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Edited PSTD1
Edited PSTD1
The last Prophet of Islam, Prophet Muhammad (SAW), completely changed the intellectual
outlook of Arabia. Within a span of 23 years he transformed the barbarous and impious Arabs into
a civilized and religious nation. During his life and also after his death, Muslims took the message
of Islam to every corner of the world and within a few years Muslims became the super power of
the era.
Trade relations between Arabia and the Sub-continent dated back to ancient times. Long before
the advent of Islam in Arabia, the Arabs used to visit the coast of Southern India, which then
provided the link between the ports of South and South East Asia. After the Arab traders became
Muslim, they brought Islam to South Asia. A number of local Indians living in the coastal areas
embraced Islam. However, it was the Muslim conquests in Persia, including the provinces of
Kirman and Makran, which brought the Arabs face to face with the then ruler of Sindh, who had
allied with the ruler of Makran against the Muslims. But, it was not until the sea borne trade of the
Arabs in the Indian Ocean was jeopardized ( ) خطرے میں ڈال دیاthat serious attempts were made to
subjugate Sindh.
During the reign of the great Umayyad Caliph Walid bin Abdul Malik, Hajjaj bin Yousaf was
appointed as the governor of the Eastern Provinces. At that time, Raja Dahir, a Brahman, ruled
Sindh. However, the majority of the people living in the region were Shudders or Buddhists. Dahir
treated members of these denominations inhumanly. They were not allowed to ride horses or to
wear a turban or shoes. Sindhi pirates, protected by Dahir, were active on the coastal areas and
whenever they got a chance, they plundered the ships passing by Daibul.
During those times, some Muslim traders living in Ceylon died and the ruler of Ceylon sent their
widows and orphans back to Baghdad. They made their journey by sea. The King of Ceylon also
sent many valuable presents for Walid and Hajjaj. As the eight-ship caravan passed by the seaport
of Daibul, Sindhi pirates looted it and took the women and children prisoner. When news of this
attack reached Hajjaj, he demanded that Dahir return the Muslim captives and the looted items.
He also demanded that the culprits be punished. Dahir replied that he had no control over the
pirates and was, therefore, powerless to rebuke them. On this Hajjaj decided to invade Sindh. Two
small expeditions sent by him failed to accomplish their goal. Thus, in order to free the prisoners
and to punish the guilty party, Hajjaj decided to undertake a huge offense against Dahir, who was
patronizing the pirates.
In 712, Hajjaj sent 6,000 select Syrian and Iraqi soldiers, a camel corps of equal strength and a
baggage train of 3,000 camels to Sindh under the command of his nephew and son in-law, Imad-
ud-din Muhammad bin Qasim, a young boy of just seventeen years. He also had a ‘manjaniq’, or
catapult, which was operated by 500 men and could throw large stones a great distance. On his
way the governor of Makran, who provided him with additional forces, joined him. Also, a good
number of Jats and meds, who had suffered at the hands of native rulers, joined the Arab forces.
Muhammad bin Qasim first captured Daibul. He then turned towards Nirun, near modern
Hyderabad, where he easily overwhelmed the inhabitants. Dahir decided to oppose the Arabs at
Raor. After a fierce struggle, Dahir was overpowered and killed. Roar fell into the hands of the
Muslims. The Arab forces then occupied Alor and proceeded towards Multan. Along the way, the
Sikka (Uch) fortress, situated on the bank of the Ravi, was also occupied. The Hindu ruler of
Multan offered resistance for two months after which the Hindus were overpowered and defeated.
Prior to this, Muhammad bin Qasim had taken Brahmanabad and a few other important towns of
Sindh. Muhammad bin Qasim was planning to proceed forward when the new Caliph Suleman bin
Abdul Malik recalled him. After the departure of Muhammad bin Qasim, different Muslim
generals declared their independence at different areas.
The Muslim conquest of Sindh brought peace and prosperity to the region. Law and order was
restored. The sea pirates of Sindh, who were protected by Raja Dahir, were crushed. As a result of
this, sea trade flourished. The port of Daibul became a very busy and prosperous commercial
center.
Other notable figures of the 13th century Sufi movement in Indo-Pak were the four friends known
as ‘Chaharyar’ — Hazrat Fariduddin Masud Ganj Shakar of Pakpattan (1174-1266); Hazrat Syed
Jalaluddin Bukhari, ulma of Uch Bahawalpur (1196- 1296); Hazrat Bahawaldin Zakariya of
Multan (1170-1267); and Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalendar of Sehwan (1177-1274). It is said that 17
leading tribes of the Punjab accepted Islam at the hands of the Sufis.
Achievements
The Sufis were well-read, widely travelled and spiritual leaders of the masses. They succeeded in
their mission because they had both the strength of character and the courage of conviction, and
were selfless and devoted to their cause. Their movement made inroads in the Subcontinent and it
grew powerful and successful for a number of reasons.
Firstly, before they started preaching, they set noble and brilliant example through their behavior
and conduct.
Secondly, Islam was preached by them in a simple, pragmatic and flexible way, contrary to the
ulemas who laid much emphasis on the rigidity of rules.
Thirdly, they highlighted Allah’s positive and merciful attributes to ignite a love of God in people’s
hearts.
They disliked formalities and ceremonial acts, preferring to lead simple lives, and their lofty and
admirable principles became guidelines for the people. They were against suppressions and social
evils, condemning the use of force to gain power. Then their khanqahs were always open for
everyone, and those with money had to donate generously to the needy. People flocked from time
to time to the Sufis for solace and comfort.
The Sufis were triumphant because of their noble deeds and the marvelous examples they set. They
never imposed their beliefs on non-Muslims. The khanqas provided protection to wanderers,
institutions for those who wanted to quench their thirst for knowledge, food to the needy and love
to all. People rallied round the ideology of Sufism which was simple to digest, practicable to
exercise.