 |
| Khalid Sheldrake (1888–1947) |
Khalid Sheldrake, born Bertram Sheldrake in 1888, is a fascinating figure in the history of British Islam. His life was a whirlwind of religious zeal, political activism, and global adventures. From his conversion to Islam to his ascension as the King of the remote Islamic Sultanate of Darfur, Sheldrake's story is one of transformation, exploration, and dedication to the causes he believed in.
Bertram Sheldrake was born in London into a middle-class family. His early life did not foreshadow the extraordinary journey he would undertake. Little is known about his childhood, but it is clear that he received a solid education, which later equipped him with the skills necessary for his diverse career paths. As a young man, Sheldrake was drawn to the vibrant cultural and intellectual life of London, where he encountered various religious and philosophical ideas.
His conversion to Islam in 1922 was a pivotal moment. He adopted the name Khalid, after the famous companion of Prophet Muhammad, Khalid ibn al-Walid. This change marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life, characterized by a profound commitment to his new faith. His conversion was part of a broader trend of British interest in Islam during the early 20th century, influenced by the British Empire's extensive contacts with the Muslim world.
Sheldrake quickly became a prominent figure in the British Muslim community. He was involved in several Islamic organizations, including the British Muslim Society, which aimed to promote understanding and cooperation between Muslims and non-Muslims in Britain. His work was characterized by a blend of religious devotion and political activism. He sought to improve the social and economic conditions of Muslims in Britain and advocated for the rights of colonized peoples.
In 1930, Sheldrake's activism took him to the Islamic Conference in Jerusalem. This was a significant event, bringing together Muslim leaders from around the world to discuss the future of the Muslim ummah (community). Sheldrake's participation underscored his commitment to the global Muslim cause and his belief in the importance of unity among Muslims.
Perhaps the most extraordinary episode in Sheldrake's life was his brief reign as the King of Darfur. In the early 1930s, he was invited by Ali Dinar, the Sultan of Darfur, to help modernize the administration of the Sultanate. Darfur, located in what is now western Sudan, was at that time a semi-independent state with a predominantly Muslim population. Sheldrake's expertise in Western administration and his commitment to Islamic principles made him an attractive advisor to the Sultan.
However, the situation in Darfur was volatile. The region was under increasing pressure from British colonial authorities, who sought to consolidate their control over Sudan. In 1932, Ali Dinar was killed in a British military campaign, and Darfur was formally incorporated into the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan. During this turbulent period, Sheldrake briefly assumed the title of King, although his authority was largely symbolic and short-lived.
After his time in Darfur, Sheldrake continued his travels, this time turning his attention to Central Asia. In the 1930s, he embarked on a journey through the Soviet Union, which was then undergoing significant political and social upheaval under Stalin's rule. Sheldrake's travels took him to the Muslim regions of Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan.
These travels were partly motivated by his interest in the plight of Muslims under Soviet rule. The Soviet government had implemented policies aimed at suppressing religious practices and integrating Muslim communities into the atheist Soviet state. Sheldrake's observations and writings from this period provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by Central Asian Muslims during this tumultuous time.
The outbreak of World War II brought new challenges and opportunities for Sheldrake. He returned to Britain, where he continued his activism, now focusing on the war effort and the future of the British Empire. He was particularly concerned with the impact of the war on Muslim communities in British colonies, and worked to ensure that their voices were heard in post-war planning.
During the war, Sheldrake also worked as a broadcaster for the BBC, producing programs aimed at fostering understanding between Britain and the Muslim world. His efforts were part of a broader strategy to maintain the loyalty of Muslim subjects in the British Empire during a time of global conflict.
Khalid Sheldrake converting Gladys Palmer to Islam on an aeroplane across the channel. Image source: Paul French
After the war, Sheldrake's health began to decline, but he remained active in various Islamic organizations. He continued to advocate for the rights of Muslims and worked to promote interfaith dialogue. His contributions to the British Muslim community were significant, helping to lay the foundations for the vibrant and diverse Muslim population in Britain today.
Khalid Sheldrake's life was marked by a series of extraordinary adventures and unwavering commitment to his faith and principles. His journey from a middle-class Londoner to a global Muslim leader is a testament to his remarkable adaptability and determination.
Sheldrake's legacy is multifaceted. As a convert to Islam, he played a crucial role in bridging cultural and religious divides. His work as a political activist and leader helped to raise awareness of the challenges faced by Muslims in Britain and around the world. His brief reign as the King of Darfur, while symbolic, highlighted his willingness to engage with and support Muslim communities in distant and often challenging environments.
Moreover, Sheldrake's travels and writings provide valuable historical insights into the Muslim world during a period of significant change and upheaval. His observations on the impact of colonialism, Soviet policies, and global conflicts on Muslim communities remain relevant today.
In conclusion, Khalid Sheldrake's life is a remarkable story of transformation, adventure, and dedication. His contributions to the British Muslim community and his efforts to promote understanding and cooperation between Muslims and non-Muslims continue to inspire and resonate. Sheldrake's legacy is a testament to the power of faith, courage, and commitment in the face of adversity.
Sources
Ansari, Humayun. The Infidel Within: Muslims in Britain Since 1800. London: Hurst & Company, 2004.
Curtis, Edward E. Muslims in America: A Short History. New York: Oxford University Press, 2009.
Geaves, Ron. Islam in Victorian Britain: The Life and Times of Abdullah Quilliam. London: Kube Publishing, 2010.
iluminasi. “Khalid Sheldrake - Raja Xinjiang Yang Pertama Dan Terakhir,” December 29, 2019. https://iluminasi.com/bm/khalid-sheldrake-raja-sementara-kerajaan-muslim-masyarakat-uighur-pertama-dan-terakhir.html.
“Khalid Sheldrake: The East Dulwich Man Who Would Be King -.” Accessed August 4, 2024. https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20s-people/20sstreets/khalid-sheldrake-the-east-dulwich-man-who-would-be-king/.
Lewis, Bernard. Islam and the West. New York: Oxford University Press, 1993.
Metcalf, Barbara D., ed. Islam in South Asia in Practice. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2009.
Roff, William R. Studies on Islam and Society in Southeast Asia. Singapore: NUS Press, 2009.
Shepard, William E. The Faith of a Modern Muslim Intellectual: The Religious Aspects and Implications of the Writings of Ahmad Amin. Leiden: Brill, 1982.
Comments
Post a Comment