Context:

• This article is based on an Editorial “AMU pays rich tribute to its founder on ‘Sir Syed Day” which was published in the Times of India. Recently, the 206th birth anniversary  of Indian Muslim reformer “Sir Syed Ahmed Khan” was observed.

A Controversial Figure:  Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was criticized by both Muslims and Hindus

• Criticism by Muslims: He was criticized by the orthodox sections for his attempts for the modernization of Muslim community. He challenged the outdated customs and traditions through his magazine title “tahzeeb ul akhlaq”. 
• Criticism by Hindus: Initially, he was an advocate of Hindu Muslim Unity. However his ideas changed later on, it is believed that language controversy in UP has hurt Sir Syed Ahmed Khan.
  • Replacement of Urdu in Persian script by Hindi in Devanagari script as the official language of the province.
• He felt that differences between both communities are going to increase in future. Hence, it is better if they live as separate communities and he is also considered as the “Originator of two Indian Theory”.
• Sir Syed Ahmed Khan has advised Muslim, not to join INC as he was convinced that the British would not be defeated in near future. Hence, there is no point antagonizing them.

Also read: Socio-Religious Reform Movements Among Muslims

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan: Literary Sources

• “Asab-i- Baghawat e Hind”: Analyze the factors behind revolt of 1857, through his book, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan has clarified rather than Muslims, the real cause of the revolt was the wrong policies of the British administration rather Muslim, who had actually supported them during the revolt.
• The Loyal Mohammedans of India: In this book, he has expressed the loyalty of muslims and gave assurance from the side of Muslims towards the British raj.
• Indian Institute Gazette: For promotion of scientific research.

His Relevance 

• His status in Muslims can be treated at par with Raja Ram Mohan Roy among Hindus.
• Though he became controversial. Still, he is one of the greatest leaders of the Muslims in the subcontinent.
• He believed that education is the only means by which frustration and stagnation can be tackled. Muslim community in India is passing through similar stages of frustration and stagnation. At present, Muslim community in India needs leaders like Sir Syed Ahmed Khan.
• Sir Syed Ahmed Khan understood that instead of politics or political mobility the most important method of empowerment is educational empowerment.

Conclusion:

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, despite being a controversial figure, remains a stalwart in the history of Indian Muslim reformers. His emphasis on education as a means of empowerment and his attempts to modernize the Muslim community continue to hold relevance, making him a significant leader even in the present scenario.

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