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Devotional Islam and Politics in British India

By Usha Sanyal

Book Description

This scholarly exploration delves into the spiritual and political dimensions of a significant Islamic reform movement in colonial India. Usha Sanyal examines the Ahl-e Sunnat wa Jama'at, a religious community led by the influential scholar Maulana Ahmad Riza Khan, during a pivotal period from the 1880s to 1920s.

At its heart, this study reveals how religious leaders sought to deepen individual Muslim devotion through stricter adherence to Islamic law and renewed commitment to following the Prophet Muhammad's example. Rather than focusing on political activism, these scholars concentrated on spiritual renewal, establishing schools, publishing religious guidance, and issuing legal rulings to help community members navigate daily religious questions.

Sanyal's research illuminates how, in the absence of Muslim political power, religious authorities became crucial sources of guidance and identity formation. Through careful analysis of Ahmad Riza's religious writings and legal opinions, the book demonstrates how theological discourse shaped not only individual spiritual practice but also broader relationships between different Muslim groups, non-Muslim communities, and the colonial government.

This work offers valuable insights for readers interested in understanding how spiritual movements adapt and maintain their religious identity under challenging political circumstances. The book provides a window into the complex interplay between personal devotion, community leadership, and social transformation in a colonial context, making it relevant for those studying religious renewal and spiritual authority.