O'Level Academy: Religious Thinkers

Key Question

How successful were the religious thinkers in spreading Islam in the sub-continent during the 18th and 19th centuries?

Shah Wali Ullah

Biography

• Born on 21 February 1703.
• Name: Qutb-ud-Din; title: Waliullah for his services.
• His father, Shah Abdur Rahim, was a religious scholar and founder of Madrassa Rahimya.
• Taught at Madrassa Rahimya for 12 years.
• Studied in Arabia in 1730, influenced by scholar Abu Tahir.

Beliefs

• Believed Islam lost its glory in the sub-continent.
• Muslims needed to reconnect with Islam and its teachings.
• Advocated for enforcing Islamic laws and unity among Muslims.
• Opposed division between Shia and Sunni.

Role in Religious Services

• Translated the Quran into Persian to make it accessible.
• Wrote a commentary on Ahadith in Persian and Arabic.
• Authored 51 Islamic books, including "Hujjatullah al-Baligha."
• Advocated for a balanced approach among Islamic schools of thought.

Role in Political Services

• Analyzed the decline of the Mughal Empire.
• Invited Ahmed Shah Abdali to help defeat the Marhattas.
• Involved in politics to prevent the occupation of Delhi by Marhattas.

Syed Ahmed Shaheed Barelvi

Biography

• Born in November 1786 at Rai Bareilly.
• Influenced by Shah Waliullah; studied at Madrassa Rahimiyya.
• Joined Nawab Ameer Khan's military force.
• Focused on Jihad against Sikhs and British after Hajj in 1823.

Beliefs

• Emphasized the need for Jihad to ensure freedom to practice Islam.
• Opposed social evils and Sufism, promoted Sharia and Tauhid.

Contributions for the Spread of Islam

• Aimed to reform religious and social sectors in India.
• Launched Jihad Movement from Peshawar in 1826.
• Faced challenges in the Battle of Balakot in 1831, leading to his death.

Haji Shariatullah

Biography

• Born in 1781 in Faridpur, Bengal.
• Lived in Saudi-Arabia from 1799-1818 for religious education.
• Influenced by Wahabi Movement.

Beliefs

• Recognized Muslim deviation from Islamic practices.
• Advocated for Jihad against non-Muslims to restore Islamic principles.

Faraizi Movement

• Aimed to restore Muslim pride and eliminate Hindu practices.
• Encouraged unity and fighting against Hindu Zamindars.
• Movement continued by his son after his death in 1840.

Titu Mir

Biography

• Born in January 1782, follower of Ahmed Barelvi.
• Peasant leader and freedom fighter from Bengal.

Beliefs

• Encouraged unity among Muslims against Hindu Zamindars.
• Opposed Shirk and Biddat.

Workings

• Opposed a tax on beards by Hindu Zamindar Krishna Deva Rai.
• Built a bamboo fort in 1831; led resistance against British.
• Died in battle against the British.