Shah Wali Allah

Qutb ud-Din Ahmad ibn ʿAbd-ur-Rahim al-ʿUmari ad-Dehlawi, known as Shah Waliullah Dehlawi, was an Islamic Sunni scholar and Sufi reformer. He was born on February 21, 1703, in Phulat, Muzaffarnagar, Mughal Empire, and died on August 20, 1762, in Delhi, Mughal Empire. He is considered a renewer of Islam in the Indian subcontinent. Shah Waliullah advocated for a broad definition of Sunni Islam, including various theological schools and legal traditions. He emphasized the importance of ijtihad based on the Quran and Hadith and sought to reconcile differences between Islamic legal schools. He also stressed a direct understanding of the Quran and favored interpretations closest to the literal meaning. Regarding Divine Attributes, he held the Ash'ari position but opposed excessive Kalam (speculative theology). Shah Waliullah expressed dislike for the Marathas and is reported to have corresponded with Ahmad Shah Abdali, urging him to intervene against Maratha expansion. He also advocated for adherence to Arabic Islamic culture and against adopting non-Islamic customs. His father was Shah Abdur Rahim, and his son was Shah Abdul Aziz. Among his important works are Hujjat Allah al-Baligha and Al-Fawz al-Kabir.