The Ability to Reassess

the key issues of modern philosophy.” (Al-Jami’at Weekly, Delhi, February 2, 1970, p. 10) This speech by Syed Muhammad Rashid Rida reflects the spirit of independent reasoning (ijtihad). By thoroughly analyzing the situation, he foresaw that the balance between the Muslim minority and the non-Muslim majority in undivided India, maintained by the presence of the British as a third power, would collapse once the British withdrew. The resulting political independence would bring new challenges for Muslims rather than solve their problems. Based on this forward-looking assessment, Syed Rashid Rida advised Muslim leaders in India to focus on dawah (peacefully conveying the teachings of Islam) rather than armed confrontation. He urged them to prepare intellectually rather than militarily, ensuring they could effectively convey Islam’s peaceful message in line with the demands of the time. However, the Muslim leaders of that era were so consumed by their animosity toward the British that they could not imagine any constructive work being undertaken under British rule. A significant historical opportunity was lost, and the primary reason was the absence of the spirit of independent reasoning (ijtihad). Muslims suffered setbacks because they adopted an imitative mindset and stopped practicing ijtihad. This stagnation has left Muslims akin to a backward caravan in the modern era, struggling to keep pace with contemporary challenges.