EMERGENCE OF RELIGIO-POLITICAL LANDSCAPE IN JHANG; A CASE STUDY OF THE POLITICS OF MAULANA MUHAMMAD ZAKIR (1903-76)

Abstract

In Indian freedom movement, the Ulema and the Sufis played significant role. This ideological as well as realpolitik battle was fought in whole Indian subcontinent. Muslim community was divided into two schools of thought as far as their response of nationalism was concerned. One was proponent of the concept of Indian nationalism. Second was the strong supporter of Muslim nationalism and was in the favor of creation of a separate state. Religious and political leadership struggled for the protection of the rights of Muslims. These rights were political as well as religious. This article aims at signifying the role of religious leadership especially the role of Mualana Muhammad Zakir. This contribution of Maulana Muhammad Zakir was being played at three levels: his personal appeal, his Sufi institutional support and his engagement with the leading Muslim political party i.e. All India Muslim League.   The study is exploratory, descriptive and analytical.