Faraidi Movement
Etymology and Translations
- English: Faraidi Movement
- Arabic: حركة الفرايضي (Harakat al-Fara’idi)
- Turkish: Ferâiz Hareketi
Historical Context
The Faraidi Movement was a significant Islamic reform movement in nineteenth-century Bengal, initiated by Hajji Shariatullah (d. 1840). Influenced by the Wahhabi movement in Arabia, it sought to purify Islamic practices and beliefs among Bengali Muslims.
Founding Principles
Hajji Shariatullah considered India, under British colonial power, to be dar al-kufr (region of unbelief). Contrary to Wahhabi inclinations towards jihad, Shariatullah’s initial response was symbolic: he suspended public rituals such as Friday congregational prayers, believing an appropriate Islamic political environment was lacking.
Objectives and Practices
The core objectives emphasized returning to Meccan standards of belief and practice aligned with Islamic orthodoxy and the five pillars of Islam.
- Religious Obligations: The movement stressed personal religious duties and adherence to orthodox practices.
- Against Syncretism: Encouraged abandoning saint worship and Hindu-influenced customs.
Socio-Political Impact
After Shariatullah’s death, the movement pivoted towards addressing socio-economic grievances, notably advocating for Muslim peasants against exploitative Hindu landlords. It led to military uprisings in the 1830s that, despite being suppressed with British assistance, heightened the religious and communal tensions in Bengal.
Dissemination and Influence
The Faraidi Movement utilized pamphlets to disseminate their teachings in the Bengali language, thus reaching a broader audience and enhancing the religious awareness among the local Muslim populace.
Suggested Readings
- “The Faraidi Movement in Bengal (1818-1906)” by Amiya Prosad Sen
- “Islamic Revival in British India: Deoband, 1860-1900” by Barbara Daly Metcalf
- “The Wahhabi Movement in India” by Jairath Singh
Key Takeaways
- Reform-Oriented: The Faraidi Movement aimed at purifying Islamic practices in Bengal, inspired by Wahhabi principles.
- Response to Colonialism: The movement viewed British-ruled India as incompatible with an ideal Islamic order but opted for symbolic disengagement rather than armed conflict initially.
- Social Justice Focus: Addressed both religious and socio-economic issues, leading peasant uprisings to challenge local Hindu landlords.
- Literary Spread: Leveraged pamphleteering in Bengali to spread Islamic teachings widely among the populace.
Conclusion
The Faraidi Movement represents a notable chapter in the socio-religious history of Bengali Muslims. Its emphasis on reform, resistance to syncretism, and social activism underline the complex interplay between religious purity and socio-economic justice during British colonial rule.
