A Day of Remembrance, A Day of Resolve – the day a great leader was born

Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah

25 December, the birthday of Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah is a day of remembrance of his relentless efforts for our nation. In the words of historian Stanley Wolpert, “Few individuals significantly alter the course of history. Fewer still modify the map of the world. Hardly anyone can be credited with creating a nation-state. Mohammad Ali Jinnah did all three”.

 In a message to Muslim Students Federation NWFP (now KPK) Apr 1943

“You have asked me to give you a message. What message can I give you? We have got the great message in the Quran for our guidance and enlightenment.”

And on education he said, “Without education it is complete darkness and with education it is light. Education is a matter of life and death to our nation. The world is moving so fast that if you do not educate yourselves you will be not only completely left behind, but will be finished up.”

As we remember the Quaid, we need to take cognizance of his selfless devotion to a cause that he ardently believed in, that he pursued with relentless vigor, that he kept up the struggle despite heavy odds, that he stood fast to the righteousness of his belief in the necessity of a separate homeland for Muslims of the subcontinent and that he remained committed to nonviolent means for achieving well thought out objectives. These are the attributes of a truly great leader.

Let us all join hands and work with deep faith in a united and disciplined manner leaving aside petty rivalries that hold us back from achieving our true potential.

Al Mujtaba Education Trust extols all to embrace Quaid’s teachings embodied in his message:

“My message to you all is of hope, courage and confidence. Let us mobilize all our resources in a systematic and organized way and tackle the grave issues that confront us with the grim determination and discipline worthy of a great nation.”