Moulana Anwar Shopiani was not only a preacher but also a prolific poet and writer. His works, written in Persian and Kashmiri, include Dewan-e-Anwar, Taleem-e-Sunnat, and Guldaste-Anwari, which continue to be celebrated for their religious and literary value.
In Kashmir Valley, the legacy of Moulana Anwar Shopiani stands as a beacon of the propagation of Tawheed (the Oneness of Allah). Born in 1849 in south Kashmir’s Shopian district, Moulana Anwar was not just a scholar, but a revolutionary figure who dedicated his life to the purification of Islamic practices in the region. His teachings and works continue to inspire generations, reminding us of the importance of returning to the Quran and Sunnah.
After receiving his early Islamic education, Moulana Anwar, also known as Moulvi Anwar Shah Shopiani, travelled to Punjab and Bengal, where he studied under prominent Islamic scholars, including Moulana Yaqoub of Dinajpur. It was during this period that he was introduced to the teachings of Shah Ismail Shaheed Dehalvi, a key figure in the Ahle Hadith movement, which emphasised the return to the “pure, unadulterated” form of Islam.
Upon his return to Kashmir, Moulana Anwar began preaching a puritanical form of Islam, focusing on the rejection of Shirk and innovations (Bid’ah). His message was clear: Muslims must worship Allah alone, without associating partners with Him, and follow the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in its purest form.
Moulana Anwar’s teachings were met with fierce opposition from those who were deeply entrenched in traditional practices. He was accused of blasphemy and faced multiple legal challenges, including charges under blasphemy laws. Despite these challenges, he remained steadfast in his mission, and his resilience earned him a significant following.
In 1897, Moulana Anwar established the first Ahle-Hadith mosque in the Kashmir Valley at Zaldagar, Srinagar. This mosque became a centre for the propagation of the Ahle-Hadith movement. His efforts were instrumental in preventing the spread of the Ahmadiyya movement in south Kashmir, as he actively opposed the claims of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiyani, the founder of the Ahmadiyya movement.
Moulana Anwar Shopiani was not only a preacher but also a prolific poet and writer. His works, written in Persian and Kashmiri, include Dewan-e-Anwar, Taleem-e-Sunnat, and Guldaste-Anwari, which continue to be celebrated for their religious and literary value. His poetry often focused on the themes of Tawheed, the rejection of superstitions, and the importance of following the Sunnah.
Moulana’s legacy is not just confined to his writings or the mosques he built. His true legacy lies in the revival of Tawheed in the Kashmir Valley. He inspired countless individuals to return to the pure teachings of Islam, free from cultural distortions. His students and descendants, including his sons and grandsons, continued his mission, ensuring that his message of Tawheed remained alive in the region.
Today, as we reflect on the life and legacy of Moulana Anwar Shopiani, we are reminded of the enduring importance of Tawheed in Islam. His unwavering commitment to the Oneness of Allah and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) serves as a guiding light for Muslims in Kashmir and beyond. In a world where religious practices are often diluted by cultural influences, Moulana Anwar’s message remains as relevant as ever: return to the Quran and Sunnah, worship Allah alone, and reject all forms of innovation and superstition.
Moulana Anwar Shopiani passed away in 1939, but his legacy lives on. His life was a testament to the power of faith and the importance of standing firm in the face of adversity. As we remember him, let us strive to uphold the principles of Tawheed that he so passionately advocated, ensuring that his mission continues to inspire future generations.
Babar Ul Aslam
bh*********@***il.com