Research Journal Al-Meezan, Volume: 3, Issue: 2 ( Dec 2021) 81

Western Scholarly Works On Shah Wali Allah And His

Universal Thoughts
Dr‫ ۔‬Sanaullah Hussain
Associate Professor,
Chairman Quran & Tafseer
Faculty of Arabic and Islamic Studies
Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad

Dr. Syed Muhammad Tahir Shah

Assistant Professor Department of Islamic Studies
Govt. Post Graduate College (Boys) Satellite Town Rawalpindi
smtahirshah2@gmail.com

Abstract
Shah Wali Allah (R.A) was a great Muslim scholar of 18th century
from the sub-continent. His thoughts and teachings were international and
had worldwide influence. He formulated his ideas nearly a century before
the well-known reformers of the world like Karl Marx and Adam Smith.
A reasonable research work has been done on Shah Wali Allah's
books, thoughts terminologies and his movements in almost every part of
the world. Especially the west and the western scholars have laboriously
studied Shah Wali Allah and contributed to a better understanding of his
thoughts. These research works consist of the translations of his books in
the western languages, research thesis for Ph.D degrees and research
articles for different journals. A large number of European universities and
other publishing companies also played an important role and helped in
researching and printing these researches.
In this article the universal approach of Shah Wali Allah’s thoughts
is described with a brief detail of some research works conducted on him
and his works in Europe. This also provides awareness of the importance
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82

of Shah Wali Allah’s thoughts in Europe and the various related aspects to
his teachings. Moreover, the comprehension and analytical approach of the
Europeans on Shah Wali Allah can be observed as well.
Key Words :Shah Wali’s ideology, universality, revolution, terminologies,
reformation

Introduction

Shah Wali Allah Dehlavi (1703-1762) was an influential Islamic reformer

who wanted to revive Muslim society in Asia. He as a productive writer,
produced 51 important Islamic texts.Although he was a great religious and
social leader of Sub-continent but his created collections of books and
valuable thoughts are read, understood, acknowledged and extensively
researched universally because of their being universal as well as valuable
for all. European scholars gave special significance to his creative
contributions. Great amount of standard research work was carried upon
his thoughts and teachings. This article encompasses a survey of the
research work done in Europe on Shah Wali Allah’s life, his works and
ideology, with brief details along with explanation of the universality of his
thoughts. This reflects the significance and esteem given by European
researchers to Shah Wali Allah, and also informs about the worth of these
researches. Moreover, by benefiting from this modern study and research,
it can also pave way for the application and implementation of his thoughts
in contemporary times.

1. Shah Wali Allah and the Universality of his Thoughts

Shah Wali Allah, belonging to Sub-continent was a great personality of
Islamic world in terms of thoughts, reformation, modernity and creator of
his age.According to encyclopedia Bartanica he was an Indian theologian
and founder of modern Islamic thought who first attempted to reevaluate
Islamic theology in the light of modern changes. 1

He was born in 18th C, known as an age of upheaval in the history of Sub-

Continent. This time was the demise of King Aurangzaib Alamgeer and
political control of English colonizers and Marhatas in this South Asiatic
land. Therefore, he in that time period, put forward such economic
Research Journal Al-Meezan, Volume: 3, Issue: 2 ( Dec 2021) 83

principles, political concepts, rules of governance, basic human rights,

international laws and matters related to religious affairs, and narrated such
great reforming ideas and thoughts by introducing a brief system that had
the ability of application at international level. These universal and
comprehensive thoughts, ideologies and international teaching, and
guidance given by him were imitable and beneficial for the entire world.
Molana Ubaid Ullah Sindhi while describing universality and direction of
his thoughts, at one instance in his book says:

“When the books of Imam Wali Allah read carefully, then it would
be obvious that although his language originally is from Dehli, yet
his addressees with the reference of elites of Dehli, are Judes,
Christians and non-Arab nations on the one hand and Greek, Iran
and Sabis of hind (Arian) on the other hand, are equally participants
in the subject of his discussion.”2

This was the reason that ideas of Shah Wali not only limited to Sub-
continent but also spread and become famous among world-wide nations.
Guidance was sought after through his thoughts from various corners of the
world. While highlighting this aspect Molana Munazir Ahsan Gillani says:

Shah Wali’s writings has the solution for Western inclination and
disbelief. Now this is an understood fact that not only in Hindustan
but also all including Egypt, Turkey, Iran and Afghanistan, have
started this realization. And thanks to God, Shah Wali’s books have
gained fame in all these Muslim countries.3

Therefore, fame of Shah Wali’s universal ideology at international level

was an essential fact.

2. Shah Wali Aallah’s ideologies as a pioneer of well-known universal

thoughts

Besides the universality of Shah wali Allah’s thoughts, teachings and a

compact economic system it is also a fact that his system was the pioneer
and more effective among the well-known economic systems of the world.
Therefore, these thoughts can be called as the originator of such universal
ideologies.
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84

This is the fact that Shah Wali’s revolutionary books, opinions, views and
principles of economy, were presented at a time when half a century still
remained in French Revolution (1789 BC), and a century to Karl Marx, the
originator of communism. Thus he introduced his unique thoughts and
principles when Europe was still not aware of the development of
machines and lived in dark ages. And later on luckily, they attained the
powerful facility of printing press, when the changing time in above
mentioned personality and change in Europe appeared, otherwise, Shah’s
philosophy while appearing long before time, was highly logical, clear,
intellectual and practically applicable. If this printing press would have
been available to him, then a great revolution could have originated.
Whilst, the publication of his manuscripts, could be possible after a century
and half. 4

Comparison between the thoughts of Shah wali Allah and other

international thinkers and description of this origination in this regard has
also been performed by many other researchers and philosophers. Molana
Ubaidullah Sindhi, during his stay in Europe, along with the study of
socialism, deeply observed the respect and value of Karl Marx among the
Europeans and expressed in this way,

“The base of this respect and honor was the economic system of Karl
Marx. We were astonished that such revolutionary scripts that later Karl
Marx wrote in his writings, were already presented in Hakim Ul Hind’s
(Shah Wali) manuscripts. Because Imam Wali died in 1773(AD) and Karl
Marx was born in 1818”.5

This was the reason that he is considered forerunner to above mentioned

reformers.

It is described in the encyclopedia.com that One chapter in the work

described the harms of capitalism, which Shah Wali Allah thought led to
the fall of the Roman and Sassanid empires. Many of his philosophies and
thoughts relating to economics and socialism are now considered
revolutionary, and he is considered to be a forerunner to Karl Marx. 6
Research Journal Al-Meezan, Volume: 3, Issue: 2 ( Dec 2021) 85

This realism was realized sooner or later on the international level and
Shah Wali’s principles, ideology and teachings became universal and
worldly applicable owing to its worth.

3. Significance and Study of Shah Wali Ullah and his ideology in

Europe

Shah Wali’s presented universal principles, ideologies and teachings were

so compact and beneficial that due to its importance, his followers highly
promoted his knowledge. Consequently, not only research work was
carried out on his preaching in sub-continent but his books were translated
in many languages of the world also. Many scholarly works were started
on these books and they became focus of research in many counties.

Likewise, the scholarly analysis of his works was conducted minutely in

the Eastern countries and the Western countries also did not lack behind in
this race. Therefore, Western scholars paid close attention and studied
minutely to Shah Wali’s thoughts in Western universities and research
institutions. The worth of Shah’s ideas and research work on them in the
West, is mentioned below briefly.

3.1- Significance of Shah Wali Ullah’s thoughts among Western

Scholars and the West.

West and Western scholars laid special emphasis on Shah’s work and made
his work the focus of attention by taking benefit from his work.The
importance of Shah’s can be understood from his book Hujjat-Allah-hul-
Baaligha which is translated in English by Dr. Muhammad Al-Ghazali,
The Socio Political Thought of Shah Wali Allah. In the editor’s note of this
book Dr. Zafar Ishaaq Ansari writes about Shah’s worth and influence in
Europe:

“Like Wise perceptible interest has been shown by several western scholars
who have laboriously studied Shah Wali Allah… There are, however, also
other western scholars who have contributed to a better understanding of
his thought“7
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86

The importance of Shah Wali’s teachings in the eyes of West and Western
researchers can also be illustrated with another example that the Foreword
of the above mentioned translation of Dr. Muhammad Al-Ghazali is
written briefly by Prof. Dr. Marcia K.Hermansen, from The Department of
Theology in the Loyola University Chicago America, writes about the
importance of Shah wali’s considerations:

“This study of Shah Wali Allah’s thought is therefore an important

corrective to the perception that Islamic Theology remained frozen
in a scholastic mode, unable to address either empirical facts or
broader human existential concerns”8
After expressing these words about the esteemed worth of Shah Wali’s
views, she further writes:
“It is instructive to note that as a Muslim thinker who bridged the
classical and the modern periods of Islamic History, Shah Wali Allah did
not have a rigid interpretation of concepts”9
This detailed Foreword illustrates and clarifies the value and worth of Shah
Wali’s ideology.
Moreover Professor Marcia also excellently translated and researched on
Shah’s book Hujjat-Allah-hul-Balighah herself,that will be presented
afterwards briefly.
In the book named, Theory of Islamic Philosophy, published in London and
New York, compiled by Oliver Leoman and Syed Hossein Nasr, collected
many research articles by the western scholars. In most of these research
works Shah Wali and his thoughts have been discussed from various
aspects. From these the one of the articles, titled “The Quran and Hadith as
source and inspiration of Islamic Philosophy” by Syed Hossein Nasr where
he illustrates Shah’s contribution and significance in these words:
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“In fact some of the out standing Islamic philosophers such as Ibn-e-
Rushd, Mir Damad and Shah Wali Allah of Dehli have also been
authorities in the domain of the sacred law.”10
It can be assessed from this statement that European scholars count Shah
Wali among the great Muslim scholars like Ibne-Rushd. Furthermore, this
was the significance of Shah Wali that many countless research projects,
theses, articles and essays have been written in the west on his personality,
his books and innovative ideas.
3.2. Evaluation of research works conducted in the West on Shah
Wali Ullah and his thoughts
The research works done on Shah Wali and his thoughts are of many
perspectives, dimensions and aspects. These scholarly works include:
theses, translation and research on Shah’s books, research articles
published in many journals and the books written on him. These works are
done in various European languages generally and most of the work is in
English and French.
This article focuses on research works that are done or published in Europe
or completed by European scholars and researchers in the Western
languages.
These works can be divided and illustrated in the following two aspects.
I. Research works done in Europe on the books of Shah Wali Ullah
II. Research works conducted in Europe on the personality, services
and thoughts of Shah Wali
These points are illustrated in detail accordingly.

I. Research works done in Europe on the books of Shah Wali

Allah (Translations & Research)
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88

Shah Wali composed a large number of highly beneficial books on Tafseer,

Hadith, Fiqh, Tasawwaf and History. Besides this he presented as unique
role in writing of secret aspects and the reality of shariah that are matchless
in the history of Islam. Various writers have mentioned that around 53
books are attributed to Shah Wali, whereas many are rarely available. 11
According to analysis of scholarly works and especially European
researcher, Shah’s compilation and writings are highly appreciable.
Therefore, a western scholar, John O. Voll writes about Shah: “Outside of
the Indian subcontinent Hujjat Allah al-Baligha and Al-Insaf fee Bayan
Sabab al Ikhtilaf and Iqd al-Jid are the most readily available of Shah Wali
Allah’s work”12
Another Scholar Aziz Al-Azmeh mentions Shah and his books in these
words:
“It may be instructive to compare our assessment of Wali Allah’s work as
it was received by his successor to that of Ibn Khaldun (1404) to whome he
is also likened”13
Scholarly works done on Shah Wali’s books are mentioned below.
1. (Tawil al-Ahadith), A Dutch Scholar Prof. J. M. S. Baljon
translated this famous book of Shah Wali in English that is
published with the title: A Mystical Interpretation of
Prophetic Tales by an Indian Muslim: Shah Wali Allah of
Dehli) English Translation of Tawil al-Ahadith by J.M.S
Baljon (Leiden E.J Brill 1973).
Prof. Baljon’s research work on Shah Wali is considered fundamental brief
in Europe. Besides this scholarly work, other compiled books and articles
by Prof. Baljon would be elaborated in detail in the following pages. While
commenting on Baljon’s contribution to Shah’s work, Dr. Zafar Is’haaq
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Ansari writes: “The most mentionable among them of course is the veteran
Dutch Scholar J.M.S. Baljon who has devoted a full scale book to an
analytical study of Shah Wali Allah”14
The significance of Prof. Baljon’s work on Shah’s ideology can be
assessed from the fact that most of research work done later on, takes
assistance from Baljon’s investigation and the reference of these works are
given.

2. (Hujja-tulla-hul- baligha),This is one of Shah Wali Ullah’s

famous books.It has been translated and researched
affectively in English in Loyola University Chicago in
Department of Theology by Prof. Marcia K. Hermensen that
is published by Brill Academic Publishers, Leiden, The
Netherland in 1996.
This translation got fame equally in east and west. Afterword this
translation was published with the title: “The conclusive argument from
God, Shah Wali Allah of Dehli’s Hujat Allah Al-Balighah by Marcia
K. Hermansen; Shah Wali Allah in "British Journal of middle eastern
studies” Vol. 27 No. 2 Nov 2000. 15

Owing to its significance and worth, Islamic research institute Islamabad

with the cooperation of Brill Publisher, also published its translation in
2003 so that Pakistani nation can also take assistance from this work.
This work of the writer has been created by much hard work and by high
standard work. By commenting upon this translation, the editor of IRI
Islamabad Dr. Zafar Ishaq Insari writes:
“Her English translation the first half of Hujjat-ullahul-Baligha, a tough
and challenging task for any scholar, is a living monument of her
penetrating grasp of Shah Wali Allah’s thought which deserves much
applause”16
Western Scholarly Works On Shah Wali Allah
90

In these research projects, Western educational institutes and researchers

have been in close cooperation consistently, consequently these scholarly
works have been compiled quickly and easily. As the above mentioned
professor wrote in the acknowledgement of the translation and research of
the book, Hujat ulla hul Baligha, about some of those western Universities
and researchers who helped her in this work. This shows the keen interest
of the Western institutes and researchers in Shah wail’s work. She writes:
“The university of Chicago and the Social sciences and humanities
research council of Canada both of which supported my graduate study.
Among friends and colleagues Alan and Sylvia Godlas, Barbora von
schlegell … and my other friends and colleagues in Chicago, Canada and
San Diego who contributed in various ways”17

3. (Altaf-Al-Qudus),This is a unique book written by Shah

Wali Ullah on the topic of Tasawaf. English translation of
this book written by G. H. Jalbani named as of “The Sacred
Knowledge”, was published from London Octagon Press in
1984. This translation is of good quality and standard . It is
also discussed by Prof Marcia K. Hermansen in the
bibliography of her translation mentioned above. 18

4. (Al Insaaf fee Bayan Sabab-al-Ikhtilaf & Iqd ul Jeed fee

Ahkaam Al Ijtihaad wattaqleed) These two books are
very worthwhile and comprehensive creations of Shah Wali
Allah on the topic of Ijtihaad and the reasons of
differentiation. These books are also translated and
researched by Dr. Marcia K. Hermansen by the title of
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“Shah Wali Allah’s Treatises on Islamic Law”, was

published by Fons Vitae of Kentucky in 2011. 19
II. Scholarly Work Done In The West On Shah Wali’s Personality,
Thoughts And Teachings (Research Articles and books).
A long list can be made on the scholarly works done in Europe on
Shah Wali’s personality and thoughts beside his books. These
research works include dissertations, essays and books. These
articles and books directly or indirectly inculcate subjects related to
Shah’s ideology, teachings, movements and specific terminologies.
Most of these works are also extremely fruitful and significant for
countries of Eastern region.
Below mentioned are some of the researches of these scholars and
authors, along with their publications and publishers’ names for the
ease of access to the readers.
1. Prof Aziz Ahmed
His studies on Shah Wali Ullah are well known and highly
thought of in Europe. He served as professor of Islamic Studies
in University of Toronto Canada and was died in 1978 in
Toronto. He is famous as a great fiction writer, critic, translator
and historian.20

Below mentioned are some of researches and essays written in

English.
I. “Political and Religious ideas of Shah Wali Allah of Dehli”21
II. “The Waliullah Movement, In Islamic Culture in the Indian
environment London”22
III. “The Intellectual History of Islam in India”23
IV. “Studies in Islamic Culture in the Indian environment”24

2. Abdel. Al, Khalil, Abdul Hamid.

His PhD dissertation is on Shah Wali ullah with the title. “God
the Universe and Man in Islamic thought.” The contribution of
Shah Wali Allah of Dehli (1702-1762)25
3. Prof. J.M.S Baljon
Western Scholarly Works On Shah Wali Allah
92

Professor Baljon was a Dutch scholar. His work on Shah Wali

is a source of reference for the succeeding scholars. Besides his
previously mentioned creation of English translation by the
title, “Taveel ul Hadith”, following notable scholarly works are
also of greater significance that are mentioned along with
publication detail.
I. “Psychology of apprehended and applied Shah Wali Allah Dehlil”26
II. “Ethics of Shah Wali Allah of Dehli”27
III. “Shah Wali Allah’s Terminology of Creation”28
IV. “Religion and Thought of Shah Wali Allah Dehlvi”29

4. Berque Jacques
“Un contempra in Islamic-Indian de Jean Jacques Rousseau”30
5‫۔‬ Marcia K. Hermansen
Professor Hermansen attained great fame because of his work on books
and ideology of Shah Wali.I have introduced in the previous pages
mentioned Hermansen’s translated works of Hujat-ullah hul-Baligha and
Aqd-ul-Jeed. Besides these books Prof. Hermansen created research thesis
and many research articles that are mentioned below:
I. “Wali Allah, Shah. In Oxford Encyclopedia of the modern Islamic
world” 31

II. “Tension Between the universal and the particular in an eighteenth

century theory of Religions Revelation: Shah Wali Allah of Dehli’s Hujjat
Allah al-Baligha”32
III. “Shah Wali Allah’s Theory of The Subtle Spiritual Centers (Lata-if)
A Sufi Theory of Personhood and self transformation” 33
IV. “The current state of Shah Wali Allah studies”34
V. "Shah wali Alla's Theory of Religions" 35

6. Voll, Johyn. O
“Hadith Scholars and Tariqahs” ‘An Ulema’ Group”36
7. Valiuddin, Mir
Research Journal Al-Meezan, Volume: 3, Issue: 2 ( Dec 2021) 93

“Contemplative Disciplines in Sufiism”37

8. Met Calf, Barbara Daly
“Islamic Revival in British India” Deoband; 1860-1900 38
9. Francica Robinson
“Verities of South Asian Islam”39
10. Albert Hourani
“Islam in European Thought”40
This is a collection of many essays and researches that is written on the
relationship between Europe, and Islamic thought and culture. These
analyze various aspects of Shah’s ideology.

11. Abdul Azim Aislahi

“Stages of Socio-Economic development Shah Wali-Allah’s concept
of Al Irtifaqat”41
The list of research works conducted on Shah Wali in the west is
very long. Some of these have briefly been mentioned here. Further
research in this regard can bring forward more such scholarly works. This
analysis on one hand shows the universality of Wali’s thoughts while on
the other hand it highlights the trust and contribution of western scholars
regarding these thoughts.
Moreover, this research can also be helpful in application of Shah’s
thoughts in modern times. This can be a source of triumph in this world
and the world hereafter.

‫۔‬
Western Scholarly Works On Shah Wali Allah
94

1
. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Shah-Wali-Allah
2
. Sindhi, Ubaid Ullah. Shah Wali Ullah aur Unki Siyasi Tehreek. Al-Mehmood Academy.
Lahore: Page. 38-39 Jan. 1922
3
. Gillani, Molana Manazir Ahsan. Tazkirah e Hazrat Shah Wali Ullah . Bisat E Adab.
Lahore: Page. 257-259. Jan. 1952. Volume-2
4
.Syed Muhammad Mian, Molana,Ulama e Hind Ka Shandar Maazi,Maktaba Rasheedia
Karachi,page 32,33
5
.Sindhi, ibid page 49,50
6
https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-
maps/dehlavi-shah-waliullah
7
.Ansari, Dr. Zafar Ishaq, Editor’s Note, The Socio-political thought of Shah Wali Allah,
Muhammad Al
Ghazali, p.xv Printed by IRI 2002, Islamabad
8
.Marcia K. Hermansen Prof, Fore word, Muhammad Al Ghazali, Socio Political thought
of Shah Wali Allah, IRI Islamabad 2002, Page vii
9
. Ibid
10
Syed Hossein Nasr, History of Islamic Philosophy, Published by Routledge London
and New York in 1997, Chap:2, page 29
11
.Khursheed Anwar Qasmi,Molana,Alfouz ul Azeem sharah alfouz ul kabeer,Qadeemi
Kutub Khana Aram Bagh Karachi,Page 603,604
12
. John O.Voll, Hadith scholars and Tariqahs. A “Ulema Group” in Journal of Asian and
Africah studies (Jul. Oct 1980) 265.
13
. Aziz al-Azmeh, Ibn Khaldun (London Routledge 1982) Chap II Page 145
14
.Muhammad Al Ghazali, Ibid, Editors Note P xiv
15
‫۔‬https://www.jstor.org/stable/826099?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents
16
. Muhammad Al-Ghazali, Ibid, Editor’s Note. P. xiv
17
Marcia K. Hermansen. Ibid, (Acknowledgement)
18
. Marcia, Ibid Page 479
19
. See https://www.amazon.com/Shah-Wali-Allahs-Treatises-Islamic/dp/189178546X
20
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/aziz-ahmad
21
. The Muslim world vol. 52. Edited by Ibrahim M Abu-Rabi and Jane Smith Hort ford
semaniry (Jan-1962): 22-30.
(https://www.academia.edu/29485885/Political_and_Religious_Ideas_of_SH_H_Wal_-
Ull_H_of_Delhi)
22
. Oxford university Press, 1964
23
. Edinburgh University Press 1969
24
. London oxford University Press 1969
25
. PhD Dissertation University of London 1970
26
In Acta Orientalia Neader Landice Leiden E.J Brill 1977. Pp 53-60
27
. In Acts of vii congress of Arabists and orientalists Gottingen. Vandenhoeck &
Ruyprcht 1976 pp. 63-73
28
. Actes du seme congress de I Union Europeane des Arabisants et Islamisants. Aix-en-
Province 1976 pp. 17-22
29
. Leden E. J Brill 1986
Revised E Book edition Edited by Krijn Peter Hesselink and Katinka Hessilink.
(Published online as a free e book 2012.
(https://www.jstor.org/stable/25212297?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents)
30
. L. Islam au temps du monde Paris: Sindbad 1984 pp 113-146
Research Journal Al-Meezan, Volume: 3, Issue: 2 ( Dec 2021) 95

31
. Oxford Encyclopedia of the modern Islamic world, Edited by John Esposito. ,New york
Oxford university Press 2001 vol,IV :311-312 (http://sites.la.utexas.edu/mhc/seminar)
32
. Studia Islamica 63(1986)143-157
33
. Journal of near eastern studies Jan. 1988: 1-25
34
. Hamdard Islamicus xi(3, 1988 17-30) also see Bibliography. Marcia. Ibid Page 481
35
. PhD Dissertation University of Chicago 1982.
36
Journal of Asian and African Studies 15 (July-October 1980) 262-273
37
. East West Publications, London. 1980
38
. Princeton University Press: 1982 Princeton
39
. Research Paper No. 8. Centre of research in Ethnic Relations. University of War Wick
Coventry CV47AL Sep. 1988
40
. Cambridge University Press 1991 p-161 (New York, USA, Melbourne Australia)
41
. MPRA (Munich Personal Repec Archive) Munich University Liberary Gesch Wister-
School-Platz ID 80539 munich Germany (https://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/29628/)