Two Nation Theory: Its Importance

and Perspectives by Muslims Leaders

Nation
The word “NATION” is derived from Latin route “NATUS” of “NATIO” which
means “Birth” of “Born”. Therefore, Nation implies homogeneous population
of the people who are organized and blood-related. Today the word NATION is
used in a wider sense.
A Nation is a body of people who see part at least of their identity in terms of
a single communal identity with some considerable historical continuity of
union, with major elements of common culture, and with a sense of
geographical location at least for a good part of those who make up the
nation.
 Nationality

Mazzini said:
“Every people has its special mission and that mission constitutes its nationality”.
• Nation and Nationality differ in their meaning although they were used
interchangeably. A nation is a people having a sense of oneness among them and
who are politically independent. In the case of nationality it implies a psychological
feeling of unity among a people, but also sense of oneness among them. The sense
of unity might be an account, of the people having common history and culture.
But nationality largely requires the element of political independence either
achieved or aspired.
• Secondly, a nation must have a political organization of passionate desire for such
an organization. But a nationality is a political, cultural, spiritual and unified
community of a people.
A.E. Zimmern said:
“Nationality, like religion, is subjective, psychological, a condition of mind, a spiritual
possession, a way of feeling, thinking and living”.
 Two Nation Theory

• The two-nation theory in its simplest way means that cultural,

political, religious, economic and social dissimilarities between
the two major communities, Hindus and Muslims of the Sub-
continent. These differences of outlook, in fact, were greatly
instrumental in giving rise to two distinct political ideologies
which were responsible for the partition of the sub-continent
into two independent states.
• The two-nation theory means that the Hindus and the Muslims
are two different nations. On the basis of two-nation theory the
Quaid-i-Azam demanded the partition of India into two states, a
Muslim state to be called Pakistan and the other Hindu India
that is Bharat.
 Evolution of Two Nation Theory
• Concept of Muslims as a Nation developed before the establishment of Pakistan. Pakistan
was the product of this concept of nationhood rather than Pakistan creating a concept of
nationhood. Retrospectively the Muslim nationalism emerged with the advent of Islam that
introduced new principles pertinent to every sphere of life. It pledged the redemption of the
humankind establishing a benign society based on Qur‟anic teachings.
• The beginning of the Muslim nationalism in the Sub-Continent may be attributed to the first
Indian who accepted Islam. The Arab traders had introduced the new religion, Islam, in the
Indian coastal areas. Muhammad bin Qasim was the first Muslim invader who conquered
some part of India and after that, Mahmud of Ghazna launched 17 attacks and opened the
gate to preach Islam. The Muslim sufi (saints) like Ali Hejveri, Miran Hussain Zanjani etc.
entered Sub-Continent. They, rejecting the vices in the Indian society, presented the pure
practical picture of the teachings of Islam and got huge conversions. Qutub-ud-Din Aibuk
permanently established Muslim dynasty in India that followed Sultanate and Mughal
dynasties.
• Thus a strong Muslim community had emerged in India who had its own way of life,
traditions, heroes, history and culture. Islam could not be absorbed in Hinduism. Deen-e-
Ilahi, Bakhti movements, etc. created reaction amongst the Muslim ulama to preserve the
pure Islamic character and save it from external onslaught. Role of Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi and
others is noteworthy. Equality and social justice inspired conversion to Islam.
• The British won over the Muslim rulers due to the industrial and scientific developments and modern war
strategy. The War of Independence (1857) was a shattering setback to the Indian Muslims who were held
responsible for the rebellion by the British. The Muslims were put into the backwardness with the help of
Hindus. This was one of the outstanding motivations that paved the way to declare the separate identity of
nationalism, the Muslim nationalism. The Muslim scholars sought to reform the teaching of Islamic law
and to promote its application in a Muslim society. The prominent name among them is Sir Syed Ahmad
Khan (1817-98) who awakened and guided his community well in time. His educational drive, the Ali-Garh
movement, proved to be the best means of social mobility for the Muslim gentry under colonial rule.
• In 1885 the Indian National Congress was founded to indicate the beginning of the Indian nationalist
movement under the British. The Congress worked and helped the British rule. Sir Syed advised the
Muslims not to join it because, he thought, the Muslims were not in position to involve into the anti-
government activities. It has been argued that Sir Syed's fear of Hindu domination sowed the seeds for the
"Two Nations Theory" later espoused by the All-India Muslim League, founded in 1906 and led to its
demand for a separate state for the Muslims of India. Sir Syed argued that modern education and non-
political activities might be the key to Muslim advancement. The Ali-Garh movement produced educated
leadership who could protect the Muslims‟ rights on the Western political lines.
• All India Muslim League had been founded in Dhaka to promote loyalty to the British and to protect and
advance the political rights and interests of the Muslims of India. Thus the concept of „separate
electorates‟ was put forward to dawn a new day for the Indian Muslims.
• Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and Two-Nation Theory
• Allama Iqbal and Two-Nation Theory
• Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Two-Nation Theory
 Importance of Two Nation Theory

• The Two-Nation Theory served as the basis of demand for Pakistan by the
Muslims in British India. There are two major nations in British India. The
Muslims are not a community but a nation with a distinctive history,
heritage, culture, civilization, and future aspirations.
• The Muslims wanted to preserve and protect their distinct identity and
advance their interests in India. They wanted to order their lives in
accordance with their ideals and philosophy of life without being
overwhelmed by an unsympathetic majority.
• Initially, they demanded safeguards, constitutional guarantees and a federal
system of government with powers to the provinces for protection and
advancement of their heritage, identity and interests. Later, they demanded
a separate state when neither the British nor the
• Hindu majority community was willing to offer those guarantees and
safeguards.