Sayyid Ihsanullah Shah Rashdi (also spelt Ehsanullah, Urdu: سید احسان اللہ شاہ راشدی; 13 January 1896 – 28 September 1939, or 1313H Rajab 27 – 1358H Shaban 15 in the Islamic calendar), known as Pir of Jhando The Fifth, was an 20th century Islamic scholar known for his role in the Khilafat Movement of Sindh during the British Raj in Sindh, Pakistan. Together with his father, Sayyid Rushdullah Shah Rashdi, he played a role in establishing the Sindh Provincial Khilafat Committee, contributing to the socio-political landscape of the region. His advocacy extended to religious and socio-political causes, leaving a lasting impact on the historical narrative of Sindh.^{[1]: 1–12 [2]}

Early life and education

Born 13 January 1896 in Pir Jhando near Saeedabad Tehsil, Sindh, Alamah Sayyid Ihsanullah Shah Rashdi was the younger son of Pir Rushidullah Shah Rashdi.^[1]: 1 He studied at Madirsah Dar-ul-Rashad, established by his father.^[3]: 195

He received guidance from several influential teachers, including Muhammad Amin Matoor, Obaidullah Sindhi, Muhammad Laghari, Ilahi Bakhsh Riyasti of Bahawalpur, Ahmad Ali Lahori, and Muhammad Akram Ansari.^[1]: 1

Following his father's death in 1923, he was selected as the successor to lead the family and Jamaat as their spiritual leader. He embraced works on tafsir, hadith, Al-Kamal fi Asma' al-Rijal, history, and various other fields of knowledge. He managed the library from 1923 to 1937.^[1]

His scholarly relations

During that period, Sayyid Ihsanullah Shah Rashdi actively engaged in correspondence, maintaining specific connections with a diverse constituency that extended beyond the Indian subcontinent. Notably, his correspondences included exchanges with King Abdul Aziz, the Sultan of Saudi Arabia, marking a systematic interaction through letters. ^[2]: 41

King Abdul Aziz bin Saud, upon assuming governance over Mecca and Medina, initiated extensive efforts against practices deemed non-Islamic. Notably, his actions, including the demolition of graves, tombs, and mausoleums across the nation, generated controversy and negative repercussions, particularly in the province of Sindh.

During this period, criticisms were directed towards King Abdul Aziz and the scholars of Hijaz and Mecca. In response to these developments, Sayyid Ihsanullah Shah Rashdi authored a booklet titled "Imam Mubeen." The booklet, supported by clear evidence from Quranic verses, hadiths, and the teachings of the righteous predecessors, sought to demonstrate that King Abdul Aziz's actions were in accordance with divine law and the beliefs of the righteous predecessors.

Multiple copies of the booklet were disseminated throughout Sindh to guide believers and counter potential misunderstandings,

A handwritten copy of "Imam Mubeen" is preserved at Maktaba Rashidiyah, ^[4] Page 9.

Role in Khilafat Movement

Shah Rashdi displayed an inclination towards politically infused religious activities. He actively engaged in the Khilafat Movement during its initiation in Sindh, playing a significant role in the resistance against the British Raj. On a notable occasion, as part of a considerable group, he approached a commissioner, vocally expressing support for the movement. When queried about their involvement, the response emphasised that Khilafat held intrinsic importance to their religious beliefs, with a focus on protecting holy places. The stance conveyed a willingness to remain passive if the government respected these sites but a commitment to vocal opposition if such places were not safeguarded.^[1]: 10

During the Khilafat Movement, Pir Rushdullah Shah Rashidi, the father and mentor, symbolically donated his sacred turban to the Angora Fund. The next day, after Friday prayers, Pir Rushdullah Shah's son, Pir Imam Shah, initiated an inquiry to identify the buyer of the turban. Ihsanullah Shah was revealed as the buyer, making a significant contribution. This incident underscores the united commitment of Muslims and their followers to the Khilafat Movement of Sindh.^[1]: 10

Family dispute

The death of his father Pir Rushdullah Shah Rashdi, Pir of Jhando, in 1922, was followed by a familial dispute between two of his sons, with backing from jamaat and relatives, Sayyid Ihsanullah Shah Rashdi was chosen as the successor. His father's siblings, Pir Siddique-ul-Rasoul Shah Rashdi, Pir Mahbub Shah Rashdi, and Pir Ismail Shah, were among those endorsing this decision.^[1]: 3 Legal proceedings regarding the associated property progressed to the Privy Council in London, which ruled in favour of another brother.^[5]: 56

Death

Sayyid Ihsanullah Shah Rashdi died on 28 September 1939 at Dargah Sharif Pir Jhando.^[1]

The news will be heard in the academic circles with knowledge and sadness that the famous scholar Ehsanullah Shah Sahib of Jhanda Goth District, Hyperabad, Sindh, who was a great lover of pen books, passed away from this world on 1358H at the age of forty-four years. The deceased was a great scholar of hadith and Rijal, his library had a large collection of rare books of hadith and commentary. His scribes and transcribers were full of copying new books. The deceased was distinguished in both knowledge and practice as well as the Sajjāda nashīn of a monastery and the follower of Tariq Salaf.

— Syed Sulaiman Nadvi, Yad-e-Raftegan

^[6]

Family

His sons Shaykh Muhibullah Shah Rashdi (1923-1995)^[7] and Shaykh Badi-ud-Din Shah Rashdi (1925-1996)^[8] (Arabic: بديع الدين السندي) continued the dissemination of their father's teachings.^[2]: 275

References

• Nuhrio, Abdul Aziz. A Study of Religious and Educational Services of the Family of Pir Jhando (Thesis). University of Sindh.