1. Introduction to Haji Shariatullah
- Haji Shariatullah was born in 1781 in Faridpur, Bengal (now part of Bangladesh).
- At a young age, he traveled to Makkah for religious studies and stayed there for 20 years.
- He returned to Bengal in 1802 and was deeply troubled by the un-Islamic practices followed by local Muslims.
2. Founding of the Faraizi Movement
- Shariatullah noticed that Bengali Muslims had mixed Islamic teachings with Hindu customs and superstitions.
- He began preaching the importance of following Faraiz (obligatory Islamic duties) strictly.
- His movement became known as the Faraizi Movement because it focused on reviving these Islamic obligations.
3. Objectives of the Movement
The Faraizi Movement aimed to:
- Remove un-Islamic customs – Such as celebrating Hindu festivals, shrine worship, and other non-Islamic traditions.
- Revive true Islamic teachings – Encourage Muslims to follow Quran and Sunnah correctly.
- Boost religious awareness – Educate Muslims about their faith and duties.
- Build self-confidence – Help Bengali Muslims regain pride in their Islamic identity.
4. Challenges Faced by the Movement
- Initially, people resisted his reforms because they were used to old traditions.
- Hindu landlords and British officials opposed him as his movement empowered poor Muslim farmers.
- Despite difficulties, his teachings gradually gained popularity across Bengal.
5. Leadership Under Dudu Mian
- After Haji Shariatullah’s death in 1840, his son Muhammad Mohsin (Dudu Mian) took over.
- Dudu Mian strengthened the movement by organizing Muslim peasants against exploitative Hindu landlords.
- He fought for tenant rights, protecting Muslim farmers from unfair taxes and oppression.
- The British and Hindu elites tried to suppress him, but he continued his mission fearlessly.
6. Impact of the Faraizi Movement
- Religious Revival – Bengali Muslims returned to pure Islamic practices.
- Social Empowerment – Poor Muslims gained confidence to stand against injustice.
- Economic Protection – Tenant farmers received fairer treatment from landlords.
- Long-term Influence – Inspired later Islamic reform movements in South Asia.
7. Conclusion
- Though the movement faced opposition, it successfully reformed Muslim society in Bengal.
- Both Haji Shariatullah and Dudu Mian are remembered as heroes who revived Islam and fought for justice.
- Their efforts proved that religious and social reform could bring positive change.
Why Was the Faraizi Movement Important?
✔ Purified Islamic practices in Bengal.
✔ United Muslims against exploitation.
✔ Laid the foundation for future reform movements.
✔ Showed that peaceful preaching and strong leadership could bring change.