Muslim Reformers

Sheikh Ahmed Sirhindi (1564-1624)

AKA Mujaddid Alif Sani (2nd millennium reformer)

Mystic of Naqshbandi order challenged Akbar’s might, countered Akbar’s un-Islamic trends

Services

Ittabat-e-Sunnah- undertook the job of purifying Islam, sent his followers throughout length and
breadth of sub-continent to promote following the teachings of Prophet

Exposed the fallacy of Deen-e-Ilahi

Wrote letters to leading nobles of Mughal royal court- Maktoobat-Imaam-Rabbani – to pursue them
to the true teachings of Islam

Gave the antithesis of Wahdat-ul-Wajood through Wahdat-ul-shahood

Wahdat-ul-Wajood mean Allah is present in everything. And Wahdat-ul-shahood mean all things are
reflection of Allah.

Founder of two nation theory- maintained that Hindu and Muslim were separate nation

Resolution of differences between scholars and mystics

Emphasis on rituals

Impact

Brought unity of thought in Muslim society

Bridged the gulf between Sufism and orthodox Islam

Quran and sunnah as leading forces

Pioneer of Muslim self-assertion

Shah Wali Ullah (1703-1762)

Full Name = Quṭb ad-Dīn Aḥmad Walī Allāh ibn 'Abd ar-Raḥīm al-'Umarī ad-Dihlawī'

Muslim reformer belonging to Naqshbandi order

Historical context

Muslim were in political and social turmoil

Shia Sunni sectarianism

Disintegration of Mughal empire

Rise of Mahrattas and Sikhs

Hindu Nationalism

Services/ Contribution

Socio-religious services

Tatbiq- integration of Muslim society through liberal interpretation of Religious teachings, brought
elasticity

Emphasis on Quran and Sunnah

First ever translation of Quran in Persian

Stress on basic tenets of Islam

Revitalization of Ijtihad

Emphasis on Simple Islamic teachings

Political services

Efforts to revive Khilafat system

Invitation to Ahmad Shah Abdali- also provided him intelligence against Mahrattas- 3 rd battle of
Panipat -1761,

Strengthened the Two nation concept

Emphasis on Zakat, fair principles on trade

Syed Ahmed Shaheed -Jehad Movement (1786-1831)

Inheritor of mantle of Shah Abdul Aziz

Began service under Nawab Amir Khan, ruler of Tonk

Challenged rule of Raja Ranjeet Singh in Punjab and NWFP

Tyrannical role, persecution of Muslims, Azan forbidden, mosques into temples

Began armed struggle, tribal army took over many areas, established Islamic empire

Began in Akorra in 1826, Muslim victory, second battle at Hazru, victory, Quetta

Opposition and assassination attempts, Yar Muhammad Khan, fled to mountains, killed in Balakot