In his work ‘‘Tafsir ul Quran— Commentaries on the Quran’’, this reformer argued that the Word of God should be interpreted through the work of God which is open for all to see.

The correct answer is - Syed Ahmed Khan

Key Points

• Syed Ahmed Khan
  • He was a prominent Indian reformer in the 19th century who worked to reconcile Islamic traditions with modern scientific thought.
  • His work "Tafsir ul Quran" emphasized the importance of interpreting the Word of God (Quran) in light of the work of God, meaning the natural world and scientific knowledge.
  • Syed Ahmed Khan believed that the Quran should be understood in a rational and progressive manner, aligning with the principles of reason and observation.
  • This approach was aimed at encouraging the Muslim community to embrace modern education and scientific inquiry.
  • He is best known for his efforts in founding the Aligarh Muslim University, which focused on modern education for Muslims.

Additional Information

• Syed Ahmed Khan's Contributions
  • He was a pioneer of the modernist movement in Islam, advocating for a balance between tradition and modernity.
  • His ideas were inspired by the need to uplift the Muslim community in India during British rule.
  • He argued that Muslims needed to adapt to the changing world by embracing Western-style education and scientific knowledge.
• Other Reformers (Incorrect Options)
  • Rashid Ahmed Gangohi: Known for his role in the Deoband movement, which focused on Islamic revivalism rather than modernist reform.
  • Mahmud ul Hasan: Associated with the Deoband movement and political activism, not Quranic reinterpretation based on scientific inquiry.
  • Syed Ahmed Barelvi: Known for his militant efforts in reforming Islam and opposing British rule, but not involved in modernist Quranic interpretation.