Work

1. Improving Relations between the British and Muslim

Communities
Sir Syed believed that the position of the Muslims in the subcontinent
could only be improved if relations with the British were improved and
Muslims gained higher-quality education. There were two major
obstacles to good relations.

 The British had put the entire responsibility for the War of
Independence in 1857 on the Muslims. As a result they carried out
policies of repression against the Muslims after 1857. The Hindus
and other religious groups were considered to be loyal and
prepared to assist in governing India, but the Muslims were seen as
rebellious and unhelpful. Even as early as 1843 the British
Governor-General had stated:
'I cannot close my eyes to the belief that the Muslim race is
fundamentally hostile to us. Our true policy is to reconcile with the
Hindus'.

Sir Syed wanted to ensure that this false view was corrected.

 There was a deep-seated resentment of the British among many in

the Muslim community. This was sometimes based on the fact that
the British were seen as 'foreign invaders' and sometimes because
they were thought to be trying to replace Islam with Christianity.
Other Muslims rejected all Western ideas because they were often
not in line with Islamic beliefs. Sir Syed wanted to ensure that the
benefits and advantages of British rule, particularly in the areas of
science and technology, were embraced by the Muslim community
to improve the lives of the masses.