Sir Syed Day: Some Aspects of Reflection and Contemplation

By Dr. Zafar Darik Qasmi, New Age Islam 18 October 2025 Abstract Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, the founder of Aligarh Muslim University, established a legacy of education, intellectual growth, and social reform for the Muslim community. His vision emphasised knowledge, research, and cultural development as the foundation for national progress. Today, while his birthday is celebrated, the real spirit of his work—spreading education and building institutions—is largely neglected. Internal mismanagement, nepotism, and selfish interests have weakened the university’s original mission. The community often complains about lack of opportunities but fails to utilise available resources effectively. To truly honour Sir Syed, it is crucial to revive his ideals, expand educational access, and protect institutions from exploitation. His legacy is not merely celebration, but active promotion of knowledge, social justice, and national welfare. Main Points: 1. Sir Syed’s vision focused on education, research, and cultural growth for community progress. 1. . Celebrating his birthday alone does not advance his mission. 2. Nepotism and selfish interests have weakened the university’s original purpose. 3. The Muslim community must utilise resources effectively to promote education. 4. Honouring Sir Syed means reviving his ideals, expanding access, and protecting institutions. ----- It is an obvious truth that the progress of human civilization, the development of a good culture, and the rise of civilization cannot be complete without knowledge, wisdom, and excellence. At the same time, it is an undeniable fact that the societies and nations that have achieved respect, prominence, and distinction so far have done so solely because of intellectual, research-based, and ideological development, along with cultural diversity. However, today, it is not just the illiterate section of our society that needs reflection; even those who are considered scholars and learned people must examine their own position. A social analysis reveals that stagnation and rigidity are not only present in our institutions and curricula but also evident in our thinking, outlook, language, and expression. This intellectual decline and sectarian bias are critical points for all of us and for a sensitive society. Sir Syed, the founder and architect of Aligarh Muslim University, laid a foundation of intellectual and practical legacy. But today, have the so-called custodians of this legacy successfully fulfilled his projects? We need to seriously compare our actions with his principles and examine the standards Sir Syed set for national welfare and the progress of his people. Celebrating his birthday once a year or holding a programme does not automatically improve the state of society. Yes, celebrations should take place, and tribute should be paid, but do we also plan to spread Sir Syed’s message and keep the lamp of knowledge burning? Unfortunately, we do not. Consider this: if every year at least one educational institution were established in areas lacking schools or colleges, even at the inter-college level, since independence, the educational situation of Muslims in India would not be as it is today. Have the successors of Sir Syed ever seriously reflected on the educational decline, backwardness, and superficiality affecting our community? Despite these conditions, we still complain to governments about the lack of opportunities for education, forgetting that we must first analyse our own circumstances and utilise available resources effectively. Sir Syed never wrote in his books that these institutions should be used for nepotism or limited to a few hands. Unfortunately, today, such practices exist within this national and community institution, seriously damaging its prestige. Those who indulge in this neither love Sir Syed nor the university, which is internationally recognised as Aligarh Muslim University. By limiting its growth and prioritising personal interests over institutional welfare, the spirit of Sir Syed is undoubtedly hurt. Aligarh Muslim University is a national institution, rooted in the ideals of individuals who consistently prioritised the rights of the country, nation, community, and humanity, even at great personal cost. It is regrettable that we often trample on such national and collective institutions for minor personal gains. History shows that opportunists always exist – those who appear sincere and dedicated but may exploit the institution at the first chance. It is essential to recognise them to prevent the community’s assets from being harmed. Tragically, most national and public institutions today are in a precarious state. Internal mismanagement and self-interest have caused far more damage than external forces. If selfishness and chaos continue, even the remnants of collective welfare will vanish in a few years. Protecting and securing public and national institutions is crucial for social peace and harmony. We must revive the lessons, intellectual purity, and practical examples set by Sir Syed and his colleagues, which are largely absent today. The traditions of Aligarh Muslim University – promoting national harmony, human rights, and social justice – seem to be fading. If these unique qualities vanish, what will distinguish this institution from others? There are many educational institutions in the country and abroad, but they lack the spirit, passion, and teachings of humanity and tolerance that Sir Syed’s institution offered. Sir Syed created a movement for the bright future of his community, establishing a vast tree of knowledge. Today, its roots seem unsettled, and suspicion surrounds it. The influence of personal greed and interest, both from insiders and outsiders, has affected the institution. Ensuring its protection and opening more modern educational institutions during Sir Syed Day celebrations are essential steps. Only then can we truly honour the spirit of Sir Syed. ---- Dr. Zafar Darik Qasmi is an author and a New Age Islam Regular Columnist. URl: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/sir-syed-reflection-contemplation/d/137291 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