Pakistan International School Jeddah English Section

Pakistan Studies

NAME: ___________________ CLASS: Y7 _______ DATE: _______________

Answer key Content Review: History: Religious Scholars: ‘’Shah Waliullah “

Q1. Who was Shah Wali Ullah? [4]

Shah Wali Ullah was a religious Scholar who restored Muslims who were divided, disorganize
and demoralized. He taught in Madrassa Rahimiya which was initiated by his father. He
promoted his message through writings and education. He translated Quran in Persian
Language that was accessible to many Muslims.

He believed that the weak leadership was not the only cause of decline; many problems of the
Muslims were due to incomplete knowledge of Quran and about Islam in general. One of the
major problems for the Muslim community was the way it was divided into sectarian groups,
such as Sunni and Shias.

Q2. Write down the important work/achievements of Shah Waliullah? [4]

Shah Waliullah is remembered in history as great religious reformer, thinker & scholar, as he
tried to bring changes in the conditions of Muslims which was leading towards decline of the
Islamic empire. He worked hard to ensure that he was role model for other Muslims. He
translated the Holy Quran into Persian language, so Quranic teachings become more accessible
to the people. He wrote 51 books in Persian and Arabic.
Q3. Explain the reasons for inviting Ahmad Shah Abdali to come & defeat the
Marathas?[4]

One of Shah Waliullah’s important contributions to Muslim community was his organization in
opposing Marathas, the constant threat to Mughal Empire in the south. He realized Muslims should be
united to deal with this threat, and that of the Sikhs who were attacking in the north. He wrote to all
Muslim nobles calling them in joining together to save the empire. In reply, Ahmad Shah Abdali helped
Muslims to face Marathas. He joined forces with local Muslim leaders and defeated Marathas in the
Battle field of Panipat in 1761.

Q4. How important was the work of Shah Waliullah to the revival of Islam in the
Subcontinent? [7]

Shah Waliullah’s contribution towards Islamic revival was extremely important for a number of reasons. He was
one of the first Muslim thinker to state that decline of the Muslims was due to a neglect of the principles of
Islam. He said that there had to be moral and spiritual regeneration.

The Madrassa Rahimiya continued to play a vital role in teaching Islamic principles and researching
Islamic thought. He also showed that a Muslim revival could only take place if there was an acceptance that
sectarian division was to stop. His writing in Persian made Islamic teachings available to large numbers of
Muslims who had not been able to understand Arabic. He spread his knowledge through writing and education
which was carried forward through Muslim generation.

Like all great reformers, Shah Waliullah’s influence continued long after his death. Not only did his writings
survive and translated in many languages. But the Madrassa Rahimiya continued to flourish as his sons carried
his work and teachings. He revived Muslims economically, socially, politically and religiously.