Constructing Pakistan - pg. 92

The book Ibn-ul-Waqt with these lines. The task of the Muslim loyalist reformer is further complicated by the traditional point of view. The reformer, in order to be effective must also be a pious Muslim. The novel, thus, foregrounds the importance of double negotiation: the Muslim elite will only be able to lead the Muslim masses if they do not lose their sense of self and Muslim identity in the process of dealing with the British. It was this important aspect of the native Muslim identity that forced the British to abandon their universalist project and change their policies specific to the perceptions of the natives. Respecting local religions and maintaining Muslim family law, thus, were a means of creating a hegemonic relationship.