Originally Posted by shakeel ghori

Critically evaluate the contribution of 'Faraizi Movement' in the life of Muslims in the Sub-Continent

Fraizi Movement began in the first half of 19th century was aimed at reforming the fate of Bengali Muslims. The ignorance from Islam was prevailing. Muslims were being persecuted at the hands of cruel rulers. Till then the British government had acquired a strong hold over the sub-continent which had created great problems for Muslims. Hindu landlords, in collusion with British, used to persecute the Muslim peasantry. Muslims were being denied their fundamental rights. These were the circumstances which urged a great reformer and scholar to launch his movement to ameliorate Muslim society.

Haji Shriat Ullah, the founder of Fraizi movement was born at a small village of Faridpur district. At the very young age he left for Arabia where he received higher eduation in Islam under the guidance of ablest scholars of that time. After spending a long period there, he returned to sub-continent and started his reform movement. His movement basically focused the most depressed class of the Muslims. In the beginning he sought to spread his Islamic views in his own area, but gradually he started inviting the people of other areas as well to return to the true Islamic practices. Initially he faced a great opposition as the unwilling forces sought to curb his efforts. He noticed that the people were indulging themselves in the un-Islamic activities. He asked them to give up un-Islamic customs and practices and to act upon the commandments of the religion called Faraiz or duties. Hence his followers came to be known as Faraizi. The important aspects of his movement were:

1- He maintained that after the occupation of British, the sub-continent has become 'dar-ul-harb', therefore, prayer of 'Jumah' and 'Eid' could not be offered (Unless the country is liberated from infidels and again made 'Dar-ul-Islam)
2- The titles of 'Pir' and 'Mureed' should be replaced with the tiles of 'Ustad' and 'Shagird'. The overwhelming respect of the Mystics and religious scholars should be brought to an end for creating harmony and equality in society.
3-Muslim peasants are to be united so that they could fight against the injustices and persecutions of Hindu landlords.

The movement brought a new spirit in the people of Bengal. They got together against the Hindu landlords for the demand of their rights. Muslims came to realize the atrocities which were being committed against them and started raising their voice for their privileges. They abandoned un-Islamic practices and a new enthusiasm in Muslims for Islam was witnessed. The most important contribution of his movement was that it infused in Muslims the spirit of independence. Thus, Shriat-Ullah sowed the seeds of independence in Bengal which later on culminated in the war of independence. His movement did not stop after his death.

His son Mohisn-ud-din, popularly known as Dadu mian who was not well versed in Islamic teachings like his father, but possessed extraordinary organizational capabilities, kept this movement continue. He strengthened the movement by organizing it in a systematic way. Dadu mian acquired great fame among Muslim peasants. He infused a militant tinge in his movement by revolting against the government. In few areas, he established his own government by appointing Khalifas who established the rules and regulations over there on his directions. He established his own courts and asked everyone not to go to government for settling their disputes and other issues. He was particularly very strict against those landlords who dared to go to the government despite his reluctance.

His prime focus was to liberate Muslim peasants from cruelties of landlords. The Muslim peasant were required to pay heavy taxes for supporting the religious rituals of their Hindu lanlords. Dadu mian strongly opposed this practice and declared that the earth belonged to Allah Almighty and no one has right to occupy it and to impose taxes upon poor peasants. He incited the peasants to rebel against the landlords. His averse activities for landlords caused great problems for them and they joined hands to get rid of him.

The British government and landlords tried to use their usual tactics of leveling false allegations. He was accused of looting few homes; and was made to implicate in another false case of murder. However, due the lack of evidence he was not indicted.

Fraizi Movement had put immense courage in the Muslims to strive for their rights. Many un-Islamic activities were put to an end by the teachings of Haji shariat-ullah. The Muslim peasantry which was suffering at the hands of landlords instigated to throw the yoke of slavery. This movement had had a great impacts on the Muslim. Notwithstanding all its efforts for the cause of Muslims, this movement could not gain its true objectives, however. The participation of Dadu mian and his followers in the war of independence was motivated by religious zeal rather than rational strategy. The defeat in war caused great anguish in the Muslims as aftermaths of war were detrimental for them. Muslims were attributed with the charge of mutiny and British government inclined towards punishing the Muslims for settling all previous accounts. In these circumstances there had been no movement to support the Muslims who had become the most downtrodden community. This was the result of immediate-- without taking steps for proper organisation and preparation of war-- decision of the leaders of that movement to wage a war against British government.


Dear members, specially those who are taking part in this discussion, please do check my attempt and point out my mistakes.
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