Die Reihe Islamkundliche Untersuchungen wurde 1969 im Klaus Schwarz Verlag begründet und hat sich zu einem der wichtigsten Publikationsorgane der Islamwissenschaft in Deutschland entwickelt. Die über 330 Bände widmen sich der Geschichte, Kultur und den Gesellschaften Nordafrikas, des Nahen und Mittleren Ostens sowie Zentral-, Süd- und Südost-Asiens.

This volume examines Sayyid Ahmad Khan's life, his contribution, and legacy in the context of current times. The editors engage his writings, ideas, and activities to read and present his work critically, not as a biographical account of his life but approach his work keeping in mind the tumultuous political events and changes of the nineteenth century, after the failed revolt of 1857 when Indians were transformed into colonial subjects. The collective anxieties of the Indian communities, particularly the Muslims, cried out for a new local leadership; Sayyid Ahmad Khan rose up to this occasion etching the way forward for Indians, in general, and Muslims in particular. Sayyid Ahmad Khan's multifaceted work offers an important understanding for national thinking emerging from the location of the Muslim, but it is not a 'minority' voice with vested political interests rather a constructive and integrative voice of relevance even today for addressing difficult problems.

The book deals with the life and achievements of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, especially his pioneering work in the field of education. Sir Syed Ahmad Khan was the founder of Aligarh Muslim University. This was first written by the famous historian Professor K.A. Nizami in English and later was translated into Urdu under the guidance of the author by his disciple Asgha Abbas.

Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, 1817-1898, an Urdu scholar, Indian Muslim social reformer and founder of Aligarh Muslim University.

This book presents a nuanced narrative on Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s (1817–1898) life and his invaluable contribution to the democratic consciousness in India. Based on extensive archival research and a close study of his writings, speeches, and addresses, it explores the life and works of Sir Syed in the broader context of socio-political debates in nineteenth-century India. A seminal figure who shaped modern India, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan is known as the pioneer of modern education among the Muslims in India. Reconciling faith with demonstrable truths, he contributed immensely as a member of the several apex bodies such as Vice-Regal Legislative Council, Royal Public Service Commission, Royal Education Commission, and Legislative Council of North West Provinces. The volume also explores the reformer’s views on issues like colonial law and administration, the concept of blasphemy, conversion, female education, religious beliefs, freedom of press, emancipation of women, Hindu–Muslim unity, Urdu–Hindi controversy, and reservation for Muslims. Thoughtfully and incisively written, this volume will be of great interest to scholars and researchers of modern India, Indian political thought, political philosophy, education, political science, colonial history, Islamic Studies, religious studies, Islamic law, biography, and South Asian studies.

Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan, 1817-1898, Urdu scholar, Indian Muslim social reformer and founder of Aligarh Muslim University; contributed articles.

Syed Ahmed Khan was one of the leading figures of Muslim India, and the Revolt of 1857 was the defining moment of his life. He wrote this analysis soon after he witnessed the brutal revenge the British took on Delhi once the Revolt was suppressed. His primary aim was to correct the misconception that the uprising was merely a Muslim conspiracy. Instead, he argued, the Revolt was a widespread response to the failure of the British to admit Indians into the Legislative Council, effectively preventing them from having any say in government policies. Before the Revolt he had been a scholar and civil servant; after, he began a political career that helped transform modern India. This book provides both a vivid firsthand account of the events and rich insight into one the central personalities.