The Khilafat Movement was the first ripple in the stagnant ocean of Muslim politics in India. The movement combined them as a nation and gave them a good lesson of unity. Seeing the opportunity, Mahatma Gandhi quickly affiliated himself with the Khilafat movement. The Khilafat movement enabled Gandhi to spread his non-cooperation movement in the whole country of India. One byproduct of the Khilafat movement was the Hijrat movement. The Hijrat movement failed, affecting the financial condition of Muslims badly, but conveying their unstinted love for Islam. The Khilafat movement was unable to achieve its targets, but the political activity it created helped Muslims to organize themselves as a nation and to work systematically in the upcoming movement of independence from India.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Start of the Movement
The Entry of Gandhi and Non-Cooperation Movement
The Hijrat Movement
Conclusion
Objectives and Core Themes
This work examines the historical progression, political impact, and ultimate failure of the Khilafat Movement in British India, focusing on its role in uniting the Muslim population and its complex, often fragile, alliance with Mahatma Gandhi’s non-cooperation movement.
- The religious and political motivations behind the Khilafat Movement.
- The strategic, yet temporary, alliance between Muslim leadership and Mahatma Gandhi.
- The socio-political significance of the Hijrat Movement and its consequences.
- The impact of internal divisions and the Chauri Chaura incident on the movement’s trajectory.
- The long-term influence of the movement on Indian nationalism and the eventual creation of Pakistan.
Excerpt from the Book
The Hijrat Movement
One big outcome of the Khilaft movement was the Hijrat Movement. One of the most significant example of the influence of the religious leaders over Muslim population was the Hijrat movement in the summers of 1920.Hijrat in this case means migration to Afghanistan, was used as an instrument by Muslim leaders for pressing their demands of self rule and protection of khlafat, against British government. (Farhatullah, 2015)
In the first month of 1920, Maulana Shaukat Ali urged the Muslims of India that if the Khilafat was destroyed there would be only two ways open to them Jihad or Hijrat. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad issued a verdict declaring that all the Muslims of India who would like to fulfill their Islamic obligation should quit India and those who cannot migrate immediately, should help the people who are migrating from the country. Maulana Abdul Bari was also in favour of Hijrat movement. (Rauf, 1986-88)
The Muslims of India had great respect for the religious scholars and Imams of their local mosques. They heard from them that Islam was in danger, and one of the best ways to save their souls was to migrate to country where their faith was well protected .A large number of Muslims sold their property and started for the Afghan border. Soon the Afghan border was filled with caravans, carrying a few worldly belongings, marching towards the Promised Land. (Britannica, 2009)
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Outlines the fears of Sunni Muslims in British India following the potential dismemberment of the Ottoman Empire after World War I.
Start of the Movement: Describes the initial organization of the Khilafat committee, the observance of Khilafat Day, and the attempts to influence British policy through delegations.
The Entry of Gandhi and Non-Cooperation Movement: Details the tactical alliance between the Khilafat Movement and Gandhi’s non-cooperation movement, driven by shared anti-British sentiments despite differing primary objectives.
The Hijrat Movement: Examines the migration of Indian Muslims to Afghanistan as a religious protest, its failure due to logistical and political challenges, and the subsequent resettlement difficulties.
Conclusion: Synthesizes the movement's failure to save the Khilafat with its success in politically awakening Indian Muslims and shaping the future trajectory toward independence.
Keywords
Khilafat Movement, Ottoman Empire, Non-cooperation movement, Mahatma Gandhi, Hijrat, British India, Muslims, Ulamas, Self-rule, Indian nationalism, Political mobilization, Turkey, Pan-Islamism, Chauri Chaura, Independence movement
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this study?
The study focuses on the Khilafat Movement, examining its emergence, its alliance with Gandhi's non-cooperation movement, and its influence on the political mobilization of Muslims in British India.
Which historical events triggered the movement?
The movement was primarily triggered by the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in World War I and the subsequent fears of Indian Muslims regarding the fate of the Khilafat and the holy places of Islam.
What was the primary goal of the movement?
The primary goals were to maintain Muslim control over the holy places of Islam, preserve the institution of the Khilafat, and resist British rule in India.
How did Gandhi become involved in the movement?
Gandhi saw the Khilafat issue as a unique opportunity to unify Hindus and Muslims under a common anti-British platform for self-rule and non-cooperation.
What methodology does the author employ?
The author uses a historical analytical approach, synthesizing documented events, records, and scholarly perspectives to track the evolution and eventual decline of the movement.
What are the key themes identifying the movement?
Key themes include religious identity, pan-Islamism, political awakening, the strategic alliance between politicians and religious leaders (ulamas), and the eventual transition toward Indian nationalism.
What was the outcome of the Hijrat movement?
The Hijrat movement, intended as a mass migration to Afghanistan, ended in failure, leaving many Muslims financially ruined and displaced, though it demonstrated the deep commitment of the population to their faith.
How did the Chauri Chaura incident impact the movement?
The violence at Chauri Chaura led Gandhi to abruptly withdraw the non-cooperation movement, which dealt a devastating blow to the momentum and morale of the Khilafat movement.
- Citar trabajo
- Fozia Jabeen (Autor), 2017, The Khilafat-, Hijrat- and Gandhi's Non-Cooperation-Movement, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/366070
