Sameer D. Shaikh

The era of social reform in the 19th century is incomplete without the mention of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule. The couple dedicated their lives to the welfare of the Shudras, Ati-Shudras, and women. However, many are unaware of the significant contribution of the Muslim community to their historic work.

Mahatma Jyotirao Phule had liberal view towards Islam. He was particularly impressed by the concept of equality in Islam. He even wrote a 'Powada' (ballad) praising the work of the Prophet Muhammad. The lines from it underline the message of equality in Islam: "He (God) considers the rich and the poor as one, He gives happiness to all. Muhammad, whose name is praised in the world, showed the path of truth."

When Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai stepped out of their house to educate girls, they faced immense opposition. The resistance was so intense that Jyotirao’s own father threw them out of the house. In such difficult times, their Muslim friend Usman Sheikh rushed to their aid. Usman Sheikh not only gave the Phule couple a place to live but also allowed them to start a school in his own house.

In this journey, Savitribai found a companion in Fatima Sheikh. Fatima Sheikh was Savitribai’s first Muslim colleague and fellow teacher. When Savitribai used to walk on the streets of Pune to go to school, people would throw cow dung and stones at her. In such times, Savitribai used to carry a spare saree in her bag. While enduring this humiliation and harassment, Fatima Sheikh stood shoulder to shoulder with Savitribai.

Savitribai’s trust in Fatima is highlighted in a letter she wrote to Mahatma Phule. Writing from her hometown, Savitribai says, "In my absence, the burden of work will fall on Fatima, but she will not complain."

Savitribai's Work and 'Kavya Phule's Urdu translation

Along with women's education, Mahatma Phule and Savitribai Phule organised a strike of barbers against practices like the shaving of widows' heads and started a 'Child Infanticide Prohibition Home'. A large number of Muslim girls were part of their first batch of students. Fatima Sheikh worked hard to bring these girls to school and teach them.

The depth of Savitribai's thoughts can be felt through her poetry collection 'Kavya Phule'. Dr Nasreen, principal of an Urdu school in Pune, has translated this collection into Urdu so that these thoughts can reach the Muslim community.

You can read a detailed story on this by Awaz Marathi by clicking here.

In the 90s, when the translated literature of the Phule couple reached the national level, the Bahujan community took great inspiration from these thoughts. Paying tribute to her monumental work, the historic Pune University is now known as 'Savitribai Phule Pune University'.

Now, the Muslim community has also drawn immense inspiration from the Phule couple and Fatima Sheikh. Today, there are more than 50 Facebook pages in the name of Fatima Sheikh in Maharashtra and across the country.

In Muslim-majority localities like Mumbra in Mumbai, 'Fatima Sheikh Study Circles' are active. Here, Muslim youth come together to implement various social and educational initiatives.

At the Mahatma Phule Wada in Ganj Peth, Pune, not only people from the Bahujan community but also a large number of Muslim women come to pay their respects. The same scene was witnessed today. In large Muslim-majority educational institutions like Azam Campus in Pune, many competitions and programs are organised in the name of Savitribai and Fatima Sheikh. Boys and girls speak on the Savitribai-Fatima bond and draw inspiration from them.

ALSO READ: Dancing against the odds, Zakir Hussain shifts from stage to social justice

Overall, the work of Mahatma Phule and Savitribai, and the support they received from their Muslim colleagues, is a living example of religious harmony. There is no doubt that this historical alliance continues to be a great inspiration for the Muslim community even today!

(The author is the Editor of Awaz-The Voice Marathi)