The Changing Era

requires learning Western languages. For instance, Maulana Shibli Nomani attempted to learn French from Professor Arnold in Aligarh, although he could not complete his studies. During my time at Madrasa Al-Islah, I observed my teacher, Maulana Akhtar Ahsan Islahi, trying to read English books with the help of a dictionary. However, I do not know how far his efforts progressed. A particularly instructive example in this regard is related to Maulana Muhammad Qasim Nanautawi. This incident, summarized here from Maulana Manazir Ahsan Gilani’s book, illustrates the importance of learning languages like English for the purpose of introducing Islam. During his Hajj journey in 1878, Maulana Nanautawi was approached by the European captain of the ship, who asked him some religious questions. The answers were conveyed through a translator. The captain was deeply impressed by his responses. Following this encounter, Maulana Muhammad Qasim Nanautawi felt that the conversation with the captain could have been more effective through direct speech without an interpreter. The only possible meaning of this is that, even in his time, Maulana considered learning languages like English—essential for a positive introduction of religion in the modern era—as part of his religious efforts (dini mujahidat) (Sawanih Qasmi, by Maulana Manazir Ahsan Gilani, published by Darul Uloom Deoband, Vol. 2, pp. 299-300).