Q: Why did Shah Waliullah have such major influence in the revival of Islam in the Sub-Continent?

Q: Why did Shah Waliullah have such major influence in the revival of Islamin the Sub-Continent? [7].

ANS: 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 division 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.

Shah Waliullah wrote letters to the rulers of Muslim states asking them to unite and

rise against non-Muslim forces. He invited the Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Abdali to

deal with Marathas who were threatening Muslims in Delhi and Punjab. Ahmad

Shah Abdali defeated the Marathas in the battle of Panipat in 1761 so they were

never able to rise again.

Shah Waliullah explained the importance of JEHAD to the Muslims. He gave the

concept of social justice and advised the Muslims that due importance and value

should be given to peasants and craftsmen.

So, because of these reasons Shah Waliullah had such major influence in the

revival of Islam in the Sub-Continent in 18th Century.

                                                                                By M.H.KHAN.