Q:8. Aligarh Movement Injected a new life in the body of the Muslim nation and helped to regain lost glory and prestige. Discuses.[/COLOR]
introduction
Aligarh movement occupies a prominent position among the movements which converted the dream of a separate homeland into Pakistan.Sir Syed Ahmed Khan founder of the Pakistan was a revivalist prophet and man of prediciting analysis who helped Muslims community of subcontinent when they were the downtrodden people of society.Aligarh movement was a initiative which realised the Muslims about importance of uniting as a nation and thus worked alot to help them in regaining the lost glory and prestige.
Background
After the war of independence 1857 heavy hand of Britishers fell upon the muslims .By the efforts of hindus britishers started Muslim only responsible for the war.so some serious steps were taken against Muslims
1.Muslims properties were confiscated.
2.their jobs were withdrawn
3.all governmental and high posts were reserved for the Non Muslims
4.efforts were started to convert Muslims into christanity.
As Ashok Mehts said in her book ''THE COMMUNAL TRIANGLE''
''Not only were the Muslims economically crushed,educationally and socially their position was deliberately depressed by the government''
Analysis of Sir Syed
Sir Syed was very sad at deplorable state of Muslim.after thorughly analysing the situation,he gave some points
- As Britisher had snatched government from Muslims so they consider them as fully reseponsible for war
- Hindus had never been rulers so it doesn' make any difference to them that who was the ruler
- Muslim due to their conservative attitude are facing severe economic problem.
- Muslim should come in front learn the english language and modern techniques so that they could effectivley compete with Hindus and show their royalities toward Britishers
Aligarh Movement
Thus Sir syed decided to come forward to help Muslims and started the Aligarh Movement with following aims
1.to create mutual understanding between Britishers and Muslims
2.to persuade Muslims to learn English and modern knowledge.
3.to prevent Muslims to take part in politics of agitation
4.to present social economic and political problems of Muslims in front of government
Educational efforts of Aligarh Movement
sir syed was well aware about the fact that Muslims can't regain original position without education and modern knowledge.so the first target of Aligarh movement was education.
for this purpose Sir Syed
1.established a school at Muradabad where english and persian was taught
2.established another school at ghazipur in 1863
3.setup scientific society which translate english work into urdu and published it so that muslims could easily study them.
4.in 1869 he went to England where he analysed the educational setup of oxford and cambridge and impressed by it.
5.He established M.A.O school in which soon upgraded into college.
Environment of Aligarh college
Aligarh college was proved to be such institute which finally perpared educated and qualified Muslims who were able to compete with Britishers and Hindus in every field.environment of aligarh college produced such intellectuals,[LIST][*]Aligarh college was a residential campus where Muslims and Non Muslims study together.[*]Emphasis was given to the modern education.By studying and staying with
Britishers and Non Muslim got opportunity to learn about new knowledges techniques and broadened their vision.
- At Aligarh college,many societies similar to cambrige and oxford were setup.in these societies regularly debates,speeches and essay wirting contests were held among students.
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Political efforts of Aligarh college
By making Muslims to focus on education the next step was to help them in political side.for this purpose sir syed [LIST][*]first of all advised Muslims to not to take part in politics as they were lagging in education so they can't compete Britishers and Hindus[*]secondly sir syed criticised the Indian National congress as it was only working for the Hindus[*]sir syed wrote Risala Asbab baghawar hind in which he mentioned reasons of war of independence
1.Non representation of Muslims and Hindus in legislative council
2.Mismanagement of Indian army
3.many other ill measures of government toward indians
- sir syed formed British indian association at Aligarh to put forward the problems of Indians to government
Religious efforts of the Aligarh Movement
Sir syed was a lover of islam.He wrote many books like
Khutbat e Ahmadya on life of Hazrat Muhammad.this was an answer to the objections made by a non muslim in book ''LIFE of MUHAMMADANS''
TABYAN UL KALAM in this book he mentioned the similarties between islam and christian.
Social services
Aligarh movement had great impact on the social life of Muslims.it helped them to change their conservative and rigid attitude. further sir syed wrote two books named''TEHZEEB UL IKHLAQ & AHKAM TAAM -E-IHLE KITAB.The ethical aspects of Muslim lives and dinning manners were discussed in it respectively.
conclusion
whenever Pakistan movement is discussed Aligarh movement is the heart of this movement.because without Aligarh movement Muslims wouldn't able to recognise their deficiencies.they might even continue to live with their conservative attitude which would lead to a perpetual slavery of either Britisher or Hindus. Aligarh movement told them that they need to get education first of all to understand what basically happening with them and then by equipping themselves with modern education they would be able to fight for their rights and ultimately got a separate homeland where they can live freely.