Allama Syed Sulaiman Nadwi’s Vision of Indian Culture, Urdu Language and National Unity

By Dr. Zafar Darik Qasmi, New Age Islam 30 August 2025 Abstract: Allama Syed Sulaiman Nadwi (1884–1953) was a renowned historian, writer, and thinker who worked to uplift Indian Muslims during British rule. He strengthened Shibli Academy (Darul Musannifeen), making it a leading center of knowledge. Nadwi believed India’s unity lay in cultural diversity and a common language, not uniformity. He suggested calling Urdu “Hindustani” to free it from communal bias. Through Ma’arif magazine and numerous writings, he addressed intellectual, cultural, and social challenges. He actively engaged with institutions like AMU, Jamia Millia, and Nadwatul Ulama. His legacy emphasizes unity, tolerance, scholarship, and the harmonious blending of religious and modern education. Main Points: 1. Strengthened Shibli Academy, turning it into a scholarly powerhouse. 2. Advocated Hindustani language for unity, beyond communal identity. 3. Believed India’s strength lies in cultural and religious diversity. 4. Completed Seerat-un-Nabi and wrote significant historical, cultural works. 5. Edited Ma’arif, addressing Muslims’ intellectual and social needs. 6. Combined religious tradition with modern education and broad vision. ----- Allama Syed Sulaiman Nadwi (1884–1953) was born in the village of Desna, located sixteen miles from Patna and eight miles from Bihar Sharif. The period in which he was born was very difficult for Indians. After the failure of the 1857 revolt, Muslims in particular were surrounded by despair and hopelessness. Socially, politically, and economically, Indians—especially Muslims—were facing several hardships. The beloved homeland was under British rule. The British not only caused suffering and oppression, but their missionaries were also trying to turn Muslims away from their faith. At the same time, some Indians had sold their conscience and faith to work for the British, which created even more problems. In short, the atmosphere of India at that time was full of struggle and pain. However, to rescue Indians from this hopelessness and to build a bright future, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan laid the foundation of the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College at Aligarh, which later developed into a great institution. On the other hand, Darul Uloom Deoband had also started its work. These two institutions gave hope and courage to Muslims and tried to create a suitable environment. We can say that although their curricula and methods were different, both had the same purpose: to build the nation of India and to teach peace and unity. Both institutions aimed to produce such loyal servants of the nation who would not only serve their own community but also work for the well-being of all humanity. Today, these two institutions are still successful in their missions. Short Biography of Syed Sulaiman Nadwi: One of Nadwi’s most important works was the growth of Darul Musannifeen (Shibli Academy). The work of this institution had started between 1914–1918. In Hayat-e-Sulaiman, Shah Moinuddin Ahmad Nadwi writes: “Among the scholarly achievements of Syed Sahib, the greatest was the development of Darul Musannifeen. Though Shibli founded it, he passed away before completing its structure. Nadwi expanded it beyond what Shibli had imagined, and the institution grew into a great centre of knowledge. Its success was due to the sincerity of its workers and also the fact that it was founded at a time when the country had great need for such an institution.” Darul Musannifeen, since its beginning, has provided valuable scholarly services that continue to be recognized. Shibli was the founder, but it was Nadwi who gave it life and development, presenting it as an institution of depth and broad vision. That is why the works produced in Shibli Academy still hold importance today. Nadwi was an excellent biographer of the Prophet’s life and a distinguished writer and thinker. His writings on various issues are still considered a standard reference for scholars. His works were deeply research-based, yet at the same time, in his letters and essays, he wrote beautifully about national harmony and cultural diversity. His Views on Indian Culture: An extract from his article in Ma’arif magazine (December 1916) shows how much he cared about Indian culture: “The talk of India’s progress is meaningless until there is unity. India is a home of different races, religions, and languages. To turn them into one nation is only possible through unity. To unite them all into one race or one religion is practically impossible. But if India wants to become one united nation, then only a common language can achieve this.” (Hayat-e-Sulaiman, p.110) In this statement, Nadwi rejected all ideas that wanted to impose one color or one ideology on India. He believed that India’s beauty lies in its diversity. To disrespect religions or ignore the importance of regional languages is to damage India’s spiritual and moral values. Today, when there is debate about making India a “Hindu Rashtra” or enforcing a “Uniform Civil Code,” Nadwi’s words remind us that the very identity of India depends on its diversity. His Views on Urdu: Syed Nadwi also thought deeply about the future of the Urdu language. In Ma’arif (August 1935), he wrote that the real and correct name of this language should be Hindustani, because languages are normally named after nations or regions. He said the name “Urdu” was historically wrong, and because of it, the language was seen with bias. According to him, the language was originally called “Hindustani,” and this name would save it from being tied to one religion or community. He also expressed sorrow that no one was doing enough to promote Urdu. There were no organizations, no branches in provinces, no money spent for its growth—except in Hyderabad Deccan. Even in provinces where Urdu was not the mother tongue, nothing was being done. (Hayat-e-Sulaiman, p.348) This shows that Nadwi was not in favor of calling it “Urdu” but rather “Hindustani.” His thought is very meaningful even today, because Urdu has often been treated with neglect or linked with communal identity. He believed that calling it Hindustani would free it from prejudice and give it a national place. Today, the sad reality is that many people give speeches about Urdu’s decline, but very few actually work to promote it. Even those who earn their living in the name of Urdu rarely run daily newspapers or magazines in it. This shows that we must become serious and practical about promoting Urdu. His Literary and Social Services: Nadwi worked for the reform of society not only through speeches but also through his writings. His editorship of Ma’arif magazine was another major service. His editorials and notes fulfilled the intellectual and cultural needs of Indian Muslims. His works are diverse and numerous. They include the completion of Seerat-Un-Nabi, Arz-Ul-Qur’an, Arab-O-Hind Ke Ta’alluqaat (Relations between Arabs and India), and many more. The list of his writings is vast, and it is not possible to mention them all here. His Broad Role: Nadwi had experience of both religious and modern systems of education. He was connected with Aligarh Muslim University, Jamia Millia Islamia, and served as a member of the AMU Court, addressing students directly. This shows his broad and inclusive mindset. He also managed Shibli Academy, edited Ma’arif, worked at Nadwatul Ulama in Lucknow, and joined many other academic and intellectual bodies. Wherever he worked, he served with sincerity and dedication. Along with these responsibilities, he continued his scholarly writing, which is a source of pride and inspiration for us all. Conclusion: Allama Syed Sulaiman Nadwi’s services were many and varied. He combined religious and modern knowledge, he valued harmony and coexistence, and he worked for both the nation and humanity. His writings are mirrors of unity, peace, and social harmony. Even today, his ideas remain important and relevant. His words remind us that in times of division and prejudice, the real need is for tolerance, mutual respect, and cultural unity. URl: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/allama-sulaiman-nadwi-indian-culture-urdu-unity/d/136657 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