The Ulama in the Age of Colonialism

The Ulama in the Age of Colonialism opponents of Islam fought the Muslims, led by the Prophet) was undoubtedly incorrect. In that battle, the difference between the two contending parties was quantitative. The Muslim force numbered three hundred thirteen, while their opponents were around one thousand. In contrast, the difference between the two forces in the confrontation of 1857 was qualitative. The Muslims had old-fashioned weapons used in faceto-face fighting, while the British had new weapons, modern scientific inventions that could shoot from afar. The former relied only on limited ground troops, while the latter had a powerful navy, too. The British forces were backed by a community that was fired by a new zeal and determination, while the Muslim army was backed by members of a community that had degenerated. However, the Ulama who were leading the revolt at this time did not have any understanding of the fundamental qualitative difference between the two contending forces. Had they fully understood this difference, they would have advocated patience (sabr), not physical jihad for the Muslims. They would have realised that by remaining firm on the path of patience and steadfastness, the Muslims could begin to make the necessary plans for an appropriate response to the