AHL Al-Quran Movement in Colonial Punjab: Exclusion of Hadith Literature

Abstract

This article discusses the origin of Ahl-al-Quran movement within the historical context of socio-religious movements in the British Indian Punjab during the twentieth century. This movement was part of the process of identity formation and a significant contribution in the dynamic and diverse landscape of South Asian Islam. The movement revoked reaction when it was introduced in a small town of Chakrala where Sufis and shrine-based Islam was highly revered. The proponent of Ahl-al-Quran movement, Abdullah Chakralvi vehemently condemned the shrine-based practices and piri-muridi traditions. It specifically became highly controversial when he initiated a critical reassessment and questioning of texts especially Hadith literature. It also questioned the authority of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and the authenticity of his words and actions and their relevance vis-à-vis Quran. However, the movement deconstructed the notion of singular Islamic tradition and helped to explore the plurality of religious traditions within South Asian Islam