Abstract

Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi was a significant figure in 20th-century Islamic revivalism, known for founding the Jamaat-e-Islami in British India, later Pakistan. He viewed Islam as a comprehensive system that should guide political, social, and economic aspects of life, arguing that the decline of Muslim societies was due to the abandonment of Islamic principles in favor of Western ideologies. Maududi contributed to modern Islamic political theory by advocating for an Islamic state governed by Sharia law, which he referred to as "theocracy," while emphasizing the sovereignty of God. His ideas resonated with many Muslims who felt sidelined by secular states and were widely disseminated through his extensive writings, which influenced various Islamist movements. While he is admired for his scholarship and dedication to Islam, his interpretations and political ideas have also faced criticism. Regardless, his influence on contemporary Islamic discourse is significant, shaping debates about Islam's role in the modern world.