“There are only two ways to learn in life,” Jinnah told his son Mohammed Ali. “What are they, father?” he replied. “The first is to trust the wisdom of your elders and their superior knowledge, accept their advice, and do exactly as they suggest.” “And what is the other way, father? “The other way is to follow your own path, to learn by making mistakes, to learn by the hard knocks and kicks of life.” Until the very last day of his life, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, always followed his own path.
Quaid-i-Azam is not just a title or the name of a person; it is synonymous with freedom, independence and heroism. A hero’s life is marked by events that embody the essence of independence and self-realization. A hero’s journey can be described as a monomyth, a cyclical pattern in which the hero embarks on an adventure, crosses the threshold into the ordinary world, confronts and overcomes crises, and returns transformed, carrying the elixir that can heal or save his people. In Quaid-i-Azam’s monomyth, freedom and independence are at the heart of the story; they are the very heart of his journey.
Jinnah’s lineage also hinted at an inherent defiance of norms. His father, Jinnahbhai Poonja, was born in 1857, the year of the Indian Rebellion, and later chose to leave his ancestral village of Paneli to seek wider horizons in Gondal and eventually Karachi. This daring spirit was inherited by Quaid-i-Azam, who would later break the wheel of colonial rule and give birth to a new nation. Born weak and fragile on a Sunday in Kradar, Karachi, Jinnah’s survival itself was a quiet testament to his resilience. Defying early doubts about his health, he not only thrived, but embodied a personality that consistently exceeded expectations.
The early years of Quaid-i-Azam’s life marked the beginning of his hero’s journey. Like an ordinary child, he loved playing games and winning at them, establishing himself as a leader among his friends. At age six, he began his education with Gujarati lessons at home, although he showed little interest in reading and instead preferred games. At nine years old, school presented him with an unexpected challenge. Finding himself outmatched by the other students, Quaid-i-Azam chose an unconventional path; he left school, preferring to accompany his father to work. However, his time in the office taught him a lesson in humility: without education, he inspired little respect.
Returning to school, Jinnah showed a new dedication by attending Sind Madrasahtul-Islam, a high school in Newnham Road. Despite occasional changes between schools, likely a reflection of his restless and perfectionist spirit, he persevered and paved the way for his future achievements. From the age of 10, Jinnah had developed a passion for horse riding, a sport that brought him immense joy. Accompanied by his school friend Karim Kassim, the two boys traveled miles, finding in nature the inspiration for his philosophy of life. For Quaid-i-Azam, the verticality of trees, flowers, domes and even human posture symbolized aspiration and dignity. This observation cemented his determination to always look to the future and carry himself with pride.
At around fifteen, Quaid-i-Azam faced instability in his life, marking the crisis phase of his monomyth. Faithful to his character of independence and defiance of norms, he faced the challenges directly. After marrying Emi Bai in Paneli, he broke with a village tradition by convincing her parents to let her accompany him to Karachi, bypassing the usual month-long stay with his family.
Shortly afterwards, the managing director of Grahams Trading Co., an Englishman and close friend of Quaid-i-Azam’s father, offered him the opportunity to join their headquarters in London as an apprentice for three years, where he could learn practical business administration. . He leaves for London by boat. During the trip, when he was warned about pickpockets in Port Said, Quaid-i-Azam took it as a challenge to his sense of responsibility and explored the streets of Port Said alone with confidence.
Once in London, Quaid-i-Azam worked at Grahams Trading Co., braving cold and heavy rain every day. While working, he immersed himself in the British liberal environment. He got into the habit of reading the morning paper before finishing his breakfast. He admired the achievements of British leaders, whose speeches were followed with great respect by the people. He often found himself questioning his own purpose; yes, money was important, but he realized that he could never be a leader or a hero for the sake of his countrymen if he stayed on that path.
Inspired by the English rulers, Quaid-i-Azam found that many of them had studied law. True to his nature, he freed himself from the obligation of working at Grahams and decided to continue his studies at the Bar. Although deeply immersed in English culture, Quaid-i-Azam always remained a Muslim at heart. He chose to join Lincoln’s Inn, not only for its academic reputation, but also because he saw the name of the Prophet (PBUH) engraved on its entrance alongside the greatest legislators in history.
Despite personal and financial challenges, including the deaths of Emi Bai and his mother, as well as severe losses suffered by his father’s business, Quaid-i-Azam managed to pass the bar. During his stay at Lincoln’s Inn he broadened his intellectual horizons, obtaining a reader’s ticket to the British Museum and engaging in extensive reading.
He often spent his Sundays at Hyde Park Corner, where soapbox speakers inspired him with their ability to captivate audiences despite their lack of formal education. He also frequented the House of Commons, closely observing the parliamentary oratory of figures such as Mr Gladstone, Lord Morley, Mr Joseph Chamberlain, Mr Balfour and the Irish patriot Mr TP O’Connor, skills which he would emulate later with great success. . During his stay in London, he also actively campaigned for Dadabhoy Naoroji.
Quaid-i-Azam led a full life, balancing his bar studies, managing finances, political involvement and caring for his family. Amid these responsibilities, he cultivated a deep interest in literature, particularly Shakespeare, whose works he enjoyed throughout his life. Although he dreamed of acting, particularly playing Romeo at the Old Vic, he redirected his ambition to become a hero on a bigger stage, leading millions.
His return to Karachi marked the final phase of his monomyth, where he would leave a lasting impact on the world. After moving to Bombay, Quaid-i-Azam faced difficulties in his early career, unable to secure a single assignment as a lawyer. Despite this, he remained calm, walking the courts daily without income, while internally battling frustration. His social connections eventually led him to a position as a presidential magistrate. His performance won him praise, and at the end of his temporary appointment Sir Charles Ollivant offered him a permanent judicial position with a significant salary. But Quaid-i-Azam refused, convinced that he would soon earn more in a single day. His refusal illustrates his independence and ambition, traits noted by Sir Chimanlal Setalvad: “Jinnah had always, even in his youth, displayed considerable independence and courage. He never let himself be dominated by either the judge or the opposing lawyer. His family had settled in Bombay and Quaid-i-Azam made it a point to visit them every Sunday at Khoja Mohallah.
From then on, Quaid-i-Azam became a pioneer leader of the Muslim struggle in India, never allowing his declining health to slow him down. His ability to sleep at will helped him deal with exhaustion from his tireless work. Despite the physical discomfort, he continued his efforts, saying, “Have you ever heard of a general taking a vacation while his army is fighting for survival?” » Even bedridden, he would get up to speak, knowing that the Muslims drew their strength from him.
His driver, Mohammad Hanif Azad, noted that Quaid-i-Azam loved good shoes and owned many pairs. He also enjoyed playing billiards, although often alone. “He would take a cue in his hand, carefully examine the balls, tenderly rub his fingers over the cue, then pull. He would be so happy when he scored.
Quaid-i-Azam was a heavy smoker, consuming around fifty cigarettes a day. He felt very happy when he hosted parties at his house, where he ordered special dishes so that his guests had enough fun. For a change, he sometimes went to have a meal at the Taj Hotel, as he loved eating there. Despite a lifelong dislike of doctors and medicine, he defied his deteriorating health and insisted on continuing his work. His determination was evident because sometimes he would go to bed with his clothes and shoes on after attending events. On one occasion, when a paramedic was called to check his temperature, she refused to give him the reading. Quaid-i-Azam admired his firmness, saying, “I like people who can be firm and who refuse to cower. »
Quaid-i-Azam loved roses, especially carnations, and preferred to keep them in his surroundings. At night he wore silk pajamas, a lifelong habit, although he often shivered from the cold. His mind remained focused on the country’s problems, even as his body grew weaker. His thoughts were absorbed by Pakistan, Kashmir, refugees and the constitution. Every day in Ziarat, a table and chair were set up for him on the lawn, and he worked. It was only a few days before his departure that he stopped working. Saleh Mohammad, his gardener in Ziarat, also recalled that Quaid-i-Azam walked along the road that led from the residence to the swimming pool, a distance of about two furlongs.
When he was advised to move to Karachi for treatment, he agreed, saying: “I was born there…I want to be buried there.” » When it was time to leave, he refused to travel in pajamas, insisting on dressing properly as he had always done. In his final moments, as his health deteriorated, he expressed his willingness to leave, stating, “No, I’m not,” when he was told he would be fine and live .
Quaid-i-Azam, our nation’s hero, lived a life that continues to campaign for freedom and independence. His life testifies to the unwavering quest for freedom, not only in the political sense, but also in the liberation of the heart, mind and soul. The Quaid-i-Azam had a single goal and he relentlessly sought to free himself from all obstacles that stood in his way. His life teaches us countless lessons, the most significant being the importance of facing difficulties head on. It is by overcoming these challenges that a hero is forged. Just like a caterpillar struggling in a cocoon, unaware that effort is vital to its transformation into a butterfly, we too must face our struggles. Without them, we would not realize our true potential. As we remember Quaid-i-Azam, it is important for us to reflect on our own lives. Do we aspire to be free? Are we seeking independence in all its forms, as he did?
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Originally published in News