Khilafat Movement: Definition and Meaning§
The Khilafat Movement (1919–24) was an important agitation led by Indian Muslims that aligned with the Indian nationalist movement. Its primary aim was to urge the British government to preserve the spiritual and temporal authority of the Ottoman Sultan, known as the Caliph, and safeguard the religious rights of Muslims under British rule.
Etymology§
- Khilafat: Arabic: خلافة (Khilāfa), from khalīfa meaning caliph or successor, denotes the leadership of the Muslim community.
Historical Background§
The Khilafat movement emerged post-WWI, particularly in reaction to the Treaty of Sevres (1920) which imposed severe restrictions on the Ottoman Empire, thereby undermining the Caliph’s role. Indian Muslims saw this as an affront to Islamic authority and an existential threat to their religious liberty under British colonial rule. It catalyzed a remarkable Muslim-Hindu unity which led to nonviolent resistance, tying the Khilafat cause closely with India’s broader struggle for independence led by figures like Mahatma Gandhi.
Cultural Differences and Similarities§
- India: The Khilafat Movement facilitated an unprecedented unity among different religious groups in India, temporarily dissolving long-standing communal tensions.
- Global Muslim World: The movement drew attention in other Sunni-majority regions but found varying degrees of support, largely influenced by local political contexts and colonial pressures.
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Related Terms§
- Synonyms: Caliphate Movement, Indian Muslim Solidarity Movement
- Antonyms: Secularist Movements, Non-Khilafat Indian Nationalists
- Related Terms: Pan-Islamism, Ottoman Empire, Indian National Congress
Exciting Facts§
- Gandhi’s Involvement: Mahatma Gandhi’s non-cooperation movement aligned with the Khilafat cause, marking a notable alliance between Hindu and Muslim leaders.
- Broader Influence: Influenced future anti-colonial and religious solidarity movements worldwide.
- End Outcome: Despite its eventual decline post-1924, the movement solidified Muslim political identity in India.
Quotations§
- Mahatma Gandhi: “I declare that the Khilafat question is as much ours (India’s) as any other question. They (the Muslims) are fighting not merely for India, but for Islam.”
- Maulana Abul Kalam Azad: “Khilafat was not just a political struggle but a movement fortifying the souls of millions.”
Relevant Literature§
- “Gandhi: The Years That Changed the World, 1914-1948” by Ramachandra Guha
- “Pan-Islamism in British Indian Politics: A Study of the Khilafat Movement, 1918-1924” by M. Naeem Qureshi
- “Indian Muslims: An Account of the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Scientific and Cultural Renaissance” by Irfan Habib
Translations§
- Arabic: حركة الخلافة (Ḥarakat al-Khilāfa)
- Urdu: تحریک خلافت (Tahreek-e-Khilafat)
- Bengali: খেলাফত আন্দোলন (Khilafat Andolon)
- Indonesian: Gerakan Kekhalifahan
- Persian: جنبش خلافت (Jonbesh-e Khilafat)
Quizzes§
Farewell Thought:
As we unravel the threads of historical movements like the Khilafat, we gain a deeper appreciation for the intertwined narratives of faith, politics, and identity that have shaped our world. May this understanding inspire greater unity and shared purpose in our present and future endeavors.
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Imran Habib
10 October 2023
