ملف ٧٠٥/١٩١٦ الجزء ٢ "انتفاضة عربية: التقارير العربية؛ تقارير السير م. سايكس" [ظ‎‎١‎٧‎٨] (٤٥٠/٣٥٤)

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The “Nai Roshni” (Allahabad) of the 7 th July, 1916, notes with gratification the
Moslem League’s expression of indignation at the Arab revolt, and remarks that from
the attitude of Indian Moslems in the matter and their action in boldly giving
expression to their feelings, it is manifsst that though Islam may be a slumbering lion
in worldly affairs, yet it is wakeful as ever in religious matters.
The editor says that as long as no danger threatened Islam (Indian) Mahommedans
gave no thought to the doings of the Turks, and regarded with regret the act of the
Turks in alienating the sympathies of the British Government. The Arab revolt is
calculated to have a deep effect on the future of Islam. Mahommedans of all parts of
India have expressed their indignation at the action of the rebels.
He remarks that the degeneration of Mahommedans was due to the laxity of their
religious belief, and he is glad to note that now Mahommedans are holding fast the
“ rope of God even if they are hanged by it.”
2. Hindu Ta'pers.
The “Leader” (Allahabad) of the 29th June. 1916, comments on the meeting of
the council of the All-India Moslem League held recently at Lucknow at which a
resolution was passed expressing abhorrence at the action of the Arab rebels and
condemning them as enemies of Islam.
The editor says that it is clear that the Grand Sherif and the Arabs by whom he is
supported are not hostile to the British, and consequently “ may rely upon British
support for the maintenance of their independence.” He says that it is not clear how the
sanctity of sacred places has been placed in jeopardy by the action of the Arabs and how
these and their “ sympathisers ” are the enemies of Islam.
The “ Anand ” (Lucknow) of the 1 st July, 1916 (received on the 5th July), refers to
the Arab revolt, and says that the inhabitants of Syria |and Mesopotamia and the
educated Egyptians are gratified at the news of the revolt. The editor observes that
some of the Indian Mahommedans, the All-India Moslem League, and other Moslem
societies, have protested against the action of the Grand Sherif on religious grounds.
He remarks that the Egyptian Mahommedans do not see any harm to Mahommedanism
at the proclamation of independence by the Grand Sherif, while the Indian Moslems
consider his action to be injurious to their religion.
He wonders why the Indian Mahommedans make such undesirable protests,
and remarks that they regard even the sympathisers of the Grand Sherif to be
the enemies of Islam. He says that Indians should sympathise with the enemies of
Turkey, and that the more Turkey is harassed the better it will be for the Allies. He
remarks that the loyalty of the Indian Mahommedans is set aside on the slightest
pretext.
In the “Leader” (Allahabad) of the 1 st July, 1916, the editor says that in
connection with the Arab revolt there seems to be a difference of opinion between the
Indian Mahommedans and their co-religionists in Egypt, Syria, and Mesopotamia. He
says that the latter are reported to be whole-heartedly with the Grand Sherif, whereas
the Lucknow Moslems strongly condemn the Arabs. He says that it may be that the
Moslems in Syria, Mesopotamia, and Egypt being more in touch with 'local conditions
are better able to understand and appreciate the situation. In any case, says the
editor, it seems unlikely that the attitude of Mahommedans outside Arabia will have
any effect on the leaders of the revolt.
The “ Gharhwali ” (Dehra Dun) of the 1 st July, 1916, says that the Arab revolt
against Turkey is advantageous to the Allies and remarks that if it assumes a serious
aspect, as it is hoped it will, the Turks will fare very badly.
The “ Prem ” (Brindaban, Muttra) of the 5th July, 1916, refers to the Arab revolt,
and remarks that the tyranny of the Turks has led the Grand Sherif to proclaim his
independence. The editor expresses regret that the Indian Mahommedans have held
meetings to protest against the action of the Sherif on the ground that the Arab revolt
will cause harm to the Holy Places of Islam.
He observes that the Arab revolt has made the Hejaz pilgrimage more convenient
and enquires why Moslems express indignation at it. He says that it is possible that
there may be some bloodshed at present owing to unrest, bu there will be peace and