Failure of Jihad Movement/Failure of Islamic State - Barelvi

Question 1

Who was Yar Muhammad Khan, and how did his actions contribute to the failure of the Jihad Movement?

Answer 1

• Yar Muhammad Khan was a Pathan chief who betrayed the Jihad Movement by siding with the Sikhs after being bribed.
• His servant attempted to poison Syed Ahmed Shaheed, and during the battle near Attock, Yar Muhammad fled with his men, leading to the defeat of the Mujahideen forces.
• He was later killed, but his brother Sultan Muhammad Khan continued his hostility toward Syed Ahmed.

Question 2

How did the local leaders of Balakot contribute to the failure of the Jihad Movement?

Answer 2

• The local leaders of Balakot betrayed Syed Ahmed by revealing his presence and that of his forces to the Sikh army.
• This betrayal led to the Battle of Balakot in 1831, where Syed Ahmed was martyred, ultimately ending the Jihad Movement.

Question 3

What weaknesses within the Mujahideen force contributed to the failure of the Jihad Movement?

Answer 3

• The Mujahideen force consisted of untrained fighters, primarily teachers and spiritual leaders with no experience in warfare.
• They lacked a continuous source of funds and depended on donations.
• Additionally, the force was composed of Muslims from different regions and tribes, which caused internal divisions and weakened unity.

Question 4

How did the strengths of the Sikh army contribute to the failure of the Jihad Movement?

Answer 4

• The Sikh army was well-trained and skilled in warfare, with no internal divisions like the Mujahideen force.
• It had ample funds, backed by Ranjit Singh’s empire and treasury.
• The Sikhs also employed sly tactics, such as bribing Yar Muhammad Khan, which further weakened the Mujahideen.

Question 5

What was the significance of the Battle of Balakot in the failure of the Jihad Movement?

Answer 5

• The Battle of Balakot in 1831 marked the martyrdom of Syed Ahmed Shaheed and the end of the Jihad Movement.
• Betrayals by local leaders and the superior strength of the Sikh army led to the Mujahideen’s defeat in this final battle.