14

BACKGROUND

The Faraizi movement of Haji Shariatullah arose and

developed in the first quarter of nineteen century Bengal. It owed

its origin in the religio cultural, socio-economic and political

conditions obtaining in Bengal at that time.* These conditions

mililated not only against the very spirit of Islam but also against

the well-being of the Muslims. Overwhelming majority of the

For religio-cultural cmdition of the Nineteen Centiny Bengal see, Salimullah,

Tarikh-i'Bangala,ibm-FT2aacis Gladawin, Press Start and Conqjany, Calcutta, 1788.
; Gulam Husain Salim, Riyadus Slatin, Traa M. Abdul Salam, The Asiatic Society,
Calcutta, 1902.
; James Wise, Notes on the Trades, Races and Castes of Eastern Bengal, London,
1883 : Journal of the Asiatic Society ofBengal, 1894.
; James Taylor, Topoffopfty ofDacca, Calcutta, 1840.
; Hunter, Imperial Gazetteer ofIndia, Faric^ur 1925,
; Hunter, Statistical Accounts ofBengal, Trubner, London 1875-1881
; Annals ofRural Bengal, London 1897.
; Census Report of India, 1871,1881,1891,1901,1911,1921,1931.
; Settlements Report, lAaka, Faridpur, Noakhli Tipperah, Barisal, Maiyansingh.
; Maw Karamat Ali, Haqq-i-Taqm in Dhahrah-i-Karamat, Calcutta 148 A.H.
; District Gazetteers, (Concerned districts) of British, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
; M. Gracin de Tassy, Hitorie de la litterateur Hindoyi et Hindussanie, Paris, 1870-
1871.
; Abdul Karim, Social History of Muslim in Bengal Down to 15.38 AD, Asiatic
Society of Pakistan, Dhaka, 1959.
; Enamul Haq, Hismry ofSufism in Bengal, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh, Dhaka,
1975.
; A.R. Mallick, British Policy.
, MA. Khan, History of the Faraidi Movement.
; MM. Ali, History of the Muslim ofBengal.
 IS

Muslim population of Bengal consisted of the people who were

converted to Islam over the centuries from the Hindu and

Buddhist stocks. Here it is no occasion to enter into a discussions

about the agencies through which these conversions were

secured. There is also no doubt about the fact that considerable

number of Muslim population of Bengal consisted of immigrants,

who had come to Bengal at various points of time and settled

there. Nevertheless, the majority of the Muslims of Bengal

belonged to the class of converted Muslims.

Due to long contact with the Hindus and Buddhists,

many of their religious rites, customs, manners and traditions

were adopted by the Muslims and became part and parcel of the

Muslim society. These included even such practices which were

in direct clash with the basic principles of Islam and militated

against its fundamentals. Even the institutions which had once

served as the means of the spread of Islam in the region, had

become source of much evil. Sufls and preachers {Duat) had

played a significant role in the field of the dissemination of Islam

in parts of Bengal. Now they were spreading ignorance and

supersitions. "The pirs were to the Muslims of India what the

; M. Abdur Rahim, Social and Cultural History of Bengal 1576-1757, Pakistan

Publishing House, Karachi, 1967 x s' -r •< • v
 16

deotas (Gods) arc to the Hindus". The Muslims of the this region

adored sun, moon and fire, took Hindu wives, observed Holi,

Diwali. Dashera, Shivaratri, Rakha Kali, Saddah, etc. like their

Hidu neighbours. Moreover, like the Hindus they practiced dowry

system and prevented widow remarriage. There were even some

cases of burning of widowers. They believed in the demons and

devils. They served Hindu astrologers and sought their guidance

in matters relating to marriage and commencement of house

construction etc. In direct contravention of Islamic law, dance

and consumption of wine has become the essential part of their

festivals. In some places they also worshipped Sitala Devi for

securing cure from small pox. They usually kept amulets for the

betterment of their lives. They wore dhotis just like Hindus and

Purdah System was practically abandoned.

Muslim ideals of equality and universal brotherhood

were given a go by and following the practice prescribed by the

Hindu caste system, the Muslim Society of Bengal was also

divided into many social groups such as with Sayyid, Pathan,

Mughal, Khondokar, Choudhury, Bhuiyan, Miyan, Patawari,

Shaikh. These groups were considered to belong to be upper class

and they would not mix with the people supposed to belong to

lower classes such as peasant-weaver, Machiporoch etc. The so-

 17

called upper class people not only shunned intermarriage with the

lowly but also refrained for dining with them. Traces of

untouchablity were also found in the Muslim society of Bengal.

Many of the converts could not be fully assimilated

into the Islamic way of life and retained many of their earlier

traditions and practices. Powerful influence of the Hindu

neighbours did not only contributed to strengthen these remnants

of the past in the Muslim society but constantly added new

elements. For example like Bhuddist and Hindus they followed

the cult of Incarnation (Avatar). It was also under their influence

that Pirs were invested with supernatural powers specially

granted to the by God. Bera dedicated to Kawaj Khijjir (Khtzr)

were floated and special celebrations and festivities were held at

the time of Prophet's birth-death anniversary; urs were calibrated

on the occasion of birth-death anniversaries of the pirs, red cloth

was placed on the graves of pirs, and flowers, and/af/Tia were

offered there. They used to recite poems at these occasions in

Arabic, Bangla, Urdu and Persian. Plantation of banana trees at

the house of girls on their first manstrutions, worshipping Hindu

Goddesses and Gurus, consulting Hindu almanac for fixing the

date of marriage, adoration of footprints of the Prophet, tigers

 18

and leopards were believed both by Hindus as well as Muslims to

be the special property of the Saints.

The pirs and faqirs had a field day. There was in fact

a very huge number of pirs and faqirs such as Shah Jalal, Shah

Makhdum, Shah Faran, Khan Jahan Ali, Bayejid Bustami, Pir

Badar, five pir. {Panch pir), Adam Shahid, Shah Wali Bagdadi,

Shah Qutb and others. Their followers venerated them as their

saviours and intercessors on the day of judgement, healers of

diseases, makers of the fate and fulfillers of all desires. In fact,

these true preachers of Islam were not Pirs as it was called. They

believed that they could reach God only through them . They also

held their anniversaries as fairs. The Murids also made obeisance

(Sijdah) to their pirs. And Favours of gurus as well as Pirs were

avidly sought and they were venerated by both communities. The

Sufi silsilahs which were active in Bengal included the

Chishtiya, the Suhawardiyya, Qadiriyyah and Madariyyah.

Besides these Sufi groups, in the later parts of the

century there was a group which consisted of people who were

neither Hindus nor Muslims. They had great faith in songs which

they considered to be their sole guide. These songs were sung on

Ektara or Dotara. They believed that they could be free from

worldly bondage. These emancipate themselves from the worldly

 19

bondage with the help of songs. They sought to were called

'Bauls' namlly they did not like reformers of revivalist who

sought to educate and reform them.

The Muslim rulers were generally Sunnis. The

Nawabs of Ohaka from earliest time to 1702 were sunnis. Shia

elements in Bengal were introduced with Murshid Quli Khan who

came there along with 300 Shiah officers who settled in Bengal.

In the beginning they prayed in the Sunni Mosques

and listened the Sunni khutbas but gradually they started

celebrating ceremonies associated with Moharram such as Taziah

with great pomp ultimately they established their separate

identity. In Dhaka and other cities Taziah was celebrated with

such great pomp that it was considered by Giracen De Tessey and

Wise as "Dashera", and "Rath Yatra" of Hindus.

Besides, the Muslims provided chiragh, Tabarruk and

ziyarat to the graves, practiced chutti putti and chilla at the birth

of new borns and practiced various kinds of ceremonies on the

occasions of the marriage, funeral and other functions that were

totally against the spirit of true Islam. The Muslim could be

distinguished from others only because of Kalima. They knew the

Kalima and nothing more. They even believed that Rama and

Prophet Mohammad were alike to them. Islam was confined to

 20

circumcission and eating of cow's meat. It is clear that their life

was devoid of any Islamic content and they were almost

Hinduised. The need for reform was urgent and called for

immediate action.

Like the religio-cultural conditions of the Muslims of

Bengal, their economic and political condition also steeply

declined during nineteenth century. It was extremely deplorable

and they had a very miserable and impoverished life.

During Muslim rule, Bengal was variously referred as

storehouse of silk and cotton; 'prosperous province', wealthiest

2. For their socio-political and economic conditions in detailed form see, A.R.
Mallick, British Policy.
; M. A. Khan, History of the Faraidi Movement
MA. Raidm, Social and cultural History.
M. A. All, History of the Muslims ofBengal
Badrudd'm Omar, Cchiros Thai Bondobosle Bangladesher Krishak, Maala
Brothers, Dhaka, 1973.
; District Gazetteer ofDhaka^ Faridpur, Maiman Singh, Rangpur etc.
; C.E. Buckland, Bengal Under Livtenent Governors, vol. 1,21.
; Shusil Chawdhury, From Prosperity to Decline, Eighteen Century Bengal,
A/owoAor Delhi, 1995.
; Hameeda Husain, The Company Weavers of Bengal, Oxford Uni. Press, Delhi,
1988.
; Gulam Hosain Salim, Riyadus Salatin
; J.C. Jack, The Economic Life of a Bengal District, Oxford, 1916.
; C.E. Travelyon, Report Upon the Indian Customs and Town Duties of Bengal
Presidency, Calcutta, 1837.
; H.H. Wilson, A Review of External Commerce of Bengal, Calcutta, 1800
, James Taylor, A Sketch of Topography and Statisties of Dacca, Calcutta, 1840.
 21

and cheapest province", flourishing finest province of India, and

it was put forward as a parallel to Manchester. But after

occupation of British East India Company within a century it was

totally ruined and its prosperity and wealth vanished. Due to lack

of patronage there was a very sharp decline in the production of

the commodities which had earlier a big market in Europe. These

avenues were now totally closed.

After the coming of the British, revenue demand was

steeply increased and it was made double of the earlier rate. The

gravity of the situation could be gauged from the fact that even

during the devastating famine of 1772 when many people had to

eat the leaves of the jungle trees for survival, the revenue

collection actually increased by as much as 6 lacks and the next

year it almost doubled. The situation became so hopeless that the

native artisans who used to lead a comfortable life had no option

but to beg for a living. Even the Nawab was not spared and he

was reduced to the position of cypher in the hands of the British.

His powers were drastically curtailed. In between 1765—1772 his

allowance was reduced from 53,86000 to 16,0000. The grants and

Jagirs of the Muslims were resumed.

After the battle of plassey, the conquerors,

adventurers, administrators, nobles, millitary commanders.

 22

collectors of revenues, judicial and political posts which were

earlier almost entirely held by the Muslim were now assigned to

the Hindus or the British. The army consisted mostly of the

Muslims was disbanded and revenue collection was handed over

to Hindus or Englishmen. This amounted to a very severe blow to

the Muslims, who not only lost an opportunity to earn a decent

livelihood but also suffered in terms of prestige and power.

Moreover, as a consequence of the Permanent Settlement many

Muslim zamindars lost their land holdings which came to be held

by the Hindus. As a result, they became so powerful that they

treated the peasantry at will and there was almost no check on

their power. For example, in Faridpur they collected as much as

three items illegal texes in addition to the land revenue. The

victim, had no remadial avenue against this high handedness.

This naturally broke the backbone of the peasants.

The jagirs, altanugha grants, Madad-i-Maash and

Aimma, which were meant for the civil and millitary officers,

spiritual leaders, learned men and men of noble descent, which

ensured a respectable and decent living for those people was

abolished by the Act of 1793. The impact of this measure on the

well being of the Muslim elite could be understood only if it is

kept in mind that these grants amounted to 1/3 of the total land
 23

holdings of the Muslims. Similarly, the Resolutions of 1811,

1817 and 1819 deprived La-Kharaj land holders of the Muslim

society from their land holdings and thereby reduced them to

object poverty. The Permanent Settlement gave to the zamindars

enormous powers which they used to the extreme detriment of the

peasants. Moreover, there were patnidar, sub-patnidar, reck

renting and the money lenders who substantially added to the

sufferings of the peasants. For the peasantry the poverty level of

increased from 35% to 60% of the total population. The abolition

of rural police by the Act of 1793 and the policy of

depeasantisation and de-industrialization in agriculture and

weaving respectively greatly affected the material conditions of

the Muslim gentry and from a position of economic affluence

they touched the bottom rock of the society.

During first half of 19 century the Hindu managers

and gomastas gradually monopolised almost all trade in salt,

sugar, cotton, etc. It obliged the Muslim gentry to take dadni and

purchase their goods from them on higher rates.

Hastings and Conowallis's policy of land opened the

door for Hindu Baniyas, Mahajans, Naibs, Siqdars and gomastas

to acquire lands previously owned by Muslims. Even the police

meant for preventing anti-social activities at village level, which

 24

was earlier manned mostly by Muslim, was now almost entirely

replaced by Hindus. This deprived the Muslims from a profitable

profession and threw a large number of Muslim out of

employment. As they could not find any other job for their

upkeep, they engaged themselves in anti-social activities and let

loose a reign of terror in the villages.

The Muftis, Vakils and Qadi held honorable position

in government courts. But the East India Company replaced them

and rendered them unemployed. Now they found themselves on

the street and entirely without any source of income. From the

position of respectability, honour and affluence, they suddenly

found themselves among the destitutes and paupers.

There were very large number of educational

institutions in Bengal. According to Adam's report around 1835

there were as many as 10,000 educational institutions operating

in Bengal. Though government established Calcutta Madrasa in

1780 and Hindoo College in 1800 with a view to impart western

education to the Indians and much emphasis was placed on the

teaching of Vernaculars, but their policy to replace Persian (in

1837) with English as State Language rendered many Muslims

unemployed. Its consequences were so devastating that when

freedom came in 1947, as many as 90% people were illiterate.

 25

Many parts of Bengal were very fertile and suitable

for the cultivation of indigo. The indigo that was produced here

was found to be of a very high grade and was fit for export and as

such it was very profitable for those who were engaged in the

cultivation of indigo. With a view of using this potential of

Bengal for the benefit of the indigo-planters, who were mostly

British, a series of measures were adopted this plantation

Lucurative. By 1820 the situation has reached such point that the

peasants were forced to cultivate indigo to the exclusion of more

useful and profitable commodities such as rice. The money-

lending system was used to tighten the grip of the classes with a

vested interest in the plantation of indigo. Peasants were forced

to extend the cultivation of indigo. The atrocities which the

indigo planters perpetrated on the helpless peasantry included,

among other things, depriving them from their cattle, destroying

crops, homicide, murder, riot, decoity, plunder, fire, kindnapping

by the Indigo planters, etc. These atrocities were proved by the

Indigo-Commission of 1860 that it was an oxpressive and

inhuman business. It concluded that "the planters in order to eat

fruits, they cut down the trees" and "no chest of Indigo reached

England without the mixture of human blood".

 26

The weaving industry of Bengal which was known as

a store house of silk and cotton, was totally mined. The Dhaka

city the "Manchester of India, lost its position as the Premier

producer of cotton and silk and the industry suffered enormously

and it ultimately closed down altogether. This was a direct

consequence of the British trade policy, in pursuance of which

the company imposed various customs on inland goods. These

miscellaneous duties were estimated ten times more than the

duties imposed on the foreign goods. As a result, Bengal good

lost their markets in Europe and Asia and gave way to machine

finished goods of England which in fact amounted to cutting the

Angers of the Muslim handloom weavers of world fame yarn,

which could now be imported only from England. Also as direct

consequence of this policy even internal market was flooded with

foreign goods destroying the age old traditional weaving industry

of Bengal leading to complete ruin of those engaged in the

industry. A majority of these artisans belonged to Muslim

community.

11
 27

Faraizi movement of Bengal, which has the

distinction of being first organised reform movement of India,

was a religio-political, socio-economic and cultural movement,

launched in 1818 by the eminent theologian Haji Shariatullah.

This revivalist and dawah movement developed in Bengal. The

factors which led to its emergence are related both to internal and

external conditions prevailing in Bengal as well as in other parts

of the Muslim world during that period. The puritan attitude of

this movement with its insistence on return to the original purity

of Islam is in fact a reflection of a wide spread phenomenon in

the Muslim world in the 19*** century. It is attested by the fact

that around the same time a number of reform movements

appeared in other parts of Islamic world, which were vastly

different from each other in geo-graphical, political and social

terms movements, but their aims and objectives were almost the

same. These included such as Muwahhidun (their opponents

called them wahhabis) of Arabia, Sanusiya of Libya, Salafiyah of

Egypt. Paduri and Muhammadiyah movements of Indonesia,

Mahdiyah of Sudan and Middle Africa, Pulani movement of

Africa, Tariqa-i-Muhammadiyah, Jihad, Tayyauni and Ahl-i-

Hadith movements of Bangladesh, India and Pakistan.

 28

There could be little doubt that the Faraizi movement

of Bengal was also part and parcel of this universal phenomenon

that was sweeping the Muslim world at that time. The common

thread of all these movements was to work for the revival of pure

and uncompromising Tauhid (oneness of Allah), building the

society and the individual life according to the precepts of the

Quran and authentic traditions of the Prophet, transmitted and

practised by Salf-i-Salahin, (first three generations after the

Prophet), uprooting all kinds of polytheism {Shirk) and

innovations {Bidaat), ensuring . universal equality and

brotherhood of Islam and unity and fraternity of the Muslims.

Their efforts were also directed towards establishing Islam as the

Political system of the state and overthrowing the oppressive

alien rule from the Muslim world.

A closer study of the entire situation would, however,

reveal that among all these movements, the Wahhabi movement

occupies the place of pride. In point of time this was first to

appear and therefore it has clear chronological precedence over

other movements. As such, it served as the fountain head for all

these movements, which mostly owe their origin to the influence

and inspiration of the Wahhabis. It is, therefore, necessary to

have some idea about this movement, the conditions and factors
 29

to which it owed its birth and the aims and objecties which it

wanted to achieve.

This Wahhabi movement^ was founded by Muhammad

bin Abdul Wahhab (1703-1792 AD) of Uyana, Najd, Arabia. He

had learnt the Quran by heart and studied Islamic sciences in

various seminaries including Makkah under renowned theologians

of the period. During his studies he seems to have come under the

influence of the great Muslim scholar, thinker and reformer Ibn

Taimiya (1263-1328) and his disciple Ibn Qaiyyim. It was

perhaps under the influence of Ibn Taimiya's thought that he

came to the conclusion that it was his bounden duty to do

3. For details, look,.

M.A Nad^i, Muhcanmad bin Abdul Wahhab, Hydarabad, 1947
Aslam Jayreipuri, Tarikh-4-Nazd, Delhi, 1344 AH.
Sayyid Ahsan, Life and Thought cf Mohamad bin Abdul Wahhab, Aligarh,
1988.
; Calcullta Review, 1870,1874.
; Ahmad bin Huzr, AlShqykh Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab. Makkah 1395,
AH.
; Mohiuddin Ahmad, Sqykhul Islam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahfiab,
Hydarabad,l947.
, T.P. Haghs, Dictionary of Islam, London, 1885.
, S.M. Zwemer, Islam-A Challenge to Faith, New York, 1907.
; D.S. Margolioth, art. Wahhabi in Ency. of Religion and Ethics vol.xii New
York, 1921.
; Amin Rahini, lb Saud ofArabia, his people and His Larul, London, 1928.
; Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab, Kitabut Tauhid, Madina, 1395 AH.
; All editions of Ency. of Islam, in English, Arabic, Urdu, Bangla etc.
, Bahattun Usbuun li Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab, (Proceedings of Seminar),
vols. 2, Islamic University, Madina, 1981.
 30

whatever he can to reform the Arabian society from the many

innovations which were rampant during that time and revive the

original purity of Islam. Only this could pull the community out

of its degrading condition. With this resolve he launched a

vigorous movement but, as could be expected in such condition,

he was stiffly opposed. But the opposition failed to weaken his

resolve and dampen his spirit. During this period when he wrote

his celebrated book Kitabut Tauhid which very forcefully

advocated the concept of the uncompromising unity of God and

came down very heavily against all forms of Shirk and Bidat.

At a time when he was facing stiff opposition, he

received valuable help and support from Muhammad bin Saud,

chief of Dariyat tribe and forefather of the present ruling family

of Saudi Arabia. It was went a long way in providing a safe base

for his mission. The very close and cordial relations between the

families continue to flourish till date.

Muhammad bin Abdal Wahhab wrote letters to rulers,

kings and nobles to propagate his mision, and declared Jihad

against those who continued to oppose him. His sternous efforts

and devotions to his cause ultimately bore fruit and he achieved

great success during his own lifetime. Before his death he had the

satisfaction that by and large his mission has succeeded. His field
 31

of operation was Arabia alone. Its consequences were, however,

felt in many parts of the Muslim world and it acted as a catalyst

for the forces of reform and regeneratibn.

Ideologically, the Wahhabis emphasised on Tatihid,

prayer with congregation and vehemently attacked all kinds of

Shirk, bidat, sweering with any one except Allah, intercession,

Taqlid, group Dhikr, music, dancing, rethoric, poems, Shiah,

Mutazila, Sufism, Maulud, festival of Ashura, smoking etc, and

encourage Ijtihad and Ijma. Their ideology continues to be the

guiding principle of religious policy of Saudi Arabia.

Before we enter into a discussion about the nature and

extent of Wahhabis on the Faraizi movement and points of

agreement and disagreement between the two, it would be

perhaps helpful to have some idea about the movements which

owe their origin to influence of the Wahhabi movement. These

movements appeared in many parts of the Islamic world. A brief

notice of these movements is given below:

 32

The Sanusiyah^ of Libya, was launched by Muhammad

Ali-al-Sanusi al Idrisi (1791-1859). He was born at Mustagnim,

Algeria and studied at Fez and Makkah. While at Makkah he

came under the influence of the Wahhabis. On his return to Libya

and its adjacent areas, he launched this movement with a view to

reforming the Muslim society in the region from all traces of

Shirk and bidaat. He also made great endeavors to establish

Islamic state on the basis of original teachings of Islam. The

Sanusis also worked hard to oppose the christian missionaries.

This Sanusi movement produced great leaders like Al-Mahdi (d.

1846) of Mahdi movement, Al-Sharif (d.l902), Ahmad al Sharif

(d. 1933) and Umar-al Mukhtar (d. 1930). During the later days it

aquired military and political colour and fought Italy and other

European powers who wanted to perpetuate the hold of the

Europeans in the region.

4. For more knowledge about this movement see,

, Batathun Usbuun, Islamic University Madina, 1981.
, E.E. Evans-Pritchard-TTie Senusi of Cyrenaica, Oxford, 1949.
Nicola A Zia deh, Santtsiyah-A study of Revivalist Movement in Islam,
Leiden, 1958.
Muhammad Fuad Shurki, Al-Sanusiyah Din Wa Dawah, cair, 1948.
Ency. of Islam, vol.ix (ed) EJ. Brill, Leiden, 1997, p.24.
Ahmad bin Huzr, Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab Aqidat^hus salafiyah wa
Dawa-tuhul Islahiyah, Cairo N. D. p. 103.
, Amir Shakib Arsalan, Hadiral Alam-al-Islami.vols.2 Quoted is Bahathun
Usbuun, p.228.
 32

The Sanusiyah* of Libya, was launched by Muhammad

Ali-al-Sanusi al Idrisi (1791-1859). He was born at Mustagnim,

Algeria and studied at Fez and Makkah. While at Makkah he

came under the influence of the Wahhabis. On his return to Libya

and its adjacent areas, he launched this movement with a view to

reforming the Muslim society in the region from all traces of

Shirk and bidaat. He also made great endeavors to establish

Islamic state on the basis of original teachings of Islam. The

Sanusis also worked hard to oppose the christian missionaries.

This Sanusi movement produced great leaders like Al-Mahdi (d.

1846) of Mahdi movement, Al-Sharif (d.l902), Ahmad al Sharif

(d. 1933) and Umar-al Mukhtar (d. 1930). During the later days it

aquired military and political colour and fought Italy and other

European powers who wanted to perpetuate the hold of the

Europeans in the region.

4. For more knowledge about this movement see,

; Balathun Usbuun, Islamic University Madina, 1981.
, E.E. Evans-Pritchard-7fe Senusi ofCyrenaica, Oxford, 1949.
; Nicola A Zia deh, Santisiyah-A study of Revivalist Movement in Islam,
Leiden, 1958.
; Muhammad Fuad Shurki, AlSanusiyah Din Wa Dawah, cair, 1948.
; Ency. of Islam, vol.ix (ed) E.J. Brill, Leiden, 1997, p. 24.
; Ahmad bin Huzr, Muhammad bin Abchd Wahhab Aqidatuhus salqfiyah wa
Dawa-tuhul Islahiyah, Cairo N.D. p. 103.
, Amir Shakib Arsalan, Hadiral Alam-aI-Islami,wols.2 Quoted is Bahathun
Usbuun, p. 228.
 33

This movement has played a very significant role in

the history of Libya. It continued to be a force till very recently

when it was disbanded by Muammar Qazzafi.

Muhammad Ali-at-Sanusi was a Maiiki but he did not

believe in rigid Taqlid. He advocated tolerance and flexibility

and the need for Ijtihad. It is interesting to note that his stay at

Makkah coincided with the stay of Haji Shariatullah there.

In Nineteen century, Fulani movement^ arose in West

Africa under the leadership of Shaikh Uthman bin Fawdi

(1754/1761 - 1807). Vast areas of Africa came under the

influence of this movement. The Fulanis declared Jihad against

Shirk, bidaat and superstions as well as Western Imperialism.

The Shaikh was at Makkah during its takeover by the Wahhabis

(1815-1818). There he came under the influence of the Wahhabis

and studied their books on thoughts relating to the aims and

For details see, Bello Ahmedu, My life, Cambridge University press, 1962
; Mohammad Borlvi, The Fulcmi of Norther Nizeria, Lagos Govt, press, 1945.
; P.M. Holt, (ed) A Cambridge History of Islam vol.ii, 1970, pp.345-405.
, Baltatlnin Usbuun, Dawah Magazine, p.652.
; Hamprray Fisher, art. The Western and Central Sudan in A Cambridge vol. 11,
ed. P.M. Holt and others,
; AH.M. Johnson, The Fulani Empire ofSokato
, B. Ibrahim Mostafa, art. 77K; Fulani : A Nomadi Tribe in Northern Nizeria,
Africoft Affairs, vol. 65, 1966.
: Richard V. Weekes, Muslim Peoples, A World Enthrographic Servey (22 ed)
ALDWYCH, London, 1984,
 34

objectives of his movement. He laid great emphasis on the duty

of ordering what is right and prohibiting what is wrong {amr bil

Maruf wan nahi anil Munkar) and advocated IJtihad. Because of

the peculiar conditions of the region this movement also assumed

the character of a peasant.

The leader of the movement formed a Majlish-i-

Shaura, consultative body, respected women's rights and

emphasized unity of the Ummah. This movement had wide-spread

influence in Nijeria and North Africa which was survived and

preserved by Shaikh Ahmadu (d. 1842) and Al-Haji Umar (d.

1814).

This movement had great influence in Western-

Africa. It emphasized unity of Ummah and jihad under the

leadership of an Amirul Mominin. In North Sahara and Nigeria,

he was denounced by the Government but succeeded in capturing

Hausa, Zaria and Lake Ched, Yoruba, Bagirmi, Sokata Usakt,

Zanfara. He was survived by Shaikh Ahmadhu (d.l842) and Al-

Hajj Umar (d. 1864).

 35

In Indonesia the Paduri movement^ sought to reform

the Muslim society almost on the same lines. The Indonesian

society had remained deeply influenced by Indian culture. During

this period it would seem that due to political and social

condition, the Indonesian Muslim society had become highly

Hinduised. Budhist influence was also at work and it appeared

that the Muslim society was facing a crisis of identity. It was in

these circumstances that the Paduri Movement was launched by

Shaikh Al-Hajj maskfli and his eight companions. All of them

have been at Makka where they came under the Wahhabi

influence and were fired with the zeal to work for the reform of

community back home.

After starting this movement they fought against the

imperialistic hegemony of Holland between 1822-1835. Later

6. For detailed account of the movement, see, P.M. Holt, A Cambridge history of
Islam vol. li, Cambridge University press, Lortdori, 1970.
; Bahathun Usbtm le Athari Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab Fil Alam-at Islami,
(proceedings of the Seminar on M.B.A Wahhab), Nadi Madina-at Munawarah,
1981
Encyclopeddia of Islam, E.J. Brill, Leiden, 1995. PP. 237 - 39 art. "padurii" by
Christine Dobbin
; Thomas Arnold, The Preaching of Islam, (Arabic Verson),
, William R. RofF, art. Sowth East Asian Islam in Nineteen century in P.M.
Holt, i4 Cambridge p. 165.
, Cristine Dobbin, Cha/iging Peasant economy : Central Sumatra 1784-1847,
Shandinavian, Institute of Asian studies Monograph series. No. 47, London,
1983.
 36

they continued the struggle under the leadership of M.A. Ahmad

(1878-1933), A.A. Karim Amrullah (1879-1945). The last

mentioned was the father of the present head of Ulama Council,

A.M. Karim Amrullah and Jamil Jambik (d. 1860-1947) and Taib

Umar (1873-1920).

The paduri movement did not only worked against

Shirk, bidaat and superstitions but they also fought against

American and European economic policy and their increasing

influence in the region. They offered their own economic

programme which was based strictly on the teachings of Islam.

They scrupulously followed the shariat in their personal lives.

With a view to disseminating their ideas and teachings they

established institutions madrasas, seminaries and published

magazines etc. Inspite of Wahhabi influence they also like the

Faraizis did not outrightly discard sufism and subscribed to the

Qadiri and Naqshabandi Silsilahs. This was perhaps due to the

local conditions where reaching out to the people was easier

through sufisim than any other means. They upheld the flag of

Pan-Islamism. Like the Faraizis they also evinced much interest

in peasant problems and were involved in peasant movements.

Their lasting mark was left in Mineughakabu and other parts of

Indonesia.
 38

colonial rule, these movements invariably fought against the

imperialistic hegemony of the colonial powers. Some of these

movements were Mahdiya of Muhammad Ahamd Abdullah (1844-

1855) in Sudan. Other distinguished who arose during this time

in verious parts of the Islamic world included such men as

Khairuddin Basha-al-Tunisi (1810-1879) Muhammad Ahmad bin

Abdullah (d.l885) in North Sudan, Mohammad Sukuri al-Alusi

(1857-1924) in Iraq, Allama Shawkani (d.l830) in Yamen,

Jamaluddin Qadimi, Kamil Khattab, Tahir Jazairi in Syria,

Ahamd Walobo (in 1813) in Africa, Shaikh Takruns in Sudan (in

1848), Shaikh Umar (1796-1864), Ahmad Tizano (1830-98),

Madhat Basha (1822-1883) of Turkey.

These movements were followed by the 20th century

Islamic reform movements such as Ikhawan, Islamic Salvation

Front, Jamat-i-Islami, Tablighi Jamat, Rafah of Nazimuddin

Arbakan and many others which appared during the course of

20th century.

It may be noticed that almost all the early reform

movements were inspired by the Wahhabi movement of Arabia

which in its own turn was influenced by the thought of Ibn-

Taimiya. Wahabbi movement acted as a catalyst. Its location in

Arabia and more particularly its dominance in the holy cities of

 39

Makkah and Madinah was a great advantage as it ensured that the

people coming from the other parts of the Muslim world were

bound to come into their contact. As the conditions of the

community throughout the world at that time was almost

similarly dismal, sensitive souls were anxious and concerned to

do something to resist this down ward slide of the community and

do something for the reform and revival of the original spirit.

These concerned people found a working model in the Wahhabi

movement, which they can follow and emulate in their own

countries. Some of these movements made necessary adjustments

in their ideologies in view of the conditions of their own Muslim

societies. Such differences in matters of detail do not detract

from the fact that all of these owed much to the Wahhabi

movement and received their initial inspiration from them.

Ill

During nineteen century as many as five Islamic

reform movements were active in Bengal. These were Faraizi,

Tariqah-i-Muhammadiyah, Jihad, Tayyuni and Ahl-i-Hadith with

the possible exception of Tayyuni, all these movements were

more or less influenced by the Wahhabi Movement of Arabia. All

 40

these movements aimed at riving the prestine purity of Islam and

reforming the Muslim Society of Bengal from all kinds of

innovations which had managed to infiltrate into it. They also

worked for the replacement of the contemporary oder of the state

with the establishment of Islamic order. The first among these

movements was the Faraizi movement which had large pockets of

influence in Bengal and also in Assam.

Among these movements Tariqa-i Muhammadiyah

more commonly known as Mujahidin Movement" was more

organised and had successfully established a network that was

spread over many regions of the country. It was founded by

8. For details see, Calcutta Review, 1870,1874.

; Qeyamuddin Ahmad, TJte Wahhabi Movement in hidia, Finna K.M. Calcutta,
1966.
; Masood Alam Nadvi, Hindustan Ki Pahli Islami Tahrik,
; M.A. Khan, History ofFaradi Movement, Asiatic Society of Pakistan, Dacca,
1965
; The Proceedings of the Pa^stan Historical Society, Karachi, 1955,1952
; Ziaul Hasan Faroqui, TJte Deobond School and Demand for Pakistan, Asia
Pub. House London, 1963
; Mosood AlamNadvi, Sirat SayyidAhmed Shahid, Haydarabad, 1947.
; I. H. Qureshi, The Muslim Community oflndo-Pak Sub-Continent, Karachi,
1977
; W.C. Smith, Modem Islam in Iftdia: A Social Analysis, London, 1946.
; Shah Ismail Shahid, Taqwiatuljman, Lukhow, 1945, (Eng. Tra by Tufail
Ahmad)
,ConsusReport,\%%\, 1891, 1911
, Gulam Rasool Mehr, Jamdt-i-Mujahedin Lahore, 1955,
, — Sayyid Ahmad Shahid, Lahore 1954.
 41

Sayyid Ahmad Shahid (1786-1831) of Rai Baraily in 1818-20 on

the lines advocated by Ahmad Sirhindi, Shah Waliullah Shah

Abdal Aziz and Shah Abdul Qadir. He was assisted by two great

Islamic thinkers and reformists, Maulana Abdul Hay and Shah

Ismail Shahid. While returning from Hajj, he stayed for some

time at Culcutta where may people came under his influence and

became his disciples. It would seem that his influence spread

there very rapidly and ultimately Bengal emerged as one of the

main centres of the recruitment of the volunteers.

Sayyed Ahamd Shahid was inclined to Sufism and

used his Tariqa-i-Muhammadiya to reach out to the people and

spread his message. He aimed at reforming the Muslim society

from all influences of shirk and biciat and make an endeavour to

establish an Islamic state based on the principles of Islam. Shah

Ismail wrote Sirat-i-Mustaqim and Taqwiatul Iman which came

down very strongly against all forms of shirk and bidat and made

a very powerful plea for pure and uncompromising concept of

tauhid. Saiyid Ahmad Shahid was a Hanafi but he was free from

extremist views in this regard. Like his preceptor Shah Abdul

Aziz, he also believed that India was Daral Harb under British

regime. He made great efforts to establish an Islamic state wholly

based on Islamic principle. This brought him into conflict with

 42

the Sikhs and the British and ultimately he was martyred fighting

against Sikhs at Balakot. Many of his followers including

Maulana Abdul Haye and Shah Ismail Shahid laid down their

lives along with him. Those who survived continued to pursue the

goal of Jihad even after him and played a significant role during

first independence movement of 1857. But later it split in a

number of groups. Maulana Ishaq of Deoband, Maulana Karamat

AH of Tayyuni Movement, Inayat Ali and Wilayat Ali (the true

followers of Sayyid) and Nazir Husain (1805-1902) of Ahl-i-

Hadith, Titu Mir of Jihad Movement more or less tried to realise

the same objectives. All these movements were actually offsoots

of the jihad movement of Saiyid Ahmad Shahid. As a result of

these divisions, the movement, no doubt, lost its momentum.

These comparatively smaller movements whose area of operation

and influence was restricted to particular regions and did not

enjoy all India character. But in their own way these movements

have played very important role in the different parts of the

country and have greatly influenced the Muslim society. There

could be no doubt that they had played a very vital role in

reforming and revitalizing the contemporary Muslim Society.

With a view to establish supremacy of Islam in its

pure form in the religious, social and political spheres of life

 43

another Jihad movement' was launched by Sayyid Mir Nisar Ali

Titu Mir (1782-1831). He hailed from a respectable family of 24

Pargana in West Bengal. He had received good education in

Islamic sciences. He was also interested in wailling in which he

seems to have acquired good proficancy. Later he got married in

a zamindar family. In 1822-23 he went for Hajj to Makkh, where

he came into contact with the Wahhabis. It was there that he

became a disciple of Sayyed Ahmad Shahid. After returning from

Hajj, he started his movement in Narikelbaria.

He preached the basic teachings of Islam, specially,

Tauhid, equality of mankind, brotherhood and justice and fought

against all kinds of shirk and bidaat. His disciples were

distinguished by their dress and manner.

9. See for details, W.W. Hunter, The Indian Muslims, London, 1871.
, Bengal Judicial Criminal Proceedings, 1831
; Moinal Hoq (ed) Histoiy of Freedom Movement in Indo-Pak sub-continent,
Karachi, 1957.
M. A Khan, History of the Faraidi Movement,
— Muslim Struggle for Freedom in Bengal, Dhaka, 1961.
M.M. Ali, History of the Muslims of Bengal, Riyadh, 1984.
Abdul Gafur Siddiqui, Titu Mir (Bengla) Dacca, 1360
A.R. Mallick, The British Policy and the Muslims of Bengal.
Narahari Kaviraj, The Wahhabi and Faraizi Rebels of Bengal
Hunter, Statistical Account of Bengal
CensuiEeBOrt- 1881. 1891, 1901, 1911,
Biharilal Sarkar, Titu Mir, (Bangla) Calcutta, OS. 1304.
 44

The zamindars who were predomtnantly Hindus

imposed many illegal abwabs and introduced measures which

hampered the religious life of the people such as preventing

construction of mosques etc. Taxes like beard tax, puja tax etc.

were challenged by Titu Mir. In the face of such stiff challenge,

the zamindars could not be expected to remain indifferent. In

league with the English indigo-planters they tried to raise the ire

of the government against them with the reports that the ultimate

aim of Titu Mir was to establish Islamic State. Besides this, there

were many cases of tortune and killing of the followers of Titu

Mir at the hands of the zamindars and indigo-planters.

Consequently, feelings of anger and resentment were building in

the minds of the people against those who perpetrated these

crimes.

These pent up feelings found expression in 1831 when a

large number of the followers of Titu Mir assembled at Narkelbaria.

They consisted mostly of clubmen. As a retaliation against the

atrocities of the zamindars, they defiled the Kali temple with the

blood of the slaughtered cow.

They again gathered on 19 Nov., 1831 at Narkelbaria to

fight the zamindars. Indigo-planters and East India Company under

the leadership of Titu Mir. They were pitted against people who
 45

were equipped with modem weapons while they could muster only

some old fashioned weapons and lathies. In the unequal fight that

followed they did not have any chance of success and they probably

knew it very well. They were simply trying to perform what they

considered to be their duty totally unmindful of the consequences.

Both Titu Mir and his lieutenant, Gulam Masum, along with a large

number of their followers laid down there lives in this battle. Those

who survived were sentenced to different terms of imprisonment.

Their sacrifice, however, did not go in vain. It continued to inspire

the successive generations of Bengalis.

During this period another religious reform movement

was launched in parts of Eastern Bengal and Assam by Maulana

Karamat Ali Jaunpuri (1800-1873). This was Tayyuni or Rahi

movement. '^ It was not a revolutionary movement like the other

10. For details see, ftmter. Statistical Account of Bengal (1875-1888)

; Mawian Karamat Ali, DAa/bro->-Karamat (Specially Muqame Mabta diem, Hfjjati-i-
Qatiah, Nasimul Ha..' -nain etc.) Calcutta, 1344 A.H.
; Hunter, The ImMan Muslmam, Londcm, 1871
; M.M. Ali, History of the Muslims.
; M.A. Khan, History of the Faraidi Movement.
; A.R. Mallick, British Policy.
; Sikandar Ibfahimi, Mawlana Karamat Ali and his projects of reform, (unpulished
thesis), Rajshahi University, 1975.
 46

movements discussed above. It was moderate in nature. It professed

loyalty to the government and was apolitical and intensely anti-

Faraizi. Mawlana Karamat AH was a brilliant law doctor and a

noted preacher. His movement has one thing in common with in

Faiaizis and Wahhabis. It was also intensely against Shirk and

bidaat and carried out a crusade against these evils. He, however,

permitted Mi I ad and Fatiha etc. in moderate form. He worked hard

to revitializc Muslim Society of Bengal from 1835 to 1873. Though

he was a disciple of Sayyid Ahmad Shahid, but in the changed

situation, he did not agree with the view that India was Daul Harb.

In complete contrast to the views of his preceptor, he declared India

to be Darul Aman (abode of peace).

A Staunch Hanafi, Maulana Karamat AH did not find it

objectionable to observe congregational prayers of Juma and 'Ids in

British regions. He wanted his followers to denounce shirk and

bidaat which had crept in their lives due to long contact with

,• Proceedings ofMuhammadan Literacy Society, Calcutta, 1867,1871.

; James Wise, The Notes and Trades, Truboer, London 1883.
; JASB, 1894
; Sirat-i-Mawtana Abdul Awwal Jaunpuri,
, Bengal District Gazetters of British, Pakistani and Bangladesh (concerned)
; Census KefXJTt, 1881, 1891 and 1901.
 48

suspension of Jumah and Id prayers. In this particular issue, he

even disregarded the opinion and the stand of his own preceptor,

Saiyid Ahmad Shahid.

There were several other issues in which he was

opposed to Faraizis. For example, he did not agree with the Faraizis

that amal (action) was part of Iman. Clasping hands of Pir by the

Murids, during initiation, obligation of cutting navel cord by the

father, belief that grass-hopper was like locust, collecting sadqa-i

fitr and punishment by shoes etc. Apparently, his teachings and

opposition to Faraizis created tension and.conflict in the Bengali

society. But his single minded and devoted struggle that spanned

his whole life made enormous contribution to the cause of the

reformation of the Muslim society of Bengal. He left lasting

influence in the minds of the Muslims of Bengal.

Ahl-i-Hadith movement" was in reality an off-shoot of

Tariqah-i-Muhammadiyah of Sayyid Ahmad Shahid. It renewed its

1 1 . ; Abduliahil Kafi, /4//-/-Hadither Sonikhifta Bibran, pabm, 1375. A.H.

; Settlement Report, Rangpur, Faridpur, Dhaka, 24 Pargana.
; HuntCT, Statistical Account ofBengal
; BanglaPedia, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh, Dhaka, (would be published in
2002)
; Asadullah-at-Galib, Ahl-i-Hadith Ardolon, Hadith Foundation, Rajshahi, 1995.
, Maw. Qadi Mohd. Aslam saif, Tahrik-i-Ahl-i-Hadith- Tarikh KiAlNEME, AL
Kitab International, N. Delhi, N.D.

M. WiUyet AJi, Amal Bil Hadith, Caicutu, 1837.

 49

form and content for his followers who included Maulana Wilayat
Ali and Enayet Ali, Siddiq Hasan Khan, Maulana Nazir Hosain in
between 1858-1880. They believed in going directly to Hadith
rather than taking recourse to any of the four recognised Madhabs
of the scholars of Islamic jurisprudence. Besides Quran and Hadis
they believed in the efficacy of Ijtihad and Ijma but not Qias. They
therefore did not have faith in any school of Islamic jurisprudence.
Taqlid was vehemently apposed by them. This designated
themselves as Ahl-i-Hadith, Muhammadi (Tariq-i-Muhammadiyah).
Their opponents, however, called them variously as La-Madhabi \
'Gair-i- Muqallid, 'Rafi Yadan', Wahhabi, Amini, La-dini \ Salafi
"jihadi', 'Naya Musi man' etc. Though Ahl-i-hadith movement was a
direct offshoot of the Mujahideen movement, it differed from the
standpoint of Saiyed Ahmad Shahid on some vital issues and had its
own independent views. For example, Saiyid Ahmad Shahid was a
strong upholder of the concept of Hijrat and Imamat but they did
not agree with his views in this regard. It is, however, interesting to
note that in spite of these differences, they described themselves as
the true followers of Saiyid Ahmad Shahid. It would seem that
those leaders who escaped the trials that followed the death of
Saiyid Ahmad Shaheed were responsible for the formation of this
group. It is plausible that they deliberately excluded these points from
their programme to be able to work in peace and avoid the attention of
the government which was understandably very sensitive on this point. '^

12 S M Daam. Mawj-l-Kawthar, Lahore. l<)48. p48