The world is not looking for servants,—there are plenty of these,—but for masters, men who form their purposes and then carry them out, let the consequences be what they may.
-Woodrow Wilson
Ya rab Dil -e- Muslim ku woh zinda tamanna deJo Qalb ku garma de aur ruh ku tadpa de
-Allama Iqbal
On one occasion, when Aurangzeb (1618-1707), the last great Mughal emperor of India had just completed his prayers he again raised his hands in supplication, his eyes filling with tears. In this state he continued to pray in silence for a very long time.
All the while, his minister stood by his side.
When the emperor’s supplications finally came to an end, the minister, Sadullah addressed him thus “Your Majesty, the flag of your empire can be seen flying everywhere, right from Kashmir to the Deccan. Is there still some wish in your heart which has been left unfulfilled and because of which you are so grief-stricken?”
Aurangzeb remained silent for a while, then, his voice changed with emotion, he replied, “Sadullah, marde khwaham.” (Sadullah, I need a man.)
Aurangzeb’s plan of action lacked nothing, and he had all the resources necessary for good government. Yet he failed to consolidate the Mughal rule, because he had no worthy successors to shoulder this responsibility.
If Aurangzeb had a team of true, sincere people, the course of history after his reign would have been very different from what it was, and what we see it as today.
The mission of Islam means searching among the crowd - among the multitudes who are loquacious in the name of God, for a man whom fear of God has left speechless.
Amongst those who are in pursuit of the world, it is looking for one who has stopped dead in his tracks for the sake of the Hereafter. Amongst those who revel in the name of God, it seeks those who are fighting for God’s cause. Amongst those who are bent on settling accounts with others, it awaits those souls who know how to reckon with themselves.
Such are the people of whom Islam has the greatest need. It is through such people, and such people alone, that Islam will once again be able to resume its position of intellectual ascendancy and political supremacy.
All the while, his minister stood by his side.
When the emperor’s supplications finally came to an end, the minister, Sadullah addressed him thus “Your Majesty, the flag of your empire can be seen flying everywhere, right from Kashmir to the Deccan. Is there still some wish in your heart which has been left unfulfilled and because of which you are so grief-stricken?”
Aurangzeb remained silent for a while, then, his voice changed with emotion, he replied, “Sadullah, marde khwaham.” (Sadullah, I need a man.)
Aurangzeb’s plan of action lacked nothing, and he had all the resources necessary for good government. Yet he failed to consolidate the Mughal rule, because he had no worthy successors to shoulder this responsibility.
If Aurangzeb had a team of true, sincere people, the course of history after his reign would have been very different from what it was, and what we see it as today.
The mission of Islam means searching among the crowd - among the multitudes who are loquacious in the name of God, for a man whom fear of God has left speechless.
Amongst those who are in pursuit of the world, it is looking for one who has stopped dead in his tracks for the sake of the Hereafter. Amongst those who revel in the name of God, it seeks those who are fighting for God’s cause. Amongst those who are bent on settling accounts with others, it awaits those souls who know how to reckon with themselves.
Such are the people of whom Islam has the greatest need. It is through such people, and such people alone, that Islam will once again be able to resume its position of intellectual ascendancy and political supremacy.
- Moulana Wahiduddin Khan
6 comments:
Aurangazeb was a hard core fanatic, barbaric, religious extremist and a terrorist. He has demolished Hindu temples and he has unleashed cruelty and tyranny on non-muslims. Can I know why you have chosen to write a blog about him?
Aurangazeb was not a terrorist or barbaric or fanatic. But he was very religious, pious and God fearing. He was a fine human being. He used to sew caps and write Quran for his bread and butter.
He has never demolished a single religious shrine.
Communal riots, caste wars and bomb blasts were not there in his rule. Peace prevailed in the country and people prospered.
Dear Nachiketh, please correct your history or change your history teacher.
Yeah ... he was a fine human being ... and thats why he brutally killed his own elder brother to come to power .... and he was a pious muslim ... that's why he demolished the krishna temple at mathura. He read the Quran ... thats why he betrayed Guru Gobind Singh. Please open your eyes dude. Stop living in denial. These Islamic invaders bastards have drenched the soil of India with the blood of innocent people.
Aurangazeb was not an invader. He was born in India.
Mohyuddin Muhammad Aurangzeb was born on October 24, 1618 CE at Dohad in the Bombay Presidency. He was the third son of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal.
Aurangzeb was nine years old when his father became Emperor of India. From that time on, his regular education began. He got good education in religion as well as the ordinary education of that time. He memorized the whole Quran and was taught to write in a beautiful handwriting.
He also developed a taste for poetry and could make verses. He also learned the Arabic language.
Military Training
His military training began by age 16. When Aurangzeb was seventeen, he was made the Viceroy of Deccan. Aurangzeb worked well as the Viceroy of Deccan. This didn't still bring peace to his mind. He wanted a purpose of life. After some thought, he turned to the Quran as a light for his life.
Life as a Faqir
In May 1644 CE, he gave up his duties as the Viceroy of Deccan and left to live in the wild region of Western Ghats. Here he lived for several months as a Faqir (poor, simple man). He took up a life of prayer and self-disciplined life.
Anger of his Father
This action of Aurangzeb brought great anger to his father, the Emperor. He was so shocked that his son became a Faqir that he stopped all his allowances and took his estates. This didn't bother Aurangzeb at first. After some thought though, Aurangzeb decided to go back to his family. For some months, Aurangzeb lived in Agra with disgrace. His mother and sisters felt sorry for him but the Emperors displeasure was hard to go.
Regaining his Rank
In November 1644 CE, his sister, Jahan Ara, who was the eldest and best-loved daughter of the Emperor, got a terrible burn and when she recovered, the Emperor, who was so happy, could not refuse her anything. At her request, Aurangzeb was raised back to his rank. The prince was again the Viceroy of Deccan.
End of Lawlessness in Gujrat
In February 1645 CE, Aurangzeb was made the Viceroy of Gujrat. For years, this province had been causing trouble for the Emperor. With a strong hand, Aurangzeb put an end to this lawlessness. The Emperor was pleased with his son and rewarded him well. Aurangzeb was put to the rank of a Mansabdar of 15,000 foot soldiers and 10,000 horses.
Division of Land by Emperor
The aged Emperor knew that his sons would fight for power after he died. This was the Mughal custom. Therefore, taking precaution, he divided his empire into four regions for each of them to rule. They all had their own government, army, etc. Dara was given governorship of Multan and Kabul in the extreme northwest. Shuja, the second son got Bengal the eastern most province. Aurangzeb was in Deccan in extreme south and Murad, the last son, had Gujerat in the west.
Arguments over Rule
In early September 1657 CE, Shah Jahan fell ill. For a whole week, he was at the state of death. The report spread that the emperor was dead. Dara began acting as if he was emperor. Meanwhile, Shuja, who said that the Emperor had been poisoned by Dara, claimed himself emperor. Murad too, crowned himself Emperor and also struck coins with his name. Both, Shuja and Murad wrote letters to Aurangzeb for support against Dara. Aurangzeb strongly advised them not to start a civil war because their father was still alive and improving in health.
Aurangzeb's Rule
After much fighting, the administration of the empire passed into the hands of Aurangzeb. The rest of his life was a struggle for Islam. He looked upon power as a mean to reform an corrupt society. The pious Emperor did much to improve the life of common people. He abolished all illegal taxes, etc. His measures brought relief to common men. He didn't seem to care about his own comfort. His reign was an era of happiness and peace through the empire. He never committed the slightest injustice during his reign. He was overall the best Mughal emperor in its history.
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