Mosques of Colonial South Asia: A Social and Legal History of Muslim Worship

South Asian Muslims attempted to modify laws relating to their places of worship in a series of legal battles, but their ideals were rejected by colonial secularism. This book explores the legal history of Muslim endowments and the intellectual and social history of sectarian identities, demonstrating how these topics are interconnected and affected the everyday lives of mosque congregants.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

In a protracted series of legal disputes that commenced in 1882, South Asian Muslims, comprising a diverse spectrum of modernists, traditionalists, reformists, Shias, and Sunnis, endeavored to alter the regulations governing their places of worship. Regrettably, their endeavors proved futile, as the ideals they propagated clashed with the prevailing colonial secularism. This book delves into the intricate legal history of Muslim endowments, while also exploring the intellectual and social dimensions of sectarian identities. By employing a comprehensive approach that incorporates legal records, archives, and a series of case studies, Sana Haroon intricately weaves a narrative tapestry that spans across multiple regions in Colonial South Asia. Through this comprehensive exploration, the author elucidates the interconnectedness of these topics, shedding light on their profound impact on the daily lives of mosque congregants throughout North India.

Weight: 548g
Dimension: 162 x 242 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780755634446