PREFACE
In the British government, the candle of Islam was about to blow off in the presence of Hinduism, Christianity, and Sikhism. Still, Shah Waliullah dedicated his life to promoting Islam’s teachings and giving a new Islamic way of life. He made numerous efforts to put an end to the Sikh and Christian religions way.
BIRTH AND EARLY LIFE
The real name of Hazrat Shah Waliullah is Qutbuddin. He was born on 21st February 1703. His father was the founder of the religious school “Madrassa Rahima”. His family tree from his father’s side joins with the second caliph, Hazrat Umer Farooq, and from his Mother’s side with Imam Musa Kazim.
EARLY EDUCATION
Hazrat Shah Waliullah received his initial religious education from his father, Shah Abdul Rahim. He started teaching spiritual and worldly knowledge in his father’s Madrasah. He went on Pilgrimage in 1730. During his stay in Hijaz, he met the famous Muslim Scholar Abu Tahir Bin Ibrahim Madni, from whom he received the certificate of Knowledge of Hadith.
CONDITION OF MUSLIMS
A general ignorance of Islam, the Quran, and Hadith created anguish amongst the religious saints. The un-Islamic trends and practices were also flourishing. Life, property, and honour were also not secured, as several disruptive forces were at work in Muslim society.
SERVICES RENDERED BY SHAH WALI ULLAH
The contribution of Shah Wali Ullah may be given briefly as follows:
A. RELIGIOUS SERVICES
Shah Waliullah immediately set himself on the sacred task of spiritual consolidation of Muslim society. He prepared a few students and taught them about different Islamic learning branches. Following are the religious services of Shah Wali Ullal
- Islamic Practices
- Ijtihad
- Economy
- Jihad
- Removal of Sectarianism
- Balance Between Four Muslim Schools of Thought
- Translation of the Holy Quran
1. ISLAMIC PRACTICES
Shah Waliullah persuaded the Muslims to strictly follow in the footsteps of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). He introduced the basic principles of Islam to the people. He advocated Quranic education for the welfare and benefit of the Muslims and asked them to abandon un-Islam trends.
2. IJTIHAD
He adopted a balanced approach and understanding of religious matters. He thoroughly studied all schools of thought and expressed what was right and just in a mild and sophisticated way without hurting anyone.
3. ECONOMY
He asked the traders to adopt fair trade principles preached and practised by the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). He informed the people about the sins of the accumulation of wealth.
4. JIHAD
Shah Waliullah contacted rulers and convinced them to enforce Islamic laws. He educated Muslim soldiers on the importance of jihad and asked them to go for jihad to glorify Islam.
5. REMOVAL OF SECTARIANISM
In his time, the Shias and Sunnis were aggressively hostile to each other, and their rivalry was damaging Muslim unity. Shah Wali Ullah wrote Izalat-al Akhifa and Khilafat al Khulafa to remove misunderstandings between Shias and Sunnis.
6. BALANCE AMONG MUSLIM SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT
Shah Waliullah adopted an analytical and balanced approach to the four schools of thought of mysticism.
7. TRANSLATION OF THE HOLY QURAN
Shah Waliullah was the one who translated the Quran Pak into the Persian language.
B. SOCIAL SERVICES
Shah Waliullah was a great social reformer also. He advised the Muslims to shut down all the customs and rites of the Hindus. Therefore, he once remarked,
We are strangers, as our ancestors had been strangers to the Indian Peninsula, and for us, the Arab lineage and Arabic language are things of pride as they take us closer to the Holy Prophet (PBUH). We can pay for this great blessing by adhering, as far as possible, to the customs and rites of Arabia, the birthplace of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Shah Waliullah abhorred all anti-Islam customs and traditions.
C. POLITICAL SERVICES
After the death of Aurangzeb, the downfall of the Muslims started. Marhattas raided Delhi, the capital of the Mughal Empire. They wanted to crush the Muslim rule forever. Shah Waliullah tried to reconcile the fundamental differences among the different sections of the Muslims and considered the government as an essential means and agency for the regeneration of the community. His efforts resulted in the Defeat of the Marhattas at the hands of Ahmad Shah Abdali and Najib-ud-Daufa in the third Battle of Panipat in 1761.
D. ECONOMIC SERVICES
In addition to being a significant social, religious, and political reformer, Shah Waliullah was a great economist. He pointed out that economics played a vital role in the life of human beings. He disseminated the following concepts to strengthen the economy.
- There must be economic equilibrium.
- There must be equal distribution of wealth
- Heavy Taxes must not be imposed
- He also criticized the accumulation of wealth
E. LITERARY SERVICES
Shah Waliullah wrote 51 books on mysticism and other Islamic learning branches dealing with religious, economic, and political problems. Of these, 23 books were Urdu, and 28 were Persian. He was a successful reformer, given his achievements during his lifetime. Therefore, he is called Imam ul-Hind.
1. Translation of the Holy Quran
His outstanding work was his translation of the Holy Quran into simple Persian.
2. Hujjat-ullah-al-Baligha
Hujtat-ullah al-Baligha is another famous work of Shah Wali Ullah. In this work, Shah Waliullah has discussed in detail the reasons for Muslims’ social and religious decay.
3. Al Insaf fi Bayan Sbab al Ikhtilaf
He wrote Al insaf fi Bayan Shab al ikhtilaf, tracing historical background.
IMPACT ON MUSLIM SOCIETY
His teachings created new awareness in the minds of Muslims of the Sub-continent. He was a realist in his political thinking. He clearly envisioned society, religion, ethics, morals, and politics. He presented such modern and golden principles of economics and politics that are still in use after he died in 1762. Shah Waliullah’s work was continued both by the members of his family and by his close followers.
FINAL NOTE
Shah Waliullah’s movement did not finish with his death. After his death, his son Shah Abdul Aziz and his worthy disciples stood for the realization of his mission. The echo of the third Battle of Panipat was heard in the Battle of Balakot.
REFERENCES
- Pakistan Studies by Waqar Ahmad Cheema
