'In this history there is a lesson for everyone
who has a heart or who listens attentively' [Qur'an, 50:37].
who has a heart or who listens attentively' [Qur'an, 50:37].
Jamaat-e Islami and Gun
Jamaat-e Islami Jammu and Kashmir was established in 1946. Late Saduddin Saheb Tarabali played key role in its formation. May Allah accept his services. Whenever one feels like talking or speaking about Jama'at-e Islami, he should always bear in mind its objectives and background of its activities. If these are ignored, a true analysis can never be made.
The objectives of Jama'at-e Islami have always been the same in every place, every country and in fact, every region of the earth, and can be only one: that Allah's religion be introduced and applied to all mankind in the same way as ordained by Allah Himself. This objective has been described in the Holy Qur'an by different names such as establishment of Allah's kingdom, path of Righteousness etc. Complete guidance for the attainment of these objectives can be obtained from the venerated life and attributes of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (SAW) and also in the nature and life of his respected comrades. Reward for the attainment of this objective is not personal 'or worldly gains but only and only the fulfillment of the wishes of Allah and peace and salvation in the next world. This is the most cherished and holiest objective of every Muslims life who consciously recites the Kalima of 'La Ilah Illallah, Muhammad Rasoolullah'. Since Muslims on the whole have forgotten essence of this Kalima, which is the real and fundamental aim of life, the organization of Jama'at-e Islami has come into existence with a view to remind Muslims this objective and also to enlighten other people about it. People associated with Jama'at-e Islami, while serving and propagating this, have never claimed, nor are they in a position to claim, that they are free from any weakness, defaults, evils and lapses. But such human weaknesses and errors should not in any way deviate them from the noble cause. No Muslim should entertain any doubt about the nobility of this aim because this is the only path of righteousness in this world and, peace and prosperity in the next world.
The Jama'at-e Islami has pursued this noble aim in Jammu and Kashmir to the best of its capacity from 1946. I have honour of serving the cause since 1950 after being impressed by its truth and righteousness. I was made its member in 1953, in accordance with the particular organizational system of the Jama'at. I am fully aware of its whole history, rise and fall, ups and downs and trials and errors. The foundation of Jama'at-e Islami was laid on 25 August 1941 by late Sayed Abul A'la Maudoodi(RA). At the time of partition of India, Jama'at-e Islami was also divided. Its separate management in India, Pakistan and Jammu & Kashmir in itself is a question and answer to many questions. Shaikh Muhammad Abdullah, after being released from jail in 1964, asked the then chief of Jama'at-e Islami Hind, late Mau'lana Abul Lais, if Jama'at-e Islami of Jammu and Kashmir was part of his organization. The late Mau’lana responded, 'they are different from us, in context of administration as well as constitution', Sheikh Sahab smiled and said that you have solved our problem. Jammu & Kashmir is a disputed territory; therefore Jammu and Kashmir Jama'at-e Islami is neither associated with you nor your Pak counterpart, unless it is finally decided.
The Jama'at-e Islami, in addition to the struggle for the achievement of the objective has continuously tried to project the Jammu &: Kashmir problem pursued for its solution through peaceful means in the light of its historical prospective and factors relating to the partition of India. The activities and movements of the Jama'at-e Islami of Jammu and Kashmir are completely separate and different in this respect. Jama'at-e Islami does not champion Kashmir cause for the sake of patriotism, nationality, race, language, or regionalism but on the basis of truth and justice. Jama'at-e Islami's stand is that Government of India has no moral justification for keeping Jammu and Kashmir under its occupation. According to the formula for the division of India the princely and other states were given the option to accede to either of the two countries keeping in mind their geographical proximity and the proportion of their population in terms of religious and cultural relations. By virtue of this formula, Hyderabad was not allowed to remain independent nor was Junagarh allowed to be a part of Pakistan. In accordance with this formula the region of Jammu & Kashmir could in no case have been a part of India. The reasons behind the late Maharaja Hari Singh’s accession with India have now become a part of history. The leaders and rulers of India themselves made this relation conditional and they themselves took this case to the United Nations and accepted all its resolutions. But in spite of the passage of fifty years the Indian leaders are neither keeping their own promises nor are they showing any respect for promises made at international levels. This is the real reason and basis which motivates Jammat to champion the Kashmir cause. The objectives and principles of Jama'at-e Islami do not permit it to remain indifferent. If judged in the light of historical facts, there is no justification for India to continue occupying Jammu and Kashmir by force of military power. Power in toxicants every body. This intoxication leads to despotism and tyranny. Even the veterans become victims of this tyranny. This is a historical refrain. That's why the different garbs of our country are only the results of force and nothing else. Iqbal has expressed this fact in these words:
Our brave young men started armed struggle only to give a befitting reply to this intoxication of force. Whole nation supported it since it was based on truth and justice. It was a struggle against injustice. Jama'at-e Islami is a part of Kashmir community obviously it also became part of the armed resistance movement. In the background of this fact the caption "Jama'at-e Islami and Gun" does not reflect facts because in this way gun get associated with only one party, whereas it was the activity of the whole community.
(The Oppressed Nation (English version of 'Milat-e-Mazloom')
by Syed Ali Shah Geelani, 1st Ed. 2001, pp 7-10,)
