Why did Shah Wali Ullah wish to revive Islam in the sub-continent? [7] (Past Paper, June 2003: Q1/b)

[Purifying Islam] During Shah Wali Ullah’s time, Islam had lost its purity in the subcontinent. Hindu customs, practices and beliefs had crept into the worships and lives of the Muslims. It had become very important to tell the Muslims what was Islamic and what were simply myths and traditions.

[Cause of Downfall] He believed that the real cause of Muslims’ decline was their ignorance from the teachings of Quran and Sunnah. He wanted the Muslims to implement Islamic teachings in all spheres of their lives – social, political, economic and religious. This would enable them to restore their pride and improve their living conditions.

[Reforming the Society] A number of social evils had corrupted the Islamic society. He wanted to transform the society in the light of Islamic teachings. He wanted the rulers to enforce Islamic laws e.g. Islam condemns social injustice and protects the rights of peasants and workers. He urged the rich Muslims to lead pure life and stay away from luxury and extravagance. He also urged the traders to follow Islamic laws in their dealings. He wanted to eradicate the sectarian differences that were undermining the foundations of Muslim unity.

[Protecting Muslim Identity] Shah Wali Ullah wanted to protect Muslim religion, identity, values and interests. He believed that under the influence of infidels, Muslims will forget Islam and with the passage of time it would become difficult to distinguish them from non-Muslims. He therefore wished to revive the teachings of Quran and Sunnah in the subcontinent.