An experiment of synthesis in between tradition and modernity: Seyyid Süleyman Nedvi (1884-1953)
The Indian Subaltern of the nineteenth century has witnessed the revitalization of the traditional currents of Islamic thought as well as modernist perceptions. An effort at synthesis in between these perceptions has surfaced towards the end of the century. The Daru'l-Ulum Nedvetü'l-Ulema of the nineteenth century, inaugurated in 1898, comes first among the institutions of education representing this synthesis between tradition and modernity. While it aims to teach the basic religious sciences without emphasizing the secterian conflicts, to an extent, it also welcomes the modern western sciences. It needs to be stressed here that Nedve has exerted special emphasis on the Arabic language and literature. Seyyid Süleyman Nedvi (1884-1953), one of the first graduates of Daru'l-Ulum Nedvetü'l-Ulema, represents this synthetical identity by means of his education and works. The model of an intellectual as such is well familiar with the basic Islamic sciences as well as being aware of the modern world and the modern sciences. Nedvi is especially prominent for his in-depth analyses in the fields of philology, history and literature and for his critical approach to utilizing the sources. Admired by all individuals from the modernist to the salafî ends, one needs to accept Nedvi as one of the last examples of an intellectual prototype who appears to be both synthetical and deeply immersed in knowledge.
Mehmet ÖZŞENEL
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