Syed Ahmad Shaheed the founding father of the Jihadi Movement was born on Nov 29, 1786, in Rai Bareli. His father died when he was young. Additionally, in 1806, Syed Ahmad Barelvi went to Delhi and enrolled in Madrassa Rahimiya. He studied there for two years under the sons of Shah Wali Ullah. Moreover, he got an education in the Holy Quran and Hadith. He was martyred on May 6, 1831, in Balakot. Therefore, he is alos know as The Shaheed of Balakot.

Background of Syed Ahmad Shaheed’s Jihadi Movement

British Rising And Marathas Attacking Muslims

Muslims were being attacked from all sides by the British and Marathas. Hence, these two were a great threat to Muslim.

Sikhs Were Persecuting Muslims In Peshawar

Syed Ahmad Shaheed knew that Peshawar was under the rule of a Sikh ruler Ranjit Singh. Ranjit Singh was regarded as a tyrannical despot. Muslim was denied the liberty and freedom to perform and practice their religion during his rule.

Muslims Were Facing Atrocities And Religious Limitations

Furthermore, many limitations were imposed on the Muslims by the Sikh ruler. For instance, azan was forbidden and the religious practices of the Muslims were interrupted frequently. Additionally, mosques were turned into temples and stables. The situation of Muslims called for a reformer like Syed Ahmad Barelvi.

Feel free to read about another reformer Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi

Services Or Contributions Of Syed Ahmad Shaheed

Syed Ahmad of Bareli gave the following services to counter the above-mentioned wrongs of society.

Syed Ahmad Shaheed Started The Jihadi Movement

Syed Ahmad Shaheed started the Jihadi Movement against the non-Muslim’s oppression. He toured the Punjab and North Frontier Province to enlist men to fight against Sikhs.

Finally, on December 21, 1826, he began his Jihad against the Sikh. He defeated Sikh General Budh Singh at Akhora. Moreover, the Mujahideen fought the 2nd battle at Hazro which too was a great success.

However, the Mujahideen of Syed Ahmad Barelvi were defeated at Balakot in the Battle against the Sikh General Sher Singh. In the Battle of Balakot, Syed Ahmad Shaheed along with Shah Ismail and other fighters received martyrdom.

Syed Ahmad Shaheed United Muslims As A Nation

After the success of the first two battles, Muslims from all parts of India came to join the Jihadi Movement of Syed Ahmed Shaheed. Therefore, Syed Ahmad Shaheed united the Muslims as a nation. He also gave them a hope and a reason to fight for. Hence, people kept on joining the cause and became a force of 80,000 fighters.

Creating A Model Muslim State In Peshawar

After occupying Peshawar, Syed Ahmad Shaheed paid attention to creating a model Muslim state in Peshawar. He introduced Shariat there. Syed Ahmad Barelvi urged Muslims to adopt an Islamic way of life and refrain from un-Islamic practices.

Role Of Syed Ahmad Shaheed’s Disciples In The 1857 War Of Independence

The Jihadi Movement played an important role in the 1857 War of Independence. The Jihadi Movement had united the Muslims and gave them a reason to fight. The spirit of Jihad was aroused in them by the Syed Ahmad Shaheed. Therefore, Muslims were indirectly fighting for an independent state which came into existence in 1947 in the form of Pakistan.

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Test your knowledge:

Finally, test time for you because you have studied Syed Ahmad Shaheed, the Jihadi Movement, and many more. I present to you the following questions.

• Write a note on Syed Ahmad Shaheed and his Jihadi Movement?
• Role of Syed Ahmad Barelvi’s Jihadi Movement in the War of Independence 1857.