QAZI NAZRUL ISLAM AND THE GENESIS OF PAKISTAN MOVEMENT

Abstract

Qazi Nazrul Islam was a great poet and writer of songs. His literary activities were spread over a period of about twenty five years from 1917 to 1942. His writings exude strength and boldness. However his chequerred career was underlined with ups and downs, poverty and sufferings.
He always believed that Islam gives great importance to the spirit of independence and bravery. He was greatly impressed by Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) and the bravery of great Muslim Generals like Khalid bin Waked, Musa Bin Nusaire, and Tariq Bin Ziyad etc. Ile imbibed teachings of the Prophet and pristine achievements of the Muslim caliphs and Generals to evolve an equalitarian outlook.
In his zeal for the uplift of Muslim Bengal, Nazrul Islam wrote a large number of poems on the theme of Islamic Universal brotherhood and Muslim glory. Of recent history he regarded Mustafa Kamal Pasha `Attaturk' as the savior and builder of Modern Turkey. Nazrul Islam believed with the ideal of Kamal Attaturks muslim prestige and political status can be regained. He revolted against the British occupation of India. British rulers put him into prison for about one year (November 23, 1922 to December 15, 1923), on charges of sedition and banned his books and writings for what they considered too radical.
Nazrul Islam's writings proved catalyst in awakening Muslim Bengal. His contributions to building Muslim identity can be equated with the poet Iqbal. Such contributions by the two undeniably paved the way for the creation of Pakistan.