M.A. / Coming to terms with the challenge of modernity has been a major concern for Muslim scholars. Faced with the reality of the global system of nation states, and the question that the challenges of secularism, democracy and religious pluralism pose for a traditional understanding of Islâm, many contemporary Muslim scholars have sought to develop new visions of their faith in order to engage seriously with these concerns. This dissertation looks at the writings of the Indian âlim, Sayyid Abul Hasan `Ali Nadwi, who has developed an incisive approach to the challenges of da`wah and dialogue Muslims globally and Indian Muslims particularly are faced with. This study examines how he as a member of the Muslim minority in India, has sought to present Islâm in terms that are intelligent to the modern mind, as well as making it possible for Muslims in India to attempt to create a balance as loyal citizens of the state, on the one hand, and as practising believers of their religion, on the other. Furthermore this vision is given a global dimension for Muslims living in the West where the challenges are not dissimilar from the Indian context. / Prof. J.F.J. van Rensburg