The Religious Literature of 19th Century.

Abstract

18th century has remained an important century for the Islamic Nation. The downfall of the greatest Moghal Empire that was at its peak in Aurang Zaib Alamgir time in sub-continent is the greatest tragedy of our history. The decline of Moghal Empire was not a fall of Government, but also of Muslim culture and civilization and even the very existence of Muslims themselves. After the demise of Aurang Zaib Alamgir in 1707A.D, his sons were each other's throat resulting in is fighting that provided an opportunity to Marhatas, Jats, Sikhs, and others to occupy the territory of the Moghal Empire. It resulted in Chaos in the society and the moral fabric of the once well organized and disciplined Muslim culture and civilization was torn to pieces. This decline of the Moghals also resulted in economic chaos leaking to the disruption in moral values. Moral turpitude reached its climax. However, in this darkness, a group of seriously Concerned and conscientious Muslim citizens came forward to stop this plight. Most prominent among them was Shah Waliullah Dehalvi, who led the fight for the renaissance of the Muslims of India, persuading masses to follow Islam in its true spiritual teachings. He translated the Quran in Persian, wrote a number of books on Tafseer, and established Madarsas to spread Islamic teachings. Shah Walliullah, his sons Shah Rafiuddin as well Shah Abdul Qadir who also translated the Quran into Urdu, contributed through their writings. Shah Walliullah movement later joined by Syed Ahmed Shaheed and Shah Ismail who authored the famous "Mansab-e-Imamat" Besides these outstanding leaders, a large number of contributions were also penned by a number of authors listed here.