Honour. A six-letter word which encapsulates within itself the philosophy of life. In every age, the human species has wrestled with the questions of dignity, self-worth, legacy and moral standing. Honour is the one word which has meandered its way through history, power struggles, politics and personal relationships. From Homer’s Iliad, to the gladiators of ancient Rome, to the warriors in every era, to the modern world today, from family dynamics to international diplomacy, the concept of Honour has shaped choices, inspired sacrifices and, in many cases, justified violence.
However, it is also one of the most divisive concepts. The Oxford Dictionary defines it as “the quality of knowing and doing what is morally right”. But in this definition lie the seeds of dispute, as it raises very deep questions, since morality has no universal definition. Instead of going into a philosophical debate, suffice it to say that Honour is simply, “Standing up against injustice, without compromising on one’s self-respect, principles and faith, even at the cost of life.”
Hazrat Imam Hussain’s martyrdom is one of the most poignant and powerful incidents in the annals of the history of the word Honour. It was primarily this attribute which led him and his companions to challenge the usurper, despite fully knowing the price to be paid. Islamic history is replete with examples of Honour impacting the course of antiquity. Similarly, all religions and belief systems have focused on the cultivation of the cachet of Honour.
I want to share two examples from Indo-Pak history with my esteemed readers to put into perspective the title of this column and answer the question at the end.
Tipu Sultan was born in 1751, at a time when India was caught in the crosscurrents of decline and conquest. With the Mughal Empire in decay, the British East India Company was transforming from a trading company into the premier military and political power. He succeeded his legendary father, Haidar Ali, in 1782, inheriting not only a throne but a frontline in India’s struggle for sovereignty. What sets Tipu apart from the rest is his resistance to the threat posed by the colonials. Instead of compromising on his Honour, he fought four Anglo-Mysore wars, in which his bravery and honourable conduct earned him the sobriquet “The Tiger of Mysore” from the British. In May 1799, during the siege of Srirangapatna, located about 18 km from Mysore, he embraced martyrdom with the sword in his hand. His tomb, the Gumbaz, was built in the same place and is a famous pilgrimage site today.
Mahatma Gandhi once remarked, “Tipu Sultan was among those who preferred death over dishonour.” He became a folklore hero in Indian history and left us with two powerful lessons: one, that resistance to injustice in any form is never futile, even if it ends in defeat; and two, the struggle for dignity and non-compromise on Honour leaves a legacy far greater than one’s lifetime.
Every generation produces figures who rise beyond their time, their names becoming synonymous with Honour, courage and leadership. Our beloved Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the great Quaid, is an epitome of the above. The more one reads about him, the more one is in awe. From being a Hindu-Muslim ambassador to becoming the sole leader and creating an independent country, while facing giants like Gandhi, Nehru, Maulana Azad, to name a few, and the might of the British Empire, is a testimony to his acumen. Not a single incident has ever been reported where the great man ever compromised on his Honour and principles. As Stanley Wolpert said, “Few individuals significantly alter the course of history. Fewer still modify the map of the world. Hardly anyone can be credited with creating a nation-state. Mohammad Ali Jinnah did all three.” Only a man of great Honour, faith, discipline and courage could achieve the above.
In today’s hyperactive world, the pursuit of material well-being by whatever means possible has superseded all checks and balances on both individuals and countries. Regretfully, the world has witnessed the dishonourable phenomenon of “Might is right” in the last 25 years, to a level which is reminiscent of the late 1930s. The concept of Honour and the sanctity of the word is nearly dead.
With the advent of technology and economic challenges mixed with social, cultural and political issues, Pakistan has also witnessed the demise of age-old traditions of Honour and creed. The education system, which in yesteryear prided itself on “Taleem o Tarbiat”, is just a business, without any meaningful focus on inculcation of our value system. Moreover, in the absence of platforms where such issues—which define and identify our social moorings—can be discussed openly and help in preparing a national inclusive policy, our new generation is at a loss, and not much blame can be put on them as we have failed them in more ways than one.
For me, the question “Does Honour Matter?” remains pivotal. I leave it to my esteemed readers whether they would tell their children about Tipu Sultan or Mir Jaffar. If the story of Tipu Sultan is the one to be narrated with its attendant lessons, then Honour does matter. But if the story of Mir Jaffar is to be glorified, then it does not. Either way, it is up to the readers to decide.
The ancient Greek dramatist Sophocles (496–406 BCE) said, “I would prefer to fail with Honour than win by cheating.” Niccolò Machiavelli said all those years ago, “It is not titles that honour men, but men who honour titles.” And the quote of Julius Caesar puts it succinctly, “I love the name of Honour more than I fear death.”
As our most esteemed Prophet (PBUH) ordained, “Honour is part of Faith.” It is time for us, as individuals and as a society, to start rebuilding our ethos based on Honour, Faith, Unity and inclusivity. Maybe this is the only recipe we have to make Pakistan prosperous and a land of peace.