A renowned Indian social activist and writer, known for his tireless efforts to promote communal harmony, secularism, and human rights, particularly in the context of Indian Muslims.
Asghar Ali Engineer is internationally renowned for his groundbreaking work on liberation theology in Islam, leading the Progressive Dawoodi Bohra movement and advocating for communal harmony in India and South Asia. Through his tireless efforts, Engineer has become a beacon of hope for peaceful coexistence, earning him a reputation as a votary of peace and non-violence.
Born on March 10, 1939, in Salumbar, Rajasthan, India, Asghar Ali Sheikh Kurban, later known as Asghar Ali Engineer, was the son of a Bohra priest, Shaikh Qurban Hussain. He received training in Quranic tafsir, tawil, fiqh, and hadith, and learned Arabic. Engineer graduated with a degree in civil engineering from Vikram University in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, and served for 20 years as an engineer in the Bombay Municipal Corporation.
In 1965, Engineer began publishing newspaper articles, adopting the pen name Asghar Ali Engineer. This marked the beginning of his journey as a writer, researcher, and social activist. He went on to establish the Indian Institute of Islamic Studies in Mumbai (1980) and the Centre for Study of Society and Secularism (CSSS) in 1993, both of which became hubs for academic inquiry and social reform.
Engineer's work on liberation theology in Islam focuses on issues of communalism, ethnic violence, and social justice. His research and writings aim to promote a deeper understanding of Islam, encouraging a more nuanced and inclusive approach to religious traditions. Through his work, he has inspired a new generation of scholars and activists to engage with the complexities of liberation theology.
In 2011, Engineer's autobiography, A Living Faith: My Quest for Peace, Harmony and Social Change, was released in New Delhi. This memoir offers a personal account of his life, struggles, and triumphs, providing a unique window into the experiences of a reformist writer and social activist. Engineer has also contributed to The God Contention, a website comparing and contrasting various worldviews.
Engineer's work has been recognized with several awards and honors, including the Communal Harmony Award (2003) and the Dr. Ramin Jahanbegloo Award for Democratic Values (2011). His contributions to promoting peace, non-violence, and communal harmony have earned him international acclaim and respect.
Engineer has traveled extensively, lecturing on communal harmony and liberation theology in various parts of the world. His advocacy has resonated with people from diverse backgrounds, inspiring a renewed commitment to peace, non-violence, and social justice.
Asghar Ali Engineer's life and work serve as a testament to the power of advocacy, research, and commitment. His legacy continues to inspire people around the world, encouraging them to work towards a more harmonious and peaceful coexistence.
Born in 1869
Indian freedom fighter, activist, and philosopher who led India to independence from British rule through non-violent civil disobedience, inspiring civil rights movements worldwide.
Born in 1889
India's first Prime Minister, a key figure in the country's struggle for independence from British rule, and a champion of democracy and secularism. He played a crucial role in shaping modern India's government and economy.
Born in 1888
A key figure in India's struggle for independence, he played a crucial role in shaping the country's education system and promoting unity among its diverse population.
Born in 1879
A pioneering social reformer who fought against casteism, superstition, and women's oppression, advocating for rationalism, equality, and women's empowerment. He is revered for his radical ideas and activism that transformed Indian society.
97 Years Old
A prominent leader in the civil rights movement, advocating for racial equality and social justice through nonviolent means, leaving a lasting impact on American history.
Born in 1918
A South African lawyer and politician who fought against apartheid, becoming the country's first black president and a symbol of racial reconciliation, earning a Nobel Peace Prize. He's a beacon of hope and freedom.
28 Years Old
A courageous advocate for girls' education, particularly in her native Swat Valley, who survived a Taliban assassination attempt and continues to inspire global change through her activism and writing.
