Syed Ahmad Shaheed

Was the work of Syed Ahmad Shaheed the most important factor in the revival of Islam in the period
1700-1800? Give reasons for your Answer.
The work of Syed Ahmed Shaheed Barevi was crucial in the period of his lifetime in
reviving Islam, however the likes of Shah Waliullah and Haji Shariatullah also
contributed to a vast extent in this category.
Syed Ahmed Barelvi's work took him to numerous military expeditions all over India.
Before leavign for Hajj, he scouted all of India, as well as Afghanistan for people
willing to take up the cause for Jihad. Upon returning, he immediately set his eyes
towards the Sikh ruler of Punjab, Ranjit Singh, who had been accustomed to
oppressing Muslims. The dismissal of Syed Ahmed Barelvi's ultimatum led to him
defeating the Sikhs at Okara and then Hazrothe. These victories rekindled the dying
embers of hope in the Muslims and united them in a singular cause of armed
struggle against those who treated the Muslims with hostility.
Upon being established as an 'imam', he also ensured that the Muslims would not
fight against each other and succumb to the strategy of the Sikhs', who had been
exploiting the fact that Syed Ahmed Barelvi's army was made up of different
communities, something they rendered 'un-Islamic'.
He further anulled any chances of fighting of fellow Muslims fighting one other when
he moved his headquarters to Balakot, so as to avoid fighting with Yar Muhammad's
brother and his army. Even when was betrayed and ambushed upon, he and his
army fought to the very end, regardless of the consequences. The principles he
believed in were very rare. He disregarded worldly luxuries and inspired all those
around him to be a sincere and devout Muslim.
Another prominent leader in this period was Shah Waliullah. His works were
numerous, but very decisive. According to him, the Muslims in India were deprived of
a deep understanding of their religion. So, he availed himself as a role model,
accessible to all those who sought help in understanding Islam. Furthermore, he also
wrote 51 books, many of which were important and helped the Islamic community.
For example, his account of the lives of the Rightly-Guided Caliphs was written in
such a way that it was acceptable to both the Sunnis and Sh'ias. This helped in
soothing the religious differences between the two.
Furthermore, Shah Waliullah translated the Qur'an into Persian, a widely spoken
language in the sub-continent so that the Muslims could understand what the
message of Islam really was. It was on this basis that the two sons of Shah Waliullah
translated the Qur'an into Urdu, making it even more accessible.
The efforts of Shah Waliullah to unite the Muslims against the ever-offensive
Marathas was also crucial in this period. Even though many nobles declined, he
managed to persuade Ahmed Shah Abdali of Persia to defeat the Marathas in 1761
further prolonging the short-lived freedom Muslims had. Besides, the 'madrassa' run
by Shah Waliullah was also to play a pivotal part in the live of Syed Ahmad Barelvi
as it was here that he learned of the Islamic teachings and principles, under his
sons.
As for Haji Shariatullah, his work was based on the Faraizi Movement. His
continuous urging to Muslims to stand up for their rights led to them no longer
bearing the down-trodden chains of the Hindu and British landlords. His work led to
unity within the Muslims in Bengal, they now realized their rights and that they too
could work for their own cause.
His work, to some extent, raised the spiritual and economic situations of these
Muslims and it was he who acted as inspiration for his son, Mohsin-ud-din, who was
to later further his work and establish the Muslims as a united force who helped one
another, as brothers-in-arms, according to the principles of Islam.
To conclude, each and every leader played a very crucial role in their own way,
however some played it better than than the others, namely, Shah Waliullah. His
work in reviving Islam was spread all across the subcontinent and his work was very
diverse. However, as compared to him, Haji Shariatullah's work was confined to East
Bengal, and his movement died after a short life. As for Ahmed Shaheed Barelvi, his
work, though essential, was met with failure. He was unsuccessful in his original
goal; to establish Muslims rulers and ultimately died a noble death.

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Was the work of Syed Ahmad Shaheed the most important factor in the revival of Islam in the period

1700-1800? Give reasons for your Answer.

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