Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi was a great Muslim reformer of India. He was also known as Hazrat Mujaddid-e-Alf-e-Sani and Imam Rabbani. Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi was born in June 15, 1564, at Sirhind in East Punjab. Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi got his education in the Holy Quran, Hadith, Tafsir, and Ma’qul at Sirhind. Moreover, his spiritual trainer was Baqi Billah. His father was Sheikh Abdul Ahad. He died in December 10, 1624.

“Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi is the spiritual guardian of the Muslims of the subcontinent.”

Allama Muhammad Iqbal

Background of Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi’s Reforms

Din-e-Ilahi of the Mughal Emperor Jalal Uddin Akbar

Akbar occupied the throne of India in 1566. He started the Din e Ilahi. It was a combination of Islam and Hinduism. He publicized his divine faith in 1582. Actually, Din e Ilahi was an ill-fated attempt by Akbar. Hence, it affected the political and social dynamics of Indian Muslims.

There were many evils in the Muslim society of India

Muslim society was involved in various un-Islamic trends and practices. Gambling and interest are strictly prohibited in Islam, but Muslims were committing these evils. Moreover, they practiced Karamat under the influence of Hindus. Thus, Muslims did not consider such practices evil.

Services of Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi

Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi took on the responsibility of reforming India. He took various steps for this purpose. The services of Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi or Hazrat Mujaddid Alf e Sani are described below.

Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi’s Letters to Nobility

Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi wrote letters to the leading nobles of the royal court. In his letters, he drew their attention to the sad state of Muslims. In the letters, Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi suggested reforms. Furthermore, he urged them to take the necessary measures. His letters are known as the Muktubat-e-Imam Rabbani.

Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi Sent Several Disciples

Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi prepared his disciples and sent them to various places in India. They preached the true Islam. Disciples of Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi stressed upon following the Seerat of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). This act helped clean Muslim society from various evils of that time.

You can also read about Shah Wali Ullah.

Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi Showed the True Picture of Islam

Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi, through his efforts, showed the true picture of Islam to the Muslims. He exposed the evils of Din e Ilahi to common people. He emphasized Ittibat-i-Sunnah.

Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi Stopped The Absorption Of Islam

Sheikh Ahmad worked tirelessly to restore the original teachings of Islam. He emphasized the concept of Tauheed. He asked the Muslims to follow Sharia in their daily affairs. Due to Din e Ilahi and other unIslamic practices, Islam was being absorbed. Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi exposed these satanic creeds.  He urged the Muslims to live their lives according to the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah.

Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi Rectified Mysticism

Lastly, he explained that mysticism without sharia was misleading. Therefore, he tried to rectify the un-Islamic practices in mysticism.

Also read about Syed Ahmad Shaheed

Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi and the Two-Nation Theory

He was an advocate of the separateness of Muslims from Hindus. He believed in the two-nation theory. He was in favour of maintaining the difference between Hindus and Muslims. The Pakistan Movement was successful because of Islam and the separate identity of the Muslims from the Hindus.

Influence of Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi

Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi, through his efforts, saved the Muslims from the evils of that time. He also showed them true Islam. Through his teachings, the Muslims of India started living a true Muslim life. Additionally, he influenced Emperor Jahangir, who later asked Sheikh Ahmed Sirhindi to be a part of his court. Jahangir also requested Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi for guidance on various matters.

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Test your knowledge:

After studying Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi and his services try to answer the following question.

• How did Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi improve the Muslim society in the Indian subcontinent?
• Write a note on the services of Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi.
• The important role played by the letters of Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi in the lives of the nobility?
• Write a short note on Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi and the Two Nation Theory.