Syed Ahmed Khan, the founder of Aligarh Muslim University, made this speech at Meerut in 1888 addressing a Muslim gathering and beseeching the community to be loyal to the British Govt
columbia.edu/itc/mealac/pri…
What struck me was this extract - (Contd..)
columbia.edu/itc/mealac/pri…
What struck me was this extract - (Contd..)
It occurs towards the end of his address and reveals his attitudes towards Hindus vs the British
"If we join the political movement of the Bengalis our narion will reap loss, for we do not want to become subjects of the Hindus instead of the subjects of the "People of the Book"
"If we join the political movement of the Bengalis our narion will reap loss, for we do not want to become subjects of the Hindus instead of the subjects of the "People of the Book"
"And as far as we can we should remain faithful to the English Government. By this my meaning is not that I am inclined towards their religion. Perhaps no one has written such severe books as I have against their religion, of which I am an enemy."
"But whatever their religion, God has called men of that religion our friends. We ought not on account of their religion, but because of the order of God to be friendly and faithful to them."
"If our Hindu brothers of these Provinces, and the Bengalis of Bengal, and the Brahmans of Bombay, and the Hindu Madrasis of Madras, wish to separate themselves from us, let them go, and trouble yourself about it not one whit"
"We can mix with the English in a social way. We can eat with them, they can eat with us. Whatever hope we have of progress is from them. The Bengalis can in no way assist our progress. "
"And when the Koran itself directs us to be friends with them, then there is no reason why we should not be their friends. But it is necessary for us to act as God has said. "
"Besides this, God has made them rulers over us. Our Prophet has said that if God place over you a black negro slave as ruler, you must obey him. See, there is here in the meeting a European, Mr. Beck. He is not black. He is very white. (Laughter.) "
"Then why should we not be obedient and faithful to those white-faced men whom God has put over us, and why should we disobey the order of God?"
Interesting thoughts I say!
These words were spoken, by the way, a good 18 years before the foundation of the Muslim League and some 42 years before Iqbal voiced the idea of Pakistan
