Role of Shah Waliullah in the Freedom Movement

Introduction

The efforts of Shah Waliullah for the spread of Islam were the first step towards the establishment of free Islamic Society as well as the establishment of Pakistan.

Early Education

Shah Waliullah was a great saint, scholar and reformer. He was born in a pious family in Delhi on 21st February 1703. His father’s name was Shah Abdul Rahim. Shah Abdul Rahim was the founding member of the Madrasa Rahimiya in Delhi. Shah Waliullah received his early education in Madrassa Rahimiya.

As A Teacher

After finishing his education at the Madrassa Shah Waliullah taught there for twelve years. He then went to Saudi Arabia in 1724 for Hajj and higher studies. He returned to Delhi in July 1732.

Preaching of Islam

He advocated the Quranic education for the welfare of the Muslims of subcontinent. He urged the people to live simple life. Shah Waliullah recognized that the tenets of Islam could not be followed properly unless the Holy Quran itself was understood. In order to spread teachings of Islam, he translated the Holy Quran into Persian. His work was appreciated. Later on his sons, Shah Abdul Qadir and Shah Abdul Aziz translated the Holy Quran in Urdu.

Role in Politics

Shah Waliullah led the Muslims to struggle for their political rights. He wrote many letters to the great Afghan ruler Ahmed Shah Abdali to retrieve Muslim rule in India. Shah Waliullah clarified the importance of “Jihad” to the soldiers. He knew that the Sikhs, Marhattas and the Jats were the enemies of the Muslims. So he urged the Muslims to strive for Allah because they had already suffered a lot by fighting with one another.

Author of Many Books

Shah Waliullah was the writer of many books which are as follows:
1. Hajjatullah-ul-Balighah
2. Izalat-Al-Akhfa
3. The explanation of the Holy Quran

Two Nation Theory

Shah Waliullah played a vital role in establishing the personality and identity of Muslims. He said that the Muslims are one nation according to Kalma and belief and there is no importance of their colour and any geographical existence.