Shah Wali Ullah (Importance ) ( O Level Pakistan studies)

 Shah Wali Ullah (Importance )

Q. Explain the importance of religious services of Shah Walli Ullah.

A. Religious services of Shah Walli Ullah are considered important because he worked hard for the spiritual and moral regeneration of Muslims. Muslims during this time were disunited and they were fallen into Hindu superstitions. Mughal government was ignorant and fallen in luxuries. Shah Wali ullah is important as he translated Qur’an into Persian and emphasized Muslims to live according to Quranic teachings. His effort showed a clear path of guidance to those Muslims who wanted to adopt the right path. It helped in moral uplift of Muslim community and their respect increased due to their good deeds adopted in the light of Quranic teaching. Now Muslims could not be misguided by non religious leaders. Muslims formed an excellent society, social respect of Muslims increased. Efforts of Shah Wali ullah also warned the mughal ruler to be careful in ruling the country but it was not much beneficial because they were not much interested to listen.

Shah wali ullah’s madrasa, Rahimiyah, was a centre of guidance for young Muslim men who researched there for Islamic principles and thought. Young Muslim men were trained who understand Qur’an and Ahadis. In the later years these students became inspirational leaders for Muslims who trained others to live pure lives. Muslims left anti-social and displeasure God. These Muslims became brothers and helped each other for social protection in their native area.

Another major problem of that time was that Muslims were divided into sectarian groups e.g shia, sunni etc. Muslims were weak because they had conflicts and they were disunited. Shah wali ullah guided Indian Muslims towards unity in the light of Islam. He wrote 51 books of tafseer (explanation of Quranic verses) to give a clear understanding of Islamic orders to the Muslims to remove differences among them, createUnity, become strong, emphasize Jehad against the common enemy. His efforts strengthened. Muslims from inside could counter the threats from Sikhs, Marathas etc. Muslims could maintain their identity in a too much mixed culture of the subcontinent.

During this time Marathas were becoming more powerful in this area and they were forcing Muslims to become Marathas. It was totally unacceptable for Muslims. The lives of Muslims were in trouble and their houses were burnt. They couldn't say Azaan and  offer their prayers. The Mughal emperors were contacted many times for the protection of Muslims in society and their religion liberty socially but no response. Finally, he had to write letters to Ahmad Shah Abdali (his student and follower) who came from Afghanistan with his army, fought against the Marathas and defeated them at Panipat in 1761. After their Muslims could live peacefully and practice their religion easily.

Most important of Shah Waliullah’s services was the translation of the Holy Quran because it guided the Muslims for a long period of time, showing them the right path being honest and peaceful even after Shah Waliullah’s death. This translation could not only guide Muslims in Delhi but all over the subcontinent and Persia as Persians was also understood by them. These were the reasons which made Shah Waliullah an important leader for Muslims in 18th century and later on.