The Faraizi Movement, also known as the Faraizi Revolt or Faraizi Movement, was a religious and socio-political movement that emerged in Bengal, India (now Bangladesh) during the 19th century. It was founded by Haji Shariatullah (1781-1840), a Muslim scholar and reformer, to bring about religious and social reforms among the Bengali Muslim community.

The Faraizi Movement originated in response to the perceived decline of Islamic religious practices and the social and economic problems faced by the Muslim peasantry in Bengal. Haji Shariatullah, a scholar and religious leader, became disillusioned with what he saw as the negligence and corruption of the local religious and political authorities. He sought to revive and enforce what he believed to be the “true” Islamic practices among the common people.

Beliefs and Teachings: The Faraizi Movement emphasized a return to orthodox Islamic practices and the rejection of what they considered to be deviant practices and superstitions. Some key beliefs and teachings of the movement include:

• Strict Monotheism: The Faraizis emphasized the belief in the oneness of God (Tawhid) and condemned any practices that they considered to be idolatrous or polytheistic.
• Rejection of Superstitions and Innovations: The movement advocated for the elimination of customs, rituals, and practices that were deemed un-Islamic or based on superstitions. They sought to purify the religious practices and teachings of the Bengali Muslim community.
• Observance of the Five Pillars of Islam: The Faraizis stressed the importance of adhering to the five pillars of Islam, which include the declaration of faith (Shahada), prayer (Salat), fasting (Sawm), giving of alms (Zakat), and pilgrimage (Hajj).
• Promotion of Education and Moral Values: Haji Shariatullah believed in the importance of education and moral values. He encouraged his followers to seek knowledge and practice ethical behavior in all aspects of life.

Social and Political Reforms: The Faraizi Movement also sought to bring about social and political reforms in the Bengal region. Some of the key aspects of their reform agenda included:

The Faraizis were critical of the feudal system prevalent in Bengal and called for the end of landlordism. They sought to empower the peasants and ensure fair treatment and just distribution of land and resources.

Haji Shariatullah and his followers were critical of British colonial rule and called for resistance against British dominance. They believed that the British rulers had contributed to the decline of Islamic practices and the exploitation of the local population. The Faraizi Movement emphasized social equality and justice. They spoke out against social discrimination based on caste or social status and called for the fair treatment of all individuals.

Legacy and Impact: The Faraizi Movement had a significant impact on the religious and social landscape of Bengal. It played a crucial role in raising awareness among the Muslim peasantry and empowering them to resist oppressive practices. The movement also laid the foundation for future socio-religious movements in Bengal and inspired subsequent reform movements, including the Aligarh Movement and the Bengal Renaissance.

However, the Faraizi Movement faced opposition from both the British colonial authorities and conservative elements within the Muslim community. After the death of Haji Shariatullah, the movement faced internal divisions and gradually declined. Nevertheless, its legacy as a movement for religious and social reform continues to be remembered in the history of Bengal.