History of Afghanistan E03 | Who are Pashtuns and why are called Afghans? | Faisal Warraich

Summary

The video script explores the legendary and historical origins of the Pashtun people. It delves into the mythical tales of Takht-e-Sulaiman and the supposed visit by Prophet Solomon, as well as the lineage traced to the Biblical figure of Benjamin. The narrative challenges these legends with modern historical research, suggesting Pashtuns' roots may extend back 4,000 years, with connections to ancient tribes like Pakhta mentioned in the Rig Veda. It also touches on the influence of Mahmud Ghaznavi and the Ghurid dynasty on Pashtun identity and the region's political history.

Takeaways

• 🏔 Takht-e-Sulaiman is a significant mountain in the Kōh-e Sulaymān range located in Pakistan's KPK province, with a height of 11,444 feet above sea level.
• 👑 Legends associate the mountain with Prophet Solomon, who was said to have used it as a throne to control giants, hence its name.
• 👻 Local beliefs suggest supernatural powers or giants might still reside in the area, influencing local customs and prayers.
• 🕋 A grave on the mountain is believed to belong to Hazrat Qais Abdur Rashid, considered an ancestor of the Pashtun tribes.
• 🧬 The Pashtun lineage is claimed to trace back to Benjamin, son of Prophet Jacob, through Talut (Saul), the king of Israelites.
• 🌐 The term 'Afghani' is thought to be derived from Afghana, a descendant of Saul, and might relate to the etymology of 'Afghan'.
• 📚 The Mughal emperor Jahangir had the legends compiled into a book called 'Makhzan-i-Afghani', which gave them a semblance of credibility.
• 🔍 Modern historians dispute the legends, arguing that Pashtuns are not descendants of Israelites and are instead a diverse ethnic group.
• 🗝️ The true history of Pashtuns dates back at least 4,000 years, with mentions in ancient Hindu Vedas, predating the time of Hazrat Talut.
• 🏛️ The name 'Pathan' is believed to have evolved from 'Pakhtana', the singular form of 'Pashtun', and was later adapted in Punjabi and Central India.

Q & A

What is the significance of Takht-e-Sulaiman mountain?

Takht-e-Sulaiman mountain is significant because it is associated with many legends, including one where Prophet Solomon of Israel visited the mountain, made it his throne, and controlled the giants from there, hence the name Takht-e-Sulaiman.

What is the height of Takht-e-Sulaiman mountain?

Takht-e-Sulaiman mountain is 11,444 feet above sea level.

Where is Takht-e-Sulaiman mountain located?

The mountain is located in the KPK province of Pakistan.

Who is Hazrat Qais Abdur Rashid according to the legend mentioned in the script?

According to the legend, Hazrat Qais Abdur Rashid is considered to be the ancestor of all the present tribes of Pashtuns and is believed to be buried on Takht-e-Sulaiman mountain.

What is the relationship between Qais Abdul Rashid and Hazrat Talut (Saul) as per the legend?

Qais Abdul Rashid is thought to be a descendant of Afghana, the grandson of Hazrat Talut (Saul), the king of Israel.

What does the term 'Afghan' possibly derive from according to some people?

Some people believe that the term 'Afghan' is derived from Afghana, the grandson of Saul.

How old is the Pashtun history according to Khan Abdul Wali Khan?

Khan Abdul Wali Khan claimed that Pashtun history is 6,000 years old.

What are the two different versions of Pashtun history mentioned in the script?

The two versions of Pashtun history are: 1) Legends and folk tales passed on from one generation to the other, and 2) Modern history based on scientific evidence and research.

What does the name 'Pathan' possibly derive from according to the script?

The name 'Pathan' possibly derives from the Arabic word 'Batan', which means the wooden platform on which a ship is built. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) predicted that the descendants of Qais would be numerous and their love for Islam would be strong like Batan.

What is the origin of the term 'Pashtun' as per the legend mentioned in the script?

According to one legend, the term 'Pashtun' originates from the name of a tribe called Bani Pakht, which later became Pakhtun or Pashtun.

What does the term 'Pashtun' mean in the context of the legend of Muhammad bin Qasim's conquest of Sind?

In the context of the legend of Muhammad bin Qasim's conquest of Sind, the term 'Pashtun' means 'supporters', as all the Afghan groups had supported Muhammad bin Qasim.

What is the oldest available literature that mentions the Pashtuns?

The oldest available literature that mentions the Pashtuns is the Rig Veda, which was probably written in 1700 BCE and mentions a tribe called Pakhta or Pakht.