Haji Shariat Ullah was born in Madrapur, Dacca in 1781. He was an eminent Islamic reformer of the Indian Subcontinent. In 1799, Haji Shariat Ullah traveled to Arabia, and he got a religious education there. He learned Arabic and Persian from his teacher, Maulana Basharat. Moreover, Haji Shariat Ullah is famous for pioneering the Faraizi Movement. He died in 1840.
Background Of Haji Shariat Ullah
The following evils had spread in Bengal, therefore Haji Shariat Ullah felt the need for reformation. These evils are described below.
Exploitation Of Muslims By The Bengali Landlords
At that time the condition of the Muslims of Bengal was miserable. The oppression of the Zamindars/landlords made their lives unbearable. The landlords were exploiting the Muslim cultivators by denying them the due share of their efforts.
Superstitious Belief In Bengali Muslims
There was a wide scale of ignorance prevailed among the Muslims of Bengal. They believed in superstitions. Haji Shariat Ullah was deadly against the false and superstitious beliefs which had arisen in the Muslim society.
Services Or Contributions Of Haji Shariat Ullah
The contributions or services of Haji Shariat Ullah are mentioned below.
Faraizi Movement To Realize The Basic Duties Of Being A Muslim
Haji Shariat Ullah began his reformation movement called the Faraizi Movement. It focused on the most pressed class of Muslims. Haji Shariat Ullah, through the Faraizi Movement, asked the Muslims to leave the un-Islamic customs and practices. Additionally, he asked them to follow their religious Faraiz or duties. He also requested them to give up Tazia of Muharram and stop singing and dancing for their wedding ceremonies. After the death of Haji Shariat Ullah in 1840, his son Muhammad Mohsin, known as Dadhu Mian, succeeded Haji Shariat Ullah.
United The Peasantry In Bengal Against the Oppression
Haji Shariat Ullah united the Bengali Muslims against the oppressions of the Zamindars. He mobilized the locals to resist the injustice of the landlords. Consequently, the Muslims of Bengal realized a sense of unity and began their struggle for their economic rights.
Haji Shariat Ullah And The Two-Nation Theory
Haji Shariat Ullah promoted Islam in Bengal. He was against the Hindu beliefs in Muslim society. He was a clear promoter of the Two-Nation Theory. His actions showed that he believed that Muslims were a separate nation from the Hindus. Haji Shariat Ullah is the reason the Bengali Muslims participated in the Pakistan Movement.
Test your knowledge:
Hello! my dear reader. I hope you enjoyed reading about Haji Shariat Ullah and his Faraiz Movement. Now is the time to roll up your sleeves and take a few minutes to solve the given mock questions.
- Write a note on the services of Haji Shariat Ullah.
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