ایوانِ اقتدار میں ترویجِ شریعت کے لیے کشف و کرامات کے استعمال سے متعلق خواجہ عبیداللہ احرارؒ اور مجدّد الف ثانیؒ کے افکار کا تقابلی مطالعہ

A Comparative Study of the Views of Khwaja Ubayd Allah Ahrar and Mujaddid Alf-Thani on the Use of Kashf and Karamat for the Promotion of Shari'ah in the House of Power

Abstract

This paper presents a comparative analysis of the perspectives of two prominent Sufi reformers 'Khwaja Ubaydullah Ahrar' (d.1490) and 'Mujaddid Alf-Thani, Shaykh Ahmad Sirhindi' (d.1624), regarding the role of spiritual unveilings (kashf) and miracles (karamat) in promoting Shari'ah within political circles. Khwaja Ahrar believed that spiritual influence could be used positively to guide rulers and bring about social and political reform. For him, kashf and karamat were not objectives but divinely granted tools to help align governance with Islamic principles.

On the other hand, Mujaddid Alf-Thani preferred intellectual and practical struggle over reliance on kashf and karamat. He emphasized the use of scholarly engagement and influence at the royal court to promote Shari'ah. He also encouraged his followers to adopt the same approach of reform through knowledge and principled interaction with authority.

This comparison highlights two distinct Sufi strategies: one centered on using spiritual authority for direct political influence (Ahrar), and the other emphasizing intellectual effort and principled engagement with power structures (Sirhindi).

Keywords:             Khwaja Ubaydullah Ahrar, Mujaddid Alf-Thani, Kashf and Karamat, Promotion of Shari'ah, Spiritual Influence, Intellectual and Practical Struggle.