Faisal Devji

Faisal Devji, an Oxford historian specializing in modern Islam, dives into his book, Waning Crescent, exploring Islam's evolution as a global historical actor. He discusses how the 19th-century crisis of Muslim sovereignty reshaped the perception of Islam, liberating ordinary Muslims from traditional authorities. Devji also analyzes the emergence of modern 'idols' like nationalism and the implications of viewing Muhammad as a mortal figure. Additionally, he addresses how women symbolize this new anti-political Muslim identity and emphasizes the need for historians to broaden their focus.

Aparna Vedic, historian of modern India; Ananya Mukherjee-Reed, scholar of politics and ethics; Shruti Kapila, expert on Gandhi's early writings; Faisal Devji, historian of nonviolence; Aparita Bhandari, documentary reporter. They probe Gandhi’s stance on caste, nonviolence as political strategy, his non-statist idea of citizenship, the fallout of partition and assassination, and how these legacies shape contemporary majoritarian debates.

Faisal Devji, an Oxford-based historian and theorist of modern Islam, delves into his latest work, exploring the evolution of Islam as a historical subject. He discusses how the 19th-century perception of Islam transformed it into a global actor, free from traditional authorities. Devji examines the implications of this shift, with modern ideologies acting as rivals to Islam. He also highlights the complexities surrounding contemporary movements and the distinction between personal faith and Islam's broader identity, providing insightful directions for future scholarship.