COMPARISON OF THE REFORMERS MOVEMENTS

Shah Waliullah’s movement can surely be termed as the most effective of all the reform
movements aimed at the revival of Islam in India. All other reformers of the same and of
the latter period took lead and inspiration from Shah Waliullah’s reform movement. It was
the only movement which was carried forward as consistently as its founder ran it. His sons
contributed with their father’s mission and translated the Holy Quran into Urdu. The credit
for it mainly goes to his eldest son, Shah Abdul Aziz who had very ably replaced his father
on his death. Shah Waliullah’s pupils after his death spread all over India and remained
very instrumental in carrying his mission to Indian Muslims. No other reform movements
had as many long-term effects as did this movement. Shah Waliullah’s literary works
differentiate his services from the works of all other reformers. His socio-economic
teachings were a source of guidance and inspiration for future years to come.
Syed Ahmed Shaheed Barelvi’s Jihad Movement in comparison with Shah Waliullah’s
reform movement seems less important as far as revival of Islam in India is concerned. It
was not carried forward by any of the followers of Syed Ahmed Shaheed Barelvi. It lost
momentum as soon as the founder himself perished whereas Shah Waliullah’s sons had
continued with the mission of their father after his death.
Barelvi, unlike Shah Waliullah did not leave behind any institution where his teachings
were imparted to younger generations. Simultaneously he had no literary works to his
credit that could become source of inspiration and guidance after him. His achievements
proved to be momentary as the areas captured by him were soon occupied by the Non-
Muslims. On the other hand, Shah Waliullah had rendered ever-living services for the cause
of Islam. A special reference can be made to his translation of the Holy Quran into Persian
language and other valuable literary works.
Shah Waliullah’s work was more comprehensive than that of Barelvi’s. Shah Waliullah’s
teachings were not on just religion. He talked about politics as well as economic activity
in a Muslim society. Barelvi appears lagging behind Shah Waliullah as his only area of
concern was the re-establishment of Muslim power and that too through Jihad. Unluckily
he could not succeed in achieving his sole aim.
Faraizi Movement in the early nineteenth century was another major attempt at the revival
of Islam. A great many people were influenced by the teachings of both Haji Shariatullah
and his son Mohsinuddin. They very successfully helped Bengali Muslims set their
religious belief right. It was surely through this movement that Islam returned to its original
form. It made them conscious of their religious duties and created a spirit in them for the
fighting of holy war (Jihad).
However, Haji Shariatullah’s Faraizi Movement sounds less important in comparison with
other reform movements. It was just restricted to one area of the subcontinent whereas
other movements influenced many. It ended with the death of its founders and was not
carried forward whereas Shah Waliullah’s movement remained a source of inspiration for
years to come. Even the armed struggle made by the followers of the Faraizi Movement
was not as successful as was by Barelvi. It did not leave behind any institutions and literary
works as were left by Shah Waliullah.
Compiled by Sana Fatima
O’ levels, BSS, PECHS