Syed Deedar Ali Shah Alwari: Scholar, Leader, and Guardian of Sunni Islamic Tradition
By
Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam
23 August
2024
Syed Deedar Ali Shah Alwari (1856–1935) Was A
Distinguished Figure In Sunni Islamic Scholarship, Widely Recognized For His
Leadership, Scholarly Contributions, And Unwavering Commitment To The Muslim
Community. As A Contemporary Of Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi, Syed Deedar Ali Shah
Was Actively Involved In The Anti-Ahmadiyya Movement And Played A Vital Role In
The Leadership Of The All India Sunni Conference.
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Syed Deedar
Ali Shah Alwari was a renowned Sunni Islamic scholar, leader, and author. He
was instrumental in Islamic education, led the All India Sunni Conference, and
opposed the Ahmadiyya movement. He founded Anjuman Hizbul Ahnaf and left a
lasting impact through his teachings, writings, and community initiatives.
Syed Deedar
Ali Shah Alwari was a leading Sunni Islamic scholar known for his deep
knowledge and commitment to Islamic learning.
He played a
significant role in the All India Sunni Conference and was a vocal opponent of
the Ahmadiyya movement.
Founded
Anjuman Hizbul Ahnaf to promote traditional Islamic education and spiritual
enlightenment.
Wrote
numerous influential works on Islamic jurisprudence, theology, Sufism, and
poetry, which are still respected today.
His
teachings, writings, and institutions continue to shape Sunni Islamic thought
and practice, reflecting his lasting legacy in the Muslim community.
Syed Deedar
Ali Shah Alwari (1856–1935) was a distinguished figure in Sunni Islamic
scholarship, widely recognized for his leadership, scholarly contributions, and
unwavering commitment to the Muslim community. As a contemporary of Ahmed Raza
Khan Barelvi, Syed Deedar Ali Shah was actively involved in the anti-Ahmadiyya
movement and played a vital role in the leadership of the All India Sunni
Conference. His influence also extended to the movement for the Shaheed Ganj
Mosque, marking him as a significant religious and political leader of his era.
Early
Life and Education
Born in
1856 (1273 AH) in Nawabpura, Alwar, Rajasthan, Syed Muhammad Deedar Ali Shah
hailed from a respected family deeply rooted in Islamic scholarship and
spirituality. His father, Syed Najaf Ali Shah, and his uncle, the revered saint
Maulana Syed Nisar Ali Shah Alwari, greatly influenced his early education and
spiritual development. From his uncle, he learned the Holy Quran, which laid
the foundation for his lifelong dedication to Islamic learning and teaching.
Syed Deedar
Ali Shah's formal education began under the guidance of several distinguished
scholars of his time. His initial studies in foundational Islamic texts were
under Maulana Qamaruddin and Maulana Shah Karamat Ali, who provided him with a
solid grounding in classical Islamic knowledge. He then pursued advanced
studies in Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) and Mantiq (logic) under
Maulana Shah Irshad Hussain Mujaddidi Rampuri. To further deepen his
understanding of Hadith, he studied under renowned scholars such as Maulana
Ahmad Ali Muhaddith Saharanpuri and Hazrat Maulana Shah Fazlur Rahman Ganj
Muradabadi. His education culminated in a comprehensive mastery of Islamic sciences,
making him one of the leading scholars of his time. He was also a contemporary
and fellow student of prominent figures like Shaykh-ul-Islam Pir Syed Meher Ali
Shah Golravi and Maulana Wasi Ahmad Muhaddith Suri, forming a network of
scholarly exchange and spiritual camaraderie.
Contributions
and Activities
Syed Deedar
Ali Shah Alwari was not only a scholar but also a dynamic leader deeply
involved in both religious and socio-political spheres. He played an
instrumental role in the Pakistan movement, advocating for Muslim rights and
identity in British India. His dedication to education and spiritual
enlightenment was evident through his founding of Anjuman Hizbul Ahnaf, a
madrasa committed to the propagation of traditional Islamic teachings. His
approach to education was unique; he would often spend extended periods
teaching specific subjects in depth. For instance, he famously spent an entire
year teaching Surah Al-Fatiha, focusing on its profound meanings and
implications. His lessons were transformative, inspiring many to adhere more
closely to Sharia and repent for their sins. The impact of his teachings was so
profound that it led to the conversion of many Hindus to Islam, further
showcasing his influence and the appeal of his message.
Syed Deedar
Ali Shah's contributions extended beyond his immediate community. He was
actively involved in the All India Sunni Conference, where he advocated for
Sunni unity and the preservation of traditional Islamic values. His leadership
was crucial in mobilising Sunni Muslims against the Ahmadiyya movement, which
he and many other scholars viewed as a deviation from orthodox Islamic beliefs.
Additionally, his involvement in the movement for the Shaheed Ganj Mosque
demonstrated his commitment to protecting Islamic heritage and places of
worship. He tirelessly worked to ensure that the mosque remained a symbol of
Islamic faith and identity.
Beyond his
political and religious activism, Syed Deedar Ali Shah was a prolific writer
and thinker. He authored numerous books on a wide range of Islamic topics, from
jurisprudence and theology to Sufism and poetry. His writings continue to be
studied and respected for their depth of knowledge and clarity of thought. His
efforts to establish schools, mosques, and madrasas across the region ensured
that Islamic education remained accessible to all, fostering a sense of
community and spiritual growth.
Legacy
Syed Deedar
Ali Shah's legacy is multifaceted, reflecting his diverse contributions to
Islamic scholarship, education, and community leadership. His relationship with
Imam Ahmed Raza Khan, a prominent Sunni scholar and reformer, further cemented
his status within the Sunni Islamic tradition. Imam Ahmed Raza Khan granted his
son, Mufti-e-Azam Pakistan Maulana Syed Abul Barkat, both spiritual permission
and Khilafat(succession), underscoring the deep respect and trust he had
in Syed Deedar Ali Shah's family and teachings.
The
establishment of Anjuman Hizbul Ahnaf remains a lasting testament to his
dedication to promoting the "Maslak-e-Aala Hazrat," a school of
thought within Sunni Islam that emphasises adherence to traditional beliefs and
practices. This organisation continues to provide free Islamic education,
ensuring that his mission of spiritual enlightenment and community service
endures.
His
influence also extended into the realm of public service and community
development. He was a key figure in the establishment of numerous social and
religious institutions that aimed to uplift the Muslim community and provide
essential services. His emphasis on education, charity, and social justice left
a profound impact on the socio-religious fabric of his time, inspiring future
generations to follow in his footsteps.
Selected
Works
Syed Deedar
Ali Shah Alwari was a prolific author, and his scholarly works have left a
lasting impact on Islamic thought and scholarship. Some of his notable
publications include:
Tafsir Meezan
al-Adyan, Hidayat al-GhawidarDuru al-Fawaid, Rasool al-Kalam, Tahqiq
al-Masa'il, Hidayat al-Tariq, Suluk Qadriyah, AlamatuWahabiyyah, Fazail
Ramadan, Fazail Shaban, Al-Istighasa min Auliya Allah, Ain Istighasa min Allah,
Diwan Deedar Ali Farsi, Diwan Deedar Ali Urdu.
Mazar Syed Deedar Ali Shah Alwari
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Death
and Final Resting Place
Syed Deedar
Ali Shah Alwari passed away on 22 Rajab 1354 AH, corresponding to October 20,
1935. His death marked the end of an era of profound scholarship and community
service. However, his teachings, writings, and organisational efforts continue
to resonate with Muslims around the world. His shrine, located at Gate Lahore
in Mohalla Androon, Lahore, Pakistan, remains a site of pilgrimage and
reflection for those who seek to connect with his spiritual legacy. It serves
as a reminder of his enduring influence and the vital role he played in shaping
the religious landscape of his time.
Through his
dedication to Islamic teachings, community leadership, and scholarly contributions,
Syed Deedar Ali Shah Alwari left an indelible mark on the Sunni Islamic world.
His life and work continue to inspire and guide future generations, ensuring
that his legacy of knowledge, piety, and service to humanity lives on.
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Sahil Razvi is an Author and Research scholar
specialising in Sufism and History and an alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia.
New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism