Mashriqis life was a source of inspiration and guidance for the nation. For Mashriqi, his political career, glorious and remarkable as it was, was never the most valuable or momentous thing in his life. For him, it was simply a means of serving and directing his fellow countrymen towards the goal of independence. Mashriqi set an example for other leaders and the masses to follow. Below are a few of the ways in which Mashriqi guided other leaders and the nation:
Mashriqis life served as a beacon for other leaders to follow. Mashriqi abandoned his life of luxury and comfort, thus guiding leaders of poor nations to lead a life of simplicity. According to Mashriqi, a leader must not live in luxury while his nation lives in poverty.
Mashriqi kept an open-door policy; anyone, regardless of social status could meet with him.
In doing this, Mashriqi taught leaders to remain accessible.
Mashriqi upheld the same rules for himself as for his followers, thus showing the nation that no one is above the law.
Mashriqi turned down lucrative and high positions, including British offers of Ambassadorship and Knighthood (Title of Sir) and the Federal Ministry in the Pakistan Government. These positions bring power, wealth, and social elevation. By not accepting these positions,
he taught the nation that these things are immaterial.
Mashriqi spent many years in jail, where he was tortured and maltreated. Even his son was murdered during the struggle movement. Mashriqi displayed great dedication to the cause by boldly facing every atrocity. Thus, he showed the nation that one must not deviate from a goal, no matter what the obstacles.
Mashriqi was one of the most educated political leaders of his time, yet at the same time he was extremely humble.
Mashriqi wrote his books in Urdu (the language of millions in Pakistan and India). He refused to translate Tazkirah into a foreign language, even though it was nominated for consideration for the Nobel Prize. Thus, he taught the nation to respect its own language and culture.
Mashriqi had millions of followers and supporters. He attained such a large following as a result of his dedication and selfless service to the cause. His roots were very strong in the masses. He proved to the nation that a movement with devoted followers could still be organized without any financial assistance from outside sources. He earned the love and respect of the people by genuinely loving them and working for their welfare.
Mashriqi removed distinction between the rich and the poor through the Khaksar Tehrik.
Mashriqi brought discipline, simplicity, brotherhood, and honesty among his followers regardless of their social status.
By making community service a part of every Khaksar, he showed the nation that community service should be a part of every member of society, and that it is an important component in building a nation.
By creating a trust of his wealth, he taught the nation that everything that belongs to a leader is for the nation. By granting scholarships to brilliant and needy students from the trust, he emphasized the importance of education and providing equal opportunity to everyone.
Copyright İ Nasim Yousaf 2001-2002. This information has been extracted from a book about Allama Mashriqi and the Khaksar Tehrik that Mr. Nasim Yousaf is currently working on.
