Reminiscing Ameer Ali

 

Syed Ameer Ali was a descendent of Imam Jafor Sadek, the great grandson of Hazrat Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet of Islam. His ancestor, who was a commander of the army of Nadir Shah, came to India in 1735 after Nadir Shah withdrew his forces from the subcontinent, Ameer Ali's ancestor was employed in the service of Shuja-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Oudh. Ameer Ali's family migrated to the Bengal Presidency of the East India Company (that included Bihar and Orissa) in the early part of the 19th century. Source: Syed Ameer Ali "memories '' (republished in Lahore - 1967)
Syed Ameer Ali was a prolific and dynamic figure in both 19th and 20th centuries undivided India. He was instrumental in transforming undivided India's social and cultural milieus to dizzy heights which we could feel now. He not only transformed Muslim culture to greater heights but also he was a true social and cultural reformer in its highest order. Syed Ameer Ali hailed from Oudh (which was erstwhile known as Awadh) which now falls under Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. This Great personality was born in the year 1849 on April 6, at Cuttack (which were known once upon a time known to the undivided Indian and as well as Independent Indian) an historical city of 1000 yearswhich now falls under Indian state of Orissa. Later his father moved to Kolkata (erstwhile Calcutta). The families moved to Chinsura which is now well known to West Bengal citizens as Chinsurah.

  Syed Ameer Ali and his families were very erudite in those days. The families took fullest advantage of the educational facilities provided by the then British government which created disparaging expressions among some members of Muslim communities of undivided India in those days. Syed Ameer Ali had the privilege to earn scholarships which was conferred upon him by his British teachers. The reason behind it was because of his brilliance in academic fields. He earned his B.A. and M.A (Honors) in History from Calcutta University in the years 1867 and 1868 respectively. A year after his passing M.A (Honors) in History, in the year 1869 Syed Ameer Ali earned his L.L.B. degree. On receipt of his L.L.B degree he began his legal practice in the same year. Around that time Syed Ameer Ali was one such personality from the Muslim Community to have been crowned with this coveted honor. Thus in the subsequent paragraph it is my humble responsibility to introspect deeply about this great personality from political and academic perspectives.

Assessment of Syed Ameer Ali from political field:

Assessing Syed Ameer Ali from political perspective is not an easy task for me. Anyhow whatever I have gathered from Data available with me it was found that he was a gigantic personality in its highest esteem. In comparison to his time and as well as at present that dedications as an esteemed political figure which Syed Ameer Ali hadlacks badly at present. Syed Ameer Ali was committed enough to do something for the benefit for the society. He never thought of his personal pleasures which were quite appreciable. In the year in 1877, Syed Ameer Ali founded Central National Mohammedan Association in Calcutta. Later on the said association spread out its wings with 34 branches from Madras to Karachi in undivided India. He was the first leader from Muslim community to have founded the above organization which opened the doors for people of the above community to be more modernized and also the art of development of political consciousness. Syed Ameer Ali was associated with Central National Mohammedan Association for long 25 years. In the year 1910 Syed Ameer Ali became the 2nd Indian to become law member of the government of India after Lord Satyendra Prasad Sinha resigned from the member of the same body on November 1910. Two years prior to the above stated year Syed Ameer Ali founded the London Muslim League. The said organization was an independent Muslim Community body which was no way connected with All India Muslim League. In the year 1909 he became the first Indian member of Judicial Committee of Privy Council. After becoming member of Privy Council he was more popularly known as Right Honorable.

Syed Ameer Ali from academic field:

Academically Syed Ameer Ali was prolific the details of which have stated above. He became professor of law in Calcutta University in the year 1881.Also in the same field he was credited with writing some well known books the details of which are stated as follow:

The legal position of women in Islam (1912)

Islam (1906)

A critical examination of the Life and Teachings of Mohammad (1873)

The personal Law of Mohammedans (1880)

The Spirit of Islam

Ethics of Islam (1893)

A short history of Saracens

Personal beliefs of Syed Ameer Ali:

Syed Ameer Ali was a progressive minded personality. He felt from his own conviction and belief that Muslims should be more confident and be loyal to the ruling British rulers so that they are benefited from multifarious ways. That is why he appealed to Muslim brethren to be more devoted towards popularization of English language along with education in English medium academic institutions. Those thoughts and perceptions of Syed Ameer Ali were popularly known as Aligarh movement. As per the concept of progressive law is concerned Syed Ameer Ali opined 'Each age has its own feeling. The thought which is suited for one generation might not be suitable for following ones.'

Honors bestowed upon Syed Ameer Ali:

Syed Ameer Ali posthumously has been crowned with the following honors and accolades:

Rajshahi University of modern Bangladesh has commemorated one hall in the name of Syed Ameer Ali as 'Syed Ameer Ali' hall.

Pakistan Postal service issued a commemorative postage stamp in the year 1990 in Pioneers of Freedom Series.

Conclusion:

Syed Ameer Ali finally settled in United Kingdom in the year 1904 after his retirement from Calcutta High Court. He got married to a British national Isabelle Ida Konstam.  After settling down in United Kingdom he gradually withdrew himself from mainstream Muslim political life. He died in the year 1928 in Sussex, a prominent county of UK. Finally Syed Ameer Ali was laid to rest in Brook wood cemetery, under Sussex County. Thus a progressive minded personality by the name of Syed Ameer Ali is now rarely born in modern eras. Dishonesty and various kinds of unethical acts have eaten up the vitals of our socio-political culture. But still Indian and also Bangladeshi citizens should aim forward to uphold the noble legacies of Syed Ameer Ali in the upcoming days of our life. In honor of his memory a road has been named in his name Syed Ameer Ali Avenue which is closely located to Bangladesh Deputy High Commission based in the city. Hence Syed Ameer Ali will be ever memorized forever.


Sujayendra Das is a Columnist of Kolkata