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My Brothers

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First published January 1, 1987

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Fatima Jinnah

3 books42 followers
Fatima Jinnah English IPA: fətɪ̈mɑ d͡ʒinnəɦ, (Urdu: فاطمہ جناح) was a dental surgeon, biographer, stateswoman, and one of the leading Founding mothers of modern-state of Pakistan, and was also the younger sister of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan.
Educated and obtaining the dental degree from the University of Calcutta, accompanied Muhammad Ali Jinnah, taking active participation in the politics, and was an influential political figure in the movement for independence from the British Indian Empire. After the declaration of the Pakistan Resolution in 1940, Fatima Jinnah was one of the influential and founding members of the Pakistan Movement, calling for independence of independent Muslims states into one national identity. During at this time, Fatima Jinnah also played a pivotal role in civil rights and introduced the women's rights movement in the Pakistan Movement. After the independence, Fatima Jinnah co-founded the Pakistan Women's Association (APWA), while significantly played an integral role in the settlement of the Urdu-speaking mass in the newly formed country.
After the death of her brother, she continued to work for the welfare of the Pakistan's people though charities and the institutions. Her active role in national politics return in 1965 after Jinnah announced her presidential candidacy running against Ayub Khan in the 1965 elections, traveling West-Pakistan and East-Pakistan on emergence during the election campaign, promising to initiate Jinnah's vision of Pakistan, promulgation of the equal civil rights, education and vowed to solve the energy crises. She conceded her defeat in the elections, with many experts believing that the ballots were forcefully rigged by Ayub Khan and his son. After battling a long illness, Fatima Jinnah died on in Karachi, Sindh Province of West-Pakistan on 9 July 1967. After her death, Fatima Jinnah was honored and she is commonly known in Pakistan as Khātūn-e Pākistān (Urdu: — "Lady of Pakistan") and Māder-e Millat ("Mother of the Nation.").

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Profile Image for W.
1,185 reviews4 followers
December 27, 2020
Miss Fatima Jinnah was the youngest sister of Pakistan's founder,Muhammad Ali Jinnah.In his final years and during the Pakistan Movement,she was always at his side.

This mini biography begins with an account of his final illness when he still insisted on continuing to work.It was 1948,just one year since the creation of Pakistan.

There was a massive influx of refugees and the new state hardly had any resources.The challenges of survival were massive,both for Pakistan and its founder.

Muhammad Ali Jinnah was a sick old man now,a few days away from his death,but still insisting on continuing to work.

He had gone to Ziarat,Baluchistan in the mountains to recapurate.His condition worsened and he was flown back to the then capital,Karachi.

The book describes poignantly how he died,plunging the entire country into mourning. The date was September 11,1948.

Shortly before his death,his ambulance ran out of petrol,leaving him stranded on the road for a long time.There wasn't any protocol on that occasion,and people passing on the road had no idea who lay in that ambulance !

(In today's Dawn,there is a very good article by Javed Jabbar.He wonders why nobody from the government was with the ambulance when it got stranded on the road,while the condition of the patient got so much worse.That certainly is a mystery).

It offers glimpses of his childhood and the years he spent in England,studying law.Also included are his early struggles as a lawyer after coming back.The book ends a bit abruptly and I would certainly have preferred a more detailed account of his later life.But it is possible that the book is not available in its entirety,for some reason.

Postscript : Fatima Jinnah herself died in 1967.Mystery shrouds her death,she was alone when she died.There has been speculation that she was strangled to death.She was not too popular with the government of the day.The truth will never be known.
639 reviews45 followers
November 3, 2015
I have respected the founder of our nation for as long as I can remember...and after reading this book, that respect has multiplied a magnitude. Thank you to his sister Fatima Jinnah for sharing these snippets!
The book has three chapters detailing his 1)End of life 2)Beginning of life and 3)Academic/Early career period. I wish there was more content to read considering his journey is so inspiring.
While finishing the first chapter, my eyes welled up with tears. A few quotes touched a raw nerve:
"I wil dig the mine of my physical strength to the last ounce of that metal to serve my people. And when that is exhausted, my work will be done, for life will be no more".
"Do not be afraid of death. Our religion teaches us to be always prepared for death. We should face it bravely to save the honour of Pakistan and Islam. There is no better salvation for a Muslim than the death of a martyr for a righteous cause..Do your duty and have faith in God. There is no power on earth that can undo Pakistan. It has come to stay". He sacrificed his health to free the Muslims of India. He believed that his struggles are mere compared to the thousands and millions who relied upon him.
A short easy book to read for anyone who wants to know more about the founder of Pakistan: Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Profile Image for Harris Sultan.
Author 1 book18 followers
September 4, 2020
This is a must read book for every Pakistani who wants to understand Muhammad Ali Jinnah especially his final days. We have been fed lies about Jinnah and his personality but this is a rare and a very brief insight into the life and mind of Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Profile Image for Sumaiya Syed.
28 reviews58 followers
August 17, 2017
How EXCELLENT!
A biography of Quaid-e-Azam (wow!) from his sister Fatima Jinnah herself!
Can you ask for more awesomeness in a book?!
It is a very heartbreaking read, in that it tells the reader to what heights Jinnah went to to make alive the dream of Pakistan.
Listen up Pakistanis! This book is a MUST READ for you..
Profile Image for Nida e Batool.
27 reviews13 followers
May 31, 2022

A beautiful, short biography of Mr. Jinnah’s childhood, his struggles after 1947, and his last days. What better person to write about him than Ms. Fatima Jinnah herself? His sister, his best companion, and his friend.

The book is very well-written and only about 90 pages. Ms. Fatima couldn’t complete her work in her lifetime, which is saddening. This book only fueled my curiosity to research more about his personal and political life.

A must-read for every Pakistani.

Profile Image for Ahsan Abulfazal.
9 reviews6 followers
April 27, 2024
My brother/میرا بھائی

The book is an excellent and short biography written by Fatimah Jinnah about her brother MuhammadAli Jinnahbhai the father and first governor-general of pakistan.
Although the book only cover’s jinnah’s childhood, student life and final years, but due to them being so much unique and beneficial for the reader to know and learn about makes the book an important read. The book easily makes the reader realizes what attributes were found in MuhammadAli JinnahBhai that made him Quaid-e-Azam.

Truly a beautiful read it was!
Must recommend to everyone!
Profile Image for جبرئیل.
64 reviews20 followers
April 3, 2024
Damn. What a read!

This is a version of Muhammadalli Jinnahbhai’s biography, from the perspective of Fatima Jinnah.
This book deals with the personality and emotions of Quaid. How he grew up, his stories of courage, failure, fights, breakdowns and struggles. A phenomenal inspiration. It gives tidbits on how Muhammadali became Quaid. What made him a leader, what aspects of his childhood set the path for him. What were the traits that we must inculcate in ourselves to takeover the world.
I read its urdu version on a paperback, and damn, i learned a many words.


This was a great read!
Profile Image for Huda Shahid .
45 reviews3 followers
March 5, 2020
Quaid-e-Azam is the father of our nation and while discussing his achievements we forget the sacrifices he did for achieving his Goal. How his health deteriorate and how difficult it was for his sister. This book make us realize all that and give us insight in his personal and professional life before going into politics. I myself am a law student and was losing my perspective but now I know with hard work I can achieve anything.
Its a must read for anyone and everyone
Profile Image for Akasious.
Author 3 books9 followers
December 25, 2018
My Brother is a biography of Quaid E Azam Muhammad Ali jinnah by Fatima Jinnah his younger sister and perhaps “My brother” was the last extraordinary favor that affectionate, supportive and patronizing sister could give to her beloved brother after his demise.
It was when you are a book lover and you have read many biographies , many writers , and a lot much from the history but you certainly realize you have skipped someone Like Muhammad Ali Jinnah a great leader in the history , the founder of Pakistan .Though there are many books on that remarkable individual but obviously no one could ever see him by the pair of eyes by which Fatima Jinnah being one of his sibling had seen him all through her life from child hood , through the youth , through the struggle of Pakistan , through the last days of his life , through the ailment that was the ultimate reason of his death, the very last day of his life 11sep, 1948 and the last words every thing about the leader in the history if one needs a true narrator and an exceptionally authentic source for it all one should go for My Brother by Fatima Jinnah.
The narration style is so heart touching that literally at some pages tears rolled down my face .
What a start she takes when she says, “When I see the mausoleum in Karachi going upward inch by inch to shelter the mortal remains of my brother.”
And as I turned leaf by leaf of this piece of writing feeling of motivation , and sorrow accompanied me side by side .
I got motivated at points where Miss Fatima begged his brother not to work for such long hours and to give up for some time but he would rather reply “Have you heard of a General take a holiday, when his army is fighting for its very survival on a battle field?”
On the other hand I felt overwhelmed with sorrow when at end of first chapter “A nation is orphaned” I went through those words:
“Fatii , Khuda Hafiz………. La Illaha Il ALLah….. Mohammad…..Rasul….Allah”
“Col. Ilahi Bux walked on heavy feets towards me, put his right palm over my sholder,and wept like a child those tears without voice or words conveyed to me the fatal news”
There are words and lines in it that are literally pathetic when understood by a common person why would tears not wet anyone’s cheeks if he has a beating heart?
“Scores of flies buzzed arround his face, and his hands have lost strength to raise themselves to ward of their attack”
“waiting for another ambulance to come, every minute an eternity of agony”
“Quaid,who had given them a homeland, was in his midst lying helpless in an ambulance that had run out of petrol”
As the first chapter, “A nation is orphaned” ends I was introduced to the child hood of great leader ever born in the history of Indo-Pak.
Then chapter after chapter it wasn’t a book that was ending but I realized a common name was rising up to a great leader in the history .
How he got to Lincoln’s In , how he opted to be a barrister other than a businessman as it was his father’s wish for his enthusiastic son to be a business man and then how he dremed to alter the map of world and so he realized his dream into reality.
The most beautiful aspect of the book is Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s habits , his youth and very little things that we can’t find in any other piece of writing for Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

On the other hand
The most awful aspect of this book is that after being written it remained unpublished for years and was published after Fatima Jinnah’s demise and still if listed is not a book which has a great number of readers specially in youngsters the reason of that inpopularity probably lies in the fact that this book contains so many bitter realities that any one who reads it specifically if the reader is Pakistani he finds himself drowing in the sea of embarrasment because it contains the worst kind of bitter realities and yes, reality is never in favor of you , it’s always bitter but I must say this is neither a favor nor a symbol of affection by Fatima Jinnah for her brother but it’s the truth being revealed by Madir E milut to her nation a truth that contains every thing but nither lies nor falsehoods of which this piece of writing was accused in the first place for not being published so long.
Highly recommended.
_Akasious
Profile Image for رات کی رانی.
176 reviews13 followers
August 27, 2020
"My Brother" is a biography of Great leader and founder of Pakistan "Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah". It is written by his sister Fatimah Jinnah who was also an active member of Pakistan movement. She devoted her life for her brother and for Pakistan.

📝This book should be read by each and every Pakistani so that they get to know the real struggle behind this state.

📝This was an awesome book. I got to know about it recently that there is a book written by Fatimah Jinnah about Quaid-e-Azam.So I gave it a read.

💚It is a short book of 100 pages.The book deals with early years of Quaid-e-Azam and his last seven years when struggle for Pakistan was at its peak.At that time, he didn't cared about his health, the only care he has was that of Muslims of subcontinent which caused serious health problems for him later.

💚Our leader was great from his childhood. He was supposed to be a businessman to assist his father but fate turned him to be a lawyer which in turn changed the fate of Muslims and changed the geopolitical history .

💚He took interest in politics of that time and do comprehensive study of politics, current affairs and leaders of world. He has done a lot of hard work. He just doesn't turned to be a leader .

💚When Quaid-e-Azam was ill in his last days,he was in ambulance, ambulance engine breakdown was caused on its way.There are always traitors in one's country. The damage caused by a traitor is great than that caused by enemy. It was the work of that traitor.

💚There are great lessons from his life which we needed to learn from his life. It proved to be thought provoking to me. I recommend it to everyone.
Profile Image for Mehwish.
306 reviews102 followers
November 7, 2015
A glimpse into the early days, struggling days and last days of the founder of our Nation, the Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah by none other than his own sister Fatima Jinnah.
Profile Image for Abdul.
14 reviews4 followers
May 9, 2021
A short biography mainly focusing on the political aspirations of Quaid and his struggles for Pakistan especially in the last decade of his life (1938-1948) when according to Fatima Jinnah “The task of steering the ship of Pakistan’s destiny to a safe harbor fell to his hands that were worn out with work”.

Fatima Jinnah (1893-1967) decided to write this book after the publication of Hector Bolitho’s infamous Jinnah in 1954. The book was co-authored by Ghulam Ali Allana (1906-1985) and written sometime around 1963-64. Later both the authors Ms. Jinnah and Mr. Allana parted ways for unsaid reasons when Ms. Jinnah decided to contest election against field marshal Ayub Khan in 1964.

This short biography contains three chapters (God knows what has been omitted out of the book, I felt at several points that something was missing or breaking the sequence). First chapter is about the weak physical health and Quaid’s devotion to work even when he knew it wasn’t good for his life, second chapter is about family background of Mr. Jinnah and early life of Quaid-i-Azam and his marriage to Emibai, third chapter deals with his early four years in London (1892-1896) where in 1895, at age 19, he became the youngest Indian to be called to the bar in England.

Quite an impressive and emotional read. Great work by an affectionate and supportive sister for her brother.
Loved reading it, you don’t want to take a pause once you start it.
A must read for everyone.
Profile Image for Bilal.
21 reviews
June 5, 2021
This book by Madar-e-Millat Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah is an authentic biography of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. This book has three parts:

1) A Nation is Orphaned: In this she tells us the last days of Quaid-e-Azam's life, his illness and the treatment he was receiving and also describes his final moments emotionally

2) From Kathiawar to Karachi: In this part she tells us her and Quaid's family background, briefly about her father Poonja Jinnah and Quaid's life from his birth till his departure to England

3) A Businessman becomes a Barrister: In this part she gives an account of Quaid-e-Azam's life in England his journey from working in Graham's company till his becoming of a Barrister from Lincoln's Inn and his practice as a Barrister in Bombay.

In short this is one of the authentic books to read about Quaid-e-Azam's life it is highly recommended. It is also available in Urdu as well!!!
Profile Image for Pakeeza.
9 reviews1 follower
September 4, 2021
Not a masterpiece, but nudges deep into conscience of the reader, inspiring an awe for adamant principles and integrity of the Founder of nation. His dedication and perseverance, particularly in struggling at all fronts all the while dragging poor health along, until it all comes to a halt, remain astounding.
God bless our Quaid with eternal peace.
Profile Image for Ali Hassan.
447 reviews28 followers
March 7, 2020
"My Brother" is an account of Quaid-e-Azam's, the founder of Pakistan, last days. It covers his sayings and his thoughts about the newly born country. Fatima Jinnah, the author of this book, was his sister who spent her life with him, particularly during last twenty years of Jinnah's life she lived with him every second.

The book is full of enthusiasm and courage for an individual and a nation as well. It infuses much power and strength in the readers. While reading this I was feeling proud that I belong to a nation whose leader was so adamant and full of energy that he never felt weakness nor he ever lost his hope in the wake of gigantic challenges he was confronting with.

Besides all the power and enthusiasm I get from this book, one thing is disappointing and heartening, even it produces tears in my eyes, and that is the portion of book in which she describes last moment of Jinnah's life. How our great leader was laying helpless and how much agony he had to bear when he was breathing his last. Fatima Jinnah's way of narrating those events yet fill more grief in it that one can't stop his tears.

Moreover, It also raises many questions. For instance, the apathetic attitude of doctors towards Mr. Jinnah and more importantly the preparation done by officials who were supposed to receive him when his plane landed in Mauripor airport. How was it possible that the ambulance's petrol runt out so quickly even when it hadn't traveled more than four miles? Why the ambulance was moving slowly and why did cars of other officials not remain behind the ambulance, after all the ambulance was carrying governor general? Fatima Jinnah and a sister named Dunham were in the same ambulance whereas, a vehicle was following the ambulance in which Dr. Ilahi Bax, Dr. Mistry and the military secretary general Geoffrey Knowles were sitting but they did nothing while the new ambulance took an hour to reach at that place. These and much more questions erupt in mind and ask a reader could a leader have fate deplorable to that level Mr. Jinnah had?

However, one thing is obvious, Quaid-e-Azam was a great leader who never bowed before hardships of life and the challenges he faced while getting a free homeland for his nation. He had a restless spirit and served the muslims of sub continent and later on of Pakistan to an unprecedented level.
Profile Image for Mufti.
34 reviews
September 3, 2023
8/10

An oddly intimate look at a man who often appeared cold and stoic to the world outside. Indispensable resource for anyone interested in seeing Iqbal's teachings manifest in the flesh in a narrative that is profoundly moving despite being little more than an unfinished collection of biographical data.
Profile Image for Saad Din.
125 reviews8 followers
Read
January 5, 2018
quiet informative book on the early days and the last days of Jinnah
Profile Image for Prabhat  sharma.
1,549 reviews23 followers
January 1, 2019
My brother by Fatima Jinnah- Fatima Jinnah was the youngest of children in the family and the youngsest sister of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. She took a dental degree from Dr R Ahmed Dental College, Calcutta from 1919 to 1923. She opened a dental clinic in Bombay in 1923. She lived with her brother up to 1918, when (M A Jinnah) he was married to Lady Rattanbai Petit. After Rattanbai’s death in February, 1929, she lived with her brother. It is a three chapter Book along with annesxres. In the first chapter, the Nation is orphaned; she has narrated the story of his life and activities of the Indian Muslim League from 1934 to 1948. Elections under the 1935 Constitution and his efforts to travel round the country and meet voters, deliver speeches in favour of candidates. He did not rest and sincerely did his duty in the Central Assembly as a member. The demand for a separate Muslim State was ultimately accepted by the Congress and by the British. After partition alos she has been his companion and has never left his side. Mr Jinnah had a frail constitution with a weak body. He smoked a lot. He was suffering from Pluresy, hamorrage. In his weak condition, Jinnah accepted invitation to inaugural programmes relating to establishment of Treasury and other duties of a Governor- General.
In the Second Chapter, From Kathiawar to Karachi She has mentioned about her family from Ismaili Khoja in village Paneli in Gondal Princely State. Quote from the book about her grandrather’s Poonja
‘s family- “He had three sons, Vaiji, Nathoo and Jihhan, the last named being his youngest son and a daughter Manbai. Jinnah was more dynamic and ambitious than his elder brothers and was born around 1856, the historic year of the first Indian Rebellion.”Her grandfather owned handlooms and worked with hired workers. As there was little business opportunity in Paneli, his grandfather gave money to his son to go out of Paneli for business. He tried for business in Gondal where he was married to Meethibai from Daffa around 1874. His trade flourished and he moved to Karachi. Her father had established Jinnah Pooja & Co which acted as Banker to transactions on the port of Karachi for goods which were sent to Balcuhistan, Sind and Punjab. Her father learnt English and became friends with General Manager of Grahams Trading Company. Her brother was born here. Quote form the book- “There arose the question of naming the child. So far, living ni Kathiawar, names of the male members of our family had been so much akin to Hindu names. But Sing was a Muslim Provincee and the children of their neighbours had Muslim names.The two were agrred that Mohammad Ali would be an auspicious name for the first born and this was teh name they gave him. My mother was intensely fond of Mohammad Ali and inspire to the fact that six other children wer born to her, she continued to the end of her life to look upon Mohammad Ali as her favourite child. Rahemat, Maryani, Ahmed Ali, Shireen, Fatima and Bundeh Ali were to be her other children, in all, three sons and four daughters”. Here her brother and other 6 siblings named above were born. He was taught Gujrati language at home by a tutor. At home they spoke Gujarati, Kutchis and Sindhi also. At he age of 9, Jinnah was admitted to a primary school. Here after some time, he didnot like and started working as his father’s assistant in his shop office. Later he opted to go to school but he did not do well at Mathematics, his father admitted him to a school far from the house at Newnham Road. Here he did not qualify class IV so he was sent to Bombay with his Bua Manbai who got him admitted to Anjuman-e-Islam School. He passed Class IV Gujrati and thus was qualified to be admitted to to Class I English. He was brought back to Karachi and admitted to Sind Madarsah on 23-12-1897. While he was in Class IV he joined CMS High School Lawrence Road but he did not like it and returned to Sind Madarsah. General Manager of Grahams & Company advised his father to send Jinnah as an apprentice of Grahams & Co to London for 3 years. His father deposited the money required with Grahams & Co. On 30-09-1892 he was married to Emi Bai of Paneli. He was in Class V. Chapter III is about his journey to London by ship at the age of 16. He started working as an apprentice with Grahams Shipping and Trading Co. The same year he found an opportunity to appear at the Bar examination and join one of the Inns of Court. He left apprenticeship and prepared for the entrance exam, qualified, paid fees and joined Loncoln’s Inn. When his father learnt that his son has joined Inns of Court and he would take another three years to qualify as Barrister and stay in London for 3 more years, he asked him to return. He pleaded with his father to allow him to complete his studies in the allowance he had provided. In Karachi, his wife Emi Bai expired. His mother expired in child birth. His father suffered reverse in business. At London Jinnah obtained a reader’s ticket for British Muesum. He listened to speeches in Hype Park on Sundays and visited the Parliament where he heard speeches by Mr Gladstone, Lord Morley, Mr Joseph Chamberlain, Mx Balfour, T P O’Connor.At the age of 18 years, he qualified Lincoln’s Inn exam in 2 years. He waited in London to get a cap and gown and to attend to the prescribed number of dinners at the Inn. When Dadabhai Naoroji contested election for House of Commons from Central Finsbury Constituency he worked for his election campaign. He completed the formality of attending the dinners of Lincoln’s Inn and departed after about three and a half years stay for Karachi with a plan to work in Bombay. Here he met his family and mourned for his mother. His father informed that the financial position was bad. A few cases had been filed against them. His father wished that he should practice at Karachi but Jinnah stayed firm and moved to Bombay. First he stayed in Appolo Hotel. He got his name enrolled in Bombay High Court. For three years he tried to get work by moving in prospective places in the evening but to no avail. One of his social circle friends introduced him to Mr Mac Pherson who was Advocate General who asked him to join the Chamber and use his library. He was introduced to Sir Charles Olivant who was member incharge of judicial department. Thus he got an appointment as a temporary Presidency Magistrate. After completing his term, he resigned and got many cases to contest. He shifted from Apolo Hotel to a chamber in Apolo Bunder. He called his father and family to Bombay. He rented a two room house in Khoja Mohalla at Khadak for them. His practice developed well. What I learn from this Book is that an opportunity to be called a turning point in life whether to appear for an exam to become a member of the Inns of Court or to continue as an apprentice of a Company arose. Jinnah chose more difficult but bright future option and his struggle was fruitful. Second for three years he did not get much legal work but he persisted. He worked as a temporary Magistrate and on completing the term started legal practice. It is quite an inspiring book.
Profile Image for Izhar Hussain.
58 reviews4 followers
July 25, 2025
I picked up "My Brother" because I’d heard it was banned in Pakistan for years, and that alone made me curious. Written by Miss Fatima Jinnah, the sister and closest companion of Quaid-e-Azam, I hoped this book would finally reveal the untold truth about Jinnah’s death, his personal life, and what really went on behind the scenes. But honestly, it felt like I was reading a censored version, one that carefully avoided saying too much. We already knew about the ambulance delay and how abandoned he was in his last hours, but the book gave no deeper insight into why it happened or who was responsible.

Still, I won’t lie, some parts were incredibly emotional. The first chapter, A Nation is Orphaned, left me in tears. The way she describes those final moments, the helplessness, the eerie silence, it hit hard. There’s a quote I can’t get out of my head:
“Scores of flies buzzed around his face, and his hands had lost the strength to raise themselves to ward off their attack.”

That image alone says everything about how forgotten he was in the end.

The book briefly covers his childhood, his years in England, his legal career, and ends rather suddenly. I wish there was more. I wish Fatima Jinnah had gotten the chance, or the freedom, to write the full story. But maybe that’s why it was banned. Maybe the truth was too much.

Reading this didn’t just deepen my respect for Quaid, it left me with questions. Big ones. And a hope that someday, we’ll get to read the real version of this book. Until then, "My Brother" is still a powerful, if incomplete, glimpse into the life of the man who gave us Pakistan, and the sister who stood by him through it all.

A short, emotional read. And honestly, a must for every Pakistani.
Profile Image for Muhammad Ammar.
3 reviews
May 7, 2025
My review!

Fatima Jinnah’s *My Brother* is a heartfelt and intimate biography of Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, offering a rare glimpse into his personal life, struggles, and unwavering dedication to his nation. Written with deep affection and respect, the book captures Jinnah’s resilience, discipline, and visionary leadership. Fatima, his closest confidante, provides touching anecdotes about his early years, his legal career, and his political journey, revealing the man behind the public figure.

The narrative is rich with historical details, from Jinnah’s childhood in Karachi to his studies in London and his rise as a barrister. Fatima highlights his sacrifices, health struggles, and relentless work ethic, especially during the tumultuous years of the Pakistan Movement. Her account humanizes Jinnah, showing his warmth, humor, and profound sense of duty.

The book also sheds light on the emotional toll of his political battles and his final days, making it a poignant tribute. While it reflects Fatima’s personal perspective, it remains an invaluable historical document, offering insights into Jinnah’s character and ideals. *My Brother* is essential reading for anyone interested in South Asian history, leadership, and the making of Pakistan.
48 reviews
April 19, 2021
Elegantly written. It has allowed me to gain an appreciation for how Quaid-e-Azam may have been seen by those around him.

Being in three sections, with the first being his struggle for Pakistan, I worried the tension would have been lost after the first. Fortunately I found it to be well-sustained throughout. There is little filler, just succinctly written prose that provokes other thoughts.

Unfortunately, the book was not completed before Fatima’s death, so the ending is quite abrupt. I would have perhaps liked to know more about his other five siblings that are scarcely mentioned, but it is his biography and from what I understand he was very busy so perhaps they were not very relevant. Another thing I would like to note is that it covers quite little of his life. There is not much about his rise within the Muslim League or his personal life between his early adulthood and his late adulthood, but there are other biographies and those could be enlightening.

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about his early life, his rise to power, some of the struggles he faced and unusual occurrences, including his ambulance running out of petrol.
2 reviews
January 30, 2021
Book Review of "My Brother" by Fatima Jinnah.

Born in a Business Family,Quaid e Azam was the eldermost among his siblings, an average pupil in academic studies who tried hard for his survival in academic life. Starting as an apprentice in London's High Commission he came to know about his leadership qualities and ended up being a Barrister.
A highly self motivated leader who started his journey in United India with many ups and downs for the Creation of a separate homeland for muslims, he was the beacon of light for muslim population of United India.
His political career mainly folds around last eight years of his life. Weak and ill health of Quaid didn't stop him from his ambition and he continued his campaign and struggle with full zeal. On Continued pleading by her Sister Fatima Jinnah to look upon his health he replied, "Have you ever heard a General take a holiday when his army is fighting for its very survival on Battlefield".
Profile Image for Muneeb Khan Afridi.
2 reviews
January 24, 2025
As a Pakistani, I have grown up reading or listening about the man who was the founder of Pakistan: the great, Quaid - e - Azam with little known about Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

This book perfectly describes all aspects of his life: early childhood, struggles, and the end.

The start: describes his political addresses with sketching his illness alongside his hardworking nature and how it led to shape his health.

The mid part: illustrates his birth and early childhood and how he was as the child.

The last part: tells actually his struggles in his early career and how he became the barrister alongside his family journey.

This book is an absolute read for everyone who wants to understand who was the actual 'Muhammad Ali Jinnah'
Profile Image for Kashif Nasir.
Author 2 books9 followers
December 3, 2017
why aren't our kids reading this book in schools ? This is one of the best books on Jinnah, It paints a realistic image of Jinnah, Fatima doesn't shows Jinnah as some demi god , but a great human being, she shows his weaknesses and struggles and how his character developed over time, this book changes your perception of Jinnah forever, Jinnah's strong will power , his commitment, his sacrifices and his love for Pakistan , bravo , bravo superb
Profile Image for Malin Näfstadius.
209 reviews21 followers
April 20, 2018
It gives a rather good insight into Jinnah's personality and the things that formed him in his childhood and youth. However in the chapter about his final months, Fatima obsesses so much about his health that it's almost impossible to see the Jinnah underneath all her attempts at making him rest. Much as I understand her love and care for him, it becomes more of a sick-journal about his fever charts and the beds he moved between, rather than the drive that spurred his soul.
Profile Image for Hafiz Maaz.
7 reviews2 followers
January 4, 2022
Written by Fatima Jinnah, this book is an excellent outlook on Quaid's private life.
The books are divided into three sections:
1. Quaid's last days
2. Quaid's childhood
3. Quaid's days in England and as a young barrister

The first part of the book is amazing and reflects the devotion, dedication and hard work of Quaid. It shows the struggle for Pakistan and gives a detailed account of Quaid's last days.

A good short read indeed.
5 reviews
October 22, 2023
Was such a good experience, to read this book on Quaid's life by his sisters. The way Fatima Jinnah portrait Quaid's life was really a good one. No Doubt, if Fatima's life give her a chance to complete that biography, then it would be a magnus opus on Quaid's life. The explanation was just simple, brisk, comprehensive and crystal clear. Anyone who is interested in Quaid's life must read this book.
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