The Trailblazer of Inclusive Politics: Muslim Majlis Founder Dr. Faridi’s Journey to Unite the Oppressed

By Syed Amjad Hussain, New Age Islam 6 January 2025 He Is A Visionary Leader Who Founded The Muslim Majlis. Dr Abdul Jaleel Faridi Fought For The Rights Of Marginalised Communities In India And, Through Activism And Inclusive Politics, Inspired Movements Centred On Equality, Justice, And Socio-Political Empowerment Main Points: 1. Dr. Abdul Jaleel Faridi founded the All India Muslim Majlis to empower marginalised communities and promote inclusive politics. 2. His activism responded to communal riots and the failure of mainstream parties to address Muslim grievances. 3. The Muslim Majlis fought for the rights of Muslims, Dalits, and OBCs. 4. Dr. Faridi's efforts laid the groundwork for Bahujan politics, later championed by Kanshi Ram and BSP. 5. Despite financial and political setbacks, the spirit of social justice and unity as espoused by Dr. Faridi continues to influence contemporary politics. ---- Muslim Majlis Founder Dr. Faridi ----- Introduction Dr. Abdul Jaleel Faridi (1913–1974) is a towering yet underappreciated figure in India’s political history. A physician, freedom fighter, and politician, Dr. Faridi sowed the seeds of a politics that prioritised the empowerment of marginalised and backward communities, setting the stage for movements that reshaped India’s political landscape. His efforts, especially through the establishment of the All India Muslim Majlis, and his unwavering crusade for equality and justice, remain relevant in discussions on inclusive governance. Early Life and the Path to Politics Born on December 14, 1913, Dr. Faridi was a compassionate physician devoted to serving the poor. While the medical profession offered him immense opportunities for wealth, he chose to dedicate his skills to social good. He treated many patients free of charge and invested his earnings in helping the underprivileged. Dr. Faridi viewed politics as a means to alleviate the suffering of oppressed communities, particularly Muslims, who faced socio-economic challenges and rising communal tensions. He joined the Praja Socialist Party (PSP) in 1951 and quickly rose as a prominent leader in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council. However, he became disillusioned with the socialist movement, which, despite its rhetoric, failed to address the grievances of the downtrodden. This realisation spurred him to chart a new course, culminating in the formation of the All India Muslim Majlis in 1968. The Political Context Behind Muslim Majlis The formation of the Muslim Majlis was a direct response to the socio-political turmoil of the 1960s. Communal riots, particularly the devastating Jabalpur riots of 1961, exposed the vulnerability of Muslims and the inability of the government to protect minorities. Existing political parties, including Congress and socialist groups, were indifferent to the plight of Muslims. This led to widespread disillusionment among Muslims, who began withdrawing from mainstream politics. The All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat, formed in 1964, laid the groundwork for the Muslim Majlis. Its nine-point programme, which included demands such as promoting Urdu, restoring the minority character of Aligarh Muslim University, and providing compensation for riot victims, inspired Dr. Faridi to establish a political organisation that could effectively address these issues and actively participate in electoral politics. The Founding of All India Muslim Majlis Dr. Faridi founded the All India Muslim Majlis in 1968, with a comprehensive agenda that extended beyond communal interests. The party’s objectives included: 1. Promoting political consciousness among oppressed communities like Muslims and Dalits. 2. Unifying Muslims to eliminate feelings of inferiority and powerlessness. 3. Protecting the cultural, religious, and linguistic identity of Muslims. 4. Addressing the socio-economic and educational backwardness of deprived communities. 5. Combating communalism with the support of secular forces. 6. Advocating for a secular and just society where all citizens could live with dignity. 7. Opposing exploitative policies and empowering the poor. Mobilisation and Influence on Political Dynamics The Muslim Majlis was more than a political party; it was a transformative movement that rejuvenated the morale of Muslims in Uttar Pradesh and beyond. At a time when it was difficult for Muslims to organise protests or rallies, the Majlis provided a platform for collective action and expression. Dr. Faridi’s charisma and reputation as a physician-turned-politician attracted attention to the party. His tireless advocacy brought together secular leaders and marginalised communities. The party’s youth wing, the All India Youth Majlis, led by figures like Mohammad Kashif Yunus, mobilised young activists and expanded its reach. The Muslim Majlis contested elections, often forming alliances with other parties. In the 1974 elections, its alliance with Chaudhary Charan Singh’s Bharatiya Kranti Dal resulted in significant victories, challenging the dominance of Congress and highlighting the political potential of marginalised communities. The Legacy of Dr. Faridi’s Visionary Politics Dr. Faridi’s vision transcended electoral victories. He sought to create a political framework within which oppressed groups could unite against the dominance of upper-caste elites. His emphasis on the collective mobilisation of OBCs, Dalits, and Muslims laid the foundation for the Bahujan politics that Kanshi Ram and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) later championed. Kanshi Ram himself acknowledged Dr. Faridi as a pioneer of emancipatory politics, alongside leaders like Bhim Rao Ambedkar, Jyotiba Phule, and Sahuji Maharaj. Dr. Faridi’s work also highlighted the need for intra-community equality among Muslims. His efforts to promote inclusion and eliminate caste-based discrimination within the Muslim community served as a model for progressive politics. Challenges and Criticism Despite its noble aims, the Muslim Majlis faced criticism from both secular and communal circles. Many accused the party of being communal and catering exclusively to Muslim interests. Dr. Faridi refuted these allegations, emphasising that the party represented all oppressed and backward communities. He argued that Muslims, as victims of systemic bias, had the right to organise politically like other marginalised groups. Financial and logistical challenges also plagued the party. Dr. Faridi shouldered much of the financial burden, sacrificing his wealth and health to sustain the party and its initiatives. His commitment to free medical care and running the newspaper Qaed strained his resources further. Nevertheless, his dedication to the cause remained unwavering. A Life of Sacrifice and Dedication Dr. Faridi’s life was defined by selflessness and a profound sense of responsibility towards humanity. He rejected lucrative offers from Pakistan in 1947, choosing instead to stay in India and work for its oppressed communities. His medical expertise earned him widespread respect, with even political rivals like Chandra Bhan Gupta seeking his help during critical moments. In 1974, while campaigning extensively for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, Dr. Faridi suffered a fatal heart attack. His untimely death marked the end of an extraordinary journey but left behind a legacy that continues to inspire. The Continuing Legacy of Dr. Faridi The influence of Dr. Faridi and the Muslim Majlis extended far beyond their immediate achievements. The party’s efforts to combat communalism, bureaucratic bias, and socio-economic inequalities paved the way for future political movements. Leaders like Alam Badi Azmi and Azam Khan began their political careers under the Muslim Majlis, benefiting from the party’s groundwork. The lessons from the Muslim Majlis also inspired the broader political landscape. The realisation that marginalised communities needed their own platforms to assert their rights contributed to the rise of parties like the BSP, which adopted Dr. Faridi’s vision of uniting oppressed groups across caste and religious lines. Conclusion: A Timeless Inspiration Dr. Abdul Jaleel Faridi’s life and work are a testament to the transformative power of visionary leadership and selfless service. Through the Muslim Majlis, he empowered the voiceless and laid the foundation for inclusive politics in India. His efforts to unite marginalised communities, challenge systemic bias, and promote social justice remain relevant in contemporary political discourse. Dr. Faridi’s legacy serves as a reminder that true leadership lies in the relentless pursuit of justice and equality, not the mere acquisition of power. By honouring his memory, we reaffirm our commitment to the ideals he championed and continue to draw inspiration from his extraordinary journey. ----- Syed Amjad Hussain is an author and Independent research scholar on Sufism and Islam. He is currently working on his book 'Bihar Aur Sufivad', based on the history of Sufism in Bihar. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/inclusive-politics-muslim-majlis-faridi-unite/d/134253 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism