Dr.Daniya Momin & Dr. Khan Sumaiyya.
According to a report by India Today, a tragic incident occurred in Aligarh in July 2020, when a patient was allegedly beaten to death by hospital staff for not paying a mere 4,000 rupees. Such inhumane incidents and accidents are often heard of. However, on the same land of India, there lived a doctor who treated the poor for free and provided them with medicines without any charge. For him, helping people was more important than becoming wealthy. Due to his kindness and humanitarianism, people gave him the title of \”Masih-ul-Mulk,\” meaning \”The Healer of the Nation.\”This person is known to the world as Hakim Ajmal Khan.
Hakim Ajmal Khan was born on February 11, 1868, into ‘Khandan-e-Shareefi,’ a family famous for their helping nature. His family was well-versed in Unani Medicine, an ancient system of holistic healing with herbs and natural remedies.
Hakim Ajmal Khan started his studies at a very young age. He memorized the Holy Qur’an as a child and studied traditional Islamic knowledge, including Arabic and Persian. He learned medicine from his father, Hakim Mehmood Khan, and his elder brother, Hakim Abdul Majeed Khan, at home.
Hakim Ajmal didn’t want to be just a Hakim or doctor. He wanted to help people not just in his neighborhood but across India. So, he worked very hard and became one of the best Hakims of the time. Hakim Ajmal Khan was famous for his big heart. He treated poor people for free and gave them medicine without charging any money. For him, helping people was more important than becoming rich. Seeing his kindness, people gave him the title of “Masih-ul-Mulk,” meaning \”The Healer of the Nation.\”
It is said that once, a poor patient came to Hakim Ajmal Khan, suffering from a severe illness and unable to afford treatment. Hakim Sahib carefully examined the patient and not only provided him with free medication but also offered financial assistance to support his household expenses during recovery. When the patient asked how he would repay this debt, Hakim Ajmal Khan smiled and replied, \”You will repay this debt by helping someone else in need.\”
An Incident of Political Insight
During the 1920s, amidst the Khilafat Movement, Hakim Ajmal Khan worked alongside Gandhi Ji to promote Hindu-Muslim unity .At a public gathering, someone asked him why, as a physician, he had ventured into politics. He replied, \”Just as wisdom is essential for treating physical ailments, it is equally necessary for addressing the social and political issues of a nation. I cannot ignore the sufferings of my people.\”
Hakim Ajmal Khan also dreamed of a free India where people could live happily. He joined hands with other national leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad in the movement for India’s freedom.
These anecdotes reflect Hakim Ajmal Khan\’s multifaceted personality. He was not only a great physician but also a selfless human being and a national leader. His life was dedicated to the spirit of serving others.
Contributions to Education
Hakim Ajmal Khan knew that education was the key to success. He started a school in Delhi where children from all backgrounds came to learn together. Today, we all know that small school as one of the greatest universities in India, Jamia Millia Islamia.
An inspiring incident from the life of Hakim Ajmal Khan highlights his unwavering commitment to education and national progress. When the idea of establishing Jamia Millia Islamia, a national university promoting indigenous education, was taking shape, financial constraints posed a significant challenge. Hakim Ajmal Khan, deeply devoted to the cause, decided to take an extraordinary step. He sold all his personal belongings, including his house and other assets, to raise funds for the university. His selfless act not only provided the necessary financial support but also became a beacon of sacrifice and dedication for others involved in the movement.
When asked about his decision, he humbly replied, \”If I can give away everything for my nation’s future, it is a small price to pay. This university will illuminate minds for generations to come.\”
This incident showcases Hakim Ajmal Khan’s unparalleled generosity and his vision of empowering society through education. His sacrifice laid a solid foundation for an institution that continues to serve as a symbol of learning and unity to this day.
He also opened a nursing school for women and the Ayurvedic & Unani Tibbia College in Karol Bagh.
A Legacy of Service
Even the pages of a book will fall short in recording his achievements. After accomplishing countless great works, Hakim Ajmal Khan passed away in 1927 at the age of 59, leaving behind heavy hearts.
The story of Hakim Ajmal Khan continues to inspire people to be kind, caring, and helpful to those in need.