Why are Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s ideas relevant today?

Sir Syed Ahmad Khan (1817-1898) holds significant importance in Indian history as an educationist, historiographer, visionary, journalist, social reformer, and the founder of Mohammadan Anglo Oriental (MAO) College, which became Aligarh Muslim University in 1920. But this does not end here. He was, in a real sense, a catalyst for reconstruction of his community, a towering personality, an advocate of rationalism, and a pioneer of modern education. Post 1857, his concern was not restricted only to subverting misconceptions related to the role of Muslims or building an educational institution. He genuinely attempted to prepare an ambitious plan and a road map which could help his co-religionists in coping with the challenges they were facing, and serve as a vanguard in the future too.

Sir Syed Ahmad Khan has, arguably, been the only true thinker among the Indian Muslims in a very long time. He was a prosaic pragmatist and an educator who made practical prescriptions for dragging his community out of the despondency in which they had been wallowing. He had the insight to know what had gone wrong, and pragmatism to suggest what needed to be done. His notion of modernity with science held a clear view of progressivism; although it can be contested, no one can negate the colossal contributions he made. Also, some historians note that Indian society at that time rigorously held traditionalism, but Sir Syed believed that such an approach would disturb onrushing of people toward development and urged them to embrace modern scientific education.

So, a number of times in his speeches, he emphasized the importance of Western education and modern science and persuaded his co-religionists to abandon their conventional approach, indigenous institutions, and adopt new knowledge. For instance, in 1863, while addressing a gathering at Calcutta (now Kolkata), he said, ‘The reason why we are backward is that while we were learned in and have benefited by the philosophy of the science and arts of the antiquity, we were entirely ignorant of those of modern times’. Every year, October 17 is celebrated in Aligarh (India) and across the world – wherever Aligarians, the proud alumni of AMU, reside – as the birth anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, the visionary founder of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). But for me, this day is much more than a commemoration of a historical figure. It’s a moment to reflect deeply on what Sir Syed means to us today – and why his legacy should continue to guide our lives in 2025 and beyond.

When I think of Sir Syed, I don’t just see the founder of a prestigious university. I see a man who dared to challenge the status quo, who believed in the power of education to transform not just individuals, but entire communities and nations. He lived in a time when Indian Muslims faced unprecedented challenges – colonialism, social stagnation, and an identity crisis. Instead of giving in to despair or clinging blindly to tradition, Sir Syed chose a different path: education, reform and unity. He understood that the future would belong to those who learned, adapted, and embraced knowledge with an open mind.

The main concern and focus of our academics, scholars, thinkers, writers, civil society, and even the political class should be to reconsider, rethink, and reanalyze the past glory of humanism and brotherhood. It’s time for us to recontextualize Sir Syed’s vision for the present day, to end hate and disparity in the name of religion. Without his mission and without the contribution of AMU, this mission of multicultural society will remain a distant dream. Here I recall the prophetic words of Zakir Hussain, the third President of India, who referred to AMU as a laboratory of Indian pluralism. It is this pluralism that needs to be cherished, keeping all political differences aside. It is AMU alone that has the ability to create a tolerant multicultural society. Sir Syed was a renaissance man; the students and teachers of this institution must heed his call and ‘do more’.

Recalling the legacy of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, a prominent Indian academician, Dr Syed Shahnawaz said that “Sir Syed remains profoundly relevant to contemporary India in many ways. He is remembered not merely as a pioneering educational reformer, but as an intellectual visionary. It was he who recognised formal education as the foundation of social transformation and collective dignity. He advocated scientific inquiry, rational thinking and modern education without abandoning cultural and religious identity. It was basically a firm confrontation with the uncertainties of nineteenth-century colonial India.” “His intellectual legacy gained increased importance in India as it confronted educational inequalities, communal division and social exclusion. His focus on information, discourse, discussion and institutional advancement clarifies that substantial progress requires intellectual openness, instead of ingrained biases. However, his ideological positions and the limitations of the reformist agenda somehow deserve critical historical examination,” added Dr Shahnawaz.

“The lasting significance of Sir Syed is found not merely in reiterating his concepts and doctrines in programme. It should be utilised in liberating the potential of the present generation. His perspective encourages us to envision an India where education uplifts deprived communities, a scientific mindset confronts bigotry, and religious plurality fortifies rather than divides our collective citizenship. Ultimately, the most significant homage to Sir Syed lies not just in commemorating his legacy, but in advancing his incomplete quest for knowledge, respect and social harmony,” he noted, while speaking about the relevance of Sir Syed today.

Referring to the relevance of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, Hasnain Naqvi, a prominent writer and former Vice Principal of Mumbai-based ST. Xavier College, said that “Sir Syed Ahmad Khan stands as one of 19th-century India’s premier visionaries, often called the “Renaissance Man” who transformed the educational, social, and intellectual landscape of Indian Muslims. Like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, he fought orthodoxy and superstition to steer his community toward modern progress. Central to Sir Syed’s Aligarh Movement was the belief that advancement required embracing modern scientific thought alongside Western education. He established the Scientific Society in 1865 to translate scientific works into Urdu and founded the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College in 1875, which later became Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).”

Naqvi further emphasized that “Sir Syed was also an ardent social reformer who advocated for female education while opposing purdah, polygamy, and easy divorce. A champion of tolerance, he stressed the shared moral foundation of all faiths, describing Hindus and Muslims as “One Qaum” (One Nation). Politically, he prioritized education over political agitation, advocating cooperation with the British. Today, as illiteracy, socioeconomic challenges, and fundamentalism persist, Sir Syed’s commitment to rationalism, reform, and modern education remains a vital beacon of enlightenment.”

It must also be noted here that his support for English education did not emerge from any kind of aversion or dislike for the traditional approach; rather, he found modern education to be the need of the moment, as a potential tool for Muslims to rescue themselves from oblivion. In his book Aligarh’s First Generation, noted Historian, David Lelyveld writes, ‘Sayyid Ahmad considered Madarsah education better than what the British schools had to offer, but unlikely to lead India into a new future’. He further narrates an incident when one of Sir Syed’s companions was raising funds to establish a Madrasa in Delhi; he (Sir Syed), who was in England then, felt exasperated and wrote him a letter, and warned that such steps would only deteriorate the condition of Indian Muslims, and not grant them any honour.

Therefore, he proposed that the only key to progress and development of a community which is facing multiple crises is modern education. To this end, Rashid Hassan, an AMU graduate and a senior journalist working in Riyadh. said that “the father of Muslim Renaissance in the sub-continent Sir Syed Ahmed Khan remains highly relevant in today’s India as a pioneer of scientific education, social reform, and rational thought aiming to uplift the underprivileged community – Indian Muslim. In the post-1857 era, the British Raj went for the “Divide and Rule” policy that was targeted at Muslims. They pacified the Hindu’s and tried to portray Muslim as a danger to British rule in India. Moreover, the constant degeneration of social life among Muslims further weakened their position in political life. They were rejecting modern education by labelling it as British and alien to their culture.”

Hassan further said that “it was in this era that Sir Syed emerged on the scene, saying a true Muslim must have the Holy Quran in one hand and science in the other, and linked this intellectual outlook deeply to the foundational spirit of the Kalima Shahada—the Islamic declaration of absolute monotheism, on the forehead. Today, when we are again facing the “Divide and Rule” policy that is targeted at Muslims, and the identity politics by the current regime targeting institutions, mosques, and everything run and managed by Muslims, mere sermons of convenience by affluent Muslims to win the trust of a communal-fascist regime will not serve the purpose. We are living in a dangerous time where false narratives are constructed by none other than the ruling establishment to push forward their vendetta politics. The regime is working overtime, setting an agenda to erase the past and replace it with myth, creating their versions of falsehood and lies.”

“Since we have forgotten the legacy of Sir Syed, limiting it to mere Sir Syed Day celebrations, when we gather in various cities worldwide to remember him and pay homage, it’s time to introspect, as the real tribute to him would be spending money on real infrastructure, building institutions of higher learning in every discipline,” he added. Furthermore, Muslims are still embedded in the historical imagination where we praise past heroes. “No doubt it is important to keep our historical heroes to create and manufacture identity; however, Indian Muslims are too much into it; instead we must focus on modern scientific education and higher learning to deal with the prevailing situation. And Sir Syed’s legacy is the way to go!!”, noted Hassan with optimism.

This conundrum compelled Sir Syed and his companions to come forward and make efforts for the upliftment of their community. Besides them, other reformers were also working to acquaint their community members with modern education. They included Badruddin Tayyabji, Justice Syed Amir Ali, Nawab Latif Khan Bahadur, Nawab Salar Jung, etc. It would not be incorrect to say that their endeavour to help the oppressed brought, if not massive, a significant change in their educational status. As Aligarh Muslim University and its alumni celebrate Sir Syed Day, the institution and people associated with it should take the charge to initiate the task of reforming the lives of the underprivileged sections of the community and country. Grand celebrations and dinner parties (which are organised every year on the university campus and by alumni associations) don’t really suffice the objectives of a prestigious educational institution.

Paying his respects to Sir Syed, a senior banker Adil Jahangir said: “I owe a great deal to Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s belief in education. What I admire most is his willingness to challenge accepted ideas in his own community. He encouraged Muslims to study modern science and rethink religious interpretations, despite strong opposition. In today’s India, I would carry forward his belief in education by defending universities where students can ask difficult questions about religion and government. But telling Muslims to educate themselves is only part of the answer. Education alone cannot remove prejudice or ensure fair treatment. The country has responsibilities too. For me, honouring Sir Syed means giving more people the chance to study and respecting their right to speak once they find their voice.”

“No doubt, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan has become a symbol of institutional pluralism by his founding of Aligarh Muslim University. He argued that Indian Muslims relied on embracing Western science, critical inquiry, and technical learning instead of following the traditional orthodox system,” said Javid Hassan, a prominent Indian journalist, while adding that his work on harmonizing Islamic theology with modern rationality through journals like Tahzib-ul-Akhlaq was based on Islamic reform, free-thinking and progressive ideas. As the founder of Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College (later Aligarh Muslim University), he encouraged minority uplift, civic engagement and multicultural dialogue within the Indian framework.

Javid further said: “While some critics link his political stance to previous separatist strains, scholars emphasize his vision of inter-communal harmony via secularism, citizenship and national identity. It is in this context that we have to re-read his mission of our people’s scientific education to come out of the present morass. The current wave of aggressive nationalism in India has cost many lives following a surge in the incidents of lynching and hate crimes. Sir Syed remains relevant in India as a pioneer of scientific education to help the ruling establishment to capture power by mobilizing the voters on a communal platform and other similar issues and helping them to become enlightened in the socio-economic context.”

Ms Jaya Varma Sinha (Retd IRTS and Former Chairperson, Railway Board of India), who spoke as a guest of honor at a function, stated that Sir Syed was committed to social reforms, promoting the importance of social justice, women’s education and eradication of illiteracy. Today we are celebrating Sir Syed’s contribution to education, reflecting on his ideas and hoping that they can guide us to cope with the contemporary challenges. She said, “As I look at the students here, I am filled with the hope that you are the future leaders, change makers and the torch bearers of Sir Syed’s legacy. Your education at AMU will shape your success and empower you to be an agent of change in society. I encourage you to embrace this responsibility with courage and humility”.

Referring to the teachings of Sir Syed, which are highly relevant today, Abdul Ghaffar, a prominent alumnus and Training Manager of the Riyadh-based GE Healthcare, said: “Sir Syed Ahmed Khan remains highly relevant in today’s India because of his clear focus on modern education, rational thinking, and practical reform within the Muslim community. He founded the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College, which later became Aligarh Muslim University. His core belief was that Muslims needed to adopt English education, science, and critical inquiry to progress under British rule and beyond. That message still holds weight. Educational and economic gaps continue to affect many in the community, and institutions inspired by his vision continue to produce professionals and leaders who contribute to national life.”

“His call for reasoned interpretation of religion over rigid orthodoxy also speaks to current debates on reform, curriculum, and engagement with modernity. At the same time, his preference for pragmatic cooperation with the existing political order offers a useful counter to both isolation and confrontation. In a diverse democracy facing questions of identity, opportunity, and integration, Sir Syed’s insistence that progress comes through education, scientific temper, and adaptive engagement rather than nostalgia or withdrawal remains a practical and intellectual guide. His legacy continues to remind us that community advancement and national participation go hand in hand,” added Ghaffar, who is also an author of books.

The relevance of the teachings of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan can not be disputed even today. A faculty member of the Riyadh-based King Saud University (KSU), Dr Syed Ahad Murtaza, who is also the general secretary of AMUOBA Riyadh, said that “Sir Syed remains one of the most relevant visionaries for today’s India. At a time when society was struggling with educational and social backwardness, he recognised that education, scientific thinking and modern knowledge were essential for progress. His vision was not merely to educate individuals but to create a society capable of adapting to a rapidly changing world. In today’s India, Sir Syed’s emphasis on modern education, scientific temper, rational thinking and social reform* carries immense significance. As India moves towards becoming a knowledge and technology-driven economy, his belief that communities must embrace contemporary education and scientific advancement is more relevant than ever.”

Dr Murtaza further noted that Sir Syed’s legacy also reminds us of the importance of social harmony and inclusive development. He advocated cooperation among communities and believed that education could become a powerful instrument for national progress. The institution he founded, Aligarh Muslim University, continues to reflect his enduring commitment to excellence in education, research and nation-building. “Sir Syed’s message is therefore timeless: education must empower, knowledge must unite, and progress must benefit society as a whole. His vision remains a guiding light for a modern, progressive and inclusive India,” he added, while referring to the thousands of old boys and girls of AMU living and working in Saudi Arabia today.

In his comments, an alumnus of AMU Aligarh and a social thinker, Mohammad Fakhre Alam, said that “Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, a powerful patron, protector and a mentor of Muslims, has left an indelible mark on human society, especially Muslims. In his opinion Muslim’s socio-economic progress depended entirely on espousing modern science and technology, and the English language, as opposed to clinging to rigid orthodoxies. He inspired the Muslims to discard regressive social practices while preserving ethical values. He was against reactive political agitation during the colonial era, believing that community consolidation must precede political participation. His advice to the nation to educate children, to concentrate on science, and give up superstitions was the foundation stone to prepare the Muslims for surmounting social, economic, cultural, and religious challenges. His vision and efforts conceived the idea of founding a school, “Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental Collegiate School,” in 1875, which evolved into a world-class university, AMU, in 1920.

Alam, who also worked for the Riyadh-based American embassy for several years, said that “the AMU has/had been functioning as a living laboratory of Indian pluralism. In the early 20th century, the AMU became a prominent intellectual hub and played a vital role in the cultural and political arena of India. The AMU has transformed students into leaders, educationists, scientists, bureaucrats, and entrepreneurs from across the communities. It has been a blessing, especially for Muslims, as generations have been able to pursue secular and scientific disciplines while contributing to the nation’s intellectual fabric.

The Alumni, spread across the world, include presidents, vice presidents, governors, ministers, high-ranking military and civil officials, top sportsmen and women, founders of educational institutions, and businesspeople. Often, alumni take pride in calling themselves ‘We the Aligs’. The couplet of the university song “Jo abr yahan se uthega, wo saare jahan par barsega” is true and universal in connotation, added Alam, while referring to the relevance of the teachings of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, and the contributions of Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, in the upliftment of Indian Muslims from the morass of degradation.

—India News Stream