Why did Shah Wali Ullah wish to revive Islam in the
sub-continent? [7] (Past Paper, June 2003: Q1/b)
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.
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