Fourteenth International Conference on Religion & Spirituality in Society

Abstract

My research explores the evolution of the Deobandi movement from British India to a significant political force in Pakistan, India, and beyond. Investigating primary and secondary historical sources, the study focuses on contextualizing the movement, examining ideological shifts, theological beliefs, and political implications. Key research questions span politics, culture, theology, education, Quranic interpretations, and ideological transitions. The primary objective is to discern why the Deobandi movement, initially supportive of a unified India, shifted to a separatist stance in the 1940s. The impact of the movement on Pakistani politics, interactions with other Islamic schools, and its manifestation in Indian politics are pivotal areas of inquiry. Despite its roots in Islamic reform, the contemporary Deobandi movement is associated with violence, particularly through groups like the Taliban. The study unveils the catalysts behind this shift by analyzing diverse scholarly works and historical speeches. Anticipated challenges include navigating potential Islamophobia in research and managing emotional strain from the subject matter. Utilizing a variety of carefully chosen sources, from Deobandi scholars’ works to historical speeches, my research contributes insights into the movement’s complex history and ideological evolution in underexplored areas of South Asian politics.