“Living without Transcendence”

Some Observations on Religious and Theological Reductionism of Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan

Abstract

This article explores Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan’s engagement with modernity, highlighting his prioritization of social reform, education, and scientific development over metaphysical concerns. While much has been written on Sir Sayyid’s religious and theological stances, little attention has been given to his acceptance of a worldview “bereft of Transcendence.” This acceptance, rooted in Enlightenment principles such as positivism and reductionism, led him to adopt a modernist lens that subordinated metaphysical and spiritual issues. The article critically examines Sir Sayyid’s intellectual milieu, juxtaposing premodern and modern conceptual frameworks, and argues that his reverence for Victorian science constrained his capacity to engage with transcendence. By focusing on the clash of worldviews between modern science and traditional spiritual perspectives, it highlights the broader implications of reductionist thinking in shaping societal values, existential meaning, and the human quest for purpose. Through the lens of thinkers like Robert Bellah and Allama Iqbal, the analysis emphasizes the necessity of integrating transcendence and metaphysics into a balanced worldview to counter modernity’s metaphysical shortcomings. Ultimately, it calls for a nuanced synthesis of science and religion to address the spiritual crises that accompany modern secularism and materialism.