If you want to study someone who saw a dream and believed in it, then you must go for Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He was a great leader of all time. He worked till his last breath for a separate homeland. Apart from his efforts, one can’t resist praising the human qualities that made him successful in his ambitions.
Jinnah of Pakistan is the biography of Pakistan’s founder. It is penned by Stanley Wolpert who was an American historian, Indologist and author on the political and intellectual history of modern India and Pakistan. The writer was inspired by the journey of Jinnah who founded a state based on his will, courage, sheer effort, and dedication. The book is an in-depth study of the professional life of Jinnah. It also sheds light on his personal life.
The book starts from the birth date and place of Jinnah. He was born to Poonja Jinnah and Mithibai on 25th December 1876. Quaid’s father was a prosperous merchant at that time and when Jinnah joined his business, the revenue multiplied. But later he moved to England to study law as he dreamt of becoming a barrister.
From his school life, he wasn’t satisfied with learning in between the walls and sticking to the syllabus. He used to skip classes to spend time on his hobbies like riding horses and pursuing other adventures. If he had been settled with his school life and rote learning, he would be limited to his father’s business only but he chose to live his life. And that’s where his career in law started.
After moving to London, he learned the importance of an independent and free state which he could hardly find in India. He successfully qualified as a lawyer from London’s most prestigious legal society that prepares students for the Bar, Lincoln’s Inn.
Then he moved to Bombay and joined the Indian National Congress to practice law and pursue his career in politics. There he realized the Muslim minorities suffering to practice their religion. The poetry of Iqbal further accelerates his dream of founding a separate state for Muslims. And that’s, where his journey to fight for an independent Muslim state, started.
To the day he decided to find Pakistan and till his last breath, there wasn’t even a minute, he would pass without working. He faced immense challenges from his opponents. At one point, he also presented his fourteen points in the congress but it was rejected because no one was in the favour of separating Pakistan from India.
It was only his determination that made him stand on his goal.
For forty years, he worked for 14 hours every day to make his dream a reality. He was so adamant that he don’t even let his illness come his way. He use to hide his sickness from his opponents and team members so no one can take him as a weak leader.
Jinnah got married to Rutti Jinnah (Maryam Jinnah) but due to his long working hours, his personal life became a mess. Maryam later died at the age of 29 and that’s the only moment Jinnah cried like a baby.
He voiced for millions of Muslims in South Asia but inside he was a lonely man. All on his own he gave courage and hope to the people to never give up on the ideology of Pakistan.
Wolpert has done a stupendous job in painting Quaid’s biography on a huge canvas. Jinnah left us great examples and lessons but unfortunately, we don’t have that much literature on Jinnah’s life. If it wouldn’t be Wolpert, how come one can learn so much about Jinnah?
If you’re a student of history and want to know how Pakistan came into being this book is best for you. It will also take you to the leadership qualities of Quaid-e-Azam which we all need to adopt in today’s times.
Pakistan is an independent state and it was founded to give rights and independence to minorities. But unfortunately, as a nation, we aren’t standing on Quaid’s vision or we have lost our love or respect for Pakistan.
Jinnah of Pakistan is an intense read. It also states the political life of Muhammad Ali Jinnah starting from his career as a lawyer and then his life in politics. In his family, it was only her sister who stood by Jinnah till his last breath.
The book also shares Quaid’s relationship with his only daughter Dina Wadia who married to Parsi man and broke all ties with her father. Dina’s marriage doesn’t work well and she moved to New York after her divorce.
If you aren’t interested in Jinnah or the history of Pakistan, you might find this book a bit dry but still, I would recommend you to read it as it will help you explain how being honest, dedicated, courageous, and committed can help you achieve your goal no matter how big or small it’s.
I prefer books and diaries more than phones and Facebook. Soulfully connected to Pakistan. And I passionately believe that I can change the world through blogging.
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