The Ulama in the Age of Colonialism

The Ulama in the Age of Colonialism against the British seemed to have not known about this significant development. The confrontation that the Ulama of this time called for against the European colonialists was unwarranted from both practical and ideological points of view. From the former perspective, the confrontation supported by the Ulama resulted in nothing, but a one-sided slaughter of Muslims: in no way did it achieve the desired result that they thought it would. The Ulama possessed only traditional weaponry, while the western colonial powers were armed with technologically advanced weapons. It was not simply a question of a quantitative difference in power as far as two opposing parties were concerned, as used to be the case in the past. The difference was qualitative, and the hiatus between the two camps was enormous. Given this fact, this confrontation was in accordance neither with Islam nor with reason. As a matter of principle, the Ulama have not been assigned to become involved in practical politics. If they assume this role, their other, much more essential responsibilities are bound to be neglected. The Ulama must always observe the division of the areas of activity that we have discussed earlier. In other words, they must leave political disputes to politicians