Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jamaah
Definition
Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jamaah (Arabic: أهل السنة والجماعة) translates to “People of the Prophet’s Way and the Community.” An influential movement in Islamic South Asia, the term identifies Muslims who adhere to the Sunni understanding of Islam as derived from the teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad and his companions.
Etymology
The term itself is composed of several Arabic components:
- Ahl (أهل): meaning ‘people’ or ‘family.’
- al-Sunnah (السنة): denotes ’the tradition’ or the practices of Prophet Muhammad.
- wa’l-Jamaah (والجماعة): signifies ‘and the community’ or the collective Muslim community.
In Turkish, the term is rendered as Ehl-i Sünnet ve Cemaat.
Historical Context
The modern iteration of Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jamaah, also referred to as Barelvis or Barelwis, was founded in the northern regions of India during the 1880s. This movement emerged built upon the intellectual and spiritual foundations laid down by Mawlana Ahmad Reza Khan Barelwi (1856–1921). The backdrop to its emergence includes the traumatic failures of the Indian revolt of 1857 and subsequent formal British colonization, ending the Mughal Empire.
Core Beliefs and Practices
While representing themselves as heirs to the earliest Muslim community in South Asia, Barelvi adherents emphasize the following:
- Primacy of Islamic Law: Greater focus on fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) over non-canonical actions or beliefs.
- Sufi Practices: Incorporation of Sufi orientations such as veneration of saints and direct spiritual experiences.
- Prophetic Devotion: Strong emphasis on personal devotion to the Prophet Muhammad.
Evolution and Influence
Initially a rural movement, Barelvism adapted to contemporary socio-political scenarios, notably addressing significant political issues impacting Muslims, especially post the 1947 partition of India and Pakistan. Lately, the once predominantly rural movement enjoys acceptance amongst urban and educated populations within both India and Pakistan.
Further Reading
Below are some recommended readings for a deeper understanding:
- “Sufi Heirs of the Prophet: The Indian Naqshbandiyya and the Rise of the Mediating Sufi Shaykh” by Arthur Buehler.
- “Islamic Revival in British India: Deoband, 1860-1900” by Barbara Daly Metcalf.
- “Muslim Cultures of South Asia, Focus on Pakistan and Northern India” by Mohammad Haroon Khalid.
Takeaways
Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jamaah’s formation reflected significant responses to colonial and post-colonial challenges within the Muslim community of South Asia. Integrating Islamic law with Sufi praxis, their ontological distinction articulated a holistic Muslim identity aimed at fostering religious devotion inwardly and rigorously practicing Islamic law outwardly.
Conclusion
Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jamaah contributes critically to the narrative of Islamic orthodoxy and identity in South Asia. Understanding its historical emergence and evolving influence remains indispensable for appreciating the broader trajectories of Muslim socio-political and religious chronicles in this region.
