Darul Uloom Deoband

Deoband is a movement aimed at reviving the religious zeal and zest in the Muslims of the sub-continent in particular and in the world in general. This movement was founded by religious scholars, Maulana Abid Hussain, Rashid Ahmad Gangohi and Maulana Qasim Nanutvi in 1867 in the wake of the deteriorating situation faced by the Muslims after the failed rebellion of 1857.

This movement took its inspiration from the most celebrated reformist scholar, Hazrat Shah Wali Ullah and soon the seminary established under this movement in the Deoband became the hub of religious and anti-colonial activities. Deobandi scholars started agitation movement against the British occupiers and even established their own governments in the areas controlled by them.

However, British occupying forces suppressed them for the time being. Deoband movement formed strong differences with Aligarh Movement in the course of time due to their different approach towards the Muslim renaissance in the sub-continent. Aligarh Movement was more focused on the educational and economic uplift of the Muslims than the religious education whereas Deobandis were more focused on the revival of Islamic scholarship that Muslims have lost over the time.

When allied powers occupied Ottoman Sultanate and disbanded the Caliphate, Deobandi Ulema sided with Congress and non-cooperation movement in contrast to Sir Syed Ahmad Khan who remained loyal to the British government. Differences reached to a level that Deoband issued a religious decree (Fatwa) against Sir Syed Ahmad Khan but the fact remains the same that both the movements were aimed at the goodwill of the common Muslim.

Allama Iqbal (r.a) delivered a sermon in Allahabad in 1930 during the annual session of Muslim league and called for the formation of a separate Muslim state in the north of India, initiating a discussion whether Muslim should strive for a separate homeland or should live in the United India.

Quaid-e-Azam Jinnah the then president of Muslim started rallying Muslims under the banner of a separate Muslim homeland, which majority of Deobandi scholars rebuked. Allama Iqbal (r.a) and Hussain Ahmad Madni exchanged their views via letters for quite some time, after which Iqbal (r.a) criticised Hussain Ahmad Madni views in his poetry. The major difference was in the ideology of both, Allama Iqbal (r.a) viewed Muslims a separate nation based on the ideals of religion (Islam) whereas Hussain Ahmad Madni was more of a secular nationalist who advocated United India where all people will live irrespective of their religion or sect.

Before partition, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind which was a political party of Deobandi scholars supported Congress and rejected the idea of Pakistan. They were strong proponents of United India and heavily criticised Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s quest for a separate state along the religious lines. However, a major portion broke away from the main body in 1945 forming their own political party, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, which was a staunch supporter of the idea of Pakistan and rallied behind Quaid-e-Azam (r.a) in the struggle. This party was headed by Allama Shabbir Usmani (r.a) at that time and is still active in the politics of Pakistan.

Deobandi Movement is criticised by the opponents due to the fact that some elements within their ranks are associated with extremist groups nowadays but overall their services to the Muslim world are uncountable.