Key Question 1: How successful were

the religious thinkers in spreading

Islam in the subcontinent during the
18th and 19th centuries?

The History & Culture of Pakistan

Mian Saad Ahmed
 Key Question 1: How successful were the
religious thinkers in spreading Islam in the
subcontinent during the 18th and 19th centuries?

Focus Point: How influential was Haji

Shariatullah and the Faraizi Movement?
Specified Content: Haji Shariatullah and the
Faraizi Movement
Haji Shariat Ullah
Haji Shariatullah - Early biographical details

Born in 1781 in Faridpur district in East Bengal

Did not belong to a very well to do family
Went to Arabia in 1799 and stayed there for 19
long years
Was influenced by Sheikh Muhammad Abdul
Wahab
Died in 1840
Haji Shariatullah - Beliefs

 According to him the miserable conditions of the country had led

the country to be DAR UL HARB.
 It was a land where Muslims could not follow Islam freely and even
Friday prayers could not be offered.
 Muslims had moved away from Islamic practices and had forgotten
the practices of Islam (Faraiz)
Haji Shariatullah - Beliefs

 Also supported the idea of Jihad for religious

freedom
 Wanted to restore pride of Muslims
Haji Shariatullah – Work

The Muslims of East Bengal were being oppressed by

Hindus and Sikhs.
No opportunities in education and employment
Poverty and lack of self confidence
Hindu practices had mixed in the Muslim culture
Haji Shariatullah – Work

Emphasis on praying for forgiveness of past sins and

promise to lead a better life in future
Muslim peasants were suppressed by British and Hindus
Hindu landlords could not stand the success of his
movement and the fact that peasants were getting aware
of their rights.
They drove Shariat Ullah out of Bengal
Haji Shariatullah – Work

He lived in Dhaka and died in 1840

His work was carried on by Moshin Ud Din (his son)
He divided Bengal into districts and assigned khalifas for
better administration
Opposed excessive taxation
Haji Shariatullah – Work

Unrest in Bengal and chances of Jihad

He was arrested by British and he died in
1860
Movement failed
Haji Shariatullah – Importance

Encouragement for Muslims

Spiritual revival of Muslims
Political and Economic impact
Video..

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRAk6sC5xzo