Introduction
The life of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah (RA) was defined by iron-clad principles, unyielding integrity, and a profound sense of self-respect. Beyond his role as a world-class statesman, his personal life was a masterclass in ethics and lawfulness. Below are five remarkable incidents that showcase the character of the man who led the struggle for the creation of Pakistan.
1. The Principle of Sovereign Equality
After the creation of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, serving as the Governor-General, was focused on establishing the dignity of the new state. One day, the British ambassador informed him that the brother of the King of Britain would be arriving at Pakistan’s airport and requested that Jinnah personally go to receive him.
Quaid-e-Azam replied with great dignity: "I will go to receive the King’s brother at the airport on one condition: that when my own brother visits Britain, King George himself must go to the airport to receive him." Upon hearing this, the ambassador was left speechless. Jinnah wanted to ensure the world knew that Pakistan was an equal and sovereign nation.
2. Rejecting Nepotism and Special Treatment
Once, Quaid-e-Azam’s servant presented him with a visiting card from someone who wished to meet him. On the card, his brother’s name was written, and in the introduction, it said: "Brother of Muhammad Ali Jinnah."
Upon reading this, Quaid-e-Azam tore up the card in anger and sent back a stern message: "Tell him never to use my name in this way again." He believed that no one, even his own family, should use his position for personal influence or social standing.
3. Accountability for the National Treasury
When furniture for Quaid-e-Azam’s office was ordered, the total bill came to thirty-seven rupees. The bill was presented to him for approval from the national treasury. While reviewing it, he noticed an additional chair worth seven rupees.
The secretary explained that the chair was for Miss Fatima Jinnah, so she would have a seat when visiting the office. Quaid-e-Azam deducted the seven rupees and approved only thirty rupees, saying: "If Fatima needs a chair, collect the seven rupees from her. The national treasury will not pay for it."
4. Integrity and the Rule of Law
On one occasion, Quaid-e-Azam was traveling by train and realised his ticket had mistakenly been left with his servant. He approached the ticket examiner at the station, explained the situation, and requested a new ticket. The examiner, recognizing the great leader, suggested: "Just give me two rupees and leave the platform."
Quaid-e-Azam became extremely angry and replied: "By asking me for a bribe, you have violated the law and insulted me." Despite the examiner's attempts to avoid trouble, Jinnah took the matter to the station master. Ultimately, the official who demanded the bribe faced legal consequences.
5. Professional Ethics in Legal Practice
Quaid-e-Azam maintained firm principles in his law practice, charging only what was fair. Once, a merchant approached him with a case:
Client: "I want you to represent me. What will be your fee?"
Jinnah: "I do not charge per case; I charge five hundred rupees per hearing."
Client: "I have five thousand rupees. Please take it and handle the entire case."
Jinnah: "I cannot take the case on those terms. It may take longer and the amount may be insufficient, or it may finish early and I would have taken too much. I charge only per hearing."
Jinnah won the case in just three hearings and charged only fifteen hundred rupees. When the jubilant merchant offered the full five thousand as a gift, Quaid-e-Azam refused: "I have taken what is my right," and declined the extra money.
Tributes to the Great Leader
The spiritual and intellectual leaders of the time recognized Jinnah’s unique character.
Pir Jamaat Ali Shah, a highly respected pious figure of that era, once defended Jinnah’s character against critics who judged him by his appearance, saying:
"You do not know him; he is doing our work."
The Poet of the East, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, famously said about him:
"Muhammad Ali Jinnah can neither be bought, nor can he commit betrayal."
May Allah Almighty shower countless blessings upon the resting place of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Ameen.
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