Originally Posted by Fassi

Background:

The Mujahideen Movement has played an important role in the history of Indian Muslims. It is the first collective movement of the Muslims of sub-continent. This movement granted new zest to the Muslims and washed the blots of evils from their hearts and made them ready for the Holy war with infidels. Sikhs were possessing Lahore and N.W.F.P, from some time and governing the area by cruel rules and regulations. They martyred and disgraced thousands of Muslims without any fault. The recitation of Kalmah, Islamic names, Adhaan, collective prayers, slaughters of cow etc were forbidden. Several un-Islamic beliefs were entered into Muslim community and the original shape of Islam was un-visible.


Rise of Jehadi Movement:

When the Sikh cruelties became out of temper, Syed Ahmad Shaheed Brailvi accepted the responsibility of reformation of Muslim community and decided to launch Jihad against the Sikhs. For this purpose he founded “Jehadi Movement (The Movement o Jihad)” which is also known as “The Mujahideen Movement”. The Muslims of Indo-Pakistan responded to his call and thousands of Muslims got themselves enrolled in the Jehadi 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.


Contribution of Jehadi Movement in the life of Indian Muslims:

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 firstly tried to convince Ranjit Singh regarding reservations of Muslims but on his refusal 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 contingent 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. These victories inspired a number of Pathan tribes to join Jehadi Movement. The number of Mujahideen rose to 80,000. Syed Ahmed Shaheed Brelvi was given the status of “Amir-ul-Momineen” on January 11, 1827. Islamic laws were also enforced in the area which was controlled by Syed Ahmed Shaheed Brelvi.

These victories and successes of Mujahideens disturbed Ranjit Singh very much. He decided to weaken the Mujahideens through diplomacy. He reached Peshawar and won the sympathies of two local chiefs Yar Mohammad Khan and Sultan Mohammad Khan by promise to point them the ruler of Peshawar. Thus the Muslims were divided into two camps. However Syed Ahmed Shaheed succeeded in conquering Peshawar in November 1830. Through mistake Syed Ahmed Khan appointed Sultan Mohammad Khan the ruler of Peshawar. Unfortunately Sultan Mohammad turned a traitor and hatched a conspiracy against Syed Ahmed Shaheed and tried to poison Sayed Ahmed but was killed by Mujahideens in an encounter attack. Although, with the amazing success the Peshawar was captured in 1830. In the meantime Sikh army under Sher Singh advanced against the Mujahideen. Syed Ahmed Shaheed gathered ail 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 and with modern weapons. 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 and also his loyal friends Maluna Abdul haye and Shah Ismail were martyred.


Conclusion

Although Syed Ahmed Shaheed failed to finish Sikh rule in Punjab yet his Jihad Movement Kindled a flame of freedom in the Sub-Continent. The Pathans of the Frontier province were greatly inspired by the valiant deeds of the Mujahideens, The tribesmen continued the Jihad for freedom against the British. Similarly the Mujahideen spread the spirit of Jihad throughout the length and breadth of Sub-Continent. The spirit of freedom led to the war of independence in 1857 besides that Titu Mir also started a movement for same objectives in Bengal after getting inspiration from Syed Ahmed Shaheed. In addition the Jihad Movement imbibed in the Muslims the spirit of Islamic nationalism which ultimately led to the Two Nation Theory and establishment of Pakistan.