Celebrating the Legacy of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan on His 207th Birthday
Asia Jan
Syed Ahmad Taqvi bin Syed Muhammad Muttaqi, better known as Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, was born on October 17, 1817, in Delhi and passed away on March 27, 1898, in Aligarh. He was a visionary leader, educator, and reformer whose contributions to India’s multi-ethnic society continue to inspire generations. Born into a noble Nawabi family, Sir Syed received a strong foundation in Quranic studies and sciences, largely due to the guidance of his mother, Aziz un Nisa, who instilled in him a passion for learning and discipline.
Sir Syed witnessed the dramatic political shift from the fall of the Mughal Empire to the rise of British colonial rule. His life’s mission was to bridge the gap between India’s medieval society and the modern world. Rejecting revivalist impulses common among his contemporaries, Sir Syed advocated for embracing modern scientific education, particularly for the Muslim community, which had fallen behind during a period of political and social upheaval.
A multifaceted intellectual, Sir Syed was not only a historian and theologian but also an active social reformer. His wide-ranging works include *Asar Us Sanadid*, *Ain-e-Akbari*, *Risala-e-Asbab-e-Bagawat-e-Hind* (The Causes of the Indian Mutiny of 1857), *Hayat-e-Javed*, *Tafsir-al Quran*, and *The Loyal Muhammadans of India*. His writings aimed to address the societal challenges of his time, emphasizing logic, reasoning, and reform.
One of Sir Syed’s most significant contributions was the founding of the *Tehzeeb-ul-Akhlaq*, a journal that promoted moral education and sought to rid the Muslim community of unproductive customs and rituals. He also addressed issues such as the Shia-Sunni divide in his translated work *Tuhfa-i-Isna Ashriya*, highlighting the importance of unity among different sects within the Muslim community.
In the 1850s, Sir Syed recognized the value of modern education and was among the first to advocate for English-language education in India. He viewed education as the foundation for the nation’s future prosperity, peace, and political stability. His famous quote, “Look forward, pick up fresh knowledge, and don’t waste time learning boring old things,” encapsulates his forward-thinking approach. Although he faced criticism for being perceived as too aligned with British ideals, Sir Syed’s commitment to empowering his fellow countrymen never wavered.
Sir Syed Ahmad Khan was also a champion of Hindu-Muslim unity, promoting interfaith harmony throughout his life. He believed in peaceful coexistence among all religious communities and often spoke about the importance of compassion, understanding, and cooperation between Hindus and Muslims. One of his famous sayings illustrates this vision: “We (Hindus and Muslims) eat the exact same food, drink water from the same rivers, and breathe the same air; we are the two eyes of the exquisite bride that is Hindustan.”
He also stressed the need for societal unity, saying, “Remember that the labels Hindu and Muslim should only be used for religious differentiation; otherwise, all people who reside in this country belong to the same nation.” Sir Syed emphasized that the well-being of the nation depended on mutual respect and cooperation between different religious groups.
As a proponent of modern education, Sir Syed established the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College in Aligarh in 1875, which later became Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). The college was open to students of all faiths, and by 1898, it had enrolled 64 Hindu and 285 Muslim students, with Hindu professors on its staff. His vision for AMU was one of unity and intellectual advancement for all, a reflection of his belief that education transcends religious and social boundaries.
Sir Syed’s philosophy of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect remains deeply relevant in today’s India, a country marked by its multi-religious, multi-cultural, and multi-lingual identity. As intolerance and communal strife continue to challenge the fabric of Indian society, Sir Syed’s message of religious peace offers a powerful reminder of the need for harmony, unity, and compassion.
In his final words, engraved on a sandstone pillar at Aligarh Muslim University, Sir Syed expressed his lifelong commitment to education and reform: “I built this institution for you, and I am sure you will carry the light of this institution far and wide; darkness will disappear from all around.”
On his 207th birthday, we honor Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s remarkable legacy as a visionary reformer, educator, and peacemaker. His life’s work continues to inspire generations to pursue knowledge, unity, and progress for a better society.
*Sham dar sham jalenge Teri yaadon ke Chiragh, Nasl dar nasl Tera dard numaya hoga!* (The light of your memories will burn day after day, and your pain will be visible to generations to come.)
Happy 207th Birthday, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan! May Allah elevate your rank in Jannah. Aameen.
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*Asia Jan is a Post Graduate in Political Science from Aligarh Muslim University. She can be reached at asiakashmiri001@gmail.com.*
