Jo Taaq-E-Haram Mein Roshan Hai
Woh Shama Yahan Bhi Jalti Hai,
Iss Dasht Ke Goshey Goshey Se
Ik Jooy-E-Hayat Ubalti Hai
“A true Muslim is one who must hold the Holy Quran in one hand and science in the other.”
—Sir Syed Ahmad Khan
(17 October 1817 – 27 March 1898).
“A university stands for humanism, for tolerance, for reason, for the adventure of ideas, and for the search for truth. It stands for the onward march of the human race toward higher objectives. Universities are places of ideals and idealism. If the universities discharge their duties adequately, then, it is well with the nation and the people.” This profound quote by Jawaharlal Nehru is engraved on white marble at the entrance gate of the Maulana Azad Library, Aligarh Muslim University.
The university was established by the Muslim reformist, Islamic modernist, philosopher, distinguished scholar, and social activist of nineteenth-century India—Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. Today we celebrate the 207th Birthday (also known as Sir Syed Day) of this luminary, born in Delhi on 17 October 1817, precisely 207 years ago. He aimed to foster scientific temper among India’s Muslims and make modern science knowledge accessible. During a visit to England (1869-70), he prepared plans for a prestigious educational institution, referring to it as “a Muslim Cambridge.” In 1862, he founded a scientific society, and 13 years later, he helped establish the Mohammadan Anglo-Oriental College, which flourished and evolved into the key intellectual hub for Indian Muslims—the Aligarh Muslim University. The college’s success was largely due to his visionary leadership and a curriculum integrating both Western and Oriental studies. The intellectuals produced by Aligarh Muslim University have served and continue to serve the nation in various capacities. The university’s first graduate was the great revolutionary Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh. The late Dr. Zakir Hussain, former President of India, and Dr. Syed Mahmood were also distinguished alumni of Aligarh. The university has produced numerous doctors, engineers, educators, scientists, poets, writers, journalists, and other professionals.
One of his famous sayings is that “a true Muslim is one who must have the Holy Quran in one hand and science in the other.” Today, Aligarh Muslim University offers a wide range of courses including Medicine, Engineering, Science, Arts, Management, and Languages. Some of Sir Syed’s most notable quotes are as follows:
- “Sons (of MAO College, later AMU) shall go forth throughout the length and breadth of the land to preach the message of free inquiry, of large-hearted toleration, and of pure morality.”
- “Acquisition of knowledge of science and technology is the only solution for the problems of Muslims.”
- “Call me by whatever name you like. I will not ask you for my salvation.”
- “The first requisite for the progress of a nation is brotherhood and unity among all sections of society.”
- “I wish that the youth of India should follow the example of the young men and women of England who are religiously engaged in the hard work of industrial development of their country” (said during Sir Syed’s stay in England).
- “We should not tarnish the image of our capable ancestors by remaining ignorant and uneducated.”
- “All human beings are our brothers and sisters. Working for their welfare is obligatory for Muslims.”
Commenting on Sir Syed’s vision, dedication, and contribution, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru once said, “Sir Syed was an ardent reformer and he wanted to reconcile modern scientific thought with religion by rational interpretation, not by attacking basic beliefs. He was keen to promote new education. He was in no way communally separatist. Repeatedly he emphasized that religious differences should have no political or national significance.”
This great visionary and reformer, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, whose influence is still deeply felt today and who will always remain vivid in our memories, inspiring noble ideals and genuine principles in Islamic thought, passed away after a brief illness on 27 March 1898 and was buried in the premises of the university mosque in Sir Syed Hall, AMU. May his soul always rest in peace. We profoundly need Sir Syed Ahmed Khan today.
Zarraat Ka Bosa Lene Ko Sau Baar Jhuka Aakaash Yahaṅ
Khud Aaṅkh Se Hamne Dekhi Hai Baatil Ki Shikast-E-Faash Yahaṅ
Contribution of Aligarh Muslim University in Various Fields
Located in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, AMU spans 467.6 hectares and offers over 300 courses in both traditional and modern branches of education. The university attracts students from across India as well as from international regions, particularly Africa, West Asia, and Southeast Asia. In certain programs, seats are reserved for students from SAARC and Commonwealth countries. The university is open to all, regardless of caste, creed, religion, or gender, and ranks 8th among the top 20 research universities in India.
Despite the establishment of numerous universities and higher education institutions throughout the country, AMU has maintained its national and international reputation as an institution of excellence. The university currently enrolls over 28,000 students, with 1,342 faculty members and approximately 5,610 non-teaching staff. AMU comprises 12 faculties, 98 teaching departments, 3 academies, and 15 centers and institutions. A distinguishing feature of the university is its residential nature, with most students and staff residing on campus. The university provides 19 residential halls for students, comprising 80 hostels.
In addition to its traditional undergraduate and postgraduate programs in social sciences, sciences, and humanities, AMU offers specialized learning in technical, vocational, and interdisciplinary fields, keeping pace with the nation’s growth. The university includes notable institutions such as Zakir Hussain College of Engineering and Technology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Dr. Ziauddin Dental College, Institute of Ophthalmology, Food Craft Institute, Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, and the Centre for Advanced Study in History. It also hosts the Department of West Asian Studies, Centre for Wildlife, Centre for South African & Brazilian Studies, Department of Islamic Studies, Academic Staff College, Women’s College, Ajmal Khan Tibbiya College, University Polytechnic (with separate units for boys and girls), and the Computer Centre.
AMU established two new study centers outside Aligarh in 2011: one in Murshidabad, West Bengal, and the other in Mallapuram, Kerala. Currently, these centers offer teaching facilities for MBA and integrated law programs, and it is anticipated that within a decade, each center will serve over 10,000 students engaged in advanced study and research.
The university also manages one primary school, seven high schools (including one for visually challenged students), and two senior secondary schools for boys and girls. AMU offers courses in Indian, Oriental, and Western languages, with English being the primary medium of instruction.
Games and sports have always been an important aspect of AMU’s culture. The university’s cricket, football, hockey, tennis, basketball, skating, and horse riding teams have excelled at the inter-university level, and AMU is possibly the only Indian university with a Horse Riding Club.
The General Education Centre serves as the hub for extracurricular activities, fostering a vibrant cultural environment through its various clubs, including the AMU Drama Club, Hindustani and Western Music Clubs, Literary Club, and Hobbies Workshop.
AMU Alumni:
Thousands of Aligs are working globally in all academic and other fields including science and technology, medicine, engineering, information technology, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, environmental science, physics, chemistry, mathematics, social sciences, humanities, economics, business administration, finance, law, education, mass media, journalism, communication, management, public health, nursing, dentistry, agriculture, space sciences, artificial intelligence, robotics, computer science, data science, cybersecurity, genetic engineering, biomedical research, psychology, sociology, anthropology, linguistics, political science, international relations, history, geography, archaeology, philosophy, literature, arts, music, architecture, urban planning, and sports sciences.
Science and Technology: Aligarh Muslim University has made significant contributions to science and technology. The university’s faculty of science, engineering, and technology has produced numerous scientists and engineers who have contributed to research, innovation, and development. Alumni like Dr. Shahid Jameel, a leading virologist, and Dr. M. S. Swaminathan, the father of India’s Green Revolution, have had substantial impacts in their respective fields. AMU’s contributions to scientific research have been recognized globally, and its graduates have held important positions in international organizations like NASA and WHO.
