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Notes: Chp#1
Shah Waliullah (1703-1762)
Q1: Who was Shah Waliullah? 4
Ans: SWU was great religious reformer,born in 1703 during the reign of Aurangzeb
Alamgir in [Link] real name was Qutub-ud-Din but was well known by Shah waliullah
due to [Link] father Shah Abdul Rahim founded Madrassa Rahimya , which was
later guided by Shah [Link] taught there for 12 years. In 1724 he went to Arabia
for higher education and was greatly impressed by the teaching of Abu Tahir Bin
[Link] returned to Delhi in 1732 and started his struggle for the revival of Islam
.He was the first who translated Quran in to Persian.
Q2: What was Madrassa Rahimya? 4
Ans: The Madrassa Rahimya was an Islamic school located in Delhi and started by Shah
Abdul [Link] the death of SWU’s father ,he started teaching [Link] became a
leading institute in which he trained a number of students and sent them out to
promote message of harmony and unity among all [Link] the death of Shah
Waliullah ,his sons Shah Abdul Aziz,Shah Rafi and Shah Abdul Qadir started teaching in
this Madrassa and translated Quran into Urdu.
Q3:What was the “Battle of Panipat”in 1761? 4
Ans: It was the third battle of panipat in which the invading Afghani forces of Ahmad
shah Abdali or Durrani defeated the army of Maratha empire . Panipat is 60 miles north
of Delhi . Ahmad Shah Abdali fought this war at the request of SWU supported by two
indian allies Najib-ud-Daulah Afghans of Doab and Shuja-ud-Daulah ,theNawab of
[Link] battle is considered one of the largest battle fought in 18th century.
Q4: Why SWU’s writings were important for the muslims of India?
Or
Why SWU have such an important influence on the revival of Islam in the
Subcontinent? 7
Ans: 1: Recognized problem of muslims in form of incomplete knowledge of Quran
and ignited love for Quran

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2: Tried to build bridges between shias and sunnies

3: tried to provide unity between muslimsthrough out the world
 SWU wished to revive Islam in the subcontinent as the Indian muslimswere
unaware of the teachings of Islam and Quran .Very few muslimsspoke Arabic and
so the Quran was not so widely studied [Link] translated Quran into
Persian and as the local common language was Persian ,now it could be
understood by a large number of [Link] on his sons translation of Quran
into urdu provided large group of muslims easy way to understand [Link] this
way his influence paved way to be close to Islam.
 Moreover, Muslims were disunited and divided into different [Link] there
were un-Islamic customs due to living with hindus that created great conflicts
between Shias and [Link] wrote 51 books in which one Khalifat-
ul- Khulfa was acceptable to all muslims .This book was on all 4 caliphs in Persian
and it tried to built bridges between these 2 [Link] other famous books were
Hujjat-ul- Albaligha,[Link] of Quran ,Hadith and Fiqh were
explained in Arabic in these [Link]-fore , he became a role model for the
muslims of India by his writings.
 Lastly, Madrassa Rahimya played avital role in spreading and preaching of Islam
in the [Link] Madrassa created a group of Scholars who conveyed
his massage of peace and harmony to unite the muslimsthrough out the
[Link], he was the first muslim thinker and philosopher who believed
that spiritual and moral regeneration can take place through teaching of Islamic
principles and Islamic thoughts.

Syed Ahmad ShaheedBarelvi: (1786-1831)

Q1:Who was Sy. Ahmad [Link]? 4
Ans: [Link] was born in 1786 in Lucknow in a small town of
[Link] studied in Madrassa Rahimya under the sons (Shah Abdul Aziz) of
[Link] completing his higher studies ,he joined forces of pathan military
leader Amir Khan. He quickly learned the use of European weaponry and
artilary. He founded Jihad movement aimed at the
1: rejuvenation of Islam
2:restoration of muslim power.

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Q2:What was Jihad movement? 4

Ans:It was founded by Syed Ahmed ShaheedBarelvi (SASB) to liberate the Muslims of
Punjab from the tyranny of the Sikh ruler Raja Ranjit Singh. The Raja had denied
Muslims any kind of religious liberty and humiliated them. SASB raised an army
of volunteers Mujahideen and defeated the Sikh forces in a number of battles
from 1826 to 1830. Later, his Pathan tribal supporters like Yar Muhammad Khan
betrayed him and he was killed in BattleofBalakot near Abbotabad in 1831. The
movement was continued till the 1860”s.

[Link] the “Battle of Balakot”1831? 4

[Link] battle was fought between the forces of Ranjit Singh and Mujahideen force of
[Link] was thought to be safe as it was protected by mountains from 3 sides
.[Link] was betrayed when local leaders told the Sikhs a way through the
mountains. It was a surprise attack on the forces of Sy. Ahmad at Balakot in 1831.A
fierce fighting took place with huge sikh army and mujahideen fought bravely but were
heavily outnumbered and unable to resist. In this battle 600 mujahideen were killed
including Sy. Ahmad and his commander Shah Ismael.
[Link] Barelvi started his Jihad Movement? 7
1: Remove sikh oppression
2: wanted to improve lives of muslims
3: Muslims ruled by fellow muslims.
Ans:He started this movement ,
 As a man of action [Link] was an ideal person to act as a leader to work
against British power in India and to try to ensure that muslims were ruled by
fellow [Link] believed that the freedom of muslims could only come as a
result of armed struggle against the foreign and non-muslim forces which were
oppressing [Link];s why he started jihad.
 More-over,he wanted to improve the lives of muslims .Consequently even when
he served as an army officer ,he surrounded himself with men of great [Link]
were ready to reject worldly wealth and work for improving intellectual lives of
[Link] ,he started jihad for the spiritual revival of Islam.

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 Further-more, The British had ensured that the mughal emperor had a little real
power and the Sikhs were dominant in [Link] founded jihad movement to
restore muslimpower . He believed that once this was done Islam could be
rejuvenated and rescued from believes and customs of hindus,that had corrupt
into every day life of [Link] the jihad movement provided real power to the
muslims for a short period of time.
Q4: Why Sy. Ahmad’s Jihad Movement failed?
Ans:1: Well trained and disciplined forces of Ranjit Singh
2:Disunity or sectarian division amongst mujahideen
3:Betryel of the locals
There were many reasons,
 Firstly,Ranjit’s forces were very well trained and disciplined as they got the
military training from the British [Link] the other hand Mujahideen forces
were mostly consisting of weavers and craftsmen who were ill-equiped with old
[Link] forces were lacking in war tactics while the enemies were
well aware of war stratigies. Therefore,it became a great source of failure.
 Secondly at the same time there were constant disagreements in mujahideen
army over military tactics and their [Link]. Ahmad discovered that the muslims
were from different communities and tribes with different sects ,so the faith that
united the muslims was not enough to overcome other differences that divided
[Link] were easily spread about his teachings of Islam that created
disunity and became the important reason for the failure or defeat.
 Another important reason was the betrayal from the men he felt could be
trusted .YarMh. And Sultan Mh. The 2 brother chieftens turned out to be Sikhs
[Link]. Was first found to be guilty of giving poison to Sy. Ahmad
Beralvi and later deserted the battlefield leading to defeat of mujahideen .When
Sy. Ahmad tried to collect taxes ,angry tribesmen who had never before paid
taxes to anyone ,turned on his men killing of [Link]-fore, Lack of support
from locals and lack of funds to provide for different expanses of this movement
lead towards the failure of jihad.

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Haji ShariatUllah (1781-1840)

Q1. Who was Haji ShariatUllah? (4)
Ans. He was born in 1781 in Faridpur district in East Bengal (Bangladesh). He
spent many years in Arabia, and was influenced by teachings of Sheikh
Muhammad Abdul Wahab. On his return, he started the Faraizi Movement. He
urged them to fulfill the religious obligations/Faraiz so that they could hope to
improve their religious and socio-economic conditions. He died in 1840 and his
mission was continued by his son Mohsin-ud-Din known as DuduMian.
Q2. What was the Faraizi Movement? [4]
Ans. It was started by Haji ShariatUllah in East Bengal. The Bengali Muslims lived
a hard life under the oppressive Hindu Zamindars and the British. He advised
Muslims to fulfill their religious obligations/Fraiz so that they could restore their
past pride. He emphasized on praying for past sins and leading a righteous life in
the future. After his death in 1840, the movement was continued by his son
Mohsin-ud-Din/DuduMian
Q3. Who were Zamindars? [4]
Ans. It is the Urdu word for rich land owners who often acted as tax collectors
too. After Aurangzeb’s death they gradually became autonomous refusing to
send taxes to the central government, and kept their own armies. Muslims were
usually oppressed by the Zamindars from 1800 onwards, especially in East
Bengal. They imposed a special tax on Muslim men who kept a beard. Haji
ShariatUllah and Titu Mir tried to organize poor Muslims against them.

Q4: Why did Haji Shariat –Ullah started his Faraizi movement? 7
Ans:1:Revive Islamic practices
2:Freemuslims from Hindu Zamindar’s oppression
3:for better social and economic life
 . He wanted Muslims to observe religious obligations/Faraiz. He believed that
due to the growing non-Muslim influence in various parts of India, Muslims had
moved away from the genuine teachings of Islam. Therefore, he wanted them to
return to the Islamic teachings. For this, he instructed the poor Bengali Muslims
to fulfill their religious duties or Faraiz as a result of which they could hope an
improvement in their miserable condition.

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 Bengali Muslims suffered a lot under the dual oppression of the British and the
rich and powerful Hindu land owners/Zamindars who were a beneficiary of the
British rulers. HSU believed that such a scenario demanded India to be declared
Dar-ul-Harb (literally the battle field meaning thereby a land under non-Muslim
rule till it is liberated and becomes Dar-ul-Islam). In such a land the Friday and Eid
congregational prayers could not be offered till its liberation.
 In a way HSU supported the idea of Jehad against the non-Muslims (Hindus and
British) who were undermining the true principles of Islam through their
oppressive and coercive policies. Bengali Muslims were restricted to ordinary
jobs like workers on a farm, and they were given few opportunities in education
and employment. Amidst these circumstances, HSU thought it important to
launch his Faraizi Movement.
Q5:Why did Faraizi movement failed? 7
Ans:1: only focused in East Bengal
2:Banishment on HSU as movement spread quickly
3:movement didn’t flourish due to son’s imprisonment
 HSU solely focused only on East Bengal and brought about a massive change
in the mindset of Bengali [Link] didn’t have any followers from outside
the [Link] followers were mostly poor farmers who rarely could bring
change in their fellow [Link] never had any financial or armed support
from anyone or outsider. As this movement took root rapidly in one area of
Bengal ,it alarmed Hindu zamindars and British rulers,so those 2 oppositions
made it to be vanished.
 As this movement started to grew rapidly ,Hindu landlords and British rulers
tried to end it by plans of treachery and sabotage . They were quick to quell
the movement by driving HSU out of the region to Nawabganj ,where he died
,thereby weakening the movement.
 Although movement was carried out by his son Mohsinud Din where he
divided east Bengal into circles and helped peasants to oppose excessive
taxes and even threatened to declare Jihad against British,but was imprisoned
too soon . He was arrested during the war of Independence of 1857 and died
in the prison.

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Q1: Who was Titu Mir? Or

Describe Battle of Narkalbaria? 4
Ans: He was a muslim reformer and disciple of Syed Ahmed Shaheed. His real name
was Mir Nisar Ali or Mir Mithar and he worked for the revival of Islam in West Bengal
during the 1800’[Link] he returned from Saudia to West Bengal in 1827 ,he was
determined to free Bengal from un-Islamic practices and British rule. He was worried
over the miserable condition of Bengali Muslims living under the oppressive rule of the
British and the Hindu Zamindars. A tax was imposed on Muslims on keeping [Link]
proclaimed himself King and raised an army of 15000 followers and built a bamboo fort
in Narkalbaria and defeated British [Link] a result , the British sent an army including
cavalry and canons ,and the combine forces of Zamindars attacked on bamboo fort and
defeated Mujahideens including Titu Mir on November [Link] Mir established his
own rule in Narkelbaria, near Calcutta for only 2 or 3 months.

Model Question 14 marks

Q6:Was the work of SWU the most important factor in the revival of Islam in the Sub-
continent during 17th and 18thcentury?Give reasons for your answer. 14
Ans:
 2 or 3 paras about SWU
 2 Sy. Ahmad Beralvi
 1 or 2 about HSU
[Link] did much better work then others as he tried to bring unity into all
muslimummah in India but Marathas threat didn’t finished .
Q.3 Which of the following was the most important in the spread of
Islam during the seventeenth and 18th century:-
1) Shah WaliUllah
2) Syed ShaheedBrailvi
3) Haji ShariatUllah
OR
Q) How important was Shah WaliUllah in the spread of Islam in the
sub-continent before 1850? Explain your answer.

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OR
Q) Was the work of Shah WaliUllah the most important factor in the
revival of Islam in the sub-continent during the 17th and 18th
century? Give reasons for your answer.
OR
Ans: Shah WaliUllah was a great scholar and reformer. He belonged to a scholarly
[Link] was educated at Madrasa-i-Rahimiya that was founded by his father. He was
worried about the declining Mughal rule and the deteriorating socio-economic and
political conditions of Indian Muslims. He analyzed the reasons for the poor condition
of the Muslims. Muslims had started forgetting the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah
and were divided into various sects. He spent many years in Arabia and returned with
a clear vision to revive Islam in India. He translated the Holy Quran into the court
language Persian so that many Muslims could understand and follow its teachings.
He wrote several books in Persian and Arabic. His most remarkable book is Hujjat
Ullah al Baligha. In another book IzalatulKhafa’and KhilafatulKhulafa (Removal
ofAmbiguity about the Caliphate of the early Caliphs) he wrote the biographies of
thefour successors of the Prophet in a way acceptable to Sunni and Shi’a Muslims.
Inorder to eliminate the Marathan threat to the Mughal rule he invited Ahmad
ShahAbadali from Afghanistan who defeated the Marathas in the third battle of
Panipat,1761. His mission was continued by his four scholarly sons and several
followers.
Syed Ahmed ShaheedBrailvi was dismayed at the fast decline of the Mughal Empire
and the growing influence of no-Muslim forces. He believed that, under a policy,
Muslims were being kept weaker than the Hindus and Sikhs. Being inspired by the
teaching and sons of SWU, he decided to wage Jihad (armed struggle), to liberate
Indian Muslims from the non-Muslim rule. He was especially worried about the Punjabi
Muslims who led a miserable life under the Sikh ruler Ranjit Singh. They were
subjected to several humiliations and were denied religious liberty. Azan was banned
and the Badshahi Mosque, Lahore was used as a stable by the Sikh forces. After
returning from Arabia, SASB raised a huge army of volunteer Mujahideen and shifted
to the NWF where he was supported by the Pathan tribes against Sikhs. Under his
Jihad movement he defeated the Sikh forces in various battles till 1830. Finally, due
to the betrayal of the Pathan chiefs, and sectarian divide in his army he was defeated
and killed by the Sikhs in the battle of Balakot in 1831. He gave courage to the Indian
Muslims by inculcating the idea of physical struggle for their survival. Jihad movement
was continued till the 1860s. It is considered to be the forerunner of the Pakistan
Movement as both were aimed at liberating the Muslim majority areas from the non

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Muslim rule.
Haji Shariatullah was a reformer from East Bengal. He was very much worried aboutthe
pitiable condition of Bengali Muslims. They suffered a lot under the British rule
and the powerful Hindu Zamindars. He believed that the main reason of the poor
condition of Bengali Muslims was their negligence of religious obligations or Faraiz.
He launched his Faraizi movement that was aimed at urging the Muslims to perform
theirFaraiz. He declared Bengal as Dar-ul-Harb (land under enemy rule) and also
believed in the need of Jihad. Noticed by the local authorities he had to go back to his
native town where he died in 1840. His movement was continued by his son Mohsinud
Din popularly known as DaduMian.
It may be concluded that the work of SWU was most important because his mission
was not restricted to selected parts of India. Also he left behind him a living legacy in
the form of his books and followers. Above all, he is the trend setter of the noble
tradition of translation of the Holy Quran.

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