Khilafat to partition: a survey of major political trends among Indian Muslims during 1919-1947

"This work" says the author, "seeks to trace the course of Muslim thought during the period 1919-1947. All available material relating to the sub ject of this study has been consulted."

This claim is correct. Apart from a few books of transient value, the author has studied a whole library of literature (Muslim, Hindu and foreign) concern ing the period. The author, in my opinion, has passed an almost faultless judgement on every Muslim leader of importance.

A careful examination of the thesis, which I have read thrice from cover to cover, has created in me a great respect for Mr. Shakir's extensive and careful study as well as his critical judgement; his Bibliography leaves nothing to be desired and his innumerable foot-notes refer almost every idea to the text from which it has been derived. I fully agree with his "contempt" for the surprising ignorance of Islamic history and Islamic thought (as well as the character of the present day world) shown by his chosen representatives as well as others (e.g. Deoband School, Khaksar movement, etc.).