Religious Reformers

Shah Wali Ullah (1703-1762):

Introduction:
- Qutub-ud-Din
- His father was founder of Madrassa-i-Rahimiya
- Began teaching in the Madrassa on his father’s death
- Decided to work for the revival of Islam
Beliefs:
- Main reason for the deteriorating status of Muslims was the neglect of the
Quran and Sunnah
- Muslims forgot the Quranic teachings
- Growing influence of un-Islamic elements in social, economic, political and
personal matters of Muslims
- Muslims should unite as a single community (Shia, Sunni, Wahabi)
- Threat to Mughal rule was from within and outside
Work:
- Presented himself as a role model for Muslims
- Translated the Quran into Persian and later his 2 sons translated it into Urdu
- Wrote several books to guide the Muslims
- An account of the 4 caliphs acceptable to both Shia and Sunnis was written by
him
- Stressed on equilibrium in society
- Practical steps were taken to counter threat to Mughal rule especially the
Marathas
- Invited Ahmad Shah Abdali to defend against the Marathas in the 3 rd Battle of
Panipat
Importance:
- First religious reformer to attempt revival of Islam
- Most of his important books survived
- Highlighted the importance and need of Jihad in Muslims
Questions:
Q: Who was Shah Wali Ullah? [4]
Q: Describe the achievements of Shah Wali Ullah. [4]
Q: Why did Shah Wali Ullah wish to revive Islam in the sub-continent? [7]

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Religious Reformers

Syed Ahmad Shaheed Barelvi (1786-1831):

Introduction:
- Born near Lucknow to a Syed Family
- Upon fathers’ death studied in Madrassa-i-Rahimiya under Shah Wali Ullah’s
sons
- In 1810 he joined the army of Amir Khan, a Pathan leader and learned military
skills
- Returned to Delhi in 1817
- Influenced by the Wahabi movement he started his Jihad movement in 1823
Beliefs:
- Freedom of Indian Muslims by Jihad or armed struggle
- Wanted to eradicate un-Islamic elements so no evil would be in the Indian
Muslim community
- Strong Sikh rule in Punjab and Mughal rule weak because of British policies
- Tyrant Sikh rule under Ranjit Singh made Muslims lives difficult
- Ban on Azan, congregational prayer, use of Badshahi Mosque as stable of Sikh
army
Work:
- In 1821 influenced thousands of Muslims on his way to Arabia
- 1823 returned from Arabia ready for Jihad
- Raised an army of volunteer fighters
- More joined after extensive tours and soon his army consisted of 80,000 but
disagreed on many issues due to varying cultural backgrounds
- Yar Muhammad Khan a local Pathan tribe chief was bribed by Sikhs to leak
them information, tried to assassinate Syed Ahmad Shaheed Barelvi, and
deserted him when he was about to attack Attock Fort
- Sultan Khan, Yar Muhammad Khans brother, also turned against Syed Ahmad
Shaheed Barelvi
- Surprise attack by huge Sikh force in Balakot, 1831
- Died in 1831 by Sikh force
Reasons for failure of Jihad Movement:
- Loss of local support, his army was organized and run by Pathan tribes but
they were bribed by the Sikhs
- Lack of professional army, army consisted of mainly volunteers
- Difference within army especially sectarian division

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Religious Reformers

Importance:

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