Shaykh Ahmad Sirhindi: The Battle for Sunni Islam

Shaykh Ahmad Sirhindi (1564-1624) is one of the most influential thinkers in Islamic history. Under the Mughal Empire, he challenged various heretical and syncretic religious movements, including the innovations of Emperor Akbar. His mission gained momentum under Emperor Jehangir, when he allied with influential nobles in a bid to restore Sunni Islam at court and in society at large.

Known as “Mujaddid Alf-i Thani” (Renewer of the Second Millennium), Sirhindi advocated for a return to orthodox Islamic values rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah. As a Sufi shaykh, he promoted a direct, scripture-based relationship with the Divine, countering doctrines like Ibn Arabi’s wahdat al-wujud (Unity of Being) with his own concept of wahdat al-shuhud (Unity of Witnessing).

In this book, Afroz Ahmad Bisati explores how his teachings attracted scholars, Sufis, nobles, and common people, sparking a spiritual and intellectual revival with reverberations that can be felt to this day.

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Publication date: 26 July 2024