Political Thought of the Scholars of the Deobandi Movement in India

Abstract

The Deobandi movement is one of the most influential currents of Sunni Islam in the Indian subcontinent that, from the second half of the nineteenth century, developed an intellectual framework concerning the relationship between religion and political authority. This intellectual system was founded upon the Hanafi legal tradition, the legacy of Islamic mysticism (Sufism), and the experience of confronting colonial rule, thereby producing a distinctive perspective on governance and legitimacy. The present study aims to elucidate the intellectual and epistemological foundations of the political thought of Deobandi scholars and to analyze its evolution from the colonial era to the contemporary period. This research was conducted using a qualitative methodology and a descriptive-analytical approach. Data were collected through documentary and library-based research and were examined through qualitative content analysis within the framework of Weber’s theory of social action. The findings indicate that Deobandi political thought is rooted in the intellectual legacy of Shah Waliullah Dehlawi, Hanafi jurisprudence, and ethical Sufism, and on this basis prioritizes epistemic and moral reform over the acquisition of political power. By distinguishing between religious legitimacy and political legitimacy, Deobandi scholars conceptualized power as an instrument for the implementation of Sharia and justice rather than an end in itself. Furthermore, the political thought of this school has undergone a continuous process of transformation, evolving from its engagement with colonialism and nationalism to accommodation with the secular state and, subsequently, to a cautious response toward Hindu nationalism. The findings suggest that the Deobandi movement’s distance from formal political power should not be interpreted as passivity; rather, it constitutes a value-oriented and indirect form of action aimed at preserving the spiritual authority and cultural continuity of Indian Muslims.