# Syed Abul Ala Maududi

> South Asian Islamic scholar, Founder of Jamaat-e-Islami (1903–1979)

**Wikidata**: [Q369907](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q369907)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abul_A'la_Maududi)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/syed-abul-ala-maududi

## Summary
Syed Abul Ala Maududi was a South Asian Islamic scholar and the founder of Jamaat-e-Islami, an influential political and religious organization active during the British Raj and in Pakistan. He is best known for his contributions to Islamic thought and his role in shaping political movements in South Asia.

## Biography
- Born: September 25, 1903, in Deoband, British India
- Nationality: British India (now Pakistan)
- Education: Aligarh Muslim University, University of Cambridge
- Known for: Founding Jamaat-e-Islami and advancing Islamic scholarship
- Employer(s): Aligarh Muslim University, Jamaat-e-Islami
- Field(s): Islamic studies, political theory, religious leadership

## Contributions
Syed Abul Ala Maududi founded Jamaat-e-Islami in 1941, a political and religious organization that played a significant role in the political and social landscape of South Asia. He authored several influential works, including:
- *Tafhim-ul-Quran* (1940s), a commentary on the Quran that emphasized its political and moral dimensions.
- *Caliphs and Kings* (1940s), a historical and political treatise analyzing the role of rulers in Islamic history.
These works laid the foundation for his ideological contributions and influenced later Islamic political movements.

## FAQs
**What was Jamaat-e-Islami, and what was its significance?**
Jamaat-e-Islami was a political and religious organization founded by Syed Abul Ala Maududi in 1941. It played a significant role in the political and social movements of South Asia, advocating for Islamic principles and political activism.

**Where did Syed Abul Ala Maududi receive his education?**
He studied at Aligarh Muslim University and the University of Cambridge, where he pursued Islamic studies and political science.

**What were Syed Abul Ala Maududi’s major works?**
His major works include *Tafhim-ul-Quran* and *Caliphs and Kings*, which outlined his ideological contributions and influenced Islamic thought and political movements.

**What was Syed Abul Ala Maududi’s role in the political landscape of South Asia?**
He founded Jamaat-e-Islami and played a significant role in shaping the political and religious movements of the region, advocating for Islamic principles and political activism.

## Why They Matter
Syed Abul Ala Maududi’s work had a profound impact on Islamic thought and political movements in South Asia. His founding of Jamaat-e-Islami and his influential writings shaped the ideological landscape of the region, influencing later movements and thinkers. His contributions continue to be studied and debated, reflecting his enduring influence on Islamic jurisprudence and political theory.

## Notable For
- Founder of Jamaat-e-Islami, a significant political and religious organization in South Asia.
- Author of influential works such as *Tafhim-ul-Quran* and *Caliphs and Kings*.
- Key figure in shaping the political and religious movements of South Asia.
- Recipient of the King Faisal International Prize in Service to Islam.
- Influenced later Islamic political movements and thinkers.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Syed Abul Ala Maududi was born on September 25, 1903, in Deoband, British India. He received his early education at Aligarh Muslim University, where he studied Islamic theology and jurisprudence. He later pursued further studies at the University of Cambridge, where he deepened his understanding of political science and Islamic studies.

### Career and Political Influence
Syed Abul Ala Maududi founded Jamaat-e-Islami in 1941, a political and religious organization that played a significant role in the political and social movements of South Asia. He served as its leader and shaped its ideological framework, advocating for Islamic principles and political activism.

### Major Works and Contributions
Syed Abul Ala Maududi authored several influential works, including:
- *Tafhim-ul-Quran* (1940s), a commentary on the Quran that emphasized its political and moral dimensions.
- *Caliphs and Kings* (1940s), a historical and political treatise analyzing the role of rulers in Islamic history.
These works laid the foundation for his ideological contributions and influenced later Islamic political movements.

### Legacy and Influence
Syed Abul Ala Maududi’s work continues to be studied and debated, reflecting his enduring influence on Islamic jurisprudence and political theory. His founding of Jamaat-e-Islami and his influential writings shaped the political and religious movements of South Asia, influencing later movements and thinkers. He was posthumously recognized with the King Faisal International Prize in Service to Islam, honoring his contributions to Islamic thought and service.

### Identity and Classification
Syed Abul Ala Maududi is classified as:
- Instance of: Human
- Occupation: Islamic scholar, political theorist, religious leader
- Citizenship: British India (now Pakistan)
- Notable works: *Tafhim-ul-Quran*, *Caliphs and Kings*
- Field of work: Islamic studies, political theory, religious leadership
- Influenced by: Islamic scholars and political theorists of the 20th century

### Personal Life and Affiliations
Syed Abul Ala Maududi was educated in Aligarh and Cambridge. He was deeply influenced by Islamic scholars and political theorists of his time. He was affiliated with:
- Aligarh Muslim University
- University of Cambridge
- Jamaat-e-Islami

His works continue to be studied and celebrated in academic and religious institutions across South Asia.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. LIBRIS. 2012
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. CiNii Research
6. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
7. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
8. AlKindi
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
10. [Source](https://islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/mevdudi)
11. Catalogo of the National Library of India