Patna: With the sun rising in the morning of 15th August 2009 in the erstwhile Azeemabad, people came out in the streets to celebrate Independence Day. Besides hoisting flags, they presented different kinds of cultural programs. Like other communities Muslims of the city also celebrated the day with full enthusiasm – they hoisted flags at offices, workshops and religious and educational institutions, and paid homage to freedom fighters.
Muslim teenagers were excitedly marching on the roads towards their educational institutions raising slogans with holding flags.
Tiranga being hoisted at Imarat Shariah
“Freedom means that a man can express his view, can act upon his religious obligations and can think freely without any barrier. It is one of the most important bounties of Almighty God which was snatched from us by British government. It was the same day-15th August 1947- when we Indian got that bounty back. We, therefore, celebrate this day as national celebration day” said Maulana Anisur Rahman Qasmi, nazim Imarat Shariah Bihar, Orissa and Jharkhand while talking to TwoCircles.net.
“As Muslims we give especial importance to this day and remember our forefathers who sacrificed for the freedom and we also convey the message to new generations that to protect the freedom and sovereignty of the country is responsibility of every Indian” he added.
Tiranga being hoisted at Al-Ma’had-ul-Aali
Freedom fighter Maulana Saeed Ahmad, who is also na’eb Qazi of Imarat Shariah, hoisted the Tiranga at Imarat Shariah headquarters in Patna.
On the occasion he recalled the British rule: “It was the time when we all Indian had one aim – to throw out the British government from our country. We actively participated in the freedom movement. We visited rural areas to create awareness about freedom struggle. Whenever we went, we went with national flag with making slogans: ‘Hindustan Zindabad, Congress Zindabad and Jamiat Ulema Zindabad’. It was happiest moment when we got freedom from cruelty of British government” he told.
Muslim kids with Tiranga
In another programme, at 8 am a team of Ulema gathered to celebrate Independence Day in the compound of Al-Ma’had-ul-Aali, a centre where ulema are trained in Islamic fiqh. After hoisting the flag they recited the famous poem of Allama Iqbal ‘Sare Jahan se Accha Hindustan Hamara.’
Though students at Al-Ma’had were little in number because of annual vacation but those who were present there actively participated in the ceremony.
Muslim kids with Tiranga
Expressing his view on why we celebrate Independence Day Maulana Badr Ahmad Mujibi, headmaster of Al-Ma’had told TCN, “We celebrate this day as Independence Day as after a long struggle our country got freedom on this day. Our forefathers also took part in freedom struggle and gave matchless contribution to the country.
“Maulana Fazle Haq Kherabadi, Maulana Ismail Shaheed, Mulana Ahmad Shaheed, Maulana Qasim Nanotwi, Maulana Mhmood Hasan Deobandi and Maulana Hussain Ahmad Madni and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad etc. are some names of those who played a vital role in freedom of country” he added.
