The Uncelebrated Historian: Syed Sabahuddin Abdur Rahman’s Lifelong Commitment to Indian Muslim History

By Syed Amjad Hussain, New Age Islam 11 December 2024 Syed Sabahuddin Abdur Rahman Was A Notable Indian Historian And Writer, Dedicated To The Preservation Of Muslim Heritage. His Major Works On Sufism, Muslim Rulers, And Historical Research Remain Largely Forgotten, Despite Their Academic Importance Main Points: 1. Abdur Rahman was born in Desna, Bihar, a village for producing prominent scholars. 2. His lifelong friendship with Syed Sulaiman Nadvi shaped his academic journey. 3. He studied at prominent institutions such as Patna University and Jamia Millia Islamia. 4. He used to specialise in Sufism, Muslim rulers, and historical research. 5. Despite his significant contributions, Abdur Rahman remains largely unrecognised in mainstream history. ----- Syed Sabahuddin Abdur Rahman (Credits: Rekhta Foundation) ----- Introduction Syed Sabahuddin Abdur Rahman was an Indian historian and writer whose intellectual contributions have not received the recognition they deserve. A prolific scholar and researcher, Abdur Rahman's life was dedicated to preserving and documenting the rich cultural and historical heritage of Indian Muslims, especially during a time when their history was often marginalised. His works on Sufism, Muslim rulers of India, and the interconnections between Indian Muslim scholars and mystics remain invaluable, though largely forgotten today. His legacy, however, lives on through his extensive writings and his significant role at Darul Musannefin Shibli Academy. Roots in the Village of Desna: A Legacy of Intellectual Prominence Syed Sabahuddin Abdur Rahman was born in 1911 in Desna, a small village situated on the banks of River Jerain in Nalanda district of Bihar, India. Desna is a historical village that has seen many luminaries emerge from its soil, and is a place that holds immense cultural and intellectual significance. The village is approximately 2 miles from Asthawan and 10 miles from Bihar Sharif, a centre of Islamic culture in the region. Desna has always been known as a Saadat (noble) village. Several prominent scholars and thinkers have emerged from it. The most notable residents include Hakim Syed Jannat Hussain Sarbahadi, Syed Tajammul Hussian Desnavi (a founder member of Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama), and Syed Sulaiman Nadvi, a lifelong friend of Abdur Rahman. The village also had such personalities as Syed Mohammed Saeed Raza, Abul Qavi Desnavi and Brigadier Malik Muhammad Mukhtar Karim. The intellectual atmosphere in Desna was heightened by the establishment of Al-Islah, a library in 1892, housing a very large collection of old Persian and Urdu manuscripts. A centre of scholarship and learning, the library attracted scholars from all corners of the region. However, after the Partition of India in 1947, during a period of uncertainty and mass migration to Pakistan, many of the library’s rare manuscripts were donated to the Khuda Bakhsh Khan Library in Patna, where a special section was dedicated to preserving these treasures under the name of Desna. Spending childhood in such an intellectually nourishing environment, Abdur Rahman was influenced by the academic legacy of his ancestors. The strong sense of history, culture, and scholarship that surrounded him in Desna played a significant role in shaping his future as a historian and researcher. A Bond of Friendship: Syed Sulaiman Nadvi and Abdur Rahman One of the most important figures in Abdur Rahman's life was his childhood friend, Syed Sulaiman Nadvi, a great Islamic scholar, historian, and writer. Born in 1884 in Desna, Syed Sulaiman Nadvi was an intellectual giant in his own right, known for his work on the biography of Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Ta'aala Alayhi Wassalam (Sirat-un-Nabi) co-authored with Shibli Nomani and his writings on Islamic history and thought. His efforts towards Hindu-Muslim unity and his role in the foundation of the prestigious Jamia Millia Islamia University are well-documented. The deep understanding of history, culture, and the importance of intellectual exchange had a profound influence on Abdur Rahman. Both of them studied together at the Madrasa Al-Islah in Desna, laying down the foundation for a lifelong friendship. Nadvi's guidance and influence shaped Abdur Rahman's academic journey. Sulaiman Nadvi's vision for intellectual engagement between Muslims and Hindus, and his suggestions regarding the use of the term "Hindustani" instead of "Urdu" to foster a sense of unity, had a lasting impact on Abdur Rahman's thinking and work. Nadvi was also a pivotal figure in the founding of Darul Musannefin (Shibli Academy) in Azamgarh, an institution dedicated to historical research and literary work, where Abdur Rahman would later serve as a researcher. This academy became a central hub for the preservation of Islamic and Indian historical records, a mission that Abdur Rahman would devote much of his life to continuing. An Academic Journey: From Desna to the Indian Academic Institution Centers Abdur Rahman's educational life began in the intellectually active environment of Desna. However, his education stretched far beyond that. On completing his primary education from Madrasa Al-Islah, Abdur Rahman shifted to Patna, where he was enrolled in the Mohammedan Anglo-Arabic School. Here again, he was guided by his maternal uncle, Syed Qamrul Hoda, who was a teacher, and later a lawyer himself. He matriculated in 1925 and further pursued a Bachelor's in Arts degree from Langat Singh College in the district of Muzaffarpur. After successfully graduating in 1927, he proceeded to university and graduated with a Master of Arts from Patna University. His university years at Patna University helped shape his strong interests in history as most prominent scholars were his teachers back then. Abdur Rahman then shifted to Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi, where he initiated research work under the mentorship of Professor Muhammad Mujeeb. It was at this place that he made acquaintance with a host of distinguished intellectuals, among them Syed Sulaiman Nadvi, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, and Dr. Zakir Husain. The ideas and approaches of these scholars helped to evolve his academic approach and ultimately his contributions to historical research. In 1935, Abdur Rahman was appointed as a teacher at Shibli College, Azamgarh, but his passion for research took him to the Darul Musannefin Shibli Academy, where Syed Sulaiman Nadvi invited him to join, offering his services as a researcher. Abdur Rahman quickly emerged as a prominent member of the academy, working along with other scholars like Shibli Nomani and helping to release Risala Ma'roon. Scholarly Contributions: Preserve the Islamic Legacy The scholarly output of Abdur Rahman is immense, for which he has written thousands of books and articles highlighting the intellectual and cultural achievements of Indian Muslims. The history of Sufism, Mamluks, and Taimuris with political and social roles of the Muslim rulers in India remains the core of his works. Some of his most important works are: Bazm-i Sufiya: Ahd-i Taimuri se Qabl Akabir Sufiya, Bazm-e-Mamlukiya, Bazm-e-Taimuriya, Hindustan Ke Salatin, Ulama aur Masha'ikh ke T'alluqat par ek Nazar, and Musalman Hukmaranon ki Mazhabi Rawadari. He authored his work, Babri Masjid: Tarikhi Pasmanzar Aur Peshmanzar Ki Roshni Mein. His research discussed the background to the Babri Masjid mosque as built by Mughal Emperor Babur when he reconstructed the site following the destruction of the Ram Janam Bhumi Mandir. This paper has also emerged to become an important document of the discussions relating to the case of Babri Masjid. The most profound contributions made by Abdur Rahman remain hidden from the public consciousness and, more importantly, have not found much recognition outside academic circles. As such, this figure in Indian historical scholarship remains forgotten. His works and research remain valuable resources to historians and scholars who show a keen interest in the subcontinent's past, yet their contributions in terms of knowing and understanding Sufism, the history of Islam, and the role of Muslim rulers in India are vital sources. Silent Legacy: A Forgotten Scholar Despite his immense scholarly contributions, Syed Sabahuddin Abdur Rahman’s name has largely been forgotten in mainstream historical discourse. His works, though influential and highly regarded by scholars of South Asian history, have not been widely recognised outside of academic circles. Much of his life’s work remains buried in the shadows, reflecting a pattern that many scholars of his time experienced—being relegated to the periphery of historical narratives, despite their significant contributions. This is aptly captured in a line of poetry that resonates with the life and legacy of Abdur Rahman: "Kahan Kahan Dil Sad Chak Ashk Khoon Roye, Dabe Hain Sekron Aflak In Zameenon Mein." (Syed Sabahuddin Abdur Rahman: Hayat-o-khidmat by Shaharyar Ahmed p. 6) Translation: Where all have hearts torn apart, shedding tears and blood, there lie countless secrets buried across these lands.) Like the "secrets" in the poem, much of what Abdur Rahman produced lies hidden from public view. His work in Indian Muslim history, his researches into the lives of Sufis and Muslim rulers, has been overshadowed by larger historical and political narratives. Yet, this is priceless knowledge for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of India's Islamic past. A Life Dedicated to Legacy: Family and Final Years Abdur Rahman's personal life was also influenced by his intellectual pursuits. He had four children: Ishrat Afroz, Musharrat Afroz, Syed Ehteshamur Rahman, and Syed Shakirur Rahman. Syed Sabahuddin Abdur Rahman died on 18 November 1987 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. His death brought an end to the era of preservation of Indian Muslim history but his work is still available for reference purposes by the scholars. His name might not be popular, but it is significantly important for the scholars who study South Asian Islamic history. Conclusion: Rediscovering Abdur Rahman's Legacy Syed Sabahuddin Abdur Rahman was more than a historian and a writer. He was passionate about education and research and gave his entire life to keeping the intellectual and cultural heritage of Indian Muslims alive. Life's work is an indispensable source for the history of Sufism, the Muslim rulers, and religious scholars in relation to Indian political leadership. Though much of his work has been forgotten, it is in the rediscovery of his contributions that his rightful place in the intellectual history of India can be reclaimed. His story, like many secrets buried in the land, calls for a deeper understanding and appreciation of a scholar whose work remains a beacon for future generations. ---- Syed Amjad Hussain is an author and Independent research scholar on Sufism and Islam. He is currently working on his book 'Bihar Aur Sufivad', based on the history of Sufism in Bihar. 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