Syed Ahmad Khan

Syed Ahmad Khan (1817-1898) was an influential Indian Muslim scholar, reformer, and educator. He believed in modernizing education for Muslims in British India, emphasizing science and rational thinking over traditional teachings. He founded the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College in Aligarh, which later became Aligarh Muslim University, aiming to bridge Eastern and Western knowledge. Khan advocated for social reforms, including gender equality and religious tolerance, and worked to improve the socioeconomic status of Muslims. His efforts laid the groundwork for modern Muslim identity in India and significantly impacted the educational landscape of the region.