The First Morning

Those who answered the call were invited to assemble on 1 Sha'ban 1360 AH (August 25, 1941). The designated venue was the rented residence of Maulana Sayyid Abul A'la Maududi, adjacent to Mubarak Mosque on Shibli Street, Islamia Park, Poonch Road, Lahore—which also served as the publishing office for the monthly Tarjuman-ul-Quran.

Attendees traveling from distant regions set out well in advance, with some arriving as early as 28 Rajab. By 1 Sha'ban, sixty of these dedicated souls had already gathered. A few more joined shortly after, bringing the total count to 75 founding members by the time the movement was formally launched.

The day of 1 Sha'ban was spent in mutual introductions and an open exchange of ideas. Maulana Maududi patiently addressed their questions, giving the incoming members complete clarity and a unified sense of purpose.

It was a bright morning of 2 Sha'ban 1360 AH, corresponding to August 26, 1941, as the foundational convention of Jamaat-e-Islami commenced. When Maulana Maududi rose to deliver his inaugural address, the clock struck 8:00 AM. Expounding on the essential relationship between life and its ultimate purpose, he stated: