Sir Syed Ahmad Khan (1817–1898) was a prominent scholar, reformer and educator whose contributions significantly shaped the socio-political landscape of the 19th century and onwards. His efforts in various fields have left a lasting legacy. Sir Syed is best known for founding the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College in 1877 (initially school in 1875), which later became Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) in 1920. This institution was pivotal in modernising the education of Muslims in the Indian subcontinent, blending Western scientific education with traditional Islamic teachings. He strongly advocated for modern education among Muslims, believing the community needed to embrace science, technology and contemporary knowledge to progress and compete in a rapidly changing world. His educational reforms aimed to lift Muslims from social and educational backwardness. Sir Syed emphasised rationalism and scientific thought in understanding Islam and the world. He encouraged Muslims to reinterpret Islamic teachings in the light of the Quran, Hadith and Modern knowledge; he was critical of rigid traditionalism. He was a staunch promoter of the Urdu language and worked to make it a vehicle for education and communication among Muslims. In 1864, he established the Scientific Society, which translated Western works into Urdu, making them accessible to the Muslim population. He also encouraged people to learn English, which was developing as a global language.

Sir Syed recognised the need for political unity among Muslims to protect their interests under British rule. Two of his famous newspapers were ‘Aligarh Institute Gazette’ (1866) and ‘Tahzib-ul-Akhlaq’. He propagated his social, educational and religious reform ideas through these publications, reaching a broad audience. He authored several works, including the influential ‘Asar-us-Sanadid’, a detailed archaeological study of Delhi’s historical monuments, and ‘The Causes of the Indian Revolt’, an analysis of the 1857 uprising. Sir Syed’s legacy is profound in the context of Indian Muslim identity. His emphasis on education and social reform laid the groundwork for the intellectual and cultural revival of Indian Muslims. The Aligarh Movement, which he spearheaded, became a cornerstone of Muslim intellectual life in the Indian subcontinent and was critical in shaping modern Muslim thought. Sir Syed Ahmad Khan was a visionary leader whose contributions to education, social reform, religious awakening and the political consciousness of Indian Muslims have had a lasting impact. His work laid the foundations for modernising the Muslim community in India and continues to influence educational and cultural institutions today across the Globe!