Aspects of Islamic revival & consciousness in Bangladesh 1905 A.C.-1975 A.C

• Main Author: Amin, A. N. M. Ruhul
• Published: University of Aberdeen 1992
• Subjects: 100; Islamic renewal : Bangladesh
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.310339

This study is an attempt to highlight a few aspects of the Islamic revival and reawakening in Bangladesh in the period between 1905 to 1975. Being once part of the British Empire, Bangladesh was bequeathed secular education and secular government. In pre-colonial period Islam commanded great respect in as much as Islamic education and Islamic law are concerned. With the coming of the British, the role of the <i>Sharf'ah and 'Ulama </i>diminished. Our main concentration in this study is devoted to the role of traditional <i>'Ulama </i>who as true disciples of Shah Wali Ullah Al Dehlawi, pioneered his revival mission in the twentieth century. Particular attention has been devoted to the activities of four major <i>daw'ah</i> movements (Islamic missionary), namely, the <i>'Ulama</i> of Deoband Seminary; <i>Jama'at Tabligh</i> (an off-shoot of Deoband); <i>Jami'yyat-i-'Ulama and Nizam-i-Islam</i> party; and <i>Jama'at-i-Islami</i> of Abul 'ala Mawdudi; which have the support of general muslims in the country. Responses to these movements, which have come from various quarters within the Bangali milieu, are also discussed. In this context, the United struggles of 'Ulama' for establishment of Islamic rule and Islamization of the constitution were highlighted. Further, some discussion is given to the problems arises out of the differences of opinion between different sections of <i>'Ulama</i> which have in a way hampered the smooth progress of Islamic <i>daw'ah</i>. In the light of the problems, we advance some modest suggestions deemed practicable for consideration of all groups. We also consider briefly the rise of Bengali nationalism. The nature of Islamic movements in the pre-independence and the position of Islamic movements in the post-independent Bangledesh until the late 70s.