Reformative Movements: Sheikh Ahmed Sirhindi (1564 to 1624)

1. Reformative Movements: • Sheikh Ahmed Sirhindi (1564 to 1624) (Early Biographical Details & his Reforms) • Sheikh Waliullah Muhaddis Dehlavi (1703 to 1762) (Early Biographical Details & his Services)

2. Reformative Movements: Sheikh Ahmed Sirhindi: (1564 to 1624) Was a Sufi Saint. Known as Mujaddid Alif Sani (reformer of the 2nd millennium) Fought against Mughal Emperor Akbar’s Deen-e-Elahi. Upset with the “LIBERAL” attitude of Akbar towards the Hindus, when he abolished JEZIYA (islamic tax on non muslims) Sarhindi emerged as Mujaddid (renewer of Islam) for returning Islam to its pristine form. Gave an ideological basis to separate the Muslims from the Hindus. His contribution served as a Nucleus to Muslim Politics.

3. Life Sketch: • Was born in Sarhind, a city of East Punjab, on June 26 1564 • Belonged to a devout Muslim Family that claimed descent from Hazrat Umar Farooq (R.A) • Educated at home by His father, Shaikh Abdul Ahad • Worked for sometime in Lahore as well, but the greater part of his life was spent in Sarhind • When he was 36 years old he went to Delhi and joined the Naqshbandiyah Silsilah through Khawaja Baqi Billah • Died on 15th December 1624, at the age of 60 years. • His tomb at Sarhind Patiala

4. Mujaddid Reforms: • Successful Jehad Against Deen-e-Elahi • Refusal to prostrate before Jahangir • Preaching of Islam during Imprisonment in Gawaliar’s Fort • Maktubaat-e-Imam Rabbani • Books & Magazines (risala) • Two Nation Theory (first founder of Two Nation Theory)

5. The Influence of Sheikh Ahmed Sarhindi’s Efforts: • The effort of Sheikh Ahmad to purify the religious & practical life of Muslims left an indelible impact on the history of Indian Muslims • His movement gave the new life to the Muslims of India • Jahangir, under the influence of Mujaddid’s preaching, ordered Khutba to be recited and cow slaughter to be carried out as required by Islamic Practices • Sheikh Ahmed was the most powerful religious personality in the history of sub-continent who opposed Akbar • He is considered as the pioneer of Muslims self-assertion by denouncing un-islamic practices

6. Shah Waliullah Muhaddis Dehlavi (1703 to 1762) • In the 18th century, Islam in the sub-continent was faced with serious problems • The social, political, economic & religious condition of Muslims were very poor • Low moral tone of the society, poor understanding of the Holy Quran & general ignorance of Islam were just some of the issues which gave rise to fear that political collapse would be accompanied by religious disintegration • This did not happen; rather an era of religious regeneration was inaugurated, which was due to the activities of one man, SHAH WALIULLAH.

7. Life Sketch: • A great Muslim Saint of 18th century • The first person to carry that Islam was in danger • Was born on February 21, 1703 at Delhi • Named was Qutub-ud-din, but better known by his title of Waliullah, given to him by virtue of his goodness & piety • Received his academic & spiritual education from his father Shah Abdul Rahim • Memorized the Holy Quran

8. Gained knowledge of tafseer, hadith, spiritualism, logic etc • Also studied medical & tibb • After the death of his father, he started delivering lectures in his father’s madrissah “Madrissah Rahimiyah” at the age of seventeen for 12 years • In 1730, went for pilgrimage & higher studies to Saudi Arabia • In 1732, he returned to delhi and took over the charge of Madrissah Rahimiyah. Where he wrote many books and rendered many political, religious & national services • Died on 10th August 1762

9. Services of Shah Waliullah: • Translation of Holy Quran into Persian • Arrangement of Ahadiths • Ijtihad • Mysticism (Fiqah) • Shias & Sunnis Enmity • Separate National Identity/Two Nation Theory • Efforts for the Survival of Mughal Empire • Open Letters

10. Open Letters: He wrote open letters to: • Mughal Ruler; to give up their corrupt & inefficient practices • Soldiers; to inculcate within them the spirit of Jihad • Artisans, workers & Peasants; to remind them that the economic prosperity of the state depended on their labors • The Emperor; advised him not to give Jagirs (Land) them who were not loyal to the state • Workers; to be conscious of their duties & not to indulge in the accumulation of wealth

11. Conclusion: • Shah Waliullah was responsible for awakening in the community the desire to win back its moral value and maintain its purity. • To rescue a community’s conscience, belief and faith from destruction was no small achievement • Many future Islamic Leaders & Thinkers were inspired by him • In short, Shah Waliullah was the founder of all the future freedom movement of Indo-Pakistan

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