Q5: What was Jihad Movement?

Jihad Movement was started by Syed Ahmed Barelvi. It was the first armed struggle to free
Muslims from non-Muslim rule. It was not a movement for a leader but it was to achieve
religious freedom. The defeat of the mujahideen in the Battle of Balakot was a serious setback
for the Jihad movement still it survived. Jihad of Syed Ahmad inspired many Muslims. It is the
fore-runner of Pakistan movement as the aim of this movement was to safe-guard Muslim
interest and achieve a homeland where they can practice their Religion, Culture and Freedom.

Q6: Describe the battle of Balakot.

The Battle of Balakot was fought between the forces of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Syed Ahmed
Barelvi in Balakot on 6 May 1831. Barelvi had declared Jihad against the Sikhs and established a
camp in Balakot along with Shah Ismail Dehlvi and his tribesmen. Kanwar Sher Singh besieged
the valley and attacked his camp at night. The battle lasted all day. The Sikh soldiers eventually
killed Syed Ahmad Barelvi, along with hundreds of his followers.

Q7: Why did Syed Ahmed Barelvi start the Jihad Movement?

SASB was a great religious leader who wanted to uproot the evils that had corrupted the Islamic
society. He wanted to purify the Muslim society from Hindu customs, beliefs, myths, influences
and practices that had crept into their worship and daily lives. He wanted to clean the Muslims
from social and moral evils. But spiritual upbringing and purification of their beliefs were not
possible under the control of Sikhs and Hindus. For this purpose, he launched Jihad Movement
and revived the desire of Jihad in the Muslims of India. He made an army of volunteers and
gave them military training.

In the Sikh regime under Ranjit Singh in Punjab, Muslims had restrictions in practicing their faith
- even the call to prayers was banned in some places. This was intolerable, because Muslim
culture, values and religion were in danger. Syed Ahmed believed that an independent state
was necessary for having religious liberty. Therefore, he started armed struggle (Jihad) to get
rid of Sikh rulers.
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Muslims were leading oppressed lives under Sikh rule. They were humiliated and ill-treated. Their
properties, lives and dignity were not safe from the hands of Hindus and Sikhs. Syed Ahmed Shaheed
Barelvi (SASB) wanted to restore their pride, respect and living conditions. That is why he started
Jihad to win freedom for the Muslims so that they could lead lives according to their own wishes.

Muslims peasants were leading oppressed lives under the exploitation of Hindu landlords and tax
collectors. They were humiliated and ill-treated. Their properties, lives and dignity were not safe
from the hands of Hindus and Sikhs. Syed Ahmed Shaheed Barelvi (SASB) wanted to restore their
pride, respect and living conditions. That is why he started Jihad to win freedom for the Muslims so
that they could lead lives according to their own wishesMuslims peasants were leading oppressed
lives under the exploitation of Hindu landlords and tax collectors. They were humiliated and ill-
treated. Their properties, lives and dignity were not safe from the hands of Hindus and Sikhs. Syed
Ahmed Shaheed Barelvi (SASB) wanted to restore their pride, respect and living conditions. That is
why he started Jihad to win freedom for the Muslims so that they could lead lives according to their
own wishesMuslims peasants were leading oppressed lives under the exploitation of Hindu landlords
and tax collectors. They were humiliated and ill-treated. Their properties, lives and dignity were not
safe from the hands of Hindus and Sikhs. Syed Ahmed Shaheed Barelvi (SASB) wanted to restore
their pride, respect and living conditions. That is why he started Jihad to win freedom for the
Muslims so that they could lead lives according to their own wishes