Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’s Ijtihadi Perspectives on Prayer: A Critical and Analytical Study

Abstract

This study critically examines Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’s (1817–1898) ijtihadi perspectives on prayer (ṣalāh) within the broader context of his religious, intellectual, and reformist thought. Sir Syed, a central figure in Muslim intellectual awakening in the Indian subcontinent, reinterpreted prayer not merely as a set of ritualistic acts but as a spiritual discipline aimed at remembrance of God, moral refinement, and inner transformation. While affirming the obligatory nature of prayer, he prioritized its spiritual essence—khushūʿ (humility) and dhikr (remembrance)—over its outward forms, which he regarded as symbolic expressions rather than ends in themselves. His views on the possibility of offering prayer in vernacular languages and his emphasis on rational interpretation generated both support and sharp criticism from traditional scholars. This paper analyzes his understanding of prayer in light of his Qur’anic exegesis, theological positions, and reformist agenda, and highlights the intellectual debates and controversies that emerged in response. The study concludes that Sir Syed’s conception of prayer reflects his broader project of harmonizing religion with reason, and underscores its continuing relevance in contemporary discussions on the spirit and purpose of Islamic rituals.