Introduction of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan

 

Sir syed Ahmed khan

Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, one of the architects of modern India was born on October 17, 1817, in Delhi and started his career as a civil servant. 

The 1857 revolt was one of the turning points in Syed Ahmed's life. He clearly foresaw the imperative need for the Muslims to acquire proficiency in the English language and modern sciences, if the community were to maintain its social and political clout, particularly in Northern India.

He was one of those early pioneers who recognized the critical role of education in the empowerment of the poor and backward Muslim community. In more than one ways, Sir Syed was one of the greatest social reformers and a great national builder of modern India. He began to prepare the road map for the formation of a Muslim University by starting various schools. He instituted Scientific Society in 1863 to instill a scientific temperament into the Muslims and to make the Western knowledge available to Indians in their own language.

The Aligarh Institute Gazette, an organ of the Scientific Society, was launched in March 1866 and succeeded in agitating the minds in the traditional Muslim society. Anyone with a poor level of commitment would have backed off in the face of strong opposition but Sir Syed responded by bringing out another journal, Tehzibul Akhlaq which was rightly named in English as 'Mohammedan Social Reformer'

He founded Ali Garh university

On 24 May 1875, Sir Syed founded the Madarsatul Uloom in Aligarh and patterned the MAO College after Oxford and Cambridge universities that he went on a trip to London. His objective was to build a college in line with the British education system but without compromising its Islamic values.

He wanted this College to act as a bridge between the old and the new, the East and the West. While he fully appreciated the need and urgency of imparting instruction based on Western learning, he was not oblivious to the value of oriental learning and wanted to preserve and transmit to posterity the rich legacy of the past. Dr. Sir Mohammad Iqbal observes: "The real greatness of Sir Syed consists in the fact that he was the first Indian Muslim who felt the need of a fresh orientation of Islam and worked for it -- his sensitive nature was the first to react to modern age".

The aim of Sir Syed was not merely restricted to establishing a college at Aligarh but at spreading a network of Muslim Managed educational institutions throughout the length and breadth of the country keeping in view this end, he instituted All India Muslim Educational Conference that revived the spirit of Muslims at the national level. The Aligarh Movement motivated Muslims to help open a number of educational institutions. It was the first of its kind of such Muslim NGO in India, which awakened the Muslims from their deep slumber and infused social and political sensibility into them.

Sir Syed contributed many essential elements to the development of the modern society of the subcontinent. During Sir Syed's own lifetime, 'The Englishman', a renowned British magazine of the 19th century remarked in a commentary on November 17, 1885: 'Sir Syed's life "strikingly illustrated one of the best phases of modern history". He died on March 27, 1898, and lies buried next to the main mosque at AMU.

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan's Services For Pakistan:

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, although never directly involved in the creation of Pakistan, is considered one of its founding fathers due to his immense contributions to Muslim education, social reform, and political thought in British India, which laid the groundwork for the Pakistan Movement. Here are some of his key services:

Championing Modern Education:

• Founded the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU): Established in 1875, AMU was the first Muslim university in South Asia and became a beacon of modern education for Muslims. It offered Western-style curriculum alongside Islamic studies, fostering a generation of educated Muslims who could compete in the British Raj.
• Promoted English language learning: Recognizing the importance of English in the colonial administration and education system, Sir Syed encouraged Muslims to learn it. This helped bridge the gap between Muslims and the British, and also equipped them with the necessary skills for professional advancement.
• Established a network of schools: He believed education was the key to upliftment and empowerment, and founded numerous schools across India, including the Victoria School in Ghazipur and the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College in Aligarh.

Social and Religious Reform:

• Advocated for a rational interpretation of Islam: He argued that Islamic teachings were compatible with reason and science, and encouraged Muslims to critically examine their religious beliefs. This helped counter extremist interpretations and promote a more moderate and progressive Islam.
• Opposed harmful social practices: He spoke out against practices like polygamy, child marriage, and purdah, advocating for social reforms based on Islamic principles and contemporary needs.
• Promoted Urdu as a unifying language: He saw Urdu as a vital tool for Muslim unity and cultural identity, and encouraged its use in education and literature.

Political Awakening:

• Urged Muslims to cooperate with the British Raj: He believed that cooperation would allow Muslims to gain political influence and improve their social and economic conditions. This policy, though controversial, helped Muslims gain a foothold in the British administration.
• Spoke against Hindu-Muslim conflict: He advocated for peaceful coexistence and interfaith dialogue, believing that conflict would only harm both communities.
• Planted the seeds of Muslim nationalism: While not advocating for a separate Muslim state, his emphasis on Muslim identity and political empowerment indirectly contributed to the rise of the Pakistan Movement.

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan's legacy

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan's contributions left a lasting impact on the Muslim community in the subcontinent. His educational reforms paved the way for the intellectual and professional advancement of Muslims, while his social and religious ideas challenged traditional interpretations and promoted a more progressive Islam. Though his political views were debated, his emphasis on Muslim unity and political awareness undoubtedly influenced the Pakistan Movement.

It's important to note that Sir Syed Ahmed Khan's views and actions are complex and have been subject to various interpretations. Some criticize his cooperation with the British, while others see it as a pragmatic strategy in a difficult situation. Regardless of these differing perspectives, his undeniable contribution to Muslim education, social reform, and political awakening continues to be recognized and celebrated in Pakistan and beyond.