How important was the work of Shah Waliullah to the revival of Islam in the Sub-Continent? Explain.

Q: How important was the work of Shah Waliullah to the revival of Islam inthe Sub-Continent? Explain. [14]

ANS: Shah Waliullah’s contribution towards Islamic revival was extremely
important for a number of reasons. He was one of the first Muslim thinkers to state
the decline of Mughal Empire and the vulnerable position of the Muslims was due
to the neglect of the principles of Islam. Shah Waliullah worked hard to ensure that
he was a role model for other Muslims. His deep understanding about the Quran,
Hadith, Fiqah and Tasawuf made him a highly knowledgeable scholar at an early
age. Since he believed that an emphasis on Quranic teachings was vital to Muslims
so Shah Waliullah translated the Holy Quran into Persian which was the language
of educated Muslims at that time. He also wrote 51 books to explain the principles
of Islam. He wrote an account about the first for Caliphs of Islam in a way in which
it was acceptable to both Shias and Sunnis. He hoped that this would help to heal
the divisions between them. His writings brought him great fame and prestige and
enabled him to have influence in other areas too. For example: in economics he
emphasized the need for social justice and for peasants and craftsmen to be truly
valued for their contribution to the economy.
He advised the Muslims to give up extravagance and wasteful expenditure on
marriages, deaths, births and other occasions. Wealthy Muslims were asked to look
after the poor and the needy.
                                                     By M.H.KHAN.