SHAH WALI ULLAH

Shah Waliullah al-Dihlawi (1703–1762) was a prominent Islamic scholar, theologian, and reformer who lived in
the Indian subcontinent during the 18th century. He is considered one of the most influential figures in Islamic
scholarship in the region. Shah Waliullah's life and works had a lasting impact on the intellectual and spiritual
landscape of South Asian Islam. Here are some key aspects of his life and contributions:

1. **Background and Education:**

- Shah Waliullah was born in Delhi in 1703 into a scholarly family with a rich tradition of learning. He
belonged to the Chishti Sufi order, and his early education included the study of classical Islamic disciplines
such as Quranic exegesis, Hadith (sayings of Prophet Muhammad), jurisprudence, and philosophy.

2. **Multifaceted Scholar:**
- Shah Waliullah was a polymath who excelled in various branches of Islamic knowledge. He was well-versed
in theology, law, mysticism, and philosophy. His broad intellectual background allowed him to engage with
diverse theological perspectives.

3. **Reformist Vision:**
- Shah Waliullah was deeply concerned about the social, political, and intellectual challenges facing the
Muslim community in India. He advocated for a revival of Islamic teachings and practices, emphasizing a
return to the fundamentals of the Quran and Sunnah (traditions of Prophet Muhammad).

4. **Translation of the Quran:**

- One of Shah Waliullah's significant contributions was his translation of the Quran from Arabic to Persian.
This translation, known as "Fath al-Rahman," aimed to make the Quran more accessible to a wider audience,
as Persian was a widely understood language in the Indian subcontinent.

5. **Call for Unity:**

- Shah Waliullah emphasized the importance of Muslim unity and solidarity. He sought to bridge the gap
between different Islamic sects and discourage divisive tendencies. His efforts aimed at fostering a sense of
collective identity among Muslims.

6. **Influence on Later Scholars:**

- Shah Waliullah's ideas and teachings had a profound impact on subsequent generations of Islamic scholars
in South Asia. His sons and disciples continued his legacy, and the intellectual tradition he established played a
crucial role in shaping the religious and educational landscape of the region.

7. **Legacy:**
- Shah Waliullah's reformist vision and commitment to the revitalization of Islamic thought continue to be
studied and appreciated. His works, letters, and treatises on various subjects remain important sources for
understanding the intellectual and religious climate of 18th-century India.

Shah Waliullah's contributions are often seen in the context of broader Islamic revivalism and reform
movements that emerged in different parts of the Muslim world during that period.

POSITIVE VIEWS
While specific quotes from scholars about Shah Waliullah al-Dihlawi can be challenging to find, I can provide
you with general positive views that have been expressed by scholars, along with mentions of their notable
works:

1. **Allama Iqbal:**
- **Positive View:** Allama Iqbal, a renowned philosopher, poet, and politician, expressed admiration for
Shah Waliullah's efforts to revive Islamic thought and his commitment to the principles of the Quran and
Sunnah.
- **Relevant Work:** Iqbal's works such as "The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam" reflect his
broader views on Islamic revivalism, and while not specifically focused on Shah Waliullah, they share common
themes.

2. **Muhammad Abdul Aleem Siddiqui:**

- **Positive View:** Muhammad Abdul Aleem Siddiqui, a prominent Islamic scholar, acknowledged Shah
Waliullah's contributions to Islamic scholarship and his role in advocating for the renewal of Islamic teachings.
- **Relevant Work:** Siddiqui's writings on Islamic philosophy and revivalism, such as "Philosophy of Islamic
Revolution," align with the spirit of revivalism propagated by Shah Waliullah.

3. **Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi:**

- **Positive View:** Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi, a significant Islamic scholar and founder of the
Jamaat-e-Islami, recognized Shah Waliullah as a key figure in Islamic revivalism and praised his efforts to
address the challenges faced by the Muslim community.
- **Relevant Work:** Maududi's numerous works, including "Towards Understanding Islam" and "Islamic Way
of Life," discuss the need for Islamic revival and the application of Islamic principles in contemporary society.

4. **Muhammad Hamidullah:**
- **Positive View:** Muhammad Hamidullah, a leading Islamic scholar and jurist, acknowledged Shah
Waliullah's contributions to the understanding of Islamic jurisprudence and his role in emphasizing the Quranic
principles.
- **Relevant Work:** Hamidullah's works on Islamic law, including translations and commentaries,
demonstrate his commitment to presenting Islamic jurisprudence in a contemporary context.

5. **Syed Sulaiman Nadvi:**

- **Positive View:** Syed Sulaiman Nadvi, a prolific Indian Islamic scholar and biographer, appreciated Shah
Waliullah's comprehensive understanding of Islam and his efforts to address the intellectual and spiritual
challenges faced by Muslims.
- **Relevant Work:** Nadvi's biographical works, such as "Saviours of Islamic Spirit," provide insights into the
lives and contributions of Muslim scholars, and Shah Waliullah is often mentioned in this context.

While these scholars may not have provided specific quotes about Shah Waliullah, their writings and teachings
reflect positive views on his contributions to Islamic thought and revivalism.

NEGATIVE VIEWS

It's important to note that finding explicit negative views on Shah Waliullah al-Dihlawi from well-known scholars
can be challenging, as historical records may not always provide such critiques. Additionally, Shah Waliullah is
generally regarded with respect for his contributions to Islamic scholarship and reform. However, I can provide
some general perspectives that might represent more critical views, though these are not direct quotes:
1. **Edward Said:**
- **Potential Critique:** Edward Said, a prominent postcolonial theorist, might critique Shah Waliullah's
ideas as reflective of a conservative approach to religion, possibly arguing that such perspectives contributed
to societal stagnation.
- **Relevant Work:** While Edward Said is known for his work on Orientalism, he might not have directly
addressed Shah Waliullah in his writings.

2. **Wilfred Cantwell Smith:**

- **Potential Critique:** Wilfred Cantwell Smith, a scholar of religion, might have criticized Shah Waliullah's
emphasis on religious orthodoxy, suggesting that it could hinder the pluralistic and evolving nature of religious
traditions.
- **Relevant Work:** Cantwell Smith's works, such as "The Meaning and End of Religion," explore the nature
of religion and could be interpreted to question conservative religious perspectives.

3. **Marshall G. S. Hodgson:**
- **Potential Critique:** Marshall Hodgson, a historian of Islamic civilization, might have expressed
reservations about Shah Waliullah's impact on the development of Islamic thought, possibly viewing his ideas
as contributing to a more closed interpretation of Islam.
- **Relevant Work:** Hodgson's "The Venture of Islam" provides an extensive historical overview of Islamic
civilization and may offer perspectives on various intellectual trends.

4. **Ernest Gellner:**
- **Potential Critique:** Ernest Gellner, a philosopher and social anthropologist, might have critiqued Shah
Waliullah's vision, arguing that an emphasis on religious orthodoxy could impede societal progress and
modernization.
- **Relevant Work:** Gellner's "Muslim Society" and other works address the relationship between Islam and
modernity, providing a potential context for critical perspectives.

5. **Talal Asad:**
- **Potential Critique:** Talal Asad, a cultural anthropologist, might have critiqued Shah Waliullah's influence
on Islamic legal thought, suggesting that it contributed to the rigidification of religious practices.
- **Relevant Work:** Asad's "Formations of the Secular" and other writings explore the intersection of
religion, power, and modernity in various societies.

It's important to recognize that these potential critiques are speculative and based on the scholars' general
perspectives rather than direct comments on Shah Waliullah. Additionally, these scholars may not have
explicitly critiqued Shah Waliullah in their writings.

Why did Shah Wali Ullah wish to revive Islam in the sub-continent?
Purifying Islam: -

During Shah Wali Ullah’s time, Islam had lost its purity in the subcontinent. Hindu customs, practices and
beliefs had crept into the worships and lives of the Muslims. It had become very important to tell the
Muslims what was Islamic and what were simply myths and traditions.

Cause of Downfall:-

He believed that the real cause of Muslims’ decline was their ignorance from the teachings of Quran and
Sunnah. He wanted the Muslims to implement Islamic teachings in all spheres of their lives – social,
political, economic and religious. This would enable them to restore their pride and improve their living
conditions.

Reforming the Society:-

A number of social evils had corrupted the Islamic society. He wanted to transform the society in the light
of Islamic teachings. He wanted the rulers to enforce Islamic laws e.g. Islam condemns social injustice
and protects the rights of peasants and workers. He urged the rich Muslims to lead pure life and stay away
from luxury and extravagance. He also urged the traders to follow Islamic laws in their dealings. He
wanted to eradicate the sectarian differences that were undermining the foundations of Muslim unity.

Protecting Muslim Identity: -

Shah Wali Ullah wanted to protect Muslim religion, identity, values and interests. He believed that under
the influence of infidels, Muslims will forget Islam and with the passage of time it would become difficult to
distinguish them from non-Muslims. He therefore wished to revive the teachings of Quran and Sunnah in
the subcontinent.

The importance of Shah Wali Ullah’s work in the revival of Islam in the
subcontinent.

As most people know, Shah Wali Ullah was one of the most influential people in the subcontinent during
the time at which Hindu-Muslim conflicts were at it’s peak. There were many more, like Sir Syed Ahmad Khan,
but I had to write a report on Shah Wali Ullah and I don’t have useless time to research and write reports on Sir
Syed Ahmad Khan for no reason so here you go: an article about Shah Wali Ullah and his work.
The work of Shah Wali Ullah (1703 – 1762) was very important in the revival of Islam in the subcontinent
during the eighteenth century.
The most important work of Shah Wali Ullah was the teaching and preaching of the basic, pure and true
meanings of Islam in ‘Madarsa’ (aka, where kids go to learn how to read the Quran) through which he trained
his sons (and other kids) who continued his work through several generations. This allowed him to spread his
thoughts and beliefs, even when he was dead. He sent several missionaries to different countries, and even in
parts of the subcontinent since, you know, it was so freaking huge.
But he didn’t just talk into a microphone, he wrote fifty freaking one books in order to explain the proper
teachings of Islam. The books presented the correct concept and beliefs of Islam in a very simple form.
Besides writing books, he wrote other stuff too. Like translating the entire Holy Quran into Persian, which was
the dominating language at the time. Later, his sons translated the Holy Quran into Urdu, which allowed for
more people to read and understand it.
Through his teachings he corrected many un-Islamic ideas and beliefs, which had crept in the Muslim
culture and society. Through his teaching he also brought different sects of Muslims, especially the Shias and
Sunnis, close and emphasized the need of unity among the Muslims.
 Since many Muslims at the time were separating, as a lack of knowledge and understanding of the Holy
Quran, he tried to unite all of them into a single community. He did so by firstly making and finding bridges
between the different beliefs of Muslims and then secondly by uniting them into a single army to defend the
subcontinent, which was being attacked by the Marathas. Yeah, through his efforts he managed to persuade
the Afghan ruler, Ahmad Shah Abdali to attack and defeat the Marathas in the battle of Panipat in 1761. After
this defeat the Marathas could not rise again. This sign of unity inspired many future reformers to revive Islam.
His efforts made many, if not all, Muslims to unite together and made them desire a country which they could
call there own. If Shah Wali Ullah hadn’t united the Muslims, Pakistan probably wouldn’t have been made, and
as such Muslims would be more spread out and different from each other then ever before.

In the 18th century, Islam in the Sub-continent was faced with menacing problems. Sectarian conflict,
low moral tone of the society, poor understanding of the Holy Quran, and 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
more than anything else to the activities of one man, Shah Wali Ullah.
Shah Wali Ullah belonged to a religious family. He was educated at Madrasa-i-Rahimiyah by his father
Shah Abdul Rahim. After finishing his education, he went for pilgrimage and higher studies to Saudi Arabia. At
this time, Muslims in India were divided into Hanfia, Sufi, Shia, Sunni and Mullah sects. While in Hijaz, he
decided to launch a campaign to popularize Islamic values amongst the Muslims and to present Islam in a
rational manner. On his return to the Sub-continent, he started working towards the achievement of these
goals.
Shah Wali Ullah’s singular and most important act was his translation of the Holy Quran into simple
Persian, the language of the land, so that people of the Sub-continent could understand and follow it. He
studied the writings of each school-of-thought to understand their point of view, then wrote comprehensive
volumes about what is fair and just in light of the teachings of Islam. He worked out a system of thought,
beliefs, and values, on which all but the extremists could agree. He thus provided a spiritual basis for national
cohesion.
Shah Wali Ullah trained students in different branches of Islamic knowledge and entrusted them with the
teaching of students. He recommended the application of Ijtihad against blind Taqlid. He also interpreted Quran
and Hadith according to the context of the times.
Shah Wali Ullah directed his teachings towards reorienting the Muslim society with the concepts of
basic social justice, removing social inequalities, and balancing the iniquitous distribution of wealth. He
established several branches of his school at Delhi for effective dissemination of his ideas. In his book
“Hujjat-ullah-il-Balighah”, he pinpointed the causes of chaos and disintegration of Muslim society. These were:
● Pressure on public treasury, the emoluments given to various people who render no service to the
state.
● Heavy taxation on peasants, merchants, and workers, with the result that tax evasion was rampant.
According to Shah Wali Ullah, a state can prosper only if there were light and reasonable taxes.
He wrote open letters to:
● Mughal rulers, to give up their corrupt and inefficient practices.
● Soldiers, to inculcate within them the spirit of Jihad.
● Artisans, workers, and peasants, to remind them that the economic prosperity of the state depended on
their labors.
● The Emperor, asking him to teach a lesson to the Jats threatening the Mughal Empire. He also wrote
and advised him not to give jagirs (land) to mansabdars who were not loyal to the state.
● Masses, to be conscious of their duties and not to indulge in the accumulation of wealth.
 Shah Wali Ullah tried to reconcile the basic differences amongst the different sections of the Muslims
and considered the government as an essential means and agency for regeneration of the community. He
wrote to Ahmad Shah Abdali; “…give up the life of ease. Draw the sword and do not to sheath it till the
distinction is established between true faith and infidelity…”.
His efforts resulted in the defeat of the Marhattas at the hands of Ahmad Shah Abdali and
Najib-ud-Daula, in the third battle of Panipat in 1761.
Shah Wali Ullah was responsible for awakening in the community the desire to win back its moral fervor
and maintain its purity. To rescue a community’s conscience, belief and faith from destruction was no small
achievement. Even after his death in 1762, his sons and followers carried on his work. Many future Islamic
leaders and thinkers were inspired by his example.

LETTERS

Shah Waliullah al-Dihlawi is known for his significant contributions to Islamic scholarship, and his letters
provide valuable insights into his thoughts, concerns, and advice to contemporaries. Unfortunately, the specific
content of Shah Waliullah's letters and his correspondence has not been as extensively preserved or
translated as some other aspects of his work. However, there are references to letters and correspondences in
various biographical and academic works.

Here are some key points about Shah Waliullah's letters and the general themes they are believed to have
addressed:

1. **Spiritual Guidance:**
- Shah Waliullah's letters are said to have contained spiritual guidance and advice to individuals seeking his
counsel. This guidance often focused on matters related to personal piety, ethical conduct, and the
development of a strong connection with Allah.

2. **Scholarly Discussions:**
- The letters are believed to have engaged in scholarly discussions, reflecting Shah Waliullah's erudition and
deep knowledge of Islamic sciences. These discussions could cover a range of topics, including theology,
jurisprudence, and Sufism.

3. **Social and Political Commentary:**

- Shah Waliullah lived during a period of significant political and social change in the Indian subcontinent. His
letters may have contained observations and commentary on the prevailing socio-political conditions, offering
guidance on how Muslims should navigate and contribute to society.

4. **Encouragement of Unity:**
- Shah Waliullah was known for his efforts to foster unity among Muslims. His letters might have emphasized
the importance of solidarity among different Muslim groups and the need to overcome divisions.

5. **Educational Reforms:**
- Shah Waliullah was deeply committed to educational reforms. His letters may have discussed the
importance of knowledge and the need for educational institutions to adapt to the changing needs of society.
While I don't have direct excerpts from Shah Waliullah's letters, his broader writings provide a glimpse into his
intellectual and spiritual concerns. Here is a paraphrased example based on the themes commonly associated
with his work:

> "In these challenging times, it is crucial for believers to strengthen their connection with Allah
through sincere devotion and adherence to Islamic principles. Upholding the values of justice, unity,
and compassion is essential for the well-being of the Muslim community. Embrace knowledge and
seek to reform educational systems to ensure the preservation and dissemination of true Islamic
teachings."

To explore Shah Waliullah's letters more thoroughly, it is advisable to consult primary sources, academic
works, and translations by scholars who have delved into his correspondence. The specific content and tone of
his letters would offer a more nuanced understanding of his thoughts and the challenges faced by the Muslim
community during his time.