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Biography of: Allama Mashriqi
Author: Adam Britt

Timeline
Leadership Style
Political Philosophy

Timeline

  • Aug 25, 1888 Allama Mashriqi is born.
  • 1920-1921 Allama refused Ambassadorship and Knighthood offered to him by the British. These offers were declined among others because he disagreed with the government's policies and felt that they would not help the people of Indo-Pakistan and Kashmir.
  • 1937 Allama attended Palestine World Conference and was President of the World Faiths Conference.
  • Aug 29, 1963 Allama Mashriqi dies.

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Leadership Style

Allama Mashriqi, founder of the KHAKSAR TEHRIK Movement, was said by his followers to be honest, selfless, and devoted to the welfare of the Muslims of Indo-Pakistan. Allama would make personal sacrifices in his daily life which inspired and motivated his followers. Followers of Allama devoted their time, energy and even their money for the cause of the Muslims. Everyone in the Movement was treated equally including Allama. Everyone wore the same simple khaki dress. And if Allama made a mistake, he was punished just like any other person would have been. Allama made no distinction between himself and his followers.

The leadership style of Allama Mashriqi seems to be democratic. He views everyone as equals and makes his own sacrifices which keeps his followers happy and motivated. He is not a dominating leader although he does have a lot of power. He's not a hands-off kind of guy either, which suggests that his leadership style is not laissez-faire. And he does take many steps to influence and lead the group which prevents total chaos. This would rule out the abdacratic style of leadership for Allama Mashriqi. He does however exhibit good leadership qualities. He certainly has charisma. I think that his charisma is partially a result of his personal sacrifices. He also has pragmatism. He is a peace maker, striving for the welfare of the Muslims of Indo-Pakistan.

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Political Philosophy

I see Allama Mashriqi and the Khaksar Tehrik movement as being radical. They wanted change, in that they wanted a safe territory for the Muslims separate from the country. But Allama was a peaceful man for the most part. The followers were people from all classes but each of them lived a simple life. Although Allama's earlier life was one of considerable wealth, he abandoned that life, and devoted his new life to the Muslims. He led a very humble life and arrogance was not part of it.

I would have to classify the Khaksar Tehrik movement as using the innovational arguement. The members want new conditions for the Muslims, but normally didn't result to violence. However, a statement made by Allama Mashriqi leads me to believe that at one time, the movement used a more insurgent approach. "Meanwhile, if the Punjab Government inflicted bodily injuries on any Khaksar or arrested him for pursuing his usual activities we would resist it by shedding the last drop of our blood."

So political philosophies of this movement seem to move between the spokes of the wheel. Again, for the most part, Allama Mashriqi and his followers were dedicated to the welfare of the Muslims and the poor people of Pakistan. Violence was used as a last resort.

Works Cited

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