Revisiting the Role of Maulvi Ismail Dehlvi, Rashid Ahmad Gangohi, and Ashraf Ali Thanvi, in India’s Freedom Struggle: Heroes or Collaborators?

By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam 26 August 2025 Abstract The contribution of Muslims to India’s independence movement is undeniable, with millions participating and sacrificing their lives. Among them, Muslim ulema played a significant role, yet some narratives have elevated certain ulema to the status of freedom struggle heroes without critical scrutiny. This article examines the historical accounts surrounding select Deobandi ulema, particularly Maulvi Ismail Dehlvi, Maulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi, and Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi, arguing that their actions and affiliations with the British colonial authorities reveal a pattern of collaboration rather than resistance. In contrast, Allama Fazl-e-Haq Khairabadi’s unwavering defiance against British rule is highlighted as a benchmark of true resistance. Drawing on primary sources and historical references, this study aims to challenge the glorified portrayal of these figures and provide evidence-based insights into their roles during India’s struggle for freedom. Main Points: 1. Allama Fazl-e-Haq Khairabadi’s Defiance: Refused to retract his anti-British jihad fatwa, even on his deathbed, showcasing true resistance. 2. Maulvi Ismail Dehlvi’s Collaboration: Allied with the British, driven by personal rivalry with Khairabadi, undermining Muslim resistance. 3. Maulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi’s Loyalty: Praised British rule as “merciful” and criticized freedom fighters, aligning with colonial interests. 4. Tablighi Jamaat’s British Funding: Received financial support from the British, indicating a strategic alliance to control Muslim activism. 5. Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi’s Financial Ties: Allegedly received 600 rupees monthly from the British, raising questions about his role in the freedom struggle. ----- Introduction India’s fight for independence from British colonial rule saw widespread participation from diverse communities, including millions of Muslims who sacrificed their lives. The role of Muslim ulema, in particular, has been a focal point in historical narratives, with many being celebrated as champions of the freedom movement. However, a closer examination of historical records reveals a complex reality, where some ulema, particularly from the Deobandi school, are portrayed as heroes despite evidence suggesting their allegiance to the British. This paper focuses on figures such as Maulvi Ismail Dehlvi, Maulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi, and Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi, contrasting their actions with those of Allama Fazl-e-Haq Khairabadi, a staunch opponent of British rule. By analyzing primary sources, including Tazkiratur Rasheed, Mukalimatul Sadrain, and Seerat-e-Syed Ahmad, this study argues that these Deobandi ulema were not freedom fighters but rather collaborators who undermined the Muslim community’s resistance efforts. Historical Context Following the decline of the Mughal Empire, two prominent Muslim families held significant influence over Indian Muslims: the Waliullahi family and the family of Allama Fazl-e-Haq Khairabadi. The Waliullahi family’s influence was waning, likened to a “flickering morning lamp,” while Allama Fazl-e-Haq Khairabadi’s scholarly prominence made him a formidable figure. The British, recognizing the influence of these families, sought to co-opt them to consolidate control over Indian Muslims. Their strategy involved targeting Maulvi Ismail Dehlvi, a member of the Waliullahi family who enjoyed respect due to his lineage, and leveraging existing tensions between him and Allama Khairabadi to further their agenda. Allama Fazl-e-Haq Khairabadi: A Beacon of Resistance Allama Fazl-e-Haq Khairabadi’s role in the freedom struggle is a testament to his unwavering commitment to opposing British rule. His fatwa declaring jihad against the British had the potential to destabilize colonial authority, a fact well understood by the British. Historical accounts document a poignant episode during his imprisonment in the Andaman Islands, where, on his deathbed, Allama was approached by a British officer. The officer offered immediate release and reunion with his family if he expressed regret for his fatwa. Despite his frail condition, Allama responded defiantly, stating, “Even if I were given a thousand lives, Fazl-e-Haq would still say that jihad against the British is obligatory” (Anwar-ul-Rahman al-Tanveer-ul-Jinan, 1847). This resolute stance underscores his role as a true Mujahid, unwilling to compromise with colonial powers. Maulvi Ismail Dehlvi and British Collaboration In contrast, Maulvi Ismail Dehlvi’s actions reveal a troubling alignment with British interests. Historical records suggest that the British saw him as a malleable figure, easier to influence than Allama Khairabadi. A documented dispute between Dehlvi and Khairabadi, which led to Dehlvi’s public humiliation in Delhi’s Jama Masjid, fueled his resentment, making him susceptible to British overtures. The British exploited this rift, striking a deal with Dehlvi to undermine Khairabadi’s influence. This collaboration is evident in Dehlvi’s actions, such as his involvement in conflicts orchestrated by the British, including his campaign against Afghan Pathans rather than the colonial rulers themselves (Tazkiratur Rasheed, Part 2, Page 270). Dehlvi’s arrogance in his British alliance is further highlighted in an encounter with Sufi Abdur Rahman Lakhnavi, a revered saint of the Wajoodi sect. While passing through Lucknow on a British-sanctioned mission, Dehlvi threatened the Sufi, saying, “I’ll deal with you after returning from the war.” The Sufi’s prophetic response, “That’s only possible if you manage to return,” underscores the scepticism surrounding Dehlvi’s motives (Anwar-ul-Rahman al-Tanveer-ul-Jinan, 1847). Maulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi’s Pro-British Sentiments Maulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi, a prominent Deobandi leader, further exemplifies this collaborationist stance. In Tazkiratur Rasheed, Part 1, Page 73, Gangohi describes the British as a “merciful government” and their rule as an era of “peace and prosperity.” He disparages freedom fighters as those “with death hovering over their heads,” revealing his disdain for those resisting British rule. Gangohi’s loyalty is explicit in his statement: “When I am truly loyal to the government, no harm will come to me… and even if I am killed, the government is the master; it has the authority to do as it pleases” (Tazkiratur Rasheed). This rhetoric not only absolves the British of their oppressive rule but also positions them as the ultimate authority, undermining Islamic principles of sovereignty. Tablighi Jamaat and British Funding The Tablighi Jamaat, founded by Maulana Ilyas, also raises questions about its ties to the British. According to Maulana Hifzur Rahman Seoharwi, Nazim-e-Aala of Jamiat-ul-Ulema Hind, the movement initially received funds from the British government through Haji Rashid Ahmad (Mukalimatus Sadrain, Rahmani Press). This revelation prompts critical questions: Why would the British, known for their hostility toward Muslims, fund a religious movement unless it served their interests? The answer lies in a mutual understanding, where the Tablighi Jamaat’s activities aligned with British efforts to pacify and control Muslim resistance. Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi’s Financial Ties Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi, another revered Deobandi figure, is implicated in similar collaboration. Historical accounts in Mukalimatus Sadrain (Pages 10-11) report that Thanvi received 600 rupees monthly from the British government. This financial support raises serious questions about his role in the freedom struggle. Were the British funding a movement against themselves? The evidence suggests otherwise, pointing to a covert agreement that served colonial interests. Sectarian Bias and Slander Against Allama Khairabadi The Deobandi Ulema’s animosity toward Allama Khairabadi is evident in their writings. Maulvi Abdul Shahid Khan Sherwani, Nazim of Jamiat-ul-Ulema Aligarh, notes in Muqaddama Baghiye Hindustan (Page 12) that biographers of Maulana Ismail Shaheed committed “great injustice” against Allama Khairabadi, resorting to “false accusations and slander.” This sectarian bias reflects a concerted effort to diminish Khairabadi’s legacy while elevating figures aligned with British interests. Syed Ahmad Rae Barelvi’s British Connections Syed Ahmad Rae Barelvi often portrayed as a Mujahid, also had troubling ties with the British. In Seerat-e-Syed Ahmad, Part 1, Page 190, an incident is described where a British officer, with great respect, provided food to Rae Barelvi’s caravan over three days. The officer’s deferential behaviour, removing his cap and waiting for Rae Barelvi’s arrival, underscores a deep alliance (Seerat-e-Syed Ahmad). Such gestures of hospitality from the British, who were supposedly the targets of jihad, indicate a relationship of cooperation rather than conflict. Discussion The evidence presented challenges the narrative that portrays Deobandi ulema like Maulvi Ismail Dehlvi, Maulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi, Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi, and Syed Ahmad Rae Barelvi as heroes of India’s freedom struggle. Their documented financial and logistical support from the British, coupled with their disparagement of genuine freedom fighters like Allama Fazl-e-Haq Khairabadi, suggests a pattern of collaboration. This collaboration was strategic, exploiting sectarian divisions and personal rivalries to weaken Muslim resistance. In contrast, Allama Khairabadi’s refusal to compromise, even on his deathbed, exemplifies the true spirit of resistance against colonial oppression. Conclusion The historical record reveals a stark contrast between the actions of Allama Fazl-e-Haq Khairabadi and certain Deobandi ulema during India’s freedom struggle. While Khairabadi’s unwavering defiance earned him a place as a true Mujahid, figures like Maulvi Ismail Dehlvi, Maulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi, Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi, and Syed Ahmad Raebarelvi appear to have aligned with British interests, undermining the Muslim community’s resistance efforts. This study calls for a re-evaluation of their roles, urging historians and scholars to prioritize evidence over hagiography. By acknowledging these complexities, we can honour the true heroes of India’s independence movement and ensure a more accurate historical narrative. References 1. Maulwi Noorullah. (1847). Anwar-ul-Rahman al-Tanveer-ul-Jinan. Matba Faiz Buniyad Munshi Kali Parshad, Maqbool Ganj. 2. Tazkiratur Rasheed, Part 1, Page 73; Part 2, Page 270. 3. Tahir Ahmad Qasmi. Mukalimatus Sadrain. Rahmani Press, Mohalla Garhaiya, Delhi-8. 4. Muqaddama Bagi e Hindustan, Page 12. 5. Maulvi Abul Hasan Ali Nadvi. Seerat-e-Syed Ahmad, Part 1, Page 190. ----- A regular contributor to New Age Islam, Sahil Razvi is a research scholar specialising in Sufism and Islamic History. He is an alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/maulvi-dehlvi-gangohi-thanvi-freedom-heroes-collaborators/d/136604 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism