Exploring Islamic Moral Dimensions: The Relevance of Shah Waliullah Philosophical Works for Contemporary Youth and Academia

Abstract

Shah Waliullah (1702-1762) was a key Islamic scholar in the 18th century, known for his major contributions to religious studies, law (Fiqh), and philosophy. His important works, including Hujjatul Allah al-Balighah, Lama'at, Altaf al-Qudus, Hama'at, Sata'at, and Tafhimat al-Ilahiyya, represent high points in Islamic philosophical and ethical writing, influenced by neo-Platonic ideas. Shah Waliullah's deep study of the Quran, the traditions of the Prophet (Sunnah), and independent reasoning (Ijtihad) led to significant developments in the study of Islamic history, making his work essential for later scholars in theology and history. His writings cover a wide range of topics, including history, philosophy, ethics, and Sufism (Tassawuf), and are considered literary and scholarly masterpieces of his time. Specifically, Shah Waliullah's work on ethics, Islamic theology (Ilm al-Kalam), and the philosophy of Islamic law (Shariah) and history shows a thoughtful combination of classical Arabic literary culture (Adab), the improvement of morals (Akhlaq) and spirituality, and a rational approach to Islamic traditions through philosophical thinking. This research paper aims to thoroughly examine the Islamic moral and ethical ideas in Shah Waliullah's works and explore how they remain relevant for today's youth and academic communities.