Shah Wali Ullah
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Shah Wali Ullah (1703 - 1762 was an Islamic scholar and author in India during the declining years of the Mughal Empire. He is credited as one of the earliest supporters of Islamic independence from India, a movement which would eventually lead to the creation of Pakistan.
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[edit] Early life
Born Qutb-ud-Din, he was given the name Wali Ullah "by virtue of his piety and goodness". His father Shah Abdul Rahim was a sufi and founder of an Islamic madrassa in Delhi.
Wali Ullah was educated in Islamic law, mysticism and logic, as well as medicine. From 1718 to [1730]] he assisted his father in teaching at the madrassa.
In 1730 he left Delhi for Medina, where he was influenced by the teachings of Sheikh Abu Tahir bin Ibrahim and experienced a divine revelation that he would play a role in organizing the reform of Islam in India.
[edit] Reform of Islam
In 1742 Wali Ullah returned to a Delhi which was suffering the effects of the rapid decline of Mughal power. Delhi itself had been sacked by Afgahn and Persian forces three years before.
Wali Ullah immediately commenced preaching for reform and strengthening of the Islamic community. He campaigned for an increased understanding and reliance on the Qu'ran, and assisted in a new translation of the Book from Arabic to Persian to encourage its circulation among Indian Muslims. he also preached unity among the various Islamic sects in Delhi.
Wali Ullah was a prolific author, producing 51 books on Islamic law and practice including the Hujjat-ullah-il-Baligarh and the Izalat-ul-Khifa.
[edit] Muslim independence
As the Mughal empire collapsed, Wali Ullah began proselytising for Muslim independence from India, as well as a military response to recent atatcks by the Mahratta peoples. He wrote to Ahmad Shah Abdali, who responded by gathering his forces and defeating the Mahrattas at Panipat.
Wali Ullah died in 1762 in Delhi.
