Shah Waliullah Dehlawi (1703โ1762) was a prominent Sunni scholar and Sufi reformer who contributed to the Islamic revival in the Indian subcontinent. His teachings and writings have enduring importance for students preparing for Islamic history exams, highlighting the early 18th century reform movements and scholarly contributions.
He bridged traditional scholarship with practical reform, addressing jurisprudence, theology, and social issues through his writings and teachings.
Shah Waliullah Ahmad was born on 21 February 1703 to Shah Abdur Rahim in Delhi. From childhood, he displayed exceptional scholarly aptitude.
He memorized the Quran by age seven and married at fourteen. By fifteen, he completed extensive studies in Hanafi law, theology, logic, geometry, and arithmetic, setting a strong foundation for his later reformist work.
He passed away on 20 August 1762 (29 Muharram 1176 AH) in Old Delhi at Jummah prayer time, aged fifty-nine.
He was buried beside his father, Shah Abdur Rahim, at Mehdiyan graveyard, to the left of Delhi Gate. His resting place became a site of scholarly reverence, preserving his legacy for students and researchers.
Shah Waliullah defined Sunni Islam inclusively, acknowledging multiple schools of law and theology.
He recognized the four traditional legal schools as well as both Ahl al-Hadith (Athari) and Ahl al-Ra'y (Maturidi and Ash'ari) theological schools as valid expressions of Sunnism, encouraging unity among Muslims.
He emphasized that leaders should govern according to Islamic precepts, and that teachers should purify teachings through ijtihad.
Shah Waliullah advocated for reasoned ijtihad based on Quranic and Hadith principles to address contemporary issues, making jurisprudence flexible and applicable to changing times.
He emphasized direct engagement with the Quran over reliance on previous commentaries.
Students with sufficient knowledge were encouraged to study the text directly to derive meanings, fostering independent interpretation and critical thinking.
He followed Ash'ari positions, allowing ta'wil (alternative interpretations) within limits.
Shah Waliullah balanced traditional belief with reasoned interpretation of Divine Attributes, ensuring alignment with scripture and logical coherence.
He opposed the Marathas politically and spiritually, warning of the consequences of their expansion in his work Fuyooz-ul Haramain.
Through dreams and writings, he highlighted the oppression of Muslims and the destruction of religious practices, guiding rulers on defense and moral governance.
He instructed rulers to regulate public religious ceremonies by non-Muslims and Shi'a groups to maintain communal harmony.
In letters preserved at Rampur, he emphasized strict guidance for rulers like Ahmad Shah Bahadur to avoid sectarian conflicts.
He strongly promoted adherence to Arabic Islamic culture and discouraged non-Islamic customs.
His teachings emphasized cultural authenticity and the preservation of religious identity, especially for students learning Islamic heritage.
His writings, especially Hujjat Allah al-Balighah, addressed social, moral, economic, and political problems of humanity.
Considered his most important work, it explains the universality of Islam for all races and cultures.
He translated the Quran into Persian as few Muslims spoke Arabic, enabling wider study and understanding.
Shah Waliullah Dehlawi (1703โ1762) was a pivotal figure in Islamic revival in the Indian subcontinent, whose writings and teachings on Sunni Islam, fiqh, tafsir, and social reforms remain highly relevant for students and exam preparation. His emphasis on direct Quranic understanding, preservation of Arabic culture, and practical governance reforms continues to influence scholars today.
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