Ranchi::In the history of India, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan (1817–1898) stands out as the visionary who ignited the flame of modern education and social reform among Indian Muslims. A judge, teacher, writer, and social reformer, Sir Syed dedicated his life to the intellectual and moral upliftment of his community. He inspired Muslims to embrace reason, science, and education while staying rooted in faith.
Turning Point: The Revolt of 1857
Born in Delhi into a family associated with the Mughal court, Sir Syed received traditional Islamic education while also understanding the changing realities of British rule.After the Revolt of 1857, when Muslims faced political and social decline, he realized the urgent need for change in thought and lifestyle.
In his famous book “Asbab-e-Baghawat-e-Hind” (The Causes of the Indian Revolt), he argued that the uprising was the result of British misrule, not any conspiracy. The book reflected his courage, realism, and reformist outlook.
Educational Reforms and the Aligarh Movement
Sir Syed believed that education was the foundation of progress. He opened schools in Moradabad (1858) and Ghazipur (1863) to promote modern learning.
In 1863, he founded the Scientific Society, aimed at translating English books and scientific knowledge into Indian languages.
During his 1869–70 visit to England, Sir Syed was deeply inspired by Oxford and Cambridge Universities. On returning, he established the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College (MAO College) in 1875 — which later became the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).
In 1886, he founded the All India Muhammadan Educational Conference, which spread awareness about education and became a national platform for Muslim intellectual awakening.
A Writer Who Sparked Social Awareness
Sir Syed used his pen as a tool for reform. His book “Asar-us-Sanadid” was a pioneering study on the historical monuments of Delhi.
In his unfinished work “Tafsir-ul-Quran”, he emphasized that “the Word of God (the Quran) and the Work of God (the laws of nature)” can never contradict each other.
Through his journal “Tahzib-ul-Akhlaq”, he initiated open discussions on social issues such as women’s education, marriage, and modern thought — topics rarely discussed in his time.
Champion of Islamic Modernism and Rationalism
Sir Syed firmly believed that faith and reason could coexist. His famous saying still resonates today —
“A true Muslim should hold the Quran in one hand and science in the other.”
He accepted scientific theories, including Darwin’s ideas, as compatible with Islam. To him, religion and science were not in conflict but two paths leading to truth and enlightenment.
Political Vision and Influence
Initially, Sir Syed advocated Hindu–Muslim unity. However, after the 1867 Hindi–Urdu controversy, he realized that the two communities had different political interests.
He advised Muslims to focus first on education and economic empowerment before engaging in politics.
He discouraged Muslims from joining the Indian National Congress, arguing that their voice would be marginalized there. His political foresight later laid the intellectual groundwork for the Two-Nation Theory.
The Aligarh Movement not only transformed Indian Muslims but also inspired educational and intellectual reform movements across the Muslim world.
As poet-philosopher Dr. Muhammad Iqbal once said:
“The true greatness of Sir Syed lies in the fact that he realized the need to reinterpret Islam in the light of modern thought.”
Resistance and Struggle
Sir Syed’s modern ideas faced fierce opposition from conservative clerics.
Many ulema branded him a “kafir” (infidel) or “mulhid” (heretic); even fatwas were issued against him from Mecca and Medina.
He challenged literal interpretations of miracles, questioned traditional notions of angels and jinn, and reexamined the prohibition of interest — earning him the label of a “naturalist.”
Institutions like Darul Uloom Deoband and orthodox scholars opposed his college, fearing that English education would erode Islamic identity.In reality, his reforms threatened the monopoly of religious authorities over Muslim thought.
A Revolutionary Legacy
Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s life remains a beacon of courage, reform, and vision.
At a time when society was steeped in superstition and stagnation, he opened the path of knowledge, science, and reason for the Muslim community.
His message continues to be timeless:
“Adopt science, education, and reason — but keep your faith firmly rooted.”
Sir Syed gave Muslims a new intellectual identity and secured an immortal place for himself in the history of modern India.
(Author Tanweer Ahmad)
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