Aligarh Movement is a famous movement in Pakistan's history, started by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan who played a vital role in the development and prosperity of the Muslims. If you turn the pages of history when Muslims got defeated in the 'independence war of 1857', at that time, the Muslims were victims of a storm but it was Sir Syed Ahmed Khan who became a bright star to show to correct path and to make the Muslims politically vigilant.

The cause of establishing such a movement was just for the help of the Muslims, which means the Muslims wanted the British to be out but they did not learn their language, culture, and civilization so it was Sir Syed Ahmed Khan who told the Muslims that if they did not want the British to be here so that they were to learn their language and adapt their civilization.

The Indus learned the modern education method of the British and were so ahead of the Muslims. The Indus did jobs but the Muslims remained jobless and educationally backward. So in such circumstances, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan rose his intelligence and started working for the betterment of Muslims, these services of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan are named the 'Aligarh Movement' in history.

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan assisted the Muslims socially, he wrote books, 'Causes of Indian Revolt' in 1858', and 'Faithful Muslims in India and started a magazine 'Culture and Ethics'. In these three books, he described and indicated British Government that this war was not a planned war rather it was based upon emotions, the Muslims themselves did not do it, they were provoked by Indus, by these books, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan cleared many doubts of the British.

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan's assistance in the education field of Muslims is unforgettable, he built many schools and educational institutions where he declared 'English' as a compulsory subject. In 1875, he built an MAO school and in 1877, this school got permission from a school to college. This college played a vital role in the educational system of Hindustan in Muslims’ education.

In 1864, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan established a scientific society in Ghazi poor by which they did so many translations and made many printing presses, and likewise, Muslims dove into the educational field. In 1866, he established the 'institute of Ghazit' in which the people were made vigilant about what was going that time.

On 27 Sep 1866, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan formed the 'Muhammadan Educational Conference' to make remote areas aware of modern education and the modern world.

If I put glance at Sir Syed Ahmed Khan's political services, that is Admirable as well. He is the first politician who felt that Muslims and Indus will never get United because their cultures and civilization are totally different.

Urdu is the national language of Pakistan, at that time, there was a strategy for this language when Sir Syed Ahmed Khan wanted the Urdu language to be their national language, in this regard Sir Syed Ahmed Khan played an important role. 

History describes that it 1868, the circumstances of Hindustan were such that not just change Sir Syed Ahmed Khan's life even though his way of thinking.  He exhibited the two nations theory. He described powerful remarks about his theory. 

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan's religious services are also unforgettable. He wrote many religious articles for Muslims. He wrote books, and in the books, he criticized the writer of the book 'Life of Muhammaden' after which the British laid down for forgiveness. Such services are written in golden words on the pages of history.

To calm the circumstances, he did so much. When the Muslims got ignored so Sir Syed Ahmed Khan continued a magazine name 'Tahbaheen-ul-kalam'. This was Bible's commentary. Sir Syed Ahmed Khan tried to write that there is equality between Quran and Bible. The reason was that Muslims should not be totally ignored.

He wrote another magazine 'Taham-hehL-e-kitab' in which he declared that Muslims can eat the cooked food by the British and also can go to other’s' feasts. This magazine removed many doubts about the British. Through this movement, in Sindh, Sarhad, and Bangalore, there were so many educational revolutions, and many leaders were born in these areas. Since people got inspired by this movement and they started opening educational institutions. Abdul Lateef established Mubammaden literary society whose aim was to bare the passion for education in Bangalore. Furthermore, two Anjuman Islam were established in Punjab in 1884 and there were also for educational purposes. These Anjuman are still continuing in serving the nations. In 1885, Hasan Ali Afandi established 'Sindh Madrisa'.

After the death of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan in 1898, his companions continued the movement and achieved Sir Syed Ahmed Khan's targets and today the result is in front of our eyes.

 

By: Beebagar Baloch 

       Pasni Balochistan