Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi / Mujaddid Alif Sani
Introduction
Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi, also known as Mujaddid Alif Sani (Reviver of the Second Millennium), was a great Islamic scholar, reformer, and Sufi saint of the Naqshbandi order. He was born on 10th Muharram 971 AH (1563 AD) in Sirhind, near Lahore. He was a descendant of Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA), the second Caliph of Islam. His shrine is located in Sirhind, India, and is known as Rauza Sharif. He lived during the Mughal period and stood up against the un-Islamic practices introduced by Emperor Akbar.
Meaning of Mujaddid Alif Sani
The title \”Mujaddid Alif Sani\” means \”Reviver of the Second Millennium.\” He was given this title because of his major role in reviving Islam and correcting the wrong beliefs that had spread in his time.
Religious and Social Services
During his time, Akbar had introduced policies that went against Islamic teachings. He promoted Hindu customs, gave important posts to Hindus, and married Hindu women. Sheikh Ahmad started a movement to bring Muslims back to the true teachings of Islam.
Opposition to Din-i-Ilahi
Akbar introduced a new religion called Din-i-Ilahi, which mixed different faiths and reduced the importance of Islam. He called himself Mujaddid-e-Azam and claimed his religious orders were final. Sheikh Ahmad strongly opposed Din-i-Ilahi and defended Islam with great courage.
Social Reforms
Muslim society had fallen into wrong practices influenced by Hinduism. People believed in miracles of saints more than the Quran and Hadith. Sheikh Ahmad tried to remove these false beliefs and encouraged people to follow true Islamic teachings.
Reforms in Tasawwuf (Sufism)
Many Sufis had started ignoring Sharia and believed that Islamic law was not important. They focused only on spiritual experiences. Sheikh Ahmad corrected this by saying that spirituality without following the Quran and Sunnah is meaningless. He encouraged scholars to use the Quran and Hadith in their teachings.
Purification of Muslim Society
To spread true Islam, Sheikh Ahmad sent his students across the region. He told them to preach the importance of following the Prophet’s example and obeying Islamic law. He also wrote many letters to scholars, encouraging them to return to pure Islam.
Struggle Against Atheism
Sheikh Ahmad fought against atheism and un-Islamic beliefs. He emphasized the concept of Tauheed (Oneness of Allah) and warned Muslims against following false ideas. He said that mysticism without Sharia is misguiding.
Reformation of Nobles
He influenced nobles and court officials by making them his disciples. This helped him spread Islamic values inside the Mughal court. He encouraged Muslims to live simply, pray regularly, and fast during Ramadan.
Emphasis on Islamic Values
Sheikh Ahmad stressed the importance of namaz (prayer), fasting, and leading a simple life. He believed fasting protected people from sins. His efforts helped strengthen Islamic values among Muslims in India.
Belief in Two-Nation Theory
Sheikh Ahmad believed that Muslims and Hindus are two different nations. He supported the separate identity of Muslims and wanted to protect it. He wanted jizya (tax) to be reimposed on Hindus and even called for the destruction of Hindu temples to preserve Islamic identity.
Wahdat-ul-Wajud vs Wahdat-ul-Shahud
Some Sufis believed in Wahdat-ul-Wajud, which means that everything in the universe is part of God. Sheikh Ahmad opposed this and presented his own belief called Wahdat-ul-Shahud, which means that God and His creation are completely separate.
Struggle Against Jehangir’s Policies
When Jehangir became emperor, his minister Asif Jah warned him about Sheikh Ahmad. The emperor called him to court and asked him to bow, but Sheikh Ahmad refused, saying that prostration is only for Allah. As a result, he was sent to Gwalior Fort for two years.
Struggle During Imprisonment
Even while in prison, Sheikh Ahmad continued to preach Islam. After two years, Jehangir realized his mistake and released him with honor. He gave Sheikh Ahmad a choice to return to Sirhind or stay at the royal court. Sheikh Ahmad chose to stay so he could influence the emperor and promote Islamic values.
Influence of His Efforts
Sheikh Ahmad’s efforts brought a major change in the religious life of Indian Muslims. He corrected wrong beliefs, revived Islamic teachings, and converted many non-Muslims to Islam. Allama Iqbal praised him for refusing to bow before the emperor and called him a spiritual guardian of Indian Muslims.
Death
Sheikh Ahmad stayed with Jehangir for three years before returning to Sirhind. He passed away in 1624 AD (1024 AH).
Conclusion
Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi was one of the most powerful religious leaders in the history of India. He brought Muslims back to the true teachings of Islam, removed false beliefs, and protected Muslim identity. His efforts had a lasting effect on the religious and social life of Muslims in the subcontinent. He is remembered as the first person to purify Sufism and defend Islamic teachings with great strength.