First World War diverted attention away from Indian matters. During this time, Jinnah coincidentally crossed paths with his future political rival, Mohandas Gandhi, known for his advocacy of satyagraha (non-violent non-cooperation) in South Africa. At a reception, Jinnah and Gandhi had their first encounter and engaged in discussions. Following these events, Jinnah returned to India in January 1915.

The Lucknow Pact and Cooperation:

In 1916, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, now serving as the president of the Muslim League, played a pivotal role in signing the Lucknow Pact between the Congress and the League. This agreement established quotas for Muslim and Hindu representation in various provinces, although its full implementation remained elusive. Nevertheless, the pact marked a period of cooperation between the two organizations.

Support for British War Effort:

During World War I, Jinnah, along with other Indian moderates, threw his support behind the British war effort in hopes of securing political freedoms for Indians. He was instrumental in founding the All India Home Rule League in 1916, advocating for India’s self-governing dominion status within the British Empire akin to Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. Despite his efforts, British politicians showed little interest in Indian constitutional reform during the war.

Marriage and Family Life:

In 1918, Jinnah married Rattanbai Petit, known as “Ruttie,” who was significantly younger and came from an elite Parsi family in Bombay. Their union faced opposition from Rattanbai’s family and the Parsi community, leading her to nominally convert to Islam. They had a daughter named Dina in 1919, but their marriage faced challenges, and they separated before Ruttie’s death in 1929.

Resignation from Congress:

Tensions between Indians and the British escalated in 1919, culminating in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar. Jinnah resigned from the Imperial Legislative Council in protest against the extension of emergency wartime restrictions on civil liberties. The aftermath of the massacre saw Gandhi’s rise as a leader advocating for satyagraha against British rule, gaining widespread support. However, Jinnah, viewing Gandhi’s approach as an endorsement of religious zealotry, opposed his tactics and believed in achieving self-government through constitutional means. Despite his opposition, Gandhi’s proposals gained momentum within the Congress, leading to Jinnah’s resignation from the party and his focus on the Muslim League.

Jinnah (front, left) with the Working Committee of the Muslim League after a meeting in Lucknow, October 1937

Political Powerlessness of Muslims:

Despite efforts to protect minority rights and ensure representation, Muslim voters failed to unite, leading to factional fighting and a lack of coherence in addressing their concerns. The outcome of the 1937 elections highlighted the stark reality of Muslim political powerlessness, as the Congress formed a government with minimal Muslim representation. This realization underscored the need for a unified Muslim voice in political discourse.

Jinnah addresses the Muslim League session

Building Support for the Muslim League:

Over the following years, Muhammad Ali Jinnah focused on garnering support for the Muslim League. He advocated for the League to represent Muslim-led provincial governments in the central government, aiming to strengthen their influence at the national level. Additionally, Jinnah worked to broaden the League’s membership base by reducing membership fees and restructuring the organization’s hierarchy to mirror that of the Congress, with a centralized Working Committee appointed by him.

Allama Iqbal influence on Jinnnah:

Muhammad Iqbal, 1938

Jinnah seated with Iqbal at the round table conference

Expansion and Membership Drive:

Jinnah’s efforts to expand the League proved fruitful, with membership fees lowered to make it more accessible. By restructuring the organization and concentrating power within the Working Committee, he streamlined decision-making processes. By December 1939, the League boasted an estimated three million members, marking a significant increase in its influence and outreach among the Muslim population.

India’s Entry into World War II:

Following the commencement of war with Nazi Germany, India found itself thrust into the conflict without consultation with its political leaders. The Viceroy, Lord Linlithgow, announced India’s participation in the war alongside Britain, sparking widespread protests. Despite meetings between Linlithgow, Jinnah, and Gandhi, negotiations on self-government were suspended for the war’s duration.

The leaders of the Muslim League, 1940. Jinnah is seated at the center.

Congress’ Demand for Immediate Independence:

In response to the refusal of immediate independence and the suspension of negotiations, the Congress demanded immediate independence with the establishment of a constituent assembly to draft a constitution. The Congress provincial governments resigned in protest, leading to the governor ruling by decree for the remainder of the war. Meanwhile, Jinnah’s willingness to cooperate with the British led to increasing recognition of him and the League as representatives of India’s Muslims.

The League’s Position on Self-Government:

With the British and Muslims finding some common ground, the Viceroy sought the Muslim League’s stance on self-government, expecting it to differ significantly from that of the Congress. The League’s Working Committee convened to outline terms of reference for a constitutional sub-committee. After four days of deliberation, Jinnah informed the Viceroy that the League would demand partition instead of the federation envisioned in the 1935 Act.

Jinnah and Gandhi arguing after a meeting between them in Dehli, in November 1939

The Lahore Resolution:

Based on the subcommittee’s recommendations, the Lahore Resolution, also known as the Pakistan Resolution, embraced the Two-Nation Theory. It called for the creation of independent dominions where Muslims were in the majority, granting them autonomy. Passed on 23 March 1940, the resolution marked a significant step towards the eventual partition of India.

Jinnah makes a speech in New Delhi, 1943

Cabinet Mission and Proposed Plan:

The Cabinet Mission, led by Cripps and Pethick-Lawrence, aimed to address the deadlock in Indian politics. Arriving in New Delhi in late March, the Mission proposed a plan for a united Indian state comprising autonomous provinces grouped based on religion. It suggested a central authority to handle defense, external relations, and communications, with provinces having the option to secede. While Jinnah and his Working Committee accepted the plan in June, negotiations faltered over issues like representation in the interim government.

Formation of the Interim Government:

Despite the Congress joining the new Indian ministry, the League delayed its participation until October 1946. In agreeing to have the League in the government, Jinnah relinquished his demands for parity with the Congress. However, riots, particularly in Calcutta, marred the backdrop of the new ministry’s formation. While the Congress pushed for immediate summoning of the constituent assembly, the League’s ministers hesitated, leading to interventions by Wavell.

Nehru (left) and Jinnah walk together at Simla, 1946

London Conference and Constitutional Discussions:

In December 1946, leaders including Jinnah and Liaquat attended talks in London. Despite stating that the constitution would not be imposed on unwilling parts of India, the League refused to endorse the joint statement, abstaining from constitutional discussions. Jinnah initially considered continued links with Hindustan but later insisted on a fully sovereign Pakistan.

Mountbatten’s Appointment and British Departure:

Following the failure of negotiations, British officials sought a new viceregal successor to Wavell. Admiral Lord Mountbatten of Burma was chosen for his wartime leadership and political views. With the Attlee ministry eager for a rapid British departure, Mountbatten’s appointment signaled a shift in British strategy towards decolonization in the subcontinent.

Cabinet Mission and Proposed Plan:

The Cabinet Mission, led by Cripps and Pethick-Lawrence, aimed to address the deadlock in Indian politics. Arriving in New Delhi in late March, the Mission proposed a plan for a united Indian state comprising autonomous provinces grouped based on religion. It suggested a central authority to handle defense, external relations, and communications, with provinces having the option to secede. While Jinnah and his Working Committee accepted the plan in June, negotiations faltered over issues like representation in the interim government.

Jinnah with Stafford Cripps (right) and Pethick-Lawrence (left)

Formation of the Interim Government:

Despite the Congress joining the new Indian ministry, the League delayed its participation until October 1946. In agreeing to have the League in the government, Jinnah relinquished his demands for parity with the Congress. However, riots, particularly in Calcutta, marred the backdrop of the new ministry’s formation. While the Congress pushed for immediate summoning of the constituent assembly, the League’s ministers hesitated, leading to interventions by Wavell.

Jinnah with Muslim League leaders in the corridor of the Central Legislative Assembly in New Delhi in 1946.

London Conference and Constitutional Discussions:

In December 1946, leaders including Jinnah and Liaquat attended talks in London. Despite stating that the constitution would not be imposed on unwilling parts of India, the League refused to endorse the joint statement, abstaining from constitutional discussions. Jinnah initially considered continued links with Hindustan but later insisted on a fully sovereign Pakistan.

Mountbatten’s Appointment and British Departure:

Following the failure of negotiations, British officials sought a new viceregal successor to Wavell. Admiral Lord Mountbatten of Burma was chosen for his wartime leadership and political views. With the Attlee ministry eager for a rapid British departure, Mountbatten’s appointment signaled a shift in British strategy towards decolonization in the subcontinent.

Mountbatten’s Appointment and Announcement of Transfer of Power:

On 20 February 1947, Prime Minister Attlee announced the appointment of Lord Louis Mountbatten as Viceroy of India and declared Britain’s intention to transfer power in India no later than June 1948. Mountbatten assumed office on 24 March 1947, just two days after his arrival in India.

Lord Louis Mountbatten and his wife Edwina Mountbatten with Jinnah in 1947

Congress’ Acceptance of Partition:

By this time, the Congress had come to accept the idea of partition as a solution to the political deadlock. Nehru later admitted that exhaustion and aging leadership played a role in their decision. Despite reservations, Congress leaders recognized that the loss of Muslim-majority provinces to Pakistan was preferable to compromising on the central government’s authority.

Meetings between Mountbatten and Jinnah:

Mountbatten’s initial meetings with Jinnah proved challenging, with the Viceroy expressing frustration over Jinnah’s unwavering stance on Pakistan. Jinnah’s demand for a separate Muslim state and insistence on dividing the army before independence heightened tensions.

Mountbatten meets Jinnah, Nehru, and other leaders to plan the Partition of India

Final Plan for Partition:

On 2 June 1947, Mountbatten presented the final plan to Indian leaders, outlining the partition of India into two dominions to be realized on 15 August. Provinces would vote on whether to join the existing constituent assembly or form a new one with Pakistan. Bengal and Punjab would also vote on partition. Plebiscites would be held in the North-West Frontier Province and Sylhet district of Assam. Mountbatten, Nehru, Jinnah, and Sikh leader Baldev Singh formally announced the plan on 3 June via radio broadcast, with Jinnah concluding his address with “Pakistan Zindabad” (Long live Pakistan). Subsequent votes in Punjab and Bengal confirmed the decision for partition, with additional regions opting to join Pakistan.

Jinnah announced the creation of Pakistan over All India Radio on 3 June 1947

Jinnah said:

The Constitution of Pakistan is yet to be framed by the Pakistan Constituent Assembly, I do not know what the ultimate shape of the constitution is going to be, but I am sure that it will be of a democratic type, embodying the essential principles of Islam. Today these are as applicable in actual life as these were 1300 years ago. Islam and its idealism have taught us democracy. It has taught equality of man, justice, and fair play to everybody. We are the inheritors of these glorious traditions and are fully alive to our responsibilities and obligations as framers of the future constitution of Pakistan.

Jinnah during the oath-taking ceremony as Governor General

Rejection of Mountbatten’s Proposal:

Mountbatten proposed to Jinnah that the accession of princely states with diverse populations should be decided by an impartial reference to the will of the people. However, Jinnah rejected this offer, leading to unresolved issues in princely states like Junagadh, Hyderabad, and Kashmir. Despite a United Nations Security Council Resolution calling for a plebiscite in Kashmir, it has never been realized.

Jinnah speaking at the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on 14 August 1947

Resolution of Partition Violence:

In January 1948, the Indian government agreed to pay Pakistan its share of British India’s assets, effectively resolving financial disputes. The violence stemming from partition also ceased following Mahatma Gandhi’s fast and his appeals to religious rioters to end the bloodshed. However, tragedy struck with Gandhi’s assassination on 30 January by Nathuram Godse, a Hindutva activist, who viewed Gandhi as pro-Muslim.

Jinnah’s Views on Pakistan’s Constitution:

In a radio address to the people of the US in February 1948, Jinnah expressed his vision for Pakistan’s constitution. He emphasized the importance of democracy and Islamic principles, believing that Islam teaches democracy, equality, justice, and fair play. Despite his declining health, Jinnah remained committed to framing a constitution embodying these principles.

Language Controversy in East Pakistan:

In March, Jinnah made his only post-independence visit to East Pakistan, where he advocated for Urdu as the sole national language. However, this policy faced strong opposition from the Bengali-speaking population. The language issue eventually contributed to East Pakistan’s secession in 1971, leading to the formation of Bangladesh2.

Jinnah’s arrival at Lahore to discuss the Kashmir crisis in 1948

Controversial Portrayal of Jinnah:

Scholarship on Jinnah, particularly within Pakistan, tends to avoid criticism and portrays him in a positive light, omitting potentially controversial aspects such as his alleged consumption of alcohol. This omission is attributed to the desire to maintain Jinnah’s Islamic identity and Pakistan’s image.

Differing Perspectives:

While Jinnah is often revered in Pakistan, he is viewed negatively in India, seen as the figure responsible for the partition of the subcontinent. Even among Indian Muslims, there is criticism of Jinnah for their minority status in India.

Debate on Partition:

Some historians argue that Jinnah did not actually desire the partition of India but used the Pakistan’s demand as a means to achieve political rights for Muslims. Others attribute the partition to the Congress leaders’ reluctance to share power with the Muslim League.

Mixed Reception in India:

Despite the negative perception of Jinnah in India, some Indian politicians, such as Lal Krishna Advani, have expressed admiration for him. However, such praise has sparked controversy within political parties like the BJP.

Cinematic Portrayals:

Jinnah’s life has been depicted in various films and books, with differing interpretations. The 1998 film “Jinnah” received critical acclaim for Christopher Lee’s portrayal, while Stanley Wolpert’s biography is regarded as one of the best.

Impact on History:

Jinnah’s influence on history is acknowledged globally, with Stanley Wolpert highlighting his role in altering the course of history, modifying the map of the world, and creating a nation-state, Pakistan.

Final Hours and Passing Days

Jinnah’s final hours were marked by a medical emergency during a flight, where he became critically ill. Despite efforts to transport him to Government House for medical attention, he passed away later that night on September 11, 1948, at his home in Karachi. He was 71 years old at the time of his death, occurring just over a year after the creation of Pakistan.

Jinnah spent many of the last days of his life at Quaid-e-Azam Residency, Ziarat, Pakistan.

Global Mourning and Recognition

Jinnah’s death, special services, and prayers were held in various places, including the Kwitang mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia. Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, despite past disagreements, expressed a somber reflection on Jinnah’s legacy, acknowledging his success in achieving his goals but lamenting the cost and differences from his original vision.

Special services and prayers were held in the Kwitang mosque of Jakarta (Indonesia) after the death of Jinnah.

Funeral and Burial: Jinnah’s funeral drew

immense crowds, with a million people gathering to pay their respects. The funeral procession was led by Shabbir Ahmad Usmani. He was laid to rest on September 12, 1948, amid official mourning in Pakistan. His final resting place is the Mazar-e-Quaid, a large marble mausoleum in Karachi, where he is honored and remembered.

The tomb of Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi

Jinnah:

Malik writes, “As long as Jinnah was alive, he could persuade and even pressure regional leaders toward greater mutual accommodation, but after his death, the lack of consensus on the distribution of political power and economic resources often turned controversial.”

According to Jaswant Singh, “With Jinnah’s death, Pakistan lost its moorings. In India, there will not easily arrive another Gandhi, nor in Pakistan another Jinnah.”

Statue of Jinnah at York University in Toronto

1. Qasim Abdallah Moini (20 December 2003). “Remembering the Quaid”. Dawn. Archived from the original on 7 October 2008. Retrieved 3 July 2009.. “[I]t has been alleged in sections of the press that the Quaid was born not in this quarter of Karachi but in Jhirk, located in Thatta district. But most historians and biographers go along with the official line …”

Blue Plaque in London dedicated to Jinnah

Jinnah’s portraits on the stamps of Turkmenistan and Iran

Francis Mudie, the last British governor of Sindh, in Jinnah’s honor once said:

Stanley Wolpert summarises the profound effect that Jinnah had on the world:

Reference :

•  Jump up to ^a b c Ahmed, p. 4.
•  Jump up to ^a b Pirbhai 2017, p. 25.
•  Walsh, Judith E. (2017). A Brief History of India. Infobase Publishing. p. 173. ISBN 978-1-4381-0825-4. son of a middle-class merchant of the Muslim Khoja community who had migrated to Sind from Gujarat
• Ahmed, Khaled (24 December 2010). “Was Jinnah a Shia or a Sunni?”. The Friday Times. Archived from the original on 17 November 2011.

•  Hamdani, Yasser Latif (23 June 2020). Jinnah: A Life. Macmillan Publishers. ISBN 978-93-89109-64-1. Speaking at a Students Brotherhood event, which he presided over in July 1922, Jinnah spoke of direct action, something that would become synonymous with him in the Indian mind, owing to his famous direct action day call in 1946 – direct action meant bloodshed and independence would mean bloodshed.
• Murphy 2013, p. 37
•  “Pakistan expresses shock over Advani’s resignation as BJP chief”. Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 9 June 2005. Retrieved 20 April 2006.
•  Siddique 2023, p. 88.
• “India state bans book on Jinnah”. BBC. 20 August 2009. Retrieved 20 August 2009.
• “Nehru not Jinnah’s polity led to partition”. Jai Bihar. Archived from the original on 22 August 2009. Retrieved 19 August 2009.
•  Joy, Santosh (19 August 2009). “BJP expels Jaswant Singh over praise for Jinnah in his book”. LiveMint. Archived from the original on 15 December 2018. Retrieved 20 August 2009.
•  “Jaswant Singh expelled over Jinnah remarks”. Jai Bihar. 19 August 2009. Archived from the original on 21 August 2009. Retrieved 19 August 2009.
•  Lindrea, Victoria (11 October 2004). “Christopher Lee on the making of legends”. BBC. Retrieved 5 November 2011.
•  “Book Review: The nation was orphaned, forever —by Dr Irfan Zafar”. Daily Times. Archived from the original on 18 October 2013. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
•  “Christopher Lee talks about his favorite role”. 21 March 2002. Archived from the original on 14 November 2021. Retrieved 5 August 2009 – via YouTube.

External links

• Correspondence with the Muslim League – 1946 – UK Parliament Living Heritage
• Mohammad Ali Jinnah Biography
• Muhammad Ali Jinnah at Curlie
• Government of Pakistan Website
• Address to the First Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on 11 August 1947