Reviving the Forgotten Legacy of Fatima Sheikh: India’s Pioneering Muslim Educator

By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam 15 January 2025 Despite Her Significant Contributions, Fatima Sheikh's Legacy Remains Largely Forgotten, Especially In Non-English Literature, And The Article Calls For Greater Recognition And Remembrance Of Her Role In India's Educational And Social Reform Movements. Main Points: 1. Fatima Sheikh's Role in Education 2. The Importance of Teachers in Social Change 3. The Phule Family’s Impact on Education Reform 4. Reviving Fatima Sheikh’s Legacy ---- Fatima Sheikh and Savitribai Phule | Illustration by Siddhant Gupta ------ In this article, I am presenting a comprehensive overview of the life and educational role of Fatima Sheikh, a historical figure whose contributions to the field of education and social reform in India have largely been forgotten. Fatima Sheikh, an educator and social reformer, played a pivotal role in the early struggles for women's and marginalized communities' education in India. Drawing on references from Urdu newspapers, books, and statements from those who were part of or influenced by this movement, this article sheds light on the significant contributions she made alongside her allies, especially her brother Osman Sheikh, Savitribai Phule, and Jyotirao Phule. A verse by the famous poet and saint Kabir Das conveys the essence that, "Why should one not be devoted to the teacher who taught us about our Creator?" Whether a teacher or an educator, their status is no less than that of parents. Every teacher’s wish is for their student to reach great heights and bring honour to the country. This verse highlights the sacred and revered role that educators play in shaping not only the intellect but also the character of individuals. The teachings of such figures guide us to reach greater potential and, in the context of the article, this thought resonates profoundly with the lives and struggles of Fatima Sheikh, Savitribai Phule, and Jyotirao Phule. These remarkable educators were not only dedicated to teaching academic subjects but were also driven by a desire to break down entrenched social barriers—particularly those based on caste, gender, and religion—that kept large sections of society in ignorance and inequality. The sentiment expressed in Kabir's verse underlines the nurturing role of teachers—comparable to that of parents, guiding students through life’s challenges. Fatima Sheikh and her colleagues, especially Savitribai Phule, exemplified this role by providing education to women and lower-caste individuals during a time when societal norms actively discouraged such endeavours. In doing so, they not only imparted academic knowledge but also nurtured hope and agency among those who had been denied opportunities due to the oppressive systems of their time. Through their tireless efforts, they gave individuals the tools to challenge societal restrictions, elevate their lives, and contribute meaningfully to society. The Context of Education in 18th Century India Until the 18th century, education in India was largely inaccessible to the masses, particularly to women and those from lower castes. While magnificent structures like the Taj Mahal were built, no significant efforts were made to establish universities or educational institutions for the public. Educational opportunities were restricted to men from the upper castes, and girls’ education was often considered sinful. For Dalits, education was an unattainable dream, with laws in place that enforced cruel practices, including pouring molten lead into their ears as a form of punishment for attempting to learn. In such a repressive environment, the contributions of social reformers like Jyotirao Phule, along with his wife Savitribai Phule, became revolutionary. Jyotirao Phule, a prominent humanitarian and social reformer, recognized the transformative power of education. With his wife, Savitribai, he not only educated girls but also worked to eradicate the deeply entrenched caste system. They faced significant opposition, but their work laid the foundation for future educational movements in India. Savitribai Phule, often regarded as India's first female teacher, endured social boycott and immense personal hardships. During this time, Osman Sheikh and his sister Fatima Sheikh stepped in to support the Phule family. Fatima Sheikh received her education from Savitribai Phule, and together, they contributed to opening educational avenues for girls and marginalized communities. Fatima Sheikh’s involvement in this educational revolution helped illuminate many lives, paving the way for future generations. The Legacy of Jyotirao Phule Born on April 1, 1827, in Maharashtra, Jyotirao Phule was an Indian social reformer, thinker, and author who dedicated his life to challenging the caste-based oppression that existed in society. He started his campaign against the Brahmins and upper-caste individuals, fighting for the rights of workers and marginalized people. At the age of 13, he married Savitribai Phule, and together, they are considered the pioneers of women's education in India. Phule's efforts culminated in the establishment of the first school for girls in India, in 1848, and he continued to work tirelessly to dismantle caste-based discrimination. He founded the "Satyashodhak Samaj" (Truth Seekers’ Society) on December 24, 1873, to promote social equality. Despite his intellectual brilliance, Jyotirao had to drop out of formal education due to financial difficulties and assisted his father with farming. However, his passion for social reform led him to pursue education independently, eventually becoming a leading voice in India’s social reform movements. Savitribai Phule: A Trailblazer for Women's Education Born on January 3, 1831, in Naya Gaon, Maharashtra, Savitribai Phule faced significant challenges in her life. She was initially illiterate at the time of her marriage to Jyotirao, but her husband educated her, and she eventually became a trained teacher. Savitribai, along with her husband, opened the first school for girls in India, defying societal norms and facing immense opposition from conservative factions. Savitribai Phule became a symbol of empowerment for women in India. Her work was crucial in laying the foundation for women's education and advocating for the rights of marginalized communities. Despite the difficulties and social exclusion they faced, Savitribai and Jyotirao Phule remained resolute in their mission to provide education to those who had been traditionally denied it. Fatima Begum Sheikh: India’s First Trained Muslim Teacher Fatima Sheikh, born on January 9, 1931, was Osman Sheikh’s sister and one of the early contributors to the educational revolution led by the Phule family. Encouraged by her brother Osman Sheikh and the Phules, Fatima Sheikh became one of the first trained Muslim teachers in India. She received her teacher training alongside Savitribai Phule, and the two women went on to open a school in Osman Sheikh's house in 1849. In the 1850s, Fatima Sheikh and Savitribai Phule established two important educational trusts: the "Native Female School" and the "Society for Promoting the Education of Mahar and Mang." These trusts helped establish several schools under their leadership, contributing to the spread of education among the marginalized sections of society. Fatima Sheikh not only focused on the education of women but also worked on issues like widow remarriage and gender inequality, making significant contributions to social reform. Fatima Sheikh’s legacy, however, has been largely overshadowed by the contributions of Savitribai and Jyotirao Phule. While an English-language book has been written about her, very little has been documented about her in Urdu and other regional languages, which highlights the neglect of her role in the larger history of India's social reforms. Reviving the Legacy of Fatima Sheikh Fatima Sheikh’s contributions, particularly as a Muslim woman in a deeply patriarchal society, deserve greater recognition. Her partnership with the Phules in their educational ventures was crucial in the empowerment of marginalized communities. The support she provided to the Phule family, both emotionally and educationally, was instrumental in their work, and Fatima Sheikh's legacy should be remembered as part of the broader social reform movement. In 2014, the Marathi community finally acknowledged Fatima Sheikh’s contributions, but there remains much to be done in documenting and celebrating her role in India's educational history. As we look back on the work of these trailblazers, it is important to elevate the stories of those like Fatima Sheikh, whose efforts were pivotal in shaping India’s social fabric and transforming its educational landscape. Her story, like many reformist women, is often forgotten, but it is crucial to bring her legacy to the forefront and ensure that her contributions are recognized and remembered for generations to come. Through education, Fatima Sheikh helped break the shackles of oppression, and her work continues to inspire movements for social justice and equality. --- Kaniz Fatma is a classic Islamic scholar and a regular columnist for New Age Islam. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/pioneering-muslim-educator/d/134336 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism