Who of the following was the most important reformer for the revival of Islam

in the sub-continent:
(i) SWU;
(ii) HSU;
(iii) SASB?
Explain your answer with reference to all three of the above.
HSU believed that Muslims had forgotten the basic principles of Islam and did not practice their religious
obligations i.e. Faraiz like prayer and fasting. In order to resolve this, HSU began his reform movement known
as the “Faraizi Movement” which insisted upon the fulfillment of pillars of Islam. Thus, as a result of his
efforts, many Muslims dedicated themselves to the performance of their duties and became staunch
followers of Islam.

The Muslims in Bengal were suppressed by the Hindu landlords. HSU wanted an end to this tyranny. He united
the Muslim peasants against the cruel exploitation of the Hindu landlords who were not giving them their social
and economic rights and infused a spirit of Jihad among them by declaring India as Dar-ul-Harb (an enemy
territory). Thus, as a result, these Muslims stood up for the protection of their rights.

…..This endeavor of his inspired the Bengalis like Titu Mir and Dadu Mian who continued the Faraizi
Movement after his death and made efforts towards the revival of Islam.

Haji Shariat Ullah also worked towards the elimination of Hindu customs that had crept into Muslim society
due to their continuous interaction. It was significant as he attempted to purify the lives of Muslims so that
they could not only distinguish between Islamic rituals and Hindu practices but also follow the true
Islam.

However,

The Sikhs of Punjab were not letting Muslims practice their religion freely and even Azan was banned. In order
to resolve this, SASB gathered an army and launched Jihad against them. Although the Mujahedeen’s (his
followers) were later defeated but this shows his commitment to liberate Muslims from the oppressive
rulers and grant them their due rights.

Syed Ahmed wanted that Muslims should only be ruled by fellow Muslims. Therefore, he launched Jihad
movement in order to have a Muslim state based on Islamic principles. The movement was an inspirational
platform for all Muslims to achieve religious, political and cultural independence. Hence, the jihad movement
can be regarded as fore- runner of Pakistan movement which was based on Islamic ideology as well.

SASB’s army mainly consisted of spiritual leaders and teachers, who did not have military training, yet they
were ready to die for an Islamic cause. This was important as it motivated Indian Muslims to make
maximum sacrifice in the way of Islam.

SWU believed that many of the problems of the Muslims of India were due to their incomplete knowledge of
the Holy Quran as it is in Arabic whereas common Muslims knew Persian only. Therefore, he translated the
Holy Quran into Persian and made it easier for the common Muslims to understand and act upon golden
Islamic teachings.

…. This endeavor of his inspired his sons (Shah Abdul Qadir and Shah Abdul Aziz) who later translated the
Holy Quran into Urdu and made the teachings of the Holy Quran accessible to such Muslims who could only
understand Urdu.

SWU also made efforts to stop the Muslims from dividing into religious sects. He studied the differences
between the Sunnis and Shias objectively and wrote an account of four Caliphs of Islam which was acceptable
to both the sectarian groups. Thus he tried to reconcile between them so as to unite the Muslims.

SWU also contributed to the revival of Islam by writing 51 books on different aspects of Islam like Quran,
Hadith and Fiqh. Among them Hujjatullah-ul-Balighah (fundamentals of Islam) and Izlat-ul-Akhfa
(Commentary of the Holy Quran) were significant. This helped the Muslims to understand the Islamic
principles and therefore, act upon them.

SWU also taught at Madrassa-e-Rahimiya, an Islamic institution, for many years. Thus, his vast religious
knowledge helped his students to familiarize themselves with the fundamental principles of Islam and
mould their lives according to Islam.

He also tried to unite the Muslims against Marathas and Sikhs who were a serious threat for the Mughal Empire.
It was him who invited Ahmad Shah Abdali from Persia and defeated the Marathas at Panipat in 1761.
Therefore, due to the efforts of SWU, Muslims were saved from the tyrannical rule of Non-Muslims.

SWU stressed on social justice and equilibrium. He did this by insisting that the labour and the craftsmen
should be paid justly. He also urged traders and businessmen to adopt a fair Islamic system of trading. Thus his
efforts enabled Muslims to eliminate sense of corruption and promote fairness in their business activities.