ISLAMIC SPIRITUAL THOUGHT OF SHĀH WALĪ ALLĀH: A STUDY OF HAM‘AT AND ALTĀF AL-QUDS

Abstract

During the 13th century, as Islam began to disseminate in the Indian Subcontinent, Ṣufī thought became central to the region's Islamic development. Ṣūfīsm deeply influenced the propagation of Islam in the Subcontinent, and its teachings shaped the Muslim ethos. Among the influential figures, Shāh Walī Allāh stands out for his extraordinary contributions to Ṣufī thought, particularly in his works Ham‘at and Altāf al-quds. This study focuses on his role in shaping Islamic spirituality, emphasizing inner purification and aligning personal and societal transformation with the Holy Qur’ān and Sunnah. In Ham‘at, Shāh Walī Allāh examines the essence of spiritual experience and its practical effects, providing a historical and philosophical assessment of Islamic spirituality. This work explores how spirituality can guide individual development. In Altāf al-quds, he refines the relationship between humans and the Divine, promoting a balanced approach to spirituality that blends mystical insights with Sharī‘ah-based ethics. He also addresses the purification of the heart, intellect, and self (LaÏā’if). This research investigates Shāh Walī Allāh's philosophical and theological foundations, his integration of Ṣūfīsm with mainstream Islamic principles, and his critique of contemporary religious practices. It explores his vision for the moral and spiritual upliftment of the Muslim community. By applying textual analysis, qualitative, and historical methods, this study offers a nuanced understanding of his thought, distinguishing it from prior research.