Social And Religious Reforms Movements: Deoband, Barelvi, & Faraizi Movement

Deoband, Barelvi, and Faraizi Movements #

Deoband and Barelvi are two prominent Islamic revivalist movements in South Asia, with Deoband emphasizing a conservative interpretation of Islam, while Barelvi focuses on Sufi traditions and a more flexible approach. The Faraizi Movement was a 19th-century Social And Religious Reforms movement in Bengal, led by Haji Shariatullah, advocating for strict monotheism and social justice. 

The Theosophical Movement, founded by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky and Henry Steel Olcott, sought to explore spiritual and esoteric knowledge, promoting the idea of universal brotherhood and the study of comparative religion.

Deoband Movement: Perspectives and its Evolution #

• Origins: The Deoband Movement began in 1866 at Darul Uloom, Deoband, with Mohammad Qasim Nanotavi and Rashid Ahmed Gangohi as key figures.
• Goals: The movement aimed to disseminate pure teachings of the Quran and Hadis among Muslims and sustain the spirit of jihad against foreign rulers.
• Comparison to Aligarh Movement: In contrast to the Aligarh Movement’s focus on Western education and British support, Deoband Movement concentrated on moral and religious rejuvenation of the Muslim community.
• Political Engagement: Deoband Movement initially supported the Indian National Congress but later, under leaders like Mahmud-ul-Hasan, merged Islamic principles with nationalist aspirations.

Barelvi Movement: Tracing the Roots, Objectives, and Confrontations of Titu Mir #

Initiator: Organized by Mir Nithar Ali, known as Titu Mir, a disciple of Sayyid Ahmed Barelvi, the founder of the Wahhabi Movement.

• Objectives: Titu Mir embraced Wahhabism and advocated for Sharia implementation, particularly against Hindu landlords and British indigo planters in Bengal.
• Confrontation: While British records portrayed it as militant, actual confrontation with the British police occurred mainly in the last year of Titu Mir’s life.

Faraizi Movement: Roots, Social And Religious Reforms, and Enduring Legacy #

• Establishment: Founded by Haji Shariatullah in 1818, with its center in East Bengal.
• Objectives: Focused on removing Social And Religious Reforms innovations and un-Islamic practices among local Muslims, guiding them toward their religious duties.
• Transformation by Dudu Mian: Under Dudu Mian’s leadership from 1840, it became more revolutionary, organized, and included paramilitary elements, opposing landlords and indigo planters.
• Legacy: Despite weakening, the Faraizi Movement continued as a religious movement without significant political implications.

The Theosophical Movement: Annie Besant, Central Hindu College, and the Faraizi Movement #

• Founding and Relocation: The Theosophical movement was established in 1875 by Madame H.P. Blavatsky and Colonel M.S. Olcott in New York City, later moving its headquarters to Adyar, near Madras (Chennai) in 1882.
• Beliefs and Goals: It aimed to establish a unique connection between individuals and God, drawing inspiration from Hindu philosophies, promoting universal brotherhood, and exploring natural laws and human potential.
• Annie Besant’s Contributions: Annie Besant, who became the president, founded the Central Hindu College (later Banaras Hindu University) and contributed to women’s education.
• Impact and Limitations: While it met the intellectual needs of educated Hindus, its impact was limited to a Westernized class. 
  • It indirectly boosted Indian self-respect but also fostered an unjustified sense of pride in regressive traditions among some.

Also Read: Raja Ram Mohan Roy: About his life and Contributions in Modern reforms