وقت آں آمد کہ منعم گرامی * مجدد ملت ہو جسے کہتے ہیں”
(The time has come when the benevolent and gracious One sends a reformer, whom we call a Mujaddid).
Today, October 17th, marks the 208th birth anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, A towering figure in Indian history, who left an indelible mark on the socio-political & educational landscape of the subcontinent.
Born in 1817 in Delhi, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan was a descendant of a noble family. His early life was marked by a blend of traditional and modern education, which had a profound impact on his worldview. He was a brilliant student & mastered several languages, including Arabic, Persian & English. Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s life was a testament to his unwavering commitment to the cause of education and reform. He believed that the key to the progress of Muslims lay in modern education, which would enable them to compete with other communities. He was a strong advocate for women’s education and encouraged the adoption of Western sciences and technology. As he aptly said, “Take to the English language, take to the Western sciences, and take to religion, but take all these not as a parrot learns to repeat words, but take them as an independent thinker.”
The Aligarh Movement:
The Aligarh Movement, founded by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan in 1875, was a watershed moment in the history of Indian Muslims. The movement aimed to promote modern education among Muslims and to bridge the gap between the British government and the Muslim community. The establishment of the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College in Aligarh, which later became Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), was a landmark achievement of the movement. AMU became a hub of learning, fostering a new generation of thinkers, writers & leaders.
Literary Contributions:
Sir Syed Ahmad Khan was a prolific writer and thinker. His literary contributions include:
Asbāb-e-Baghāwat-e-Hind: A book that debunked the myths surrounding the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
Tafsir-ul-Quran: A commentary on the Quran, showcasing his deep understanding of Islamic theology.
Tahzib-ul-Akhlaq: A journal that promoted social reform and modernization.
As he wrote in Tahzib-ul-Akhlaq:
“اخلاق کو سدھارنے کی ضرورت ہے”
(Morality needs to be reformed)
Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s legacy extends far beyond his literary contributions. He was a visionary who: Fought for women’s education: He advocated for women’s rights and education, a rare stance in his time.
Promoted interfaith dialogue: He believed in the importance of dialogue between different faiths and cultures.
Inspired a generation: His ideas and vision inspired a generation of leaders, thinkers, and reformers.
As the famous Urdu couplet goes:
“کوئی پوچھے تو میرا نام سلیقہ ء ادب سے
کہیں ذکر آئے میرا اسی نام سے ہوگا”
(If someone asks about me, mention my name with etiquette and respect, so that my mention brings honor).
On his 208th birthday, We Aligs pay tribute to Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s remarkable life and achievements. His vision for a modern, educated, and progressive society remains relevant today. As we celebrate his legacy, let us strive to carry forward his mission, promoting education, reform, and social justice. As Sir Syed Ahmad Khan said, “Take advantage of the opportunities that life offers, and strive to make the most of them.”
Let us honor his legacy by working towards a brighter future for all.
Live Long AMU, Live Long Aligarh.
References
– “Sir Syed Ahmad Khan: A Study of His Life and Work” by Shan Muhammad
– “The Aligarh Movement: Historical and Social Perspective” by M. Mujeeb
This article is written by Nawaz Manzoor, the student of Aligarh Muslim University from the dept of Political Science. He can be reached at: nawazmanzoor71@gmail.com
