The Role of Hijra in the History of Deoband: Preserving Islam in a Minority Context

Hijra in Islam is a multi-faceted concept, inspired by Muhammad’s emigration from Mecca to Medina in the twelfth year of his prophethood (622 CE). Historically, Muslim groups, organisations and individuals who share the same ethical outlook as Muhammad have used the concept of hijra to reflect on notions of territory dār al-islam (abode of Islam) or dār al-kufr (abode of dis-belief), and their ensuing responsibilities and duties, demanded by the many socio-political changes occurring in various societies. More recently, in the 19th century CE with the rise of the nation-state, the relevance and impact of hijra has also proved influential for Muslims living as a minority in secular non-Muslim societies. This dissertation presents, evaluates, and critiques a particular modern movement, Deoband, from its origins in the late-nineteenth century to the mid-twentieth century, focussing on how it used aspects of hijra to adapt to its changing religio-political situation. Using a multidisciplinary approach, including textual analysis and reception history, this research seeks to understand the reception and consequent adaptation of hijra in the Deoband tradition. Through an examination of the historical development of hijra, this thesis offers an up-to-date treatment of Deoband’s engagement with the core ideas implicit in hijra, from the perspective of Muslims living as a minority, keen to ensure the preservation of their religion in the modern nation-state. This thesis argues that Deoband has carved out a theoretical space in modern political discourse that seeks to preserve Islam in a Muslim minority context.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

dprof

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Bhamji, Talha Mohamed

• BP Islam. Bahaiaeth. Theosoffi, ac yn y blaen
• H Gwyddorau Cymdeithasol (Cyffredinol)

Dc Identifier Grantnumber

UWTSD

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.uwtsd.ac.uk:3125