Introduction:

Welcome to another immersive episode of Dariyaa, your go-to podcast for deep dives into the captivating world of politics, culture, society, and policy.

In this episode, Srushti and Omer, Hosts of Dariyaa are in conversation with, Dr. SherAli Tareen, Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Franklin and Marshall College, discussing his groundbreaking new book on the complex intra-Muslim debates surrounding Hindu-Muslim friendship and political theology in South Asia during the 18th to 20th centuries.

Dr. Tareen argues that the loss of Muslim political sovereignty under colonialism led to a heightened emphasis on embodied practices and "markers of distinction" as a means of asserting Muslim identity and supremacy. He explores how Muslim scholars of diverse ideological persuasions engaged with the Islamic legal tradition and colonial modernity to articulate competing visions of Islam and inter-religious relations.

Through a close reading of fascinating historical figures and texts, Dr. Tareen reveals the nuanced logics and internal contestations that shaped Muslim thought during this transformative period. He challenges simplistic binaries of "good" and "bad" Muslims, calling for a deeper, more empathetic engagement with voices that defy modern liberal categories.

At a time of rising Islamophobia and Hindu nationalism in South Asia, Dr. Tareen shows how these historical debates over the boundaries of friendship and cultural exchange continue to resonate powerfully with contemporary controversies, from cow vigilantism to the Citizenship Amendment Act.

For anyone seeking a more nuanced understanding of the role of Islam in South Asian history and politics, this podcast offers a wealth of insights and provocations. Join us for a stimulating exploration of sovereignty, translation, tradition, and the unexpected afterlives of colonial-era Muslim thought.

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Thank you for tuning in to Dariyaa, where we uncover the diverse cultures and challenges of the region. Stay tuned for more thought-provoking episodes in the future.

Produced By Ergo Collective