In what way can ideas of shah waliullah and sed ahmed shaheed be called progressive?

It's important to be cautious about labeling historical figures as "progressive" because the term is inherently tied to modern understandings of social and political change. However, Shah Waliullah and Syed Ahmed Shaheed were both influential figures in 18th and 19th-century South Asia who advocated for reforms and challenged existing social and religious structures. Here's how their ideas could be seen as having elements of "progressiveness":

Shah Waliullah (1703-1762):

* Reinterpreting Islamic Law: He emphasized the importance of reason and interpretation (ijtihad) in Islam, arguing for a more nuanced understanding of religious law that could adapt to changing times. This challenged the rigid legal interpretations prevalent at the time.

* Social Reform: He condemned social injustices and called for the improvement of the lives of ordinary Muslims. He highlighted the importance of education and social reform to strengthen the Muslim community.

* Political Rejuvenation: He advocated for a strong and united Muslim community, which he believed was necessary to resist external threats and maintain Islamic values. This emphasis on unity and self-reliance could be seen as a call for political activism.

Syed Ahmed Shaheed (1786-1831):

* Opposition to Syncretism and Innovation: He condemned the incorporation of non-Islamic practices into Islam, emphasizing the need to return to the purity of the original Islamic teachings. This stance, while controversial, aimed to purify religious practice and could be viewed as a form of reform.

* Jihad for Religious Purity: He led a jihad against the Sikh rulers of the Punjab, arguing that it was necessary to defend Islam against threats. While controversial, this emphasis on religious revivalism and defense against oppression could be seen as a form of social and political resistance.

* Call for Education: He advocated for the establishment of Islamic schools (madrasas) to ensure the spread of Islamic knowledge and religious education. This commitment to education could be seen as promoting intellectual development within the Muslim community.

Important Considerations:

* Context Matters: It's crucial to analyze their ideas within their historical context. These figures were operating within a society grappling with political, social, and religious change.

* Progressive vs. Traditional: Their ideas were often intertwined with traditional Islamic values and beliefs. It's inaccurate to simply categorize them as "progressive" without acknowledging the complex blend of reformist and traditional elements in their thought.

* Controversial Views: Both figures had controversial views, and their interpretations of Islam and their methods of reform were not universally accepted.

In conclusion, while Shah Waliullah and Syed Ahmed Shaheed can be seen as having some "progressive" elements in their ideas – particularly in their emphasis on reason, social reform, and education – it's important to approach this categorization with nuance and contextual awareness. Their legacy remains a complex one, with different interpretations of their ideas persisting to this day.