Q Did Shah Waliullah contribute more to the spread of Islam than anyone else in

the sub- continent before 1850? Explain your answer. [14] (M-16)

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.

Explain why SASB was such a suitable person to lead Jihad? 7 marks

Syed Ahmad Shaheed Barelvi believed that subcontinent had changed into Dar-Ul-Harab a place to
become a ruler; he wanted to set up an Islamic state to follow Islamic beliefs (values) and where Muslim
were living under non-Muslim rule, so Jihad was necessary (compulsory) for every Muslim to oppose
growing strength (power/control) of non-Muslims. Syed Ahmad Shaheed Barelvi had no wish teachings.
He also wanted to free Muslim society from social evils and Hindu customs (way of life).

[Growing strength of non-Muslim] Syed Ahmad Shaheed Barelvi was upset due to growing strength
(power) of non-Muslim forces like British, Marathas and Sikhs. Punjab was under cruel Sikh rule of Raja
Ranjit Singh where Muslims were not allowed carry out Islamic duties. Azan and cow sacrifice
(slaughtering) was banned and Mosques were used to keep horses (as stables) by Sikhs. Muslim culture,
values and religion was in danger. Therefore, he started Jihad movement to free Muslims of Punjab from
cruel Sikh rulers.
Q6: What were the aims of Syed Ahmad Tehrik-e-Jihad movement? To what extent did his
teachings continue to influence Muslims of the Sub-Continent after his death in 1831? [7-14]
ANS: Syed Ahmad Barelvi Shaheed was born in 1786. He was greatly impressed by the
preaching and thoughts of Shah Waliullah. He joined the private army of Nawab Amir Khan of
Tonk state where he learnt the art of war. He also learnt about th
e European weaponry including the art of artillery. Syed Ahmad Shaheed started preaching true
Islam (as Shah Waliullah did). But he was of the opinion that there should be a political power
behind the preaching for the revival of Islam and Muslim power in India. He founded the Jihad
Movement for the restoration and revival of Muslim power in India. His main objective was the
establishment of an Islamic state on proper Islamic principles. Also the aim of the Jihad
Movement was to liberate the Muslims of the Punjab and N.W.F.P from the Sikh rule. At that
time (beginning of 19th century) Punjab and N.W.F.P were under the Sikh rule of Ranjit Singh.
Muslims were facing great difficulty in following there religion in this area. Therefore, Syed
Ahmad chose Punjab and N.W.F.P for his activities. He also expected help from the Afghan and
Pathan tribes of N.W.F.P. Syed Ahmad established his headquarters at Nowshera. His first
encounters against the Sikh forces took place at Okora in which the Mujahidin were successful.
The Pathan tribes joined him and the number of Mujahidin forces swelled up to 80,000. But he
decided to shift his headquarters to Balakot in order to liberate Kashmir and. In the mean time
the Sikh army attacked Balakot suddenly. The Mujahidin fought bravely. Nearly 600 Mujahidin
were killed including, Syed Ahmad and Shah Ismail. The jihad movement ended in 1831, but it
was a brave and determined movement effort for the revival of Islam and Muslim power. Syed
Ahmad had no personal ambition, nor was the purpose to put a certain ruler on the throne. The
aim was to liberate Muslim population from tyranny and oppression. Syed Ahmad’s example
continued to inspire the future Muslim generations. His ultimate aim was to create an Islamic
state or a homeland for Muslims in the Sub-Continent. In this sense Jihad movement was a
precursor of the later Muslim nationalist in the SubContinent.Q6: Why did Syed Ahmad
Shaheed Bralvi wish to revive Islam in sub continent?ANS: As a man of action, Syed
Ahmad was an ideal person to act as leader to work Against the British power in India and to try
to ensure that the Muslims were ruled By fellow Muslims. He believed that the freedom of the
Muslims could only come Because of armed struggle against the foreign and non-Muslim
forces, which were oppressing them. Syed Ahmad believed that there was a need to end the
evils that had corrupted Islamic society. Consequently, even when he served as an army officer
he surrounded himself with the men of great piety who were prepared to reject worldly Wealth
and work for improving the moral and intellectual lives of Muslims. The British had ensured that
the Mughal emperors had little real power and the Sikhs were dominant in the Punjab. Sir Syed
founded the Jihad Movement, which Called for armed struggle to overthrow non-Muslim
oppression and restore Muslim Power. He believed that once this was done Islam could be
rejuvenated and rescued From beliefs and customs contrary to Islamic beliefs which had crept
into everyday Life.
Q8: Why did Shah Waliullah have
such major influence in the revival
of Islam in the Sub-Continent? [7]
ANS: Shah Waliullah worked hard
to ensure that he was a role model
for other Muslims. His deep
understanding about the Quran,
Hadith, Fiqah and Tasawuf made
him a highly knowledgeable
scholar at
an early age. Since he believed that
an emphasis on Quranic teachings
was vital to Muslims so Shah
Waliullah translated the Holy
Quran into Persian which was the
language of educated Muslims at
that
time.
He also wrote 51 books to explain
the principles of Islam. He wrote
an account about the first for
Caliphs
of Islam in a way in which it was
acceptable to both Shias and
Sunnis. He hoped that this would
help to
heal the division between them.
His writings brought him great
fame and prestige and enabled him
to
have influence in other areas too.
For example: in economics he
emphasized the need for social
justice
and for peasants and craftsmen to
be truly valued for their
contribution to the economy.
Shah Waliullah wrote letters to the
rulers of Muslim states asking
them to unite and rise against non-
Muslim forces. He invited the
Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Abdali
to deal with Marathas who were
threatening Muslims in Delhi and
Punjab. Ahmad Shah Abdali
defeated the Marathas in the battle
of
Panipat in 1761 so they were never
able to rise again. Shah Waliullah
explained the importance of
JEHAD
to the Muslims. He gave the
concept of social justice and
advised the Muslims that due
importance and
value should be given to peasants
and craftsmen. So, because of
these reasons Shah Waliullah had
such
major influence in the revival of
Islam in the Sub-Continent in 18th
Century.
Q: What did Shah Waliullah think
were the main causes of the
problems of the Muslims? [4]
ANS: During his time in Arabia,
Shah Waliullah thought deeply
about the problems faced by
Muslims in
the Mughal Empire. The Empire
was in decline and Muslims were
disunited and vulnerable to attacks
on
their religion. Shah Waliullah
realized that reform could not
come from the weak leadership in
Delhi and
that it would come from within the
Muslim community itself. He
believed that many of the problems
resulted from their incomplete
knowledge of Quran and about
Islam in general-and it was
necessary that
Quranic teachings become more
accessible to the people. A major
problem for the Muslim
community
was the way it was divided into
sectarian groups, such as Sunnis
and Shias. Shah Waliullah wanted
them
to concentrate on the fundamental
principles of Islam and put aside
their differences, believing that
this
would create a more united
community. It was essential to
follow the moral and spiritual
principles of
Islam in order to create a good
society. Un-Islamic principles
were not acceptable in any area of
society,
whether politics, economy or just
the day-to-day lives of the
individual Muslims.
Q8: Why did Shah Waliullah have such major influence in the revival of Islam in the Sub-
Continent? [7] ANS: Shah Waliullah worked hard to ensure that he was a role model for other
Muslims. His deep understanding about the Quran, Hadith, Fiqah and Tasawuf made him a
highly knowledgeable scholar at an early age. Since he believed that an emphasis on Quranic
teachings was vital to Muslims so Shah Waliullah translated the Holy Quran into Persian which
was the language of educated Muslims at that time. He also wrote 51 books to explain the
principles of Islam. He wrote an account about the first for Caliphs of Islam in a way in which it
was acceptable to both Shias and Sunnis. He hoped that this would help to heal the division
between them. His writings brought him great fame and prestige and enabled him to have
influence in other areas too. For example: in economics he emphasized the need for social
justice and for peasants and craftsmen to be truly valued for their contribution to the economy.
Shah Waliullah wrote letters to the rulers of Muslim states asking them to unite and rise against
non-Muslim forces. He invited the Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Abdali to deal with Marathas who
were threatening Muslims in Delhi and Punjab. Ahmad Shah Abdali defeated the Marathas in
the battle of Panipat in 1761 so they were never able to rise again. Shah Waliullah explained the
importance of JEHADto the Muslims. He gave the concept of social justice and advised the
Muslims that due importance and value should be given to peasants and craftsmen. So,
because of these reasons Shah Waliullah had such major influence in the revival of Islam in the
Sub-Continent in 18th Century.Q: What did Shah Waliullah think were the main causes of the
problems of the Muslims? [4] ANS: During his time in Arabia, Shah Waliullah thought deeply
about the problems faced by Muslims in the Mughal Empire. The Empire was in decline and
Muslims were disunited and vulnerable to attacks on their religion. Shah Waliullah realized that
reform could not come from the weak leadership in Delhi and that it would come from within the
Muslim community itself. He believed that many of the problems resulted from their incomplete
knowledge of Quran and about Islam in general-and it was necessary thatQuranic teachings
become more accessible to the people. A major problem for the Muslim community was the way
it was divided into sectarian groups, such as Sunnis and Shias. Shah Waliullah wanted them to
concentrate on the fundamental principles of Islam and put aside their differences, believing that
this would create a more united community. It was essential to follow the moral and spiritual
principles of Islam in order to create a good society. Un-Islamic principles were not acceptable
in any area of society, whether politics, economy or just the day-to-day lives of the individual
Muslims.

Q8: Why did Shah Waliullah have

such major influence in the revival
of Islam in the Sub-Continent? [7]
ANS: Shah Waliullah worked hard
to ensure that he was a role model
for other Muslims. His deep
understanding about the Quran,
Hadith, Fiqah and Tasawuf made
him a highly knowledgeable
scholar at
an early age. Since he believed that
an emphasis on Quranic teachings
was vital to Muslims so Shah
Waliullah translated the Holy
Quran into Persian which was the
language of educated Muslims at
that
time.
He also wrote 51 books to explain
the principles of Islam. He wrote
an account about the first for
Caliphs
of Islam in a way in which it was
acceptable to both Shias and
Sunnis. He hoped that this would
help to
heal the division between them.
His writings brought him great
fame and prestige and enabled him
to
have influence in other areas too.
For example: in economics he
emphasized the need for social
justice
and for peasants and craftsmen to
be truly valued for their
contribution to the economy.
Shah Waliullah wrote letters to the
rulers of Muslim states asking
them to unite and rise against non-
Muslim forces. He invited the
Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Abdali
to deal with Marathas who were
threatening Muslims in Delhi and
Punjab. Ahmad Shah Abdali
defeated the Marathas in the battle
of
Panipat in 1761 so they were never
able to rise again. Shah Waliullah
explained the importance of
JEHAD
to the Muslims. He gave the
concept of social justice and
advised the Muslims that due
importance and
value should be given to peasants
and craftsmen. So, because of
these reasons Shah Waliullah had
such
major influence in the revival of
Islam in the Sub-Continent in 18th
Century.
Q: What did Shah Waliullah think
were the main causes of the
problems of the Muslims? [4]
ANS: During his time in Arabia,
Shah Waliullah thought deeply
about the problems faced by
Muslims in
the Mughal Empire. The Empire
was in decline and Muslims were
disunited and vulnerable to attacks
on
their religion. Shah Waliullah
realized that reform could not
come from the weak leadership in
Delhi and
that it would come from within the
Muslim community itself. He
believed that many of the problems
resulted from their incomplete
knowledge of Quran and about
Islam in general-and it was
necessary that
Quranic teachings become more
accessible to the people. A major
problem for the Muslim
community
was the way it was divided into
sectarian groups, such as Sunnis
and Shias. Shah Waliullah wanted
them
to concentrate on the fundamental
principles of Islam and put aside
their differences, believing that
this
would create a more united
community. It was essential to
follow the moral and spiritual
principles of
Islam in order to create a good
society. Un-Islamic principles
were not acceptable in any area of
society,
whether politics, economy or just
the day-to-day lives of the
individual Muslims.

Q8: Why did Shah Waliullah have

such major influence in the revival
of Islam in the Sub-Continent? [7]
ANS: Shah Waliullah worked hard
to ensure that he was a role model
for other Muslims. His deep
understanding about the Quran,
Hadith, Fiqah and Tasawuf made
him a highly knowledgeable
scholar at
an early age. Since he believed that
an emphasis on Quranic teachings
was vital to Muslims so Shah
Waliullah translated the Holy
Quran into Persian which was the
language of educated Muslims at
that
time.
He also wrote 51 books to explain
the principles of Islam. He wrote
an account about the first for
Caliphs
of Islam in a way in which it was
acceptable to both Shias and
Sunnis. He hoped that this would
help to
heal the division between them.
His writings brought him great
fame and prestige and enabled him
to
have influence in other areas too.
For example: in economics he
emphasized the need for social
justice
and for peasants and craftsmen to
be truly valued for their
contribution to the economy.
 Shah Waliullah wrote letters to the
rulers of Muslim states asking
them to unite and rise against non-
Muslim forces. He invited the
Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Abdali
to deal with Marathas who were
threatening Muslims in Delhi and
Punjab. Ahmad Shah Abdali
defeated the Marathas in the battle
of
Panipat in 1761 so they were never
able to rise again. Shah Waliullah
explained the importance of
JEHAD
to the Muslims. He gave the
concept of social justice and
advised the Muslims that due
importance and
value should be given to peasants
and craftsmen. So, because of
these reasons Shah Waliullah had
such
major influence in the revival of
Islam in the Sub-Continent in 18th
Century.
Q: What did Shah Waliullah think
were the main causes of the
problems of the Muslims? [4]
ANS: During his time in Arabia,
Shah Waliullah thought deeply
about the problems faced by
Muslims in
the Mughal Empire. The Empire
was in decline and Muslims were
disunited and vulnerable to attacks
on
their religion. Shah Waliullah
realized that reform could not
come from the weak leadership in
Delhi and
that it would come from within the
Muslim community itself. He
believed that many of the problems
resulted from their incomplete
knowledge of Quran and about
Islam in general-and it was
necessary that
Quranic teachings become more
accessible to the people. A major
problem for the Muslim
community
was the way it was divided into
sectarian groups, such as Sunnis
and Shias. Shah Waliullah wanted
them
to concentrate on the fundamental
principles of Islam and put aside
their differences, believing that
this
would create a more united
community. It was essential to
follow the moral and spiritual
principles of
Islam in order to create a good
society. Un-Islamic principles
were not acceptable in any area of
society,
whether politics, economy or just
the day-to-day lives of the
individual Muslims.
Q8: Why did Shah Waliullah have such major influence in the revival of Islam in the Sub-Continent? [7]
ANS: Shah Waliullah worked hard to ensure that he was a role model for other Muslims. His deep
understanding about the Quran, Hadith, Fiqah and Tasawuf made him a highly knowledgeable scholar at
an early age. Since he believed that an emphasis on Quranic teachings was vital to Muslims so Shah
Waliullah translated the Holy Quran into Persian which was the language of educated Muslims at that
time. He also wrote 51 books to explain the principles of Islam. He wrote an account about the first for
Caliphs of Islam in a way in which it was acceptable to both Shias and Sunnis. He hoped that this would
help to heal the division between them. His writings brought him great fame and prestige and enabled
him to have influence in other areas too. For example: in economics he emphasized the need for social
justice and for peasants and craftsmen to be truly valued for their contribution to the economy. Shah
Waliullah wrote letters to the rulers of Muslim states asking them to unite and rise against non-Muslim
forces. He invited the Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Abdali to deal with Marathas who were threatening
Muslims in Delhi and Punjab. Ahmad Shah Abdali defeated the Marathas in the battle of Panipat in 1761
so they were never able to rise again. Shah Waliullah explained the importance of JEHADto the Muslims.
He gave the concept of social justice and advised the Muslims that due importance and value should be
given to peasants and craftsmen. So, because of these reasons Shah Waliullah had such major influence
in the revival of Islam in the Sub-Continent in 18th Century.

Q: What did Shah Waliullah think were the main causes of the problems of the Muslims? [4]

ANS: During his time in Arabia, Shah Waliullah thought deeply about the problems faced by Muslims in
the Mughal Empire. The Empire was in decline and Muslims were disunited and vulnerable to attacks on
their religion. Shah Waliullah realized that reform could not come from the weak leadership in Delhi and
that it would come from within the Muslim community itself. He believed that many of the problems
resulted from their incomplete knowledge of Quran and about Islam in general-and it was necessary
that Quranic teachings become more accessible to the people. A major problem for the Muslim
community was the way it was divided into sectarian groups, such as Sunnis and Shias. Shah Waliullah
wanted them to concentrate on the fundamental principles of Islam and put aside their differences,
believing that this would create a more united community. It was essential to follow the moral and
spiritual principles of Islam in order to create a good society. Un-Islamic principles were not acceptable
in any area of society, whether politics, economy or just the day-to-day lives of the individual Muslims.