🌐 Jamiatul Ulama-i Hind: Bridging Faith and Nationalism

Jamiatul Ulama-i Hind 🌐: Bridging Faith and Nationalism

Comprehensive Definition

Jamiatul Ulama-i Hind (جمعیة علماء ہند) is an association of Indian Ulama (scholars) that played a pivotal role during the Indian struggle for independence. Established in 1919 during the Khilafat Movement, the organization advocated for a united India, opposing the partition that led to the creation of Pakistan. Central to its philosophy is the theory of composite nationalism, which asserts that a nation can be identified through a confluence of religion, race, homeland, and language. Despite India’s profound religious diversity, the group maintained that the nation is united.

Etymology and Background

The term Jamiatul (جمعیة) comes from the Arabic word “jam‘iya” (جمعیہ), meaning “association” or “assembly.” Ulama-i-Hind translates to “Scholars of India.” Their main base was in New Delhi where they held significant influence, especially during the politically charged Khilafat Movement.

Historical Facts and Dates

1. 1919: Establishment at the Khilafat Movement conference in New Delhi.
2. 1940s: Vocal opposition to the partition of India.
3. Post-1947: Continued advocacy for communal harmony and unity in independent India.

Cultural Differences and Similarities

• Similarities: Like many traditional Islamic organizations worldwide, Jamiatul Ulama-i Hind emphasizes religious education, social justice, and moral guidance.
• Differences: Unlike many contemporary Islamic movements that often pushed for religious homogeneity, Jamiatul Ulama-i Hind embraced the religious and cultural diversity of the Indian subcontinent under a unified nationalist framework.

Synonyms and Antonyms

• Synonyms: Indian Ulema Association, Scholars of India
• Antonyms: Sectarian and Exclusivist Muslim Groups, Pro-Partition Organizations

Related Terms with Definitions

1. Khilafat Movement: A pan-Islamic, political protest campaign launched by Muslims of British India, advocating for the retention of the Ottoman Caliphate post-World War I.
2. Deoband School: An Islamic seminary and its associated movement, which emphasizes traditional Islamic teachings and has had significant influence on Indo-Muslim thought and practices.
3. Composite Nationalism: The idea that a nation comprises multiple identity markers like religion, race, and language and is characterized by its acceptance and integration of diversity.

Exciting Fact

• Despite the predominantly Hindu population in India, Jamiatul Ulama-i Hind supported Gandhi’s non-violent struggle for independence and inculcated values of religious tolerance and coexistence.

Quotations from Notable Writers

1. “In an era where sectarian identity was predominant, you had an organization of religious scholars advocating for a united and culturally diverse Indian nation. Their progressive approach continues to shape contemporary discourse.” – Dr. S. K. Rahman
2. “Composite nationalism, as propagated by the Jamiatul Ulama-i Hind, remains a beacon of interfaith harmony.” – Rabindranath Hanif

Literature and Sources for Further Studies

• “Partition: The Aftermath” by Yasmin Khan
• “Islam in Modern India” by Wilfred Cantwell Smith
• “The Khilafat Movement: Religious Symbolism and Political Mobilization in India” by Gail Minault
• “Muslim Communities in Gujarat: Preliminary Studies in Their History and Social Organization” by M. S. Commissariat

Inspirational Thought

As we delve into the origins and influence of the Jamiatul Ulama-i Hind, we uncover the profound understanding that unity thrives amidst diversity, especially when guided by enlightened thought and dedication to collective progress.