Shah Walliullah

Question 1

Who was Shah Waliullah?

Answer 1

A prominent religious reformer born on 21 February 1703

His real name was Qutub-ud-Din, and he was known for his piety.

Question 2

What was the significance of Shah Waliullah’s father?

Answer 2

Shah Abdul Rahim founded the Madrassa Rahimiya in Delhi

This madrassa was an important educational institution.

Question 3

What did Shah Waliullah believe were the main causes of problems for Muslims?

Answer 3

Incomplete knowledge of the Quran and Islam

He thought these issues led to disunity and vulnerability.

Question 4

What did Shah Waliullah believe was essential to create a good society?

Answer 4

Following moral and spiritual principles of Islam

He argued that un-Islamic principles were unacceptable in all areas of life.

Question 5

What did Shah Waliullah do in 1724?

Answer 5

He went to Arabia to perform Haj and further his studies

He studied under Sheikh Abu Tahir bin Ibrahim.

Question 6

What was Shah Waliullah’s view on leadership in Delhi?

Answer 6

He believed reform had to come from within the Muslim community, not from weak leadership in Delhi

This highlighted his belief in grassroots reform.

Question 7

What was the state of the Mughal Empire during Shah Waliullah’s time?

Answer 7

The Empire was in decline and Muslims were disunited

This context influenced his call for reform.

Question 8

Who was Syed Ahmad Barelvi?

Answer 8

A key figure in the revival of Islam in the subcontinent

His influence was significant during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Question 9

What was the Faraizi Movement?

Answer 9

A movement led by Haji Shariatullah focused on religious reform

It aimed to promote Islamic practices among Muslims.

Question 10

Fill in the blank: Shah Waliullah believed that political, social, and economic behavior should be based on _______.

Answer 10

[Islamic principles]

Question 11

True or False: Shah Waliullah thought that Quranic teachings should be more accessible to the people.

Answer 11

True

He believed this accessibility was vital for reform.

Question 12

What did Shah Waliullah realize about reform during his time in Arabia?

Answer 12

It could not come from weak leadership but must arise from the community itself

This understanding shaped his approach to religious reform.

Question 13

What was one of the main influences of Shah Waliullah’s teachings?

Answer 13

Creating a united community among Muslims

He emphasized the importance of fundamental Islamic principles.

Question 14

Who was Shah Waliullah?

Answer 14

A highly knowledgeable scholar and influential Muslim thinker

Question 15

What was Shah Waliullah’s view on the Quran?

Answer 15

He believed an emphasis on Quranic teachings was vital to Muslims

Question 16

Why did Shah Waliullah translate the Quran into Persian?

Answer 16

Few Muslims spoke Arabic, so the translation made it accessible

Question 17

Who translated the Quran into Urdu after Shah Waliullah?

Answer 17

His two sons, Shah Abdul Qader and Shah Rafi

Question 18

How many books did Shah Waliullah write?

Answer 18

Fifty-one books in Persian and Arabic

Question 19

Name one of Shah Waliullah’s famous works.

Answer 19

Hujat Allāh al-Baligha or Izalat-Akhfa

Question 20

What was Shah Waliullah’s influence in economics?

Answer 20

He emphasized the need for social justice and valuing peasants and craftsmen

Question 21

What threat did Shah Waliullah organize opposition against?

Answer 21

The Marathas and Sikhs threatening the Mughal Empire

Question 22

What did Shah Waliullah encourage Muslim nobles to do?

Answer 22

Join together to save the Mughal Empire

Question 23

Who intervened partly due to Shah Waliullah’s influence?

Answer 23

Ahmed Shah Abdali of Persia

Question 24

What battle did Shah Waliullah’s influence help win?

Answer 24

The Battle of Panipat in 1761

Question 25

What did Shah Waliullah believe was the cause of the decline of the Mughal Empire?

Answer 25

Neglect of the principles of Islam

Question 26

What role did the Madrassa Rahimiya play?

Answer 26

Teaching Islamic principles and researching Islamic thought

Question 27

What did Shah Waliullah believe was necessary for Muslim prosperity?

Answer 27

Following proper Islamic customs and avoiding social evils

Question 28

What did Shah Waliullah state about sectarian division?

Answer 28

It should stop to allow for a Muslim revival

Question 29

Fill in the blank: Shah Waliullah believed that a Muslim revival could only occur if there was an acceptance that _______.

Answer 29

sectarian division was to stop

Question 30

What was Shah Waliullah's stance on anti-social attitudes?

Answer 30

They incurred the displeasure of God

Question 31

True or False: Shah Waliullah believed that uniting Muslims was essential for overcoming common enemies.

Answer 31

True

Question 32

Who was Shah Waliullah?

Answer 32

A great reformer whose influence continued long after his death ## Footnote Shah Waliullah's writings were translated into many languages, and the Madrassa Rahimiya thrived under his sons.

Question 33

What did Shah Waliullah inspire future Islamic leaders to do?

Answer 33

Fight for the good of the Muslim community ## Footnote His teachings motivated future leaders to engage in social and religious reform.

Question 34

When was Syed Ahmad Barelvi born?

Answer 34

1786 ## Footnote He was born near Lucknow in the small town of Rai Bareli.

Question 35

What significant event happened in Syed Ahmad's life in 1806?

Answer 35

He moved to Delhi and enrolled in the Madrassa Rahimiya ## Footnote This marked the beginning of his formal religious education.

Question 36

Who did Syed Ahmad study under?

Answer 36

The sons of Shah Waliullah ## Footnote He learned the Quran and Hadith during his studies.

Question 37

What kind of leader was Syed Ahmad Barelvi?

Answer 37

A man of action rather than a scholar ## Footnote He joined the forces of Amir Khan in 1810 and learned to use European weaponry.

Question 38

What was Syed Ahmad's belief regarding freedom for Muslims?

Answer 38

It could only come as a result of armed struggle against foreign and non-Muslim forces ## Footnote He believed in actively fighting oppression to achieve freedom.

Question 39

What did Syed Ahmad found?

Answer 39

The Jihad Movement ## Footnote This movement called for armed struggle to overthrow non-Muslim oppression.

Question 40

What was Syed Ahmad's goal for Islam?

Answer 40

To rejuvenate Islam and rescue it from contrary beliefs and customs ## Footnote He aimed to restore Islam to its original purity.

Question 41

What did Syed Ahmad do before going for Haj in 1821?

Answer 41

He traveled across India and held meetings to spread his beliefs about jihad ## Footnote This was part of his efforts to mobilize support for his cause.

Question 42

Who controlled the Punjab during Syed Ahmad's activities?

Answer 42

The Sikh regime of Ranjit Singh ## Footnote This regime extended its authority into the North West Frontier.

Question 43

Where did Syed Ahmad travel to enlist men for his jihad?

Answer 43

Rajasthan, Sindh, Balochistan, and into Afghanistan ## Footnote His travels were extensive as he sought support for his movement.

Question 44

Who was Syed Ahmad?

Answer 44

A military leader opposing British and Sikh rule in India ## Footnote Syed Ahmad established a movement aimed at freeing Muslims from non-Muslim rulers.

Question 45

What was Syed Ahmad's ultimatum to Ranjit Singh?

Answer 45

Allow Muslims freedom of worship or face the mujahideen ## Footnote This ultimatum was dismissed by Ranjit Singh, leading to military conflict.

Question 46

What significant event occurred on December 21, 1826?

Answer 46

Syed Ahmad attacked the Sikhs at Akora ## Footnote This attack marked the beginning of his military confrontations against Sikh forces.

Question 47

What was the size of Syed Ahmad's army after his initial victories?

Answer 47

Over 80,000 strong ## Footnote His success encouraged other tribes to join the mujahideen.

Question 48

What internal challenges did Syed Ahmad face within his army?

Answer 48

Disagreements among men from different communities ## Footnote These disagreements were exploited by the Sikhs, who labeled his army as un-Islamic.

Question 49

What title did Muslim leaders agree Syed Ahmad should assume in 1827?

Answer 49

Imam ## Footnote This was a unanimous decision by Muslim leaders to support Syed Ahmad's authority.

Question 50

What was the outcome of Syed Ahmad's encounter with Yar Muhammad Khan?

Answer 50

Betrayal and defeat due to confusion in his ranks ## Footnote Yar Muhammad Khan was bribed by the Sikhs, leading to chaos during battle.

Question 51

Where did Syed Ahmad move his headquarters after the betrayal?

Answer 51

To Panjtrar near Kashmir ## Footnote This move was made for safety after the defeat caused by internal betrayal.

Question 52

What was the result of the Battle of Balakot in 1831?

Answer 52

Heavy losses for the mujahideen, including Syed Ahmad ## Footnote The mujahideen were heavily outnumbered and suffered significant casualties.

Question 53

What was the long-term impact of Syed Ahmad's movement after the Battle of Balakot?

Answer 53

Struggled to survive until 1863 against British forces ## Footnote Despite setbacks, the movement continued in the North West Frontier.

Question 54

True or False: Syed Ahmad's movement was the first in Indian history to free Muslims from foreign rulers.

Answer 54

True ## Footnote This movement was significant in the context of Indian resistance against non-Muslim rulers.