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Syed Ahmad Barelvi

Syed Ahmed Shaheed Barelvi was a 19th century Islamic scholar and leader who launched a jihad against the oppressive Sikh rule in northern India. He was inspired to revive Islam and free Muslims from the harsh treatment under the Sikhs, who disrespected mosques and prohibited Muslims from freely practicing their religion. Syed Ahmed traveled across South Asia gathering supporters for his movement and established an Islamic state in northern India before being killed in battle against the Sikhs in 1831.

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Syed Ahmad Barelvi

Syed Ahmed Shaheed Barelvi was a 19th century Islamic scholar and leader who launched a jihad against the oppressive Sikh rule in northern India. He was inspired to revive Islam and free Muslims from the harsh treatment under the Sikhs, who disrespected mosques and prohibited Muslims from freely practicing their religion. Syed Ahmed traveled across South Asia gathering supporters for his movement and established an Islamic state in northern India before being killed in battle against the Sikhs in 1831.

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mohammed jamali
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Syed ahmad barelvi

Syed Ahmed Shaheed Barelvy (1786-1831) Early Biographical detail: Syed Ahmed Shaheed was born at
Rai Bareilly in November 1786. His father Shah Ilm-Ullah was pious religious scholar. He was a well-built
young man and took interest in manly sports. He was inspired spiritually by Shah Abdul Aziz. In 1810 he
joined the army of Nawab Ameer Khan of Tonak in order to take part in Jihad against the British. He
fought against the English and Sikh forces and displayed his skill in the art of fighting. Syed Ahmed
Shaheed was an outstanding orator. His religious and political sermons won him many companions
which included Shah Ismail and Shah Abdul Haye. Beliefs: In the first half of the nineteenth century
Punjab was under the rule of Sikhs who were very cruel to the Muslims. They were showing disregard to
the Muslim culture, customs and religious places The Sikh rule which extended from Punjab up to Kabul
was harsh on Muslims. Mosques were dishonored & Muslims could not follow their religion freely. On
hearing about these brutalities Syed Ahmed Shaheed decided to launch Jihad against the Sikhs. For this
purpose he founded Jihad Movement. The Muslims of India responded to his call and thousands of
Muslims got themselves enrolled in the Jihad Movement. Syed Ahmed Shaheed decided to launch Jihad
from North West Frontier region of the country. Thus on 17th January 1826 he started his journey along
with thousands of Mujahideens. He reached Sindh via Gwalior, Tonak, Ajmer and Marwar. Then he went
to Afghanistan through Balochistan. From Afghanistan he arrived at Nowshera after nine months
journey. Battles Against Sikhs: On his arrival in the Frontier province the warriors of Yousaf Zai tribe,
followers of Pir Syed Akbar Shah and the local Muslims joined the Jihad Movement. Syed Ahmed
Shaheed declared war against Sikhs. Ranjit Singh the Sikh ruler of Punjab sent Budh Singh at the head of
ten thousand soldiers to meet the challenge of the Mujahideens. On 21st December 1826 a strong group
of Mujahideens attacked the Sikh army at night. As a result thousands of Sikh soldiers were killed and
Budh Singh had to retreat with heavy losses. Later on after several skirmishes the Sikh army was
defeated in the battle of Hazru. After these successes Syed Ahmed Shaheed decided to organize the
local administration. He established an Islamic state in the area and announced his caliphate on January
11, 1827. These victories and successes of Mujahideens disturbed Ranjit Sikh very much. He decided to
weaken the Mujahideens through diplomacy. He reached Peshawar and won the sympathies . Thus the
Muslims were divided into two camps. However Syed Ahmed Shaheed succeeded in conquering
Peshawar in November 1830. Through mistake Syed Ahmed Khan re appointed Sultan Mohammad Khan
the ruler of Peshawar. Unfortunately Sultan Mohammad turned a traitor and hatched a conspiracy
against Syed Ahmed Shaheed. Thousands of Mujahideens were murdered treacherously at Peshawar
(after the withdrawal of SASB to Balakot to liberate Kashmir). In the meantime Sikh army under Sher
Singh advanced against the Mujahedeen. Syed Ahmed Shaheed gathered all of his forces and encamped
at Balakot which was a very secure place. Sardar Sher Singh too arrived at Balakot at the head of 20
thousands soldiers. The Sikh army besieged the area. The famous battle of Balakot was fought on 6th
May 1831. The Sikhs emerged victorious. Almost all the Mujahideens including Syed Ahmed Shaheed
were martyred. Expected Questions: Question No. 1: why did Syed Ahmed Shaheed Barelvi conduct a
Jihad against the Sikhs in the early 19th century? (7) November 2000, Q.1 b Questions No. 2: why did
Syed Ahmed Shaheed wish to revive Islam in the Sub-Continent? (7) November 2002, Q.1 b Question
No.3: Why did Syed Ahmed Shaheed have such a major influence on the revival of Islam in the Sub-
Continent? (7) November 2003, Q.1 b Question No.4: Was the work of Syed Ahmed Shaheed the most
important factor in the revival of Islam in the sub-continent during the 17th & 18th centuries?.

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