The Khilaafat Movement
Whilst all the above were transpiring, news spread like wildfire that Moulana [Thanwi] opposed the boycott [of the British] and the Khilaafat Movement.
[Hazrat Moulana Thanwi (Rahmatullahi alaih) did not oppose the establishing of a Khilaafat. He opposed the haraam ways and stratagems employed for the achievement of this purpose. This is a very lengthy discussion. Details can be found in Hazrat Thanwi’s malfoozaat.]
Opposing the Khilaafat Movement!!! The Khilaafat Movement which was pure Deen and Imaan for every honourable Muslim of the time. Deoband was in the forefront of this Movement. Shaikhul Hind [Moulana Mahmoodul Hasan] was in the advanced guard. The Jamiatul Ulama held aloft the standard. Juniors and seniors – all sincere and righteous Ulama were standing with it. Opposing it was just a single entity from Khaanqah Thanabawan.
خلقے بہ مِنت یک طرف ، آں شوخِ تنہا یک طرف
An entire creation humbly on one side
That haughty solitary on the other side
What was the impact of this on me; that English-educated, 30-35 years of age, Khaadim of the Khilaafat, whose greatest capital and pride was being the comrade and follower of Mohammad Ali [Jauhar, the fiery independence activist]? Don’t look for the answer here in words and text. Just look into your heart. You will perceive the answer there.
