By; Rafi Qureshi
Out of the personalities to remain dominant in the history of Pakistan, the one to be standing unique enough both in look and act for decades has been Maulana Abdul Sattar Khan Niazi. His outer grace in fact was the true reflection of his internal elegance. His political role as being one of the most vigorous students in the Freedom Movement was acknowledged by Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah even.
But let us analyze his efforts that prove him to be a real man of iron nerves. His political opponents,at that time, were from the famous family of Kala Bagh, whose might wasn’t a child play to stand against. The impact of Nawabs of Kala Bagh had never been lesser than the mythical characters in the ancient world. Maulana Abdul Sattar Khan Niazi, with his few very faithful loyalists, among them was my late father, Anayat Muhammad Qureshi who stood with Maulana Niazi through thick and thin for almost four decades. Apart from the political elements, what made the real difference out of his struggle was to give a common man enough courage and wisdom to get himself counted. As mentioned earlier, it was not that easy to counter the might of Nawabs.
During the course of all that struggle of nerves, Maulana Niazi stood solid like a rock and didn’t compromise or surrender. His very cross-sword strategy changed the political scenario of the region. The masses had come to know that all was possible with an unconquerable will. The second point that kept Maulana Abdul Sattar Khan Niazi unique among his counterparts was not to marry to see and strive for the implementation of Shari’ah in the country. Living life without family undoubtedly brings one a number of difficulties to face on every day basis and Maulana Niazi was no more exception but for seeing his dream come true, he remained firm and resolute until his last breaths. He had solely been a visionary leader. His terms with Saddam Hussein, Col. Gaddafi and Shah Faisal were of great importance, but unfortunately, due to the hurdles within and beyond could not bear the fruit, Maulana Niazi was looking forward to gain. His historical role to bring unity among the Muslims was yet another effort to create peace and harmony within the people belonging to different sectors.
The dynamic personality of Maulana Abdul Sattar Khan Niazi cannot be measured with few lines or the events of his life, but in true words, there are a number of features that can give one enough courage to lead a life of grace and dignity. Despite the fact to be brought up in humble belonging, his attaining the reputable standing in the country and beyond proves that anyone can have an uprising regardless of his circumstances and status that’s of not considerable value. Secondly, the lesson that we draw from his scuffle is that it is not the might of opponent but your stance and courage which matters. Once we take a step ahead, we must have the courage of Tariq bin Ziyad to burn the boats and have an insurmountable approach to put aside any strategy to compromise and believe in the point of no return.
Thirdly, the most important feature of inspiration that can lift our spirits up to see how Maulana Abdul Sattar Khan Niazi blew off the bluffs and offers of a luxurious life and went on his mission. Even today, adopting that very stance, we can make some difference but this doubtlessly needs to have a titanic courage. Last but not the least, the outcome of taking a bird’s eye view of the life of Maulana Abdul Sattar Khan Niazi is to lead the life of a mission, since it has been said well, ” Aim in life, whether achieved or not, makes great the life.” Heroes never die and the nations to remember their heroes and to follow their footprints always remain distinguished. May Allah bring us the wisdom to remember the personalities like Maulana Niazi who have carved the way to glory.
