PAKISTAN STUDIES

CHAPTER 1 : HOW SUCCESSFUL WERE THE RELIGIOUS THINKERS IN SPREADING ISLAM

IN THE SUBCONTINENT DURING THE 18TH & 19TH CENTURIES?
QUESTION: Did Syed Ahmad Barelvi contribute Muslim power he taught that there needed to
more to the spread of Islam than anyone else be spiritual and moral regeneration based upon
in the subcontinent before 1840? Explain your the principles of Islam.
answer
• He encouraged the Muslim
Syed Ahmad Barelvi community to concentrate on Quranic

• Spread Islam through the Jihad teachings and translated the Holy
Movement, which became an armed struggle to Quran into Persian, which was the main
liberate the Punjab and the NWF from non- language of Muslim groups at that time.
Muslim oppression and was the first example of
• He wrote many books, which were
a movement to restore Muslim power.
designed to spread the principles of Islam
• As at this time the Muslim community amongst the Muslim community in order to
were not allowed freedom of worship, the unite them. He aimed to provide the inspiration
mujahideen fought campaigns to achieve for Muslims to lead a pure life.
religious and spiritual freedoms.
 Syed Ahmad Barelvi founded the Jihad
• His work was a uniting force for Movement
Muslim groups and an inspiration.  Haji Shariatullah established the Faraizi
Movement
Haji Shariatullah
 Shah Waliullah’s writings in Persian
• Spread Islam through the Faraizi made Islamic teaching available to non-
Movement, which removed Hindu practices Arabic speakers
from worship and called on Muslim groups to  Syed Ahmad Barelvi had soldiers
perform their proper observation of Islamic  Shah Waliullah wrote books
duties (faraiz).
Q: Why did Shah Wali Ullah wish to
• Aimed to restore the pride of the revive Islam in Sub-continent?
Muslim community. A huge group of followers
grew called ‘Faraizis’. Shah Waliullah was inclined
towards Islam due to his family
• The movement alarmed the Hindu background. He belonged to a
landlords of East Bengal, as the Faraizis in religious family and he was qualified
Bengal united against the treatment they had from Madrase e Rahimia and Arabia,
received. therefore it was but natural that he
was inclined towards Islam. Mughal
Shah Waliullah Empire was declining and Muslims
were disunited. They were divided into
• Believed the Muslims faced problems sects and fighting on trivial matters.
because of their incomplete knowledge of Islam They were also under the attack from
and the Holy Quran. To reverse the decline in Marathas and Sikhs. In these
 conditions Muslim culture and the freedom of the Muslims could only
civilization was in serious danger, come Because of armed struggle against
which, Shah Waliullah wanted to the foreign and non-Muslim forces, which
save.   were oppressing them. Syed Ahmad
believed that there was a need to end the
He wanted to develop religious evils that had corrupted Islamic society.
understanding among Consequently, even when he served as
Muslims. Shah Waliullah felt that the an army officer he surrounded himself
major reason of the decline of Muslims with the men of great piety who were
is their ignorance of the Quran, the prepared to reject worldly Wealth and
Sunnah and the understanding of work for improving the moral and
Islam. For this purpose, he translated intellectual lives of Muslims. The British
the Quran in Persian so that the noble had ensured that the Mughal emperors
class of Muslims should understand its had little real power and the Sikhs were
meaning. He also wrote fifty-one dominant in the Punjab. Sir Syed founded
books both in Arabic and in Persian the Jihad Movement, which Called for
and clarified many misunderstandings armed struggle to overthrow non-Muslim
about Islam. He also felt that Muslims oppression and restore Muslim Power. He
were divided into sects like Shia and believed that once this was done Islam
Sunny. He emphasized that the could be rejuvenated and rescued From
fundamentals of Islam are common beliefs and customs contrary to Islamic
among all Muslims; hence, there is no beliefs which had crept into everyday Life.
need to fight with each other.

He did not want non-Muslims Q: Was the work of Syed Ahmad

dominating Muslims in India. Due to the Shaheed Bralvi the most important
weak political condition of the Mughals factor in the revival of Islam in
and the Muslims, Shah Waliullah felt that subcontinent in 1700 – 1850?
Marathas may occupy Delhi any time and
they would eliminate Muslim culture by Q: SWU was the main religious thinker
force. For this reason, he wrote letters to to revive Islam in India until 1850.
Muslim nobles and to Ahmed Shah Abdali
of Persia and emphasized them to be Q: SWU was the man person in the
united and fight against Marathas. To revival of Islam in 18th and 19th
some extent, his influence worked and century.
Ahmed Shah defeated Marathas in
Panipat and crushed their power.    ANS:

Q: Why did Syed Ahmad Shaheed ·         The work of Syed Ahmad had been
Bralvi wish to revive Islam in sub- the very important factor in the revival of
continent? Islam because of many reasons. Syed
Ahmad Barelvi Shaheed was born in
ANS: 1786. He was greatly impressed by the
          As a man of action, Syed Ahmad preaching and thoughts of Shah Waliullah.
was an ideal person to act as leader to Therefore, Syed Ahmad Shaheed started
work  Against the British power in India preaching true Islam (as Shah Waliullah
and to try to ensure that the Muslims were did). However, he was of the opinion that
ruled By fellow Muslims. He believed that there should be a political power behind
the preaching for the revival of Islam and early age. Since he believed that, an
Muslim power in India. He founded the emphasis on Quranic teachings was
Jihad Movement for the restoration and vital to Muslims so Shah Waliullah
revival of Muslim power in India. His main translated the Holy Quran into
objective was the establishment of an Persian, which was the language of
Islamic state on proper Islamic principles. educated Muslims at that time. He
In addition, the aim of the Jihad also wrote 51 books to explain the
Movement was to liberate the Muslims of principles of Islam. He wrote an
the Punjab and N.W.F.P from the Sikh account about the first for Caliphs of
rule. Islam in a way in which it was
acceptable to both Shias and Sunnis.
·         At that time (beginning of He hoped that this would help to heal
19thcentury), Punjab and N.W.F.P the divisions between them. His
were under the Sikh rule of Ranjit writings brought him great fame and
Singh. Muslims were facing great prestige and enabled him to have
difficulty in following their religion in influence in other areas too. For
this area. Therefore, Syed Ahmad example: in economics, he
chose Punjab and N.W.F.P for his emphasized the need for social justice
activities. He also expected help from and for peasants and artisans to be
the Afghan and Pathan tribes of truly valued for their contribution to the
N.W.F.P. Syed Ahmad established his economy.
headquarters at Nowshera. His first
encounters against the Sikh forces ·         He advised the Muslims to give
took place at Akora in which the up extravagance and wasteful
Mujahidin were successful. The jihad expenditure on marriages, deaths,
movement ended in 1831, but it was a births, and other occasions. Wealthy
brave and determined movement Muslims were asked to look after the
effort for the revival of Islam and poor and the needy. Shah Waliullah
Muslim power. Syed Ahmad’s wrote letters to the rulers of Muslim
example continued to inspire the states asking them to unite and rise
future Muslim generations. The work against non-Muslim forces. He invited
of Syed Ahmad was important but the  the Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Abdali
work of another two reformers was to deal with Marathas who were
also very important for a number of threatening Muslims in Delhi and
reasons: Punjab. Ahmad Shah Abdali defeated
the Marathas in the battle of Panipat in
1761 so they were never able to rise
·         Shah Waliullah was one of the again. Shah Waliullah explained the
first Muslim thinkers to state the importance of JEHAD to the Muslims.
decline of Mughal Empire and the He gave the concept of social justice
vulnerable position of the Muslims was and advised the Muslims that due
due to the neglect of the principles of importance and value should be given
Islam. Shah Waliullah worked hard to to peasants and artisans.
ensure that he was a role model for
other Muslims. His deep ·         Haji Shariat Ullah’s contribution
understanding about the Quran, towards religion was also very
Hadith, Fiqah, and Tasawuf made him important. Haji Shariat Ullah started
a highly knowledgeable scholar at an the faraizi movement to restore the
 pride of the Muslims and to remove there should be a political power behind
what he thought were the Hindu the preaching for the revival of Islam and
practices had crept into their worship. Muslim power in India. He founded the
The faraizi movement was important Jihad Movement for the restoration and
because it gave encouragement to the revival of Muslim power in India. His main
Muslims at the time when they were objective was the establishment of an
demoralized by the oppression   they Islamic state on proper Islamic principles.
suffered from the Hindus and the In addition, the aim of the Jihad
British. It brought about a spiritual Movement was to liberate the Muslims of
revival, which led to a revival in the the Punjab and N.W.F.P from the Sikh
Islamic religion in East Bengal. Hindu rule.
influences were removed from the
Islamic practices. It also had an ·         At that time (beginning of
19thcentury), Punjab and N.W.F.P were
important political and economic
impact. The Bengal peasants became under the Sikh rule of Ranjit Singh.
Muslims were facing great difficulty in
united against the harsh treatment
they received. They became aware of following their religion in this area.
Therefore, Syed Ahmad chose Punjab
their rights and the political unity
began to grow amongst them. 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
Conclusion: All the three
personalities work very hard for the Nowshera. His first encounters against the
Sikh forces took place at Akora in which
revival of Islam but among them
the work of SWU was the most the Mujahidin were successful. The
Pathan tribes joined him and the number
important because of his
translation of Quran in Persian of Mujahidin forces swelled up to 80,000.
However, he decided to shift his
language.
headquarters to Balakot in order to
liberate Kashmir and Hazara. In the mean
Q: What were the aims of Syed Ahmad
Tehrik-e-Jihad movement? To what time, the Sikh army attacked Balakot
suddenly. The Mujahidin fought bravely.
extent did his teachings continue to
influence Muslims of the Sub- Nearly 600 Mujahidin were killed
including, Syed Ahmad and Shah Ismail.
Continent after his death in 1831? [7-
14] The jihad movement ended in 1831, but it
was a brave and determined movement
ANS:  effort for the revival of Islam and Muslim
power. Syed Ahmad had no personal
·         Syed Ahmad Barelvi Shaheed was ambition, nor was the purpose to put a
certain ruler on the throne. The aim was to
born in 1786. He was greatly impressed
by the preaching and thoughts of Shah liberate Muslim population from tyranny
and oppression. Syed Ahmad’s Example
Waliullah. He joined the private army of
Nawab Amir Khan of Tonk state where he continued to inspire the future Muslim
generations. His ultimate aim was to
learnt the art of war. He also learnt about
the European weaponry including the art create an Islamic state or a homeland for
Muslims in the Sub-Continent. In this
of artillery. Syed Ahmad Shaheed started
preaching true Islam (as Shah Waliullah Sense Jihad, movement was a precursor
of the later Muslim nationalist in the Sub-
did). However, he was of the opinion that
Continent.
 at the hands of non-Muslims. He was
forced to leave Dhaka and he retired to
Q: why did HSU wish to revive islam in his hometown Faridpur from where he
subcontinent? continued with his teachings.

ANS: 
Early eighteenth century was a miserable Haji Shariat Ullah’s “Faraizi Movement”
period for the Bengali Muslims. They were was taken over by his son Mohsin-ud-Din
economically, socially and educationally Ahmad on his death in 1840. He was born
crippled under the British rule. They were in 1810 and was popularly known as
also oppressed and tortured by Hindu “Dudu Mian”. It was under him that the
landlords. Their religious belief had gone “Faraizi Movement” was turned into a
weak as Islam was badly influenced by religious-political movement. He proved
Hinduism. These Muslims had become that he had a natural talent for leadership
superstitious and were far from the true by strengthening and popularizing the
ideal of Islam. At the same time there was movement. He divided Bengal into
no hope of political regeneration. administrative units for an efficient and
systematic running of the movement. His
It was in such conditions that Haji Shariat deputies known as “Khalifas” were
Ullah was born in Faridpur district of appointed in each of those units. These
Bengal in 1781. He left for Mecca at an Khalifas were made responsible for the
early age and stayed there for a very long running of the movement in their
period. His stay in Hejaz was an respective areas.
opportunity for him to learn the true ideal
of Islam. He decided to improve the Mohsin-ud-Din Ahmad forbade his
conditions of poor Muslims by reviving the followers from paying illegitimate taxes to
true spirit of Islam. On his return, he called Hindu property owners. They were asked
upon Bengali Muslims to follow the basics to pay taxes levied only by the
of Islam government. He persuaded and
eventually prepared his followers for an
armed struggle to obtain their economic
His first message was to give up un- as well as political rights. His ever-
Islamic practices and to stick to duties increasing popularity and strength was a
towards religion. His followers were called constant source of anxiety for the British
Faraizi by virtue of his emphasis on duties and Hindus alike. They did their utmost to
towards religion (Faraiz). He was deadly check the progress of Faraizi Movement.
against relationship between Mystics and Mohsin-ud-Din Ahmad was arrested
their disciples (Pirs and Murids). He asked during the War of Independence of 1857
Muslims to replace this with relationship but was released after the war was over.
between Teacher and his Students He died his natural death in 1860.
(Ustaad and Shagird). He banned a
number of un-Islamic rituals and urged COMPARISON OF THE MOVEMENTS
Muslims to prepare themselves for Jihad.
He declared his area “Dar-ul-Harb” where Shah Wali Ullah’s movement can surely
it was impossible for Muslims to perform be termed as the most effective of all the
their religious obligations. His call for reform movements aimed at the revival of
Jihad against the oppression of Hindu Islam in India. All other reformers of the
zamindars made him face further cruelties same and of the latter period took lead
and inspiration from Shah Wali Ullah’s valuable literary works.
reform movement. It was the only
movement, which was carried forward as Shah Wali Ullah’s work was more
emphatically as its founder ran it. His sons comprehensive than that of Bareli’s. Shah
continued with their father’s mission and Wali Ullah’s teachings were not on just
translated the Holy Quran into Urdu. The religion. He did talk about politics as well
credit for it mainly goes to his eldest son, as economic activity in a Muslim society.
Shah Abdul Aziz, who had very ably Barelvi appears lagging behind Shah Wali
replaced his father on his death. Shah Ullah, as his only area of concern was the
Wali Ullah’s pupils after his death spread re-establishment of Muslim power and
all over India and remained very that too through Jihad. Unluckily, he could
instrumental in carrying his mission to not succeed in achieving his sole aim.
Indian Muslims. No other reform
movements had as many long-term Faraizi Movement in the nineteenth
effects as did this movement. Shah Wali century was another major attempt aimed
Ullah’s literary works differentiate his at the revival of Islam. A great many
services from the works of all other people were influenced by the teachings
reformers. His socio-economic teachings of both Haji Shariat Ullah and his son
were a source of guidance and inspiration Mohsin-ud-Din Ahmad. They very
for posterity for years to come. successfully helped Bengali Muslims set
their religious belief right. It was surely
Syed Ahmad Shaheed Barelvi’s Jihad through this movement that Islam returned
Movement in comparison with Shah Wali to its original form. It made them
Ullah’s reform movement seems less conscious of their religious identity and
important as far as revival of Islam created a spirit in them for the fighting of
in India is concerned. It was not carried holy war (Jihad).
forward by any of the followers of Syed
Ahmad Shaheed Barelvi. It lost However, Haji Shariat Ullah’s Faraizi
momentum as soon as the founder Movement sounds less important in
himself perished whereas Shah Wali comparison with other reform movements.
Ullah’s sons had continued with the It was restricted to just one area of the
mission of their father after his death. subcontinent whereas other movements
influenced many. It ended with the death
of its founders and was not carried
Barelvi, unlike Shah Wali Ullah, did not forward whereas Shah Wali Ullah’s
leave behind any institution where his movement remained a source of
teachings were imparted to younger inspiration for years to come. Even the
generations. Simultaneously he had no armed struggle made by the followers of
literary works to his credit that could the Faraizi Movement was not as
become source of inspiration and successful as was by Barelvi. It did not
guidance after him. His achievements leave behind any institutions and literary
proved to be momentary as the areas works as were left by Shah Wali Ullah.
captured by him were soon occupied by
the non-Muslims. On the other hand,
Shah Wali Ullah had rendered ever-living Q: Was SASB the most important
services for the cause of Islam. A special thinker to revive Islam in India by
reference can be made to his translation 1850? Give reasons for your answer.
of the Holy Quran into Persian and (14)
 when he captured Peshawar in 1830, he
ANS: establish Islamic Sharia it he occupied
·         In 1752 when SWU came to India, area because he believed in the
he noticed that Muslims were involved in rejuvenation of Islam through among the
un-Islamic activities, which were not Muslims. He banned evils to purify the
favorable for the Muslim of India. He firstly society and through a big chance in the
thought that these all activities are due to lives of Muslims.
not to follow Islamic teachings and Holy
Quran was also not be understand by the ·         Similarly by the start of 19th century
people of that time so he translated Holy the Muslims of Bengal ha also goes away
Quran into Persian language for the from Islam by the living with the non-
easiness of the Muslims of Subcontinent. Muslims. They had accepted their
Way .HSU was highly grieved and
·         He wrote different books according disturbed
to the teaching of Islam and tried his best
to communicate people about Islam and To see the Muslims now they were living
for this purpose he wrote 51 book in which the life they laid foundation of Faraizi
he highlighted the condition of the Muslim movement, which laid stress in the
society and has a remedy to correct them. performance of duties and a Quran life
after Tauba. He advised the Muslims to
·         Marathas were gaining power day shun all the superstitions and Islamic
by day and thinking to defeat Muslims customs and practice pure Islamic
because Muslims were going toward principles. His efforts brought brunt and
downfall. Therefore, SWU was very much many Muslims shaped their lives
worried about this. He then wrote a letter according to Islam.
to Ahmad Shah Abdali to defeat the
Marathas and give Muslims freedom once ·         During the days the peasants were
again. living a miserable life the most of the
property owners in the Bengal were
·         By the end of 18th century and start Hindus who had atrocious treatment with
of 19th century, most of the parts of the Muslims. They would usurp the rights
Mughals Empire had been captured by and would not give their equal share in the
non-Muslims i.se British and Sikhs. SASB production HSU awoke the Muslims and
wanted restoration of Muslim rule in India advised their not to be silent for their
and for this purpose, he founded Jihad rights. He played a vital role in creating
movement. He decided to liberate the awaking and awareness among the poor
Punjab from the dreadful role of Ranjit Muslim peasants for the protection of their
Singh. HE made Nowshera his head rights.
quarter in 1826 and was able to defeat the Shah Wali Ullah
Sikhs in a few better but he was defeated
in the battle of Balakot in 1831. Although
he could not restore the Muslims rule in Biography:
India but he kindled a flame of freedom in
the heart of Muslims who continued their  He was born on 21 February 1703
struggle for the independence and were just when the end of Aurangzeb’s
able to establish Pakistan in 1947. reign was about to conclude.
 By birth, he was given a name,
·         SASB was made Imam in 1827 Qutb-ud-Din.
  Waliullah is a title given to him for
his services. Role in Religious Services:
 His father was religious scholar
 He completed the translation of the
himself, named Shah Abdur Rahim.
Quran in Persian, which was the
 His father founded helped in the local language at that time in order
compilation of Fatawa-I-Alamgir to make the Quran more accessible
under the direct supervision of and easily understandable for the
Emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir. community.
 His father also founded Madrassa  He wrote a commentary on
Rahimya. Ahadithsin in Persian and Arabic.
 Shah Waliullah taught at the  He arranged Hadith with respect to
Madrassa Rahimya for 12 years. their topics to make it easier for
people to take guidance from it.
 In 1730, he went to Arabia for higher
studies.  Shah Wali Ullah was a passionate
author, most of his writing is on Fiqh
 He was greatly influenced by the and Hadith.
teaching of Abu Tahir a famous
scholar of his time.  He wrote 51 Islamic books, 28 in
Persian and 23 in Arabic.
Beliefs:   Shah Waliullah’s most recognized
and famous book is Hujjatullah al-
 Shah Waliullah believed that Islam Baligha. In this book, he described
has lost its glory in the sub- the versatility and complete
continent. knowledge present in Islam and how
it can guide people from all cultures
 He realized that it was necessary for and races. 
Muslims to reconnect with Islam and
its teachings if they want to improve  He studied writings available in
their conditions. various school of thoughts and then
comprehensively explained in his
 He wanted the rulers to enforce writing what is really in Islam.
Islamic laws.
 He adopted an analytical and
 He urged rich Muslims to live a balanced approach to creating a
simple life and traders to follow balance between the four major
Islamic laws in their dealings. schools, Hanafi, Malaki, Shafi, and
 He feared that if reforms are not Hanbalihe.
taken then Muslims and non-  Role in Political Services:
Muslims will be indistinguishable.
 Shah Wali-Ullah using his deep
 He despised the division of Shia and political insight tried to figure out the
Sunni because it was weakening real cause of the Mughal Empire's
Muslims roots and wanted them to decline.
be united.
 The Marhattas was a great political
 He believed that reforms cannot power in the eighteenth century
come from weak leadership of Dehli, were advancing to occupy the crown
they must come from Community of Delhi.
itself. 
  Keeping in view the looming threats,  He soon started the Jihad Movement
Shah Waliullah wrote a letter to against the Sikhs of Punjab and
Ahmed Shah Abdali (Afghan King) to British.
help the Muslims of India in
defeating the Marhattas.
Beliefs: 
 He also prepared the Rohilla Chief,
Najid-Ulla and Nawab of Oudh,  He realized that Muslims could not
Shuja-ud-Daula for Jihad. have their freedom to practice Islam
without defeating the British and
 Ahmed Shah Abdali (also known as
Sikhs. 
Ahmed Shah Durani) defeated the
Marhattas in the third battle of  He believed that evil in the Islamic
Panipat. Society had to be cured. 
 Ahmed Shah Abdali:  He was sure, it is crucial to start a
Jihad Movement to defeat the forces
 Ahmed Shah Abdali was a general
that are not letting the Muslims
under Nadir Shah, the emperor of
practice their religion properly. 
Persia.
 He was sure, it is the only way to
 He elected as King of Afghan in
rescue Islam from the evil customs
1747.
of other societies.
 He helped Shah Waliullah in
defeating the Marhattas in the third
Contributions for the Spread of Islam:
battle of Panipat.
 After he came back to Delhi in 1823,
he devoted himself to bring reforms
Syed Ahmed Shaheed Barelvi to the religious and social sector of
Muslims of India.
 He was inclined to bring back the
Biography:
former glory of Islam for the Muslims
by disposing Sufism and
 He was born in November 1786 at implementing Sharia.
Rai Bareilly near Lucknow.
 He denied and refused to support
 His father name was Shah-Ilm-Ullah, Bida (innovation) and supported
a religious scholar. “Tauhid”.
 He was a trustworthy follower of
monarch Shah Abdul Aziz. Jihad Movement:
 He was greatly influenced by the
teachings of Shah Waliullah.  In the first half of the nineteenth
century, the Sikhs of Punjab were
 Took his education at Madrassa disregarding the Muslim places,
Rahimiyya in Delhi. culture, and customs. They even
 He joined the military force of Nawab banned the Azaan,, Ahmed Barailvi
Ameer Khan Tonak. founded the Jihad movement to
rebel and crush them.
 He went for Hajj, studied religion
there and returned in 1823 with a  In 1826, he sent a warning to Ranjit
clear and focused aim of Jihad.  Singh, who was the Sikh ruler of
 Punjab at that time that either he  He was again betrayed when a
allows Muslims freedom to practice person in his army told the British a
their religion or he should prepare to secret way to attack them. 
face the Mujahideen. 
 In the battle of Balakot 1831, a
 Jihad Movement was launched from surprise attack was led by Sikh and
Peshawar headquarters in 1826.  Six hundred Muslims were killed
along with Syed Ahmed.
 In order to gather force for this
mission, he went to different states  The Jihad Movement is considered
including Afghanistan, Sindh, as the pioneer of Pakistan
Rajasthan, and Balochistan. Movement. 
Everyone supported him except the
Afghans.
Haji Shariatullah 
 The army that Ahmed Barailvi led
was known as “Mujahideen”
meaning ‘fighters for the faith – Biography: 
Islam’ because the main vision
behind it was ‘Jihad’.  Haji Shariatullah was born in 1781 in
 Since the force was comprised of Faridpur, Bengal.
people from different communities  His father was an ordinary farmer.
which gave Sikhs a way to exploit
them by calling out to them as being  At the age of 18-year, he went for
un-Islamic. Haj in 1799.

 Ahmed Barailvi with the Mujahideen  He stayed in Saudi-Arabia from

led the first attack at Okara with a 1799-1818 and received his religious
force of 80,000 men and come out education there.
victorious.  He returned to Bengal in 
 Muslims living in poor conditions in
The Battle of Balakot: Bengal were greatly influenced and
motivated by his leadership.
 After the success of Okara battle,
Ahmed Barailvi was preparing to  During his stay in Arabia, he was
attack on Attock. greatly influenced by Sheikh
Mohammad Abdul Wahab who had
 During this time, he faced unknown initiated the Wahabi Movement in
difficulties as his servant tried to Arabia. 
poison him and Yar Muhammad
Khan, a Pathan Chief was bribed by
Sikhs. Beliefs: 
 Yar Muhammad Khan deserted  He believed that the Muslim
Ahmed Barailvi in the battlefield that community had moved away from
created chaos among the men and Islamic practice and were taking
resultant in defeat. influence from other religions such
 Following the betrayal and defeat, as Hinduism.
Ahmed Barailvi moved his  He wanted the Muslim community to
headquarter to Panjtar near return to the Faraizi i.e. the proper
Kashmir. observation of Islamic practice.
  He realized that the miserable  The Muslims were mistreated by
conditions of Muslims have led the their British Rulers and oppressed
country being Dar-ul-Harb (Area by the Zamindars.
where non-Muslims rule).  
 Haji Shariatullah regarded British
 He supported the idea of Jihad domination in Bengal as detrimental
against the non-Muslims who were to the religious life of Muslims.
undermining the true principles of
Islam.  The Hindus were troubled by the
unity of the Muslim peasants and
opposed Haji Sahab.
Faraizi Movement:
 The Hindus put false allegations
against him and forced him to leave
 Muslims were living in poor
Dhaka.
conditions and they were given
fewer opportunities for jobs. He  Haji Sahab returned to Faridpur and
wanted to restore their Pride   continued his fight.
 He started a movement, in the  He categorized East Bengal into
nineteenth century named as the areas called circles, with their own
Faraizi Movement for Muslims in Khalifa, who was responsible for
Bengal.  their wealth.
 The movement was targeted to  He died in 1840.
restore the Pride of the Muslims and
remove what he thought were the  After his death, his son, Mohsin-ud-
Hindu practices. Din carried his legacy.

 Haji Shariat Ullah urged from his  

followers to adopt ‘Tauba’ for past Titu Mir 
sins and a pledge to lead a righteous
that is in accordance with Islam and
its teachings.  Biography:

 The Faraizi Movement provided a  He was born in January 1782.

platform to Muslims to work together
and fight the bad treatments of  The real name of Titu Mir was Syed
Hindu Zamindars.  Mir Nisar Ali.
 He was a faithful follower of Ahmed
Zamindars: Barelvi.
 He was a peasant leader and a
 Until the 1750s, Muslims were the freedom fighter from Bengal.
ruling class, but everything changed
after the British took over.  In 1822, he went to Makkah where
he came into close approximation
 The British were working with the and influence of Ahmed Barelvi, who
‘Zamindars’, who were the was a great Islamic reformer.
landowners and tax collectors.
 By 1800s, nearly all Zamindars were Beliefs:
Hindus.
 He believed that the terrible state of
Muslims can only be improved if the
 Muslims of Bengal stand united
against the cruel Hindu Zamindars.
 He realized that Muslims are
introducing Shirk and Bid’dat and
advised them to refrain from doing
it. 

Workings:

A cruel Zamindar, Krishna Deva Rai

imposed a tax on Muslims on beards that
made the Muslims enraged.
Following Titu Mir's guidance, the Muslims
refused to pay this tax.
The peasants and weavers saw Titu Mir’s
leadership as a way free themselves from
the slavery of Hindu Zamindars and were
greatly influenced by him.
He gathered a small army and trained the
people with the lathi.
In 1831, he built a bamboo fort in
Narkelbaria, Calcutta and set his own rule.
The British were threatened by his
fellowship and with a force of 300 sepoys
and 100 soldiers attacked Titu Mir and his
army.
They failed to resist the British attack and
Titu Mir along with many of his followers
died in the battle