Every society throughout history has been fortunate to have dedicated visionaries who have significantly contributed to upliftment and improvement, particularly through education and religious tolerance. One such revered figure in the Muslim community is Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. Born on 17th October 1817 in Delhi, his birth anniversary is now celebrated as Sir Syed Day. Sir Syed Ahmad Khan was a progressive Indian scholar and reformer. His father, Syed Mohammad Muttaqui, and mother, Azizunnisa Begum, provided the foundation for his upbringing. Sir Syed and MaulanaQasimNanotwi, the founders of DarulUloomDeoband, received education together in Delhi under the guidance of MaulanaMamlook Ali. Additionally, Sir Syed’s family had a strong connection with the Mughal Empire, including Emperor Akbar, who bestowed the title of “raja” upon Ram Mohan Roy, and the second-to-last Mughal ruler, Bahadur Shah Zafar. Growing up in a household steeped in Mughal traditions, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan pursued a diverse range of studies. He acquired proficiency in Persian, Arabic, mathematics, medicine, and literature. Furthermore, he mastered the Holy Quran, having received instruction from a female teacher during the early 19th century. Tragically, financial difficulties arose following the death of Sir Syed father, which led to the discontinuation of his formal education. However, he continued to pursue knowledge through private study. Despite being offered a position at the Mughal court, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan declined the opportunity. During his career, Sir Syed also worked for a weekly newspaper called “Syed-ul-Akbar,” which was founded by his elder brother. This newspaper, one of the earliest Urdu publications in North India, played a significant role in disseminating information and promoting intellectual discourse. Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s contributions to society went far beyond his personal achievements. His efforts to promote education and religious harmony have left an indelible mark on Indian history, making him a highly respected figure in the Muslim community and beyond. In 1838, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan joined the East India Company as a Clarke, and in 1841, he qualified as a sub judge. He served in various locations within the judicial department, marking an important phase in his life. However, a significant milestone in his life came during the rebellion of 1857, also known as the Indian Mutiny. Despite the widespread resistance against British rule, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan remained loyal to the British crown and the British East India Company. This unwavering allegiance to the British government is an important aspect of his legacy. In 1869, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan visited England, and upon retiring from the army in 1876, he was nominated as an additional member of the imperial legislative council. Following his retirement, he resided in Aligarh until 1883. From 1887 to 1893, he served two terms in the legislative council of the lieutenant governor of the North West province, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to public service. Tragically, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan passed away on March 27, 1898, in Aligarh. Now, let’s delve into some of the significant events in his life, starting with the impact of the 1857 rebellion on Muslims and Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s role. The enlistment of Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor, led to the initial portrayal of the revolt as a Muslim conspiracy, causing tensions between Muslims and the British. Recognizing the need to rebuild trust between Muslims and the British government, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan advocated for renewed engagement and cooperation.
“Aligarh Movement University was not initiated merely to provide education for job opportunities, but to nurture successive generations of young individuals who could serve as exemplary role models for their community. This would be achieved by instilling values, a spirit of progress, and a determination for the comprehensive betterment of the beleaguered Muslim community. His educational system emphasized not only the academic curriculum but also encompassed social etiquette, table manners, sports, religious aspects and moral standards”.
To gain the favor of the British, he wrote works such as “RisalaKhairKharwan-e-Musalmann-e-Hind” or “The Loyal Muhammadans of India.” These writings aimed to highlight the causes of the Indian revolt while providing a historical account of the events in Bijnor. In 1866, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan established the British Association in Aligarh for the north-western province. The association served as a platform to voice the grievances of Muslims to the British authorities. Moreover, he is renowned for his pivotal role in the Aligarh Movement, which aimed to transform the relationship between the Muslim community and the English. His focus was on fostering social and economic progress among Muslims. The Aligarh Movement advocated for the promotion of Western education while instilling a sense of loyalty among Muslims. Sir Syed Ahmad Khan believed that Muslims should refrain from direct involvement in politics. Among his followers were notable individuals such as Chirag Ali, AltafHussainHali, Nazir Ahmad, and MolanaShibliNomani. Sir Syed Ahmad Khan consistently sought to bridge Western ideas with Islamic principles. He rejected backward traditions and embraced modern scientific ideas. His approach involved interpreting the Quran through a scientific lens, criticizing narrow-mindedness, rationalizing Islamic scriptures, and cautioning against fanaticism. He encouraged students to adopt a broadminded outlook and rejected religious bigotry. Orthodox Muslim scholars declared him a heretic (kafir). His practical morality revolved around the belief that all religions share common principles, and he opposed religious intolerance. He also criticized the practice of polygamy and early divorce associated with the PiriMuridi system. In addition, he established the magazine “TahzeebulAkhlaq” to promote moral values and manners. Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s multifaceted contributions encompassed education, social reform, and fostering understanding between different cultures and traditions. His ideas and initiatives continue to influence and shape the intellectual and social landscape of India. Sir Syed Ahmad Khan firmly believed that the progress of Muslim society hinged upon embracing Western education and science. He recognized the importance of pragmatism, modernism, and moral education in shaping the future of Indian Muslims. Sir Syed is revered as a trailblazer who dedicated himself to the social, political, and educational advancement of the Muslim community in India. Aligarh Movement University was not initiated merely to provide education for job opportunities, but to nurture successive generations of young individuals who could serve as exemplary role models for their community. This would be achieved by instilling values, a spirit of progress, and a determination for the comprehensive betterment of the beleaguered Muslim community. His educational system emphasized not only the academic curriculum but also encompassed social etiquette, table manners, sports, religious aspects and moral standards. The establishment of the Siddons Debating Club (later known as the AMU Students Union) was aimed at cultivating leadership skills. A strong emphasis was placed on discipline, with strict adherence to designated schedules for sleeping, waking up, meals, and sporting activities. Students were required to adhere to prescribed norms for immaculate dressing, while smoking and betel chewing were strictly prohibited. The use of abusive language and unbecoming conduct was forbidden. These principles are a part of the rich history of MAO College, as detailed in the book authored by S.K. Bhatnager. Let us all, including students, teachers, alumni, and all other stakeholders, take a moment to reflect on and examine our own behavior as members of the Aligarh community.
(The author is presently a Lecturer at Government Degree College for Women Baramulla. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”.)
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