Shah Wali Ullah Muhaddis Dehlvi, also named Qutab-ud-Din in the history, was born in the year 1703 at Delhi, towards the end of
Aurangzeb's reign. His goodness and piety earned him the title Wali Ullah. His father, Shah Abdul Rahim, was the founding member and teacher of the Madrasa-i-Rahimiyah in Delhi. His father was a Sufi and also a theologian of great repute.
Shah Wali Ullah completed his academic and spiritual education from his father. He memorized the Holy Quran and studied various subjects in his boyhood. He taught at his father's Madrasa for 12 years. He left for Arabia in 1730 for higher education. During his stay in Arabia, he was influenced by a renowned scholar Sheikh Abu Tahir bin Ibrahim. He studied in Medina for 14 years.
Shah Wali Ullah returned to Delhi in July 1732 during the period of decline in Mughal rule. The overall condition of the Muslims in India was very poor. Shah Wali Ullah not only identified the causes for the decline of the Muslims, but also pointed out the remedies. According to him, the various problems Muslims faced were due to their ignorance about Islam and the Holy Quran. He personally trained a number of students who were entrusted with the task of spreading Islam. He translated the Quran to Persian, the main and common language of the people at that time, in order to promote the teachings of Islam and make the Holy Quran more accessible to the people.
Shah Wali Ullah wrote 51 books in Arabic and Persian. He made efforts for the advancement of Muslims in India. He was responsible for awakening in the community, the desire to regain its moral fervor and maintain its purity. He died in 1762. His noble mission was continued by his sons and followers.
