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Pakistan History: An Alternative Narrative
From Pre-History to 1947
Tipu Salman Makhdoom
(Translated
from Urdu)
Chapter Four
Tughlaq, Vijayanagara, and the
Bhakti Movement
(1300 CE to 1500 CE)
Sultan
Muhammad bin Tughlaq
Sultan
Muhammad bin Tughlaq was a Hafiz-e-Quran (one who has memorized the
entire Quran), observed fasting and prayers regularly, and had a keen interest
in philosophy and logic.
Muhammad
bin Tughlaq was known for his harsh treatment of Sufis, yet he displayed
remarkable benevolence towards religious scholars (Ulama). One
explanation for this dichotomy suggests that the Sufis wielded immense
influence over both the common populace and the court during his era, and the
Sultan sought to diminish this influence for political objectives.
Another
contributing factor is attributed to the reformist movement of Allama Ibn
Taymiyyah, which he had initiated in Syria and Egypt during that period—a movement
that, unfortunately, extremist jihadist organizations still adhere to today.
The
renowned traveler Ibn Battuta served as a courtier to Muhammad bin Tughlaq for
several years, documenting extensive material regarding the Sultan's character
and reign.
On
one hand, the Sultan was so tyrannical that people sought refuge from his
wrath, while on the other, he actively pursued the welfare of his subjects, and
his intellectual pursuits were widely recognized.