Umar Qazi of Veliyancode – was a leader whose patriotism made him the trademark of anti-British sentiment of the nation.
He shone equally in political and religious life as well. He saw Hindus, Muslims and Christians as one people and the British as the common enemy. He had high esteem for the Indian rulers as such he was given great honor in the court of Samudiri. He was an ideal exponent of communal harmony.
He was a living example of the religious ideals. He attempted with his head and heart in unifying the entire nation for driving out the British plunderers out of the land. Towards the end of 19th century, he introduced the first ever Non Taxation Movement previously unheard in the history of freedom struggle. He openly defied the British orders to pay tax and had to bear a lot of persecution as a result.
Education
At the age of 7, his mother passed away. Umar Qazi grew in the company of his father. He learnt Quran recitation, aqeedah (theology) and fiqh (Jurisprudence) from his father. At 10, his father too passed away. At 11, he joined the Madrasa at Tanoor. At this stage, he used to inscribe poems on walls of mosques and houses. He also paid visits to his parent’s grave and prayed for them. At 13, he joined Ponnani Madrasa for higher studies.
After completing his studies in Ponnani Madrasa, he was made the Qazi (judge) of Veliyancode. Other neighboring areas also proclaimed Umar as the Qazi.
The need for spiritual culture
Clad in his white robe, Umar Qazi was a philosopher, a social reformer, a momentary poet, and an outstanding religious preacher and was well versed in medical issues. He emphasized on spiritual training for the growth of the individual and society. He challenged those who differed on this truth.
The Instant poet
He composed many couplets on various topics like religion, medical advices, and historical incidents on different occasions. There is no limit for the poems he inscribed on walls of mosques. But the majority of them were transmitted through word of mouth. As a result many were forgotten. Love for humanity and fear of God were his outstanding qualities.
He tried his best to familiarize Islam to the common people in a way that was easy for them to comprehend. There were few parallels to Umar Qazi in memory. It is reported that he could recollect write long ‘fatwas’ from ‘Thuhfa’ the well-known book of jurisprudence.
Communal Harmony
He lived a virtuous life and therefore was dear to all the communities. He renewed the message of communal harmony and religious tolerance brought by Malik bin Dinar.
First Non – Taxation Movement
Umar Qazi introduced the Non-Taxation Movement decades before Mahatma Gandhi, the father of nation and the unchallenged leader of Indian freedom struggle, started it. In 1805, Umar publicly announced his defiance of the British taxation system.
When the officers approached the brave hero requesting him to pay his taxes, he gave a fiery reply “You are servants of the murderers of Tipu Sultan and destroyers of Samudiri, Arakkal, Kochi and Kodungallur. Almighty is the true owner of the land. I will not pay the tax”.
When the matter was informed to the Nibu Sahib, the higher officer, he sent a police officer to summon Qazi to the station.
In Nibu sahib’s Court
When Umar reached the station, Nibu sahib asked him, “Are you the Qazi who refuses to pay the tax?”
“Yes”.
“Everyone on this land is bound to pay tax. I will exile you if you do not pay… ”
“I will not pay the tax for God’s land. Do as you wish”
“You are forgetting who I am and the place you are standing”
“No. I am not prepared to pay tax. Maadha taqoolu ya batwaal? ( You fool, what did u say? ). With a furious look, he jumped out of his seat and spit on the officer.
The daring son of India walked out untouched
Veliyancode Mosque
with inputs from www.jaihoon.com