Syed Ahmed Khan | |
|---|---|
 Syed Ahmad Khan | |
| Born | 17 October 1817 |
| Died | 27 March 1898 (aged 80) |
| Other names | Sir Syed |
| Notable work | The Mohammadan Commentary on the Holy Quran (tafsir on Quran). |
| Children | Syed Mahmood |
| Relatives | Ross Masood (grandson) |
| Awards |  Star of India |
| Era | 19th-century |
| School | Islamic and Renaissance philosophy |
| Institutions | East India Company Indian Judicial Branch Aligarh Muslim University Punjab University Government College University |
Main interests | Pragmatism, metaphysics, language, aesthetics, Christianity and Islam |
Notable ideas | Two-nation theory, Muslim adoption of modernist ideas |
| Signature | |
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| Part of a series on |
| Aligarh Movement |
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Sir Syed Ahmad Khan KCSI, FRAS (17 October 1817 – 27 March 1898), also spelled Sayyid Ahmad Khan, was an Indian Muslim reformer,[1][2][3] philosopher, and educationist[4] in nineteenth-century British India.[5][6]
Though initially espousing Hindu–Muslim unity, he later became the pioneer of Muslim nationalism in India and is widely credited as the father of the two-nation theory, which formed the basis of the Pakistan movement.[1][7][8][9][10][11] Born into a family with strong ties to the Mughal court, Ahmad studied science and the Quran within the court. He was awarded an honorary LLD from the University of Edinburgh in 1889.[12][9][6]
In 1838, Syed Ahmad entered the service of East India Company and went on to become a judge at a Small Causes Court in 1867, retiring from this position in 1876. During the Indian Mutiny of 1857, he remained loyal to the British Raj and was noted for his actions in saving European lives.[1][2] After the rebellion, he penned the booklet The Causes of the Indian Mutiny – a daring critique, at the time, of various British policies that he blamed for causing the revolt. Believing that the future of Muslims was threatened by the rigidity of their orthodox outlook, Sir Ahmad began promoting Western–style scientific education by founding modern schools and journals and organizing Islamic entrepreneurs.[13] Victoria School at Ghazipur in 1863, and a scientific society for Muslims in 1864.[14] In 1875, founded the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College, the first Muslim university in Southern Asia.[15] During his career, Syed repeatedly called upon Muslims to loyally serve the British Raj and promoted the adoption of Urdu as the lingua franca of all Indian Muslims. Syed criticized the Indian National Congress.[1]
Sir Syed maintains a strong legacy in Pakistan and among Indian Muslims. He became a source of inspiration for the Pakistan Movement and its activists, including Allama Iqbal and Muhammad Ali Jinnah. His advocacy of Islam's rationalist tradition, and a broader, radical reinterpretation of the Quran to make it compatible with science and modernity, continues to influence the global Islamic reformation.[16] Many universities and public buildings in Pakistan bear Sir Syed's name.[17] Aligarh Muslim University celebrated Sir Syed's 200th birth centenary with much enthusiasm on 17 October 2017. Former President of India Pranab Mukherjee was the chief guest.[18][19]
- ^ a b c d Cite error: The named reference
britwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ a b Cyril Glasse (2001) The New Encyclopedia of Islam, Altamira Press
- ^ Encyclopedia of Islam and the Muslim World, Thomson Gale (2004)
- ^ "Ahmad Khan, Sayyid – Oxford Islamic Studies Online". www.oxfordislamicstudies.com. Archived from the original on 4 February 2021. Retrieved 30 January 2021.
- ^ "Misreading Sir Syed". The Indian Express. 17 October 2017. Archived from the original on 7 February 2019. Retrieved 4 February 2019.
- ^ a b "Two-nation theory: Aligarh boys remember Sir Syed Ahmed Khan". The Express Tribune newspaper. 19 October 2011. Archived from the original on 27 March 2019. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
- ^ Two Nation Theory, History, Features and Impacts, StudyIQ, 3 July 2023
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
Shiraliwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ a b "Beacon in the dark: Father of the two-nation theory remembered". The Express Tribune (newspaper). 27 October 2014. Archived from the original on 27 March 2019. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
Dawnwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Cite error: The named reference
Nationwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "Sir Syed Ahmad Khan-Man with a Great Vision". irfi.org website. Archived from the original on 29 October 2016. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
cybercitywas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Grad, Prospect (26 December 2022). "Aligarh Muslim University". GradProspect.com. Archived from the original on 26 December 2022. Retrieved 23 December 2022.
- ^ "Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, The greatest Muslim reformer and statesman of the 19th Century". Story of Pakistan website. 1 June 2003. Archived from the original on 12 September 2016. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
- ^ "Why Sir Syed loses and Allama Iqbal wins in Pakistan". The Express Tribune newspaper. 8 February 2013. Archived from the original on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
- ^ "'Commercialisation of Sir Syed's name': Court seeks input from city's top managers". The Express Tribune newspaper. 1 February 2012. Archived from the original on 11 April 2016. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
- ^ "Sir Syed Day: Why October 17 Is Important For AMU And Its Alumni". NDTV. 17 October 2017. Archived from the original on 17 October 2017. Retrieved 4 February 2024.
- ^ "Mukherjee calls for research at AMU celebration". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 28 October 2017. Retrieved 27 October 2017.