KHILAFAT MOVEMENT Meaning and
Definition
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The Khilafat Movement was a socio-political movement initiated by Indian Muslims in the early 20th century, specifically between 1919 and 1924, aiming to restore the Caliphate system after its abolition by the Turkish Republic. The movement grew in response to the humiliating Treaty of Sèvres in 1920, which imposed heavy terms on the Ottoman Empire and signaled the end of the Islamic Caliphate.
Primarily led by prominent Muslim leaders such as Maulana Mohammad Ali and his brother Shaukat Ali, the Khilafat Movement attracted widespread support among Indian Muslims, transcending the boundaries of regions, social classes, and sectarian divisions. The movement aimed to unite Indian Muslims, instill a sense of pan-Islamism, and exert pressure on the British colonial government to protect the rights of Muslims in the post-Ottoman era.
The Khilafat Movement employed various tactics to achieve its goals, including peaceful protests, non-cooperation with British authorities, and boycotting British goods. It also sought support from the Indian National Congress, resulting in a unique alliance between the Muslim community and the broader Indian nationalist movement.
Although the Khilafat Movement initially enjoyed significant success and garnered international attention, it gradually waned due to internal divisions within the movement, British suppression, and the rise of more radical elements. The movement ultimately failed to achieve its primary objective of restoring the Caliphate, as the Turkish Republic, under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, abolished the institution in 1924.
However, the Khilafat Movement played a crucial role in shaping the political consciousness of Indian Muslims, fostering unity, generating awareness about their rights, and instigating collective action against foreign domination and for the preservation of Islamic institutions.
Etymology of KHILAFAT MOVEMENT
The word "khilafat" has its roots in Arabic. The term "khilafat" (خلافة) means "succession" or "caliphate" in Arabic. It refers to the political and religious authority of a caliph, who is considered the successor to the Prophet Muhammad in the Islamic faith.
The word "movement" in this context refers to a collective, organized effort or action towards a specific goal. So, the term "khilafat movement" denotes a movement or collective action aimed at supporting or advocating for the caliphate or the cause of the caliph.
The Khilafat Movement was a political movement in the Indian subcontinent during the early 20th century. It was led by Muslim leaders who sought to preserve the Ottoman Caliphate, which was significantly weakened after World War I and faced threats from colonial powers.
