Q Who of the following was the most important in the spread of Islam during the

seventeenth and eighteenth century? (14 marks)

 Shah Waliulah
 Syed Ahmed Brelvi
 Haji Sharait Ullah

Or

 Q Did Shah Waliullah contribute more to the spread of Islam than anyone else in the sub-
continent before 1850? Explain your answer. [14] marks

Ans: [Shah Wali Ullah] Shah Wali Ullah was a great scholar and reformer. He was educated at
Madras-i-Rahimiya that was founded by his father. He pointed out that the lack of knowledge about
Islam was the main reason of decline of Mughal rule in India. [Translation of Quran] Only few
Muslims were able to understand (know/speak) Arabic language so he translated the Holy Quran in
Persian which was common language of Muslims in India to increase understanding (knowledge) of
Islam. [Shia-Sunni differences] Muslims of India were divided in Shia and Sunni sects (religious
groups). He wrote an account (life history/biography) on first four caliphs of Islam to reduce
(decrease) differences between Shia and Sunni Muslims and increase unity in them. [Reform
Society] He wrote 51 books to spread Islamic teachings to whole India. Hujjatullah-ul-Baligha was
his famous work. He also tried to improve Muslim society. He advised Muslims to respect workers
and adopt principles of equality and social justice. He struggled to purify Muslim society from Hindu
customs. [Invitation to Ahmad Shah] Shah Wali Ullah was worried from growing power of Marathas
in India. He invited Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Abdali for help, who defeated Marathas in the third
battle of Panipat in 1761. SWU was partly successful because Mughal rulers failed to improve
themselves.
[Syed Ahmad Shaheed Barelvi] He was upset due to decline of Mughal rule and growing strength
(control) of non-Muslim forces. He was influenced by the teachings of Shah Wali Ullah. He
considered India as Dar-ul-Harab. He decided to start Jihad movement to set up an Islamic state so
that Muslims could lead their life according to Islam. He wanted to free the Muslims of Punjab from
cruel Sikh ruler Raja Ranjit Singh. Muslims of Punjab were not allowed to offer cow sacrifice and
Azan. Mosques were used to keep horses (stables). Syed Ahmad learned military skills from the
army of Amir Khan. He visited whole India and gathered (collected) a group of People ready for
Jihad and moved them to North-Western India (NWFP). In a letter he asked Ranjit Singh to improve
treatment (dealing/behavior) with Muslims but he showed disrespect (hate) for Islam. In 1826 Syed
Ahmad defeated strong Sikh army at Okara and Hazrothe. Syed Ahmad was defeated at Attock due
to disloyalty (deception/cheating) of Pathan Chief Yar Muhammad. Syed Ahmad moved from
Peshawar to Ballakot to free Kashmir from Sikh rule. Syed Ahmad forces (army) were suddenly
(surprisingly) attacked by a strong Sikh army. Syed Ahmad was killed with his 600 followers. His
remaining followers continued Jihad against Sikhs and British. Jihad movement provided confidence
to the Muslim of India to struggle for freedom from British.
[Haji Shariat Ullah Faraizi movement] He was a reformer from East Bengal. He thought that the poor
condition (positions/situation) of the Muslims of Bengal was due to ignorance (lack of knowledge) of
the basic Islamic duties. He asked them to offer Prayer, fasting, Zakat and Hajj known as Faraiz
that’s why his movement was named as Faraizi movement. He also advised Muslims of Bengal to
pray for past sins and adopt (carry out) right way of life. He considered (believed) Bengal to be Dar-
Ul-Harab so Muslims should not offer Friday and Eid prayers. [Jihad against Zamindars] He was
worried due to poor treatment of Muslims by Hindu landlords known as Zamindars. Muslim farm
worker (peasants) were paid less and unfair taxes like beard tax was collected from them. He united
(organized) Muslims and forced Zamindars to improve treatment (dealing) with Muslims.

British forced Hajji Shariat Ullah to move to Dhaka district where he died in 1840. [Dudhu Mian] His
movement was continued by his son Mohsin-ud-Din (Dudhu Mian). He divided areas of Bengal in
circles and appointed (placed) his followers as Khalifas for welfare of Muslims. After his death
Faraizi movement declined.
The work of SWU was the most important because his mission was not limited to selected parts of
India. Also he left behind him a living legacy in the form of his books and followers. Above all, he is
the leading figure of the noble tradition of translation of the Holy Quran.