by Dr Mediah Ahmed
I want to share a little anecdote to illustrate the fearless and candid nature of my great grandfather, Molvi Abdul Majid Malang. I call it ‘Amreeki tey Britaniya al-Fatiha’. This story not only highlights his bravery but also shows how his words from decades ago still resonate today.
The late Professor Altaf Nizami of Jhelum city documented an interesting episode in his book ‘Mahshar-e-Khayal’. In 1965, during a Saif al-Mulūk gathering at the mosque in front of Baba Karam Shah Darbar in Jhelum, my great grandfather made a remarkable statement.
As the event commenced, Molvi Abdul Majid Malang addressed the attendees with a bold and satirical prayer. He began by saying:
“اَلحمدُلِلّٰہ، تمام تعریفیں امریکہ بہادر کے لئے جو ہمیں کھانے کو گندم دیتا ہے۔ اور ہم اُسی سے مدد مانگتے ہیں اور اُسی کی عبادت کرتے ہیں۔ ہمیں سِیدھی راہ دِکھا جو برطانیہ سے ہو کر سِیدھی امریکہ جاتی ہے، اور ہمیں اُن لوگوں کی راہ سے بچا جو امریکہ کی مُخالفت کرتے ہیں اور وہ راہ دِکھا جو اُن لوگوں کی راہ ہے جنہوں نے برطانیہ کی اطاعت اور فرمانبرداری کی اور بہت بڑی بڑی جاگیریں، کوٹھیاں اور القابات پائے اور اب تک اُن سے لُطف اندوز ہو رہے ہیں!”
“Alhamdulillah, all praises be to brave America who gives us wheat to eat. And to Him we ask for help and to Him we worship. Show us the straight path that goes straight through Britain to America, and let us know of those people. Avoid the path of those who oppose America and show the path which is the path of those who obeyed and are still obedient to Britain and have huge estates, palaces, and titles which they are still enjoying.”
His words, laced with sarcasm, were a daring commentary on the socio-political dynamics of that time. He openly criticised the blind obedience to foreign powers, namely Britain and America, and the way local elites benefitted from these alliances while the common people remained subservient.
It’s astonishing how these remarks from over half a century ago still hold relevance today. The dynamics of global power, the influence of foreign nations, and the local elite’s complicity in maintaining the status quo continue to shape our world. My great grandfather’s fearless nature allowed him to voice these truths in a manner that was both courageous and thought-provoking.
My parnanu jan ji Molvi Abdul Majid Malang’s legacy is a testament to the importance of speaking truth to power and questioning the established norms, no matter how entrenched they may seem. His life and words inspire us to critically evaluate our current socio-political landscape and strive for a more just and equitable society. In remembering him, we are reminded of the enduring power of courage, satire, and the relentless pursuit of truth.
