WHAT WAS THE SITUATION OF MUSLIMS AFTER 1857?

The situation of Muslims was worsened after the violent events of 1857. The Hindus also turned against the Muslims and blamed them for everything. The British hardened towards Muslims and started dealing with them brutally. They were killed and looted for no reason, they were kicked out of jobs. Many Muslim workers left offices and didn't send their children to schools as they hated all British traditions. Many Muslim families suffered great hardship.

WHAT WAS SIR SYED AHMED KHAN'S MESSAGE TO THE MUSLIMS?

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan has been called the greatest Muslim reformer and statesman of nineteenth century. The events of 1857 shocked him. He started thinking about improving the relationship between the Muslims and British.

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan had served as the judge and helped save many European lives in Bijnore during the mayhem of 1857. Perhaps because of his consideration and balanced objective approach  - to the situation the British were ready to listen to him. He wrote a short pamphlet in Urdu, titled Asbab-i-Baghawat-i-Hind (Causes of Indian revolt), in which he pointed out the reasons for the uprising and the mistakes on both sides. It turned out to be very influential and was studied carefully by officials in the India.

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan knew that the Muslims disliked British, but in the current situation it was very important to cooperate with them and have a good relationship with them in order to come out of darkness. He told the Muslims that further rebellion and protest will go in vain.He also knew that if the British would leave the Hindus which were in majority would take over the Muslims.

Many of the Muslims disliked his ideas, they were afraid that his support for westernization would gradually weaken Muslim beliefs.

WHAT WAS SIR SYED AHMED KHANS MESSAGE TO THE BRITISH?

To bridge the gap between British and Muslims he wrote an important pamphlet, The Loyal Mohammedans of India. He told the British that in-spite of rebellion many Muslims were not opposed to them and he included a list of Muslims who had remained loyal to the British. He also advised the British to understand and respect the traditions of Muslims. He called on the government to consult Indians before taking important decisions.