At a time when ordinary courage has become rare, one has to look up to the lives of those who stood for dissent in the colonial era. Back in the 19th century, Justice Syed Mahmood, son of the great social reformer Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, became the first judge to resist colonial power by espousing the cause of judicial independence. At the age of just 32, he not only remains the youngest, but also the first Indian Muslim and first north Indian to be appointed as a High Court judge in India. Endowed with a judicial acuity ahead of his times, a number of his dissents were later accepted by the courts, and continue to be the law. This book chronicles the triumphs and tragedies of Syed Mahmood's life, and his contribution in shaping the consciousness of post 1857 India. With an impressive array of research, perception and analysis, the book succeeds in exhuming a seminal figure from the dust of history, and showcases the past speaking to the present.

This book presents a nuanced narrative on Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s (1817–1898) life and his invaluable contribution to the democratic consciousness in India. Based on extensive archival research and a close study of his writings, speeches, and addresses, it explores the life and works of Sir Syed in the broader context of socio-political debates in nineteenth-century India. A seminal figure who shaped modern India, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan is known as the pioneer of modern education among the Muslims in India. Reconciling faith with demonstrable truths, he contributed immensely as a member of the several apex bodies such as Vice-Regal Legislative Council, Royal Public Service Commission, Royal Education Commission, and Legislative Council of North West Provinces. The volume also explores the reformer’s views on issues like colonial law and administration, the concept of blasphemy, conversion, female education, religious beliefs, freedom of press, emancipation of women, Hindu–Muslim unity, Urdu–Hindi controversy, and reservation for Muslims. Thoughtfully and incisively written, this volume will be of great interest to scholars and researchers of modern India, Indian political thought, political philosophy, education, political science, colonial history, Islamic Studies, religious studies, Islamic law, biography, and South Asian studies.

The Muqaddama purifies and brightens the heart and soul and strengthens the faith of those who ponder on the proofs regarding Mahdiat (of Imam-e-Huda). It provides some remedy to the fault finders who object on the sublime characters of Imam-e-Huda (As) who is the seal of the vilayet-e-Mohammedia and also is a guide for the research scholars. I pray the Almighty Allah to grant His Blessings to the author of this "Muqaddama" and also to those who are assisting in its safeguarding and publishing. May Allah Make this "Muqaddama" an eternal source of guidance to the followers of the holy Prophet Hazrat Mohammed Rasoolullah (PBUH) till the Doomsday. Amen.

This book is an English translation of "Kulliyat-e Khutbat-e Sir Sayyid" (Complete Lectures of Sir Syed). This book in three volumes is a complete collection of 202 lectures give by Sir Syed between 1859-1898 on various topics in law, civics, society, and culture, majority of them related to his founding of the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College and the Muhammadan Educational Conference.

I really applaud your efforts. It's really difficult to do a book like that.- WAZIRThanks again for your immense work, my family and I are indeed extremely grateful.- AZLANYour effort in writing about the early Muslim doctors is very commendable and would be good for present and future generations to read about.- TAHIRYou are doing valuable work by filling in the gaps in our history. Iwish more of our retirees would impart their memories to repositoriesof knowledge such as the USM.- TAWFIK

The Muqaddama purifies and brightens the heart and soul and strengthens the faith of those who ponder on the proofs regarding Mahdiat (of Imam-e-Huda). It provides some remedy to the fault finders who object on the sublime characters of Imam-e-Huda (As) who is the seal of the vilayet-e-Mohammedia and also is a guide for the research scholars. I pray the Almighty Allah to grant His Blessings to the author of this "Muqaddama" and also to those who are assisting in its safeguarding and publishing. May Allah Make this "Muqaddama" an eternal source of guidance to the followers of the holy Prophet Hazrat Mohammed Rasoolullah (PBUH) till the Doomsday. Amen.