Seyyed Amir- Ali and His Role in the Religious, Political and Social Life of Indian Muslims before Independence

One of the actors and agents of political, social and legal changes in India before independence, which had an impact on the awareness and identity of Muslims in Indian society, is Seyyed Amir- Ali (1248-1348 AH / 1849-1928 AD) who has spoken less about him. In this article, in response to the question of whether his life and thought are an example of the internalization of colonialist ideas in colonized societies, as expressed in the views of postcolonial theorists, or the search for a way out of the conditions that allow colonization. We examine his life, works and views, and his influence on the cultural and political life of Indian Muslims. Seyyed AmirAli was a lawyer, politician, historian and one of the most influential leaders of the Islamic Movement of India. He has always worked hard to solve the problems and needs of Muslims by serving in the government, presenting codified laws and establishing the Muslim Association of India, and has been the source of many services. Although he opposed rapid change and reform in India and saw it as the source and cause of any unrest in the country, he was instrumental in identifying Muslims in a pluralistic and Indian-dominated society. This article shows that, contrary to the opinion of postcolonial historians, the activity and thought of such a figure cannot be simply put in the form of “welcoming colonialism” and internalizing colonialism.