Friday, June 25, 2010

The Wahabi Movement

The Wahabi Movement

The Wahabi Movement in India was influenced by the Wahabi Movement of Arabia. It was the earliest organized Muslim response to western influences. Shah Walliullah was the first Indian Muslim leader of the 18th century. He expressed concern at the degeneration of Muslims. He tried to create a harmony among the four schools of Muslim jurisprudence, which had divided the Indian Muslims. He sought to integrate the best elements of four schools. He emphasized the role of individual conscience in religion.

Shah Abdul Aziz and Sayyed Ahmmad Barelvi popularized the teachings of Walliullah. They aimed at creating a homeland for the Muslims. Barelvi preached for the eradication of all the evils that had crept into Islam. The beginning was made by a Fatwa given by Abdul Aziz declaring India to be dar-ul-harb[land of the Kafers] and the need to make it Dar-ul-Islam. The campaign was initially directed against the British. This Movement was crushed by the British.

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