A Non-Political Empire

Whenever you initiate a plan, the first and foremost consideration is whether it is sustainable under real-world conditions. In this world, any plan takes a long time to yield results. For instance, an oak tree requires a hundred years to grow into its full form. Similarly, national projects also reach fruition only over extended periods. In such circumstances, no plan can be successful if it creates a short-lived stir and then suddenly collapses. A true plan is one that has the capacity to endure continuously in the flow of history. The movement of religious madrasas was precisely such a sustainable initiative. As a result, it continued uninterrupted after its inception. It thrived throughout the second half of the 19th century, persisted through the 20th century, and has now entered the 21st century successfully. Over this period, thousands of schools, madrasas, and darul ulooms (universities) were established across India. Eventually, a vast network of religious institutions and educational centers emerged throughout the country, educating generations upon generations. It is well known that knowledge is not confined to any single domain of life. Directly or indirectly, knowledge is interconnected with all spheres of life. Thus, approximately 150 years of relentless educational efforts have culminated in a reality that may not be an exaggeration to describe: Muslims in India now have a non-political, religious, and community-based empire. Based on its diverse characteristics, this empire is far more significant and enduring than the former political empires.