Evolution of Islamic thought in post-independent India : an analytical study of the views of Abul Hasan Ali Nadawi and Wahiduddin Khan

Abstract

During partition of India in 1947, millions of Muslims decided to remain in India believing in the secular and democratic nature of the country. However, the circumstances in post-independent India posed various challenges to Muslims, especially concerning to religious harmony and maintaining their Muslim identity in the country. As a result, different trends and point of views emerged on the issues in light of cultural and social context which were considered as new developments in the field of Islamic thought. Abul Hasan Ali Nadawi (1914-1999) and Wahiduddin Khan (b. 1925) were the most prominent figures in post-independent India in the field of Islamic thought. Despite being products of traditional religious seminaries, they developed different thoughts contrary to each other. This study seeks to analyze their views on Islam, religious harmony and Muslim identity as a sign of evolution in Islamic thought. To carry out this task, descriptive, analytical and critical qualitative approaches are used. This study delineated some of the prominent trends of Islamic thought in post-independent India and found that most scholars developed their thought in terms of interfaith dialogue and considered it antidote for religious harmony in the country. For this purpose, descriptive approach has been used. By using the analytical method, the study found that Khan’s approach of religious harmony is unilateral, passive, apolitical and avoiding conflict at all levels based on his reading of the Treaty of Ḥudaibiyah (628 AD). Khan’s idea of Islam is religious and traditional which revolves around reformation of individuals only. The study concluded that Nadawi considered Islam as a comprehensive way of life, and contrary to Khan, he tried to reform Indian society based on the universal values, peace and co-operation through his Payame Insaniyat Movement (The Message of Humanity Movement). Although, both scholars disagreed with the approach followed by Mawdudi (1903-79) in prioritizing political objectives but Nadawi’s political thought is relevant for Muslims in India. The study also found evidence against Khan’s blame on Muslims for communal riots, while Nadawi’s thoughts revolve on the betterment of the Muslim community in India and seem to be applicable to contemporary Indian society. The findings, also, illustrated Khan’s framework of peace and compromise is exclusive and non-encouraging for Indian Muslims while Nadawi’s framework of steadfastness and peace is courageous and inclusive for all Indians irrespective of their religion and race. This has been established hypothetically by performing a comparative and analytical appraisal of the views of both the scholars on the issues.