Allama Sayyed Abul Hasan Nadwi, may Allah have mercy on him (Part 18)
In the Land of Mujahideen and Conquerors
The great scholar of Islam, Imam Sayyed Abul Hassan Ali Hasani Nadwi, may Allah have mercy on him, traveled to six countries in the Middle East (Afghanistan, Iran, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq) in the year 1393 AH (1973 AD) to understand the situation of Muslims. He led a high-level delegation from the “Rabbat al-Alam al-Islami” Makkah Institute and wrote the results of their trip, which included examining the condition of Muslims, Islamic institutions, understanding the problems and demands of Muslims, and introducing the goals and mission of the “Rabbat al-Alam al-Islami” institute. These writings were published in an independent book titled “From the Kabul River to the Yarmouk River.” The content you have before you, a part of this book titled “Fi Arz Ghaza Wal-Fatihin,” is a note of Imam Nadwi’s trip to Afghanistan.
The Role of Afghanistan in the History of Islam and India
Undoubtedly, Afghanistan is a land that has always been the source of bravery, the grove of lions, the birthplace of conquerors, and a strong fortress of Islam throughout history. When Amir Shakib Arsalan, known as Amir Bayan, speaks about Afghanistan, he is filled with enthusiasm and a feeling of Islamic zeal, and the history of this country is vividly embodied in his mind. He puts down the pen, opens his lips, and exclaims: “I swear that if there is no beating heart left for Islam in the world, you will definitely find it among the inhabitants of the Himalayas and the Hindu Kush, filled with serious and active determination.”
Afghanistan is a neighbor of India, and since the beginning of the fifth century Hijri, its history has been intertwined with that of India. The civilizations, cultures, literature, politics, and governance methods of these two countries have mixed, influencing one another and creating consistencies until a combination of civilization, culture, and management emerged that was neither purely Afghan nor purely Indian, nor even purely Islamic. In recent times, this culture and civilization have been referred to as Indian Islamic civilization.
Since the 5th century Hijri, dynasties and generations of Turkish origin, such as the Ghaznavids, Mamluks, Khaljis, Tughlaqis, and finally, the Mongols, who entered India through Afghanistan along with the horsemen and volunteers from the conquered lands, have ruled India. There were also dynasties that were Afghan in origin, civilization, and custom, such as the Ghorians, Ludians, and Syeds. India provided refuge for the ambitious, the brave, the elite, and the geniuses whose homeland was surrounded by high mountains, depriving them of the wide field necessary to satisfy their aspirations for glory and greatness.
They entered India while living simply, yet full of life and vitality, with ambition, enthusiasm, and strength, stability, and bravery in warfare. During various historical periods, India suffered from intellectual weakness, an inability to make decisions, and disorder in governance. Nonetheless, these Afghan families, despite being few in number, defeated many foes and established strong, new governments, injecting vibrant energy into the fabric of Indian society.
Many Afghan families who lived inside their country or on its borders migrated to India in search of halal and dignified livelihoods or elevated positions due to a lack of income. These waves of migration began during the early Islamic period. They added to India the finest Islamic manners while acquiring characteristics from Indian society. In this way, their chivalry, virtue, and intelligence melded with local influences. Often, they surpassed the children of their ancestral homeland in courage, nobility, temperance, tenderness, and elegance. These tribes spread throughout India, establishing settlements and emirates, and forming a crucial part of many armies during various periods.
For a long time, Muslims viewed Afghanistan as a source of governors, rulers, managers, and soldiers sent to India, referring to Afghanistan as “Wilayat. (Province)” This was similar to how they referred to England and its capital as “Wilayat” during British rule, and anyone coming from Afghanistan was called “Wilayati.”
Migration was not limited to mujahideen, conquerors, commanders, and soldiers; it broadened to encompass scholars and educators. The best scholars and professors, who propelled the new scientific movement in India, entered the country from Afghanistan, bringing books and writings that Indian scholars engaged with for extended periods.
