Hafiz Wajeehuddin Baghpati was one of the fortunate souls who fought in the way of Allah at the battlefield of Balakot under the command of his mentor Syed Ahmad Shaheed. More than hundred years later, his grandson Sheikh Mohammed Yousuf Siddiqui, was to fight many a battle with a slight difference. While the grandfather’s weapon was sword, the grandson used his pen, his tongue and his managerial skills to the sword’s effect.
Yousuf Siddiqui was born on 2 March 1902 at Baghpat (40 kms from Delhi) to a father holding an honourable post in the administration of Tonk-Raj. His early education was taken well care of. At 18, he was in F.Sc and was planning to leave for London to study medicine. But the Providence willed otherwise and Non-Cooperation Movement started. Mr. Siddiqui, responding to the nationalist call, left AMU and became active in politics. He also attended Nagpur Session of Congress (1920) and came close to the nationalist leaders like Gandhi, Nehru and Azad. Maulana Azad sent him to Indonesia for a thorough study of sugar industry.
In early 1940s he came to know of Maulana Maududi and his message and devoted his entire life to the cause of Islamic movement. From here begins the most productive phase of his life where he appears on the scene as a versatile genius. He served in the capacity of General Secretary (AI Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat); Secretary (Board of Islamic Publications); Secretary (AI Palestine Conference); Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief (Radiance); Member (Central Advisory Council, JIH); and Member (AMUAction Committee)… the list goes on and on!
His services to Radiance are myriad. He was the first Secretary of Board of Islamic Publications and led the whole drive of fund collection to launch Radiance. As Managing Director, he was also responsible for the day to day operations of the weekly. Later he also took over as the Editor of Radiance. He impressed everyone who came in his contact and was especially revered for his affectionate dealings with his subordinates. He is also remembered for his analytical editorials, sarcastic leads and witty columns especially ‘Between You and Me’!
For his firm views and ardent activism he was exiled twice from Tonk-State and even incarcerated. In fact, he always kept a suitcase containing the Qur’ān, some books, papers and clothes for the purpose of going to jail. Last time it was during Emergency when he was imprisoned.
Once, while performing Hajj, he prayed while holding the cover of Kaaba, “Allah! This is evening of my life; please take some service of Islam from me.” His prayers were answered; he was destined to serve the cause of Indian Muslims through Radiance. After leading an inspirational life, he left for his heavenly abode on 4 May 1976. May Allah reward him with the company of the prophets, the righteous and the martyrs in Paradise and may He grant us wisdom to follow his footsteps. Amin!