Shah Walliullah: Religious, Economic and Political Services

Shah Walliullah's Services

Biography

1. Shah Walliullah was born in February 1703 in a respectable family in Delhi (scholars). His complete name was Qutbudin Ahmed.
2. He was called Shah Walliullah because of his pious nature.
3. His father “Abdul Raheem” was well-known for his knowledge. He was a great scholar of Islam. He was also the founder of “Madrassa-e-Raheema.
4. Shah Walliullah’s father Abdul Raheem was his teacher. His father taught him the Quran and Hadith. Therefore his scholarly grooming was initiated from his home.
5. When he was at the age of 17 or 18, his father fell ill and Shah Walliullah took charge of his Madrassa.
6. After taking charge of Madrasa, he established various branches in different cities and then he invited Shia scholars to teach them the knowledge of their own Maslak. Although, his father was only offering Hanifi Teachings.
7. He died at the age of 59 in 1762.

 

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Services of Shah Walliullah 

Shah Walliullah has the following services:

Bridge the gap between Scholars (Ulema) and Sufis

1. Shah Walliullah tried to rewrite the controversy between Ulema and Sufis about Wahdat-ul-Wajood and Wahdat-ul-Shahood concept. 
2. He analyzed the evil and wrong concept of Sufism and suggested Ulema to guide them in matters where guidance is needed. 
3. He also gave the message that spirituality is a part of religion if it is taken in its true sense.
4. By giving Islamic interpretation to the Sufi doctrine, he bridged the gap between Sufi and scholars.
5. He also harmonized differences among various sectarians of Islam as well.

Religious Services

1. His most important work was the translation of the Holy Quran in Persian language. So the people of the land can understand. Therefore, they can make their life according to Islam.
2. He also advised the importance of Ijtehad (It was practised during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad PBUH) rather than blindly following preaching.
3. He went to Makkah and Madina in 1730 AD, where he saw Prophet Muhammad PHBU in his dream who advised him to go back to the Sub-continent and continue his reforms.
4. He then returned back in 1732 AD and tried to re-establish the Muslim economy and politics through his reforms.

Economic Services 

Background 

Akbar ended Jizya which is referred to as the collection of tax from the non-muslims for their protection. The Mughal Emperors were spending tax money in their luxuries and they were buying unnecessary things. 

Furthermore, they started distributing their wealth among the people in which Sikhs and Hindus were in the majority. The Muslims became working class and had less land and property than Hindus and Sikhs.

Economic Struggle of Shah Walliullah 

1. Shah Walliullah suggested the distribution of resources should be on the basis of level of productivity of members, not on the basis of favouritism. We wanted to end favouritism.
2. Good wages should given to the labourers 
3. The emperor should not spend tax money on luxuries.
4. Treat all with equality, as a result, people will support the ruler and it will end the change of revolt.
5. He was in the favour of lower taxes. Since Muslims did not have good wages, therefore, he wanted to lower the taxes.

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Political Services

Political Letters 

He wrote letters to the Mughal Emperor to wake them up from ignorance and boldly criticised their luxurious lifestyle. He advised them to come back to their responsibilities.

Letter to Ahmed Shah Abdali 

Shah Walliullah requested Ahmed Shah Abdali to defend India and defeat the Marhattas. The victory of the 3rd battle of Pani-pat turned the power of Marhatta and opened the way for the revival of Islam in the Sub-continent.