شاہ ولی اللہ کے فکری نظریات کا خصوصی تجزیہ

A SPECIAL ANALYSIS OF SHAH WALIULLAH'S INTELLECTUAL THEORIES

Abstract

Shah Waliullah Dehlvi (1703-1762) holds a prominent position in the intellectual and scholarly history of the Indian subcontinent. He was not only a reformer, philosopher, and hadith scholar but also presented Islamic sciences from a new perspective. His thoughts deeply reflect the principles of ijtihad, renewal, and the formation of an Islamic socio-political system. The purpose of this study is to conduct a special analysis of Shah Waliullah's intellectual theories, focusing on his religious, social, economic, and political ideas.Shah Waliullah’s thought was firmly rooted in the Quran and Sunnah, yet he integrated various schools of thought and philosophical perspectives to offer a fresh intellectual and spiritual approach to Islamic sciences. According to him, the true need for reform in Islamic society was internal purification and the establishment of a balanced system based on the principles of justice and equality. By linking Islamic teachings with social and economic development, he laid the foundation for an intellectual framework that remains relevant to the modern world.The most remarkable aspect of his intellectual contributions is his literary works, with Hujjatullah Al-Baligha being the most renowned. In this book, he explained the fundamental principles of Islamic law, society, and philosophy, emphasizing their practical application. His thought prominently included elements of social justice, economic balance, and moral development. He viewed Islamic teachings as a comprehensive social system that ensured the well-being of both individuals and society.Furthermore, Shah Waliullah analyzed the causes of Muslim decline and provided a theoretical framework for their revival. He opposed blind adherence (taqlid) and emphasized the significance of ijtihad, advocating for diversity and innovation in Islamic thought. In his view, the real issue was not merely external invasions but also internal weaknesses, sectarianism, and intellectual stagnation. Drawing from Islamic history, he demonstrated how ijtihad and intellectual expansion had historically strengthened Islamic civilization.This study will examine Shah Waliullah’s ideas in the context of modern challenges and explore how his thought can provide solutions to contemporary social, political, and economic issues. It will highlight the unique aspects of his philosophy, including Sufism, ijtihad, Islamic economics, social reforms, and political philosophy. From this analysis, it can be concluded that Shah Waliullah’s intellectual legacy is not only valuable for his own time but remains a significant asset for the Islamic world today.