Prophet of progress

Vakkom Abdul Khader Maulavi was a visionary who championed progressive Islam and women’s rights


When renowned American sociologist Charles Kurzman compiled a list of 52 influential scholars advocating reformist Islam worldwide, Vakkom Abdul Khader Maulavi was the sole representative from Kerala. This underscores Maulavi’s significant contribution to Islamic thought and social reform in the region. While largely known for his fierce journalistic endeavour through ‘Swadeshibhimani,’ a Malayalam daily he published in 1905, Maulavi (1873-1932) was a key figure in the modernization of Islam in Kerala.

Maulavi emphasized the importance of interpreting religious texts within their historical and social contexts, a radical departure from prevailing orthodox interpretations. He argued that many distorted practices had crept into religious practice over the years and needed to be discarded. “Reform religion from its deviated principles, and excessive laws. Religion is a simple doctrine devoid of blind following. If religion is not modernized, you cannot move forward in your life,” Maulavi asserted.

This emphasis on contextual understanding resonated deeply with the reform movements of his time. Kerala, unlike North India, witnessed reform movements primarily driven by lower castes. Figures like Sree Narayana Guru and Ayyankali, contemporaries of Maulavi, championed social equality and challenged the rigid caste hierarchy.

While the concept of a “Muslim renaissance” has faced resistance from some traditional sections of the community, it’s undeniable that a rich tradition of reform exists within Kerala’s Muslim history.

From the 1880s onwards, Kerala’s Muslim community grappled with the challenges of modernity, navigating colonial systems while struggling with its own internal dynamics. Maulavi, a staunch nationalist, participated in the freedom struggle, embracing Gandhian principles of non-violence. However, his primary focus remained on religious and social reform.

Maulavi also challenged the prevailing orthodoxy by advocating women’s education, a radical idea at the time. He interpreted religious texts to support women’s right to learn, countering deeply entrenched traditional prohibitions. He also stressed the importance of social responsibility, urging the affluent members of the community to support education for the underprivileged.

Notably, AK Ramakrishnan, a noted Indian scholar on gender studies, acknowledged the pioneering work of Vakkom Maulavi in promoting women’s liberation. In his 2022 Vakkom Abdul Khader Moulavi memorial lecture, Ramakrishnan cited Maulavi’s newspaper ‘Deepika’ (published in 1930) as the earliest document on the subject. “We normally expect such advanced thoughts from secular intellectuals. The first reference to women’s liberation came from Moulavi’s writings,” Ramakrishnan observed. He was well aware of such liberation movements in different parts of the world much before it became popular in Kerala, he said.

Maulavi’s reformist project was multifaceted. He grappled with the influence of Westernized versions of Islam while simultaneously challenging the rigid interpretations of religious scholars. He advocated for a critical re-examination of classical jurisprudence and a new approach to Islamic theology. He emphasized the need to understand religious doctrines within their historical context and then reinterpret them in light of contemporary realities.

Maulavi was not seeking a mere return to Islamic purity, but he sought to engage with the challenges thrown by modernity. He called upon Muslims to pursue the principle of independent judgment through reason and knowledge on matters of faith while sticking to the core principles of the Quran and Hadith.

Rationalization of religion was an important aspect of Maulavi’s reform. He rejected the authority of the priestly class as the only legitimate interpreters of Islam and entrusted a greater responsibility to individual Muslims to order their personal lives in accordance with Islamic principles.

Maulavi’s commitment to social reform was evident in his establishment of the Malayalam newspaper ‘Swadeshabhimani.’ This newspaper, with its cutting-edge printing press imported from England, served as a platform for engaging with modern ideas and fostering communication.

‘Swadeshabhimani’ established a connection with the London-based Reuters news agency, bringing the world to the doorsteps of Malayalees.

Tragically, Maulavi’s dedication to his reformist endeavours led to significant financial hardship. He spent his wealth on educational and social initiatives, ultimately dying in debt at the age of 58.

Despite the limited impact of his reforms beyond the 1930s, Maulavi remains a pivotal figure in Kerala’s history. His efforts to reconcile Islam with the demands of modernity, his emphasis on contextual understanding of religious texts, and his advocacy for social justice continue to resonate with those seeking to build a more inclusive and equitable society.

(Dec 28 marked the 152nd birth anniversary of Vakkom Abdul Khader Maulavi)

The writer is assistant professor, School of International Relations and Politics, Mahatma Gandhi University