Role of The Faraizi Movement in Muslim Reform Movements
- The Faraizi movement called for social justice and expressed worry over the British influence on Muslims.
- It aimed to purify Islam by eradicating all non-Islamic customs and beliefs and designating the Koran as their only source of spiritual guidance.
- According to Haji Shariat Ullah, the Muslims’ ability to practice their religion was harmed by British control in Bengal.
- He declared that numerous transgressions were polluting Islam and offered remedial suggestions.
- He criticized the corruptions and superstitions in Islam and strongly condemns the Muslim caste system.
- The significance of this movement resided in its social foundations, as the rural Muslims of east Bengal banded together under this religious group and rose up in revolt against landowners, indigo planters, and the Britishers.
- After the death of Shariat Ullah in 1837, Dudu Miyan turned this movement from a socio-religious to a socio-economic-political movement.
- Dudu Miyan organized the rural population around an egalitarian ideology.
- He said that because Allah owned the property, the zamindar had no right to collect taxes.
- He instructed his people to avoid paying taxes to the zamindar, cultivating indigo for the planters, and aiding the British.
- A few campaigns were also started to promote modern education and end social vices such as polygamy and purdah.
- This movement sparked a new awareness among the peasants and paved the way for the Muslim reform movement.
Role of Faraizi Movement and Wahabi Movement
The earliest signs of the Muslim awakening emerged at the beginning of the 19th century, led by Shariat Ullah of Bengal. This was happening as a result of the influence of western ideologies, Christian missionaries, and modern education. So they committed themselves to improving Islam and fostering Islamic studies.