The nature of Islamic literary practice in Bengali/ বাংলায় ইসলামী সাহিত্য চর্চার স্বরূপ

Abstract

The relationship between Bengali language and literature has been profoundly shaped by Islamic influences since the arrival of Islam in Bengal, which dates back to the Abbasid Caliphate during the 8th century. Although political dominance began in the 13th century with Ikhtiyaruddin Muhammad bin Bakhtiyar Khalji, Islam’s cultural and literary integration preceded this period. Early Islamic influence was subtle, with direct contributions becoming apparent only by the medieval era. Notably, Syed Sultan initiated Islamic themes in Bengali poetry, inspiring a renewed cultural identity among Bengali Muslims. Medieval Islamic literature was heavily poetic, drawing from Persian and Hindi romantic traditions, with figures like Shah Muhammad Saghir and Alawal contributing to themes inspired by the Quran and Sunnah. The 15th to 19th centuries saw a flourish in Islamic Bengali poetry, including religious praise and mystical narratives. The advent of modern Islamic literature marked a shift towards prose, reflecting the socio-political changes brought by colonial policies. Prominent figure personality like, Mir Mosharraf Hossain and Syed Nuruddin enriched Islamic literature through works on the Prophet’s life, historical narratives, and social commentaries, integrating modernity while preserving Islamic essence. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Islamic literature adapted to address challenges posed by Christian missionary criticisms. Notable figures like Sheikh Abdur Rahim pioneered biographical and theological works, including Bengali translations of the Quran. This era marked a synthesis of traditional values and modern aspirations, underscoring the dynamic evolution of Islamic literary expression in Bengal.