A NON-POLITICAL EMPIRE
The educational scheme introduced by Lord Macaulay aimed to assimilate the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent into English culture. If, at that time, the scholars of India had reacted by inciting a storm of protests against Lord Macaulay, throwing bombs at the British Viceroy, or setting English schools and colleges on fire, it would have achieved nothing. On the contrary, such negative actions might have further exacerbated the destruction of Muslims, as witnessed in the aftermath of the violent events of 1857.
Instead, the Islamic scholars devised a counter-educational plan against Lord Macaulay’s scheme. Quietly and systematically, they began establishing madrasas across the country.
Whenever you initiate a plan, the first and foremost consideration is whether it is sustainable under real-world conditions. In this world, any plan takes a long time to yield results. For instance, an oak tree requires a hundred years to grow into its full form. Similarly, national projects also reach fruition only over extended periods. In such circumstances, no plan can be successful if it creates a short-lived stir and then suddenly collapses. A true plan is one that has the capacity to endure continuously in the flow of history.
The movement of religious madrasas was precisely such a sustainable initiative. As a result, it continued uninterrupted after its inception. It thrived throughout the second half of the 19th century, persisted through the 20th century, and has now entered the 21st century successfully.
Over this period, thousands of schools, madrasas, and darul ulooms (universities) were established across India. Eventually, a vast network of religious institutions and educational centers emerged throughout the country, educating generations upon generations.
It is well known that knowledge is not confined to any single domain of life. Directly or indirectly, knowledge is interconnected with all spheres of life. Thus, approximately 150 years of relentless educational efforts have culminated in a reality that may not be an exaggeration to describe: Muslims in India now have a non-political, religious, and community-based empire. Based on its diverse characteristics, this empire is far more significant and enduring than the former political empires.
The manifestations of this non-political empire can be observed everywhere today, every single day—towering mosques in various parts of the country, grand buildings of madrasas, modern and well-equipped religious and community-based institutions, massive gatherings and conferences happening almost daily, the majestic tours and travels of Muslim leaders, and the extensive availability of modern facilities such as cars, telephones (or smart phone), fax machines, and computers in Muslim institutions.
These numerous phenomena are widespread today, introducing the concept of this non-political empire. In their silent language, they proclaim that the Muslim community in this region now enjoys great opportunities, surpassing even those available during the era of political power. What was once limited to a single royal family during the era of political rule is now accessible to the entire Muslim community.
The defining feature of the scholars’ educational movement was its sustainability—a crucial quality that enabled it to embrace future opportunities. Had it not been sustainable, it would have collapsed—like many short-lived initiatives—before modern possibilities even appeared, and thus could never have integrated those emerging opportunities into its growth.
Historical events show that Muslims lamented the loss of their political empire for an extended period. However, Allah, in His wisdom, brought about such changes in history that far greater doors of opportunity were opened for them. It is now possible to establish a non-political empire that is far more meaningful and beneficial than a political empire in various respects.
As a result of nearly 150 years of continuous effort, a peaceful, non-political empire has been established for Muslims in this region. Every mosque, madrasa, and Muslim institution is an unshakable pillar of this empire. Today, the survival and stability that the Muslim community enjoys in this country is due to these countless institutions. Without them, no monarch could have provided such stability.
This transformation was made possible by the advent of the modern era. The changes of modern times have rendered political power secondary in importance, with institutions now being the true source of strength. Today, at the institutional level, it is possible to achieve—with even greater efficiency—all that was previously hoped for, albeit in limited scope, through political power.
A political empire is built on military strength, while a non-political empire is established on the strength of institutions and organizations. A political empire builds monuments to glorify one person or a select group, while a non-political empire creates structures that serve and benefit the entire community or nation. A political empire symbolizes one ruling over another, whereas a non-political empire ensures the collective welfare of all humanity.
By the grace of God, this non-political empire has been fully established for the Muslims of this region.
