The Aligarh Miracle

Social movements are considered to be a modern phenomenon but they have existed in the past as well. Aligarh movement initiated by Sir Sayyid Ahmed khan is a typical social movement from 19th century, aimed at modernization and uplift of the Muslim community of India. It emerged in a period when the Indian Muslims were facing a sharp decline in their socio-economic and political status. This decline had created a psychology of retreat among them wherein they suspected any attempt to reform their lot. For instance, the introduction of modern education by the British rulers was adopted by the Hindu majority for obvious economic benefits. Conversely, the Muslims remained wary of modern education, particularly the English language as a conspiracy to destroy their age-old culture and religion. In this backdrop Sir Sayyid Ahmed Khan’s tireless drive to inculcate modern education proved to be a miracle that transformed the Muslim middle classes for the next century. Although Aligarh movement has attracted tremendous scholarship, there has been virtually little attempt to theorize it as a social movement. In this context the present paper aims to study Aligarh Movement on the parameters of contemporary theories highlighting the causal dimensions of social movements. It will particularly explore the relevance of the elements of deprivation, resource mobilization, political processes, structural strain and those highlighted by the new social movement theory as causal factors in the emergence and evolution of Aligarh Movement.

Dehumanization of Pakistani Society Through Media: An Analytical Study In The Light of Islamic Teachings

Media is the most influencing agency of 21st century which has been greatly utilized to bring change and revolution in the world, especially, since the advent of social and electronic media forms. It is serving as the weapon of present era, thus, demands Muslims to master its use owing to Divine duty. Pakistani Society has also witnessed massive change; more particularly the way people think and behave. Pakistan is an Islamic Republic, majorly populated with Muslims and representing Muslim culture. However, media practices seem to have diluted the essence of Muslim culture practiced in Pakistan. The current study aims to identify the gap of how the role of media becomes detrimental to the norms and customs of Pakistani culture and how far dehumanization through media has affected the ethical system. Moreover, the study also intends to explore the IslÉmic teachings regarding such practices and their application for the formation of a better society. For this, survey has been conducted from the general public across Pakistan regarding role of media and its impact on their lives by using questionnaire as a tool. The study revealed that media is inclined more towards negativity. It has damaging impact on the values of Pakistani Society and most of the values propagated through media are against Islamic ethical values system. Media content needs to be regulated by the concerned bodies through the application of Islamic ethical values so the real heritage of Pakistani culture being a Muslim culture could be preserved.