by Mumtaz Piracha

Created on: June 16, 2008   Last Updated: December 15, 2009

Before we come to the conclusion, we should examine the issue in the perspective of past history of India and Pakistan. Until 14th August 1947, Pakistan did not exist. It was only India that existed and ruled by the British Crown through its Viceroys for close to 100 years.

India had been a Hindu-dominated country until the Muslim saint Hazrat Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti (RA) entered Ajmer in India and preached the concept of one God, the prophethood of Hazrat Mohammad (PBUH), teachings of Islam and their application to all segments of society.

Hazrat Moinuddin Chishti (RA) did not indulge in converting non-Muslims. He only preached Islam and left it up to the people in his audience to decide of their free will as to whether or not Islamic teachings convinced them to become Muslims. Everybody was welcomed to the teaching sessions.

Hazrat also listened to individual problems of the people from all walks of life and suggested spiritual remedies. A very large number of non-Muslims converted to Islam during his time. Even today, Muslims and non-Muslims alike visit his shrine to pay homage.

The Muslim conquerors entered India one by one and ultimately the Mughal Muslim dynasty was established and lasted for a long time to come. The Muslim conquerors ruled India for 900+ years maintaining equality, brotherhood, peace, justice and religious freedom.

The last Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar was dethroned and imprisoned by the British troops who invaded Delhi - the seat of the Mughal emperor. From there onwards, the British ruled the whole of India.

The Hindus and the Muslims launched a joint struggle for independence from the British, lasting for close to half-a-century. Ultimately, the British agreed to quit. Since the Muslims of India wanted to live a life of their own religion, culture, customs and traditions, it was decided by mutual consent of the Muslim leaders and the British government to divide India.

All geographical areas having majority of Muslims would join Pakistan and all areas having majority of Hindus will join India or Bharat.

Contrary to the plan, India did not let the Muslim states of Hyderabad Deccan, Junagarh, Manavadar and Jammu & Kashmir to join Pakistan. India forcefully occupied Hyderabad, Junagarh and Manavadar and signed an annexation treaty with the non-Muslim ruler of Jammu & Kashmir against the wishes of its majority population of Muslims.

All the wars fought between Pakistan and India since the inception of Pakistan have revolved

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>