Revolutionary Legacy: The Heroic Martyrdom of Maulana Kifayat Ali Kafi Moradabadi
By Syed Amjad Hussain,
New Age Islam
9 August
2024
The Legacy of Maulana Kifayat Ali Kafi
Moradabadi Serves as A Powerful Reminder of the Courage and Determination That
Fuelled India’s Struggle for Freedom.
Main Points:
1.
Maulana Kifayat Ali Kafi Moradabadi,
a key figure in the 1857 revolt, was executed on May 6, 1858.
2.
From an influential family of
Moradabad, he combined scholarly pursuits with revolutionary fervor.
3.
He authored notable Islamic texts
and played a leadership role in the anti-colonial struggle.
4.
His martyrdom at the Moradabad jail
gate symbolizes enduring patriotism and sacrifice.
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One such
valiant figure is Shaheed-e-Millat Maulana Kifayat Ali Kafi Moradabadi, a
prominent hero of the 1857 revolt against British colonial rule. His relentless
fight for freedom, despite coming from a well-to-do family, underscores the
indomitable spirit of patriotism that defined the independence movement.
Maulana
Kifayat Ali Kafi Moradabadi, hailing from an influential family in Moradabad,
displayed unwavering commitment to the cause of independence. His resistance
against British rule culminated in his martyrdom on May 6, 1858, when he was
hanged at the jail gate in Moradabad. His sacrifice is etched in history as a
testament to his dedication and love for his homeland.
He has been
praised by Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi, the eponymous founder of Barelvi
movement in the South Asia.
A scholar
and freedom fighter, Maulana Kafi was not only known for his battlefield
courage but also for his contributions to Islamic scholarship. He authored
several significant works, including 'Tarjuma-e-Shamil-e-Tirmizi',
'Majmua-e-Chahal Hadith', 'Khayban-e-Firdous', 'Bahar-e-Khuld',
'Naseem-e-Jannat', 'Moulud-e-Bahar', 'Jazba-e-Ishq', and *Diwan-e-Ishq. These writings reflect
his deep religious knowledge and intellectual prowess, adding a rich dimension
to his legacy as a reformer and a fighter.
The revolt
of 1857, often regarded as India’s first war of independence, saw the active
participation of several notable clerics and scholars. Among them, Hakeem-ul-Ummah
Allama Fazle Haq Khairabadi is remembered as a leading figure. Following him in
this revered list was Maulana Kifayat Ali Kafi, whose fateful decision to issue
a fatwa calling Muslims to jihad against British rule marked a significant escalation
in the struggle.
Joining
General Bakht Khan Rohilla’s forces, Maulana Kafi fought valiantly in Delhi,
Bareilly, and Allahabad. After liberating Moradabad from British control, he,
alongside Nawab Majeeduddin Khan alias Nawab Majju Khan, established a provisional
government. Maulana Kafi was appointed as the President of Shariat, with Nawab
Majju Khan serving as the appointed governor and Abbas Ali Khan managing
artillery.
However,
the British forces, determined to reclaim lost territories, mounted a
counteroffensive. On April 21, 1858, General Morris’s troops launched a
decisive attack on Moradabad. The battle resulted in the martyrdom of Nawab
Majju Khan and the capture of many resistance fighters, who were subsequently
executed. Maulana Kafi was arrested on April 30, 1858, and, after a brief
imprisonment, was executed on May 6, 1858.
The
physical remnants of his martyrdom remain at the Moradabad jail, where the gate
still bears witness to his sacrifice. While the jail’s records do not currently
contain explicit documentation of the event, the stone at the jail gate stands
as a solemn reminder of Maulana Kafi's heroism and sacrifice.
The legacy
of Maulana Kifayat Ali Kafi Moradabadi serves as a powerful reminder of the
courage and determination that fuelled India’s struggle for freedom. His life
and sacrifice continue to inspire future generations, reflecting the enduring
spirit of resistance and patriotism that shaped the nation’s path to
independence.
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Syed Amjad Hussain is a Bihar-based Author and research scholar of
Sufism. He is affiliated with the Shyama Prasad Institute of Technology and
Management, Kolkata.