The Barelvi Movement: A Deep Dive into Its Origins, Beliefs, and Legacy
Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2025 6:39 pm
Among the major Islamic movements of South Asia, the Barelvi movement holds a unique place for its deep spiritual roots, love for the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and defense of traditional Sunni practices. Founded in colonial India as a response to both modernist and reformist ideologies, the Barelvi school has continued to shape religious identity, especially among South Asian Muslims.
Whether you’re studying Islamic theology or just curious about the diversity of Muslim thought, understanding the Barelvi movement offers important insight into how tradition, spirituality, and community intersect in Islam.
Historical Background
The Barelvi movement was established in the late 19th century by Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi (1856–1921) in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India. A prolific scholar and jurist, Ahmed Raza Khan reacted strongly against what he saw as the rising tide of Wahhabi and Deobandi reformist ideologies, which he believed were undermining classical Sunni beliefs and disrespecting the status of the Prophet ﷺ.
He aligned himself with the Hanafi school of jurisprudence, Ashari/Maturidi theology, and Sufi spiritual traditions — forming a school of thought that emphasized both legal orthodoxy and devotional practice.
Core Beliefs and Characteristics
The Barelvi movement is primarily Sunni Hanafi in its jurisprudence but deeply rooted in Sufi traditions and emphasizes a profound love and reverence for the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Key features
[1] Exalted Status of the Prophet ﷺ : Barelvis believe in the perpetual spiritual presence (Hazir-o-Nazir) of the Prophet and view him as the most perfect creation and intercessor for humanity.
[2] Veneration of Saints (Awliya Allah) : They uphold visiting the graves of saints (ziyarah), seeking their spiritual blessings (tawassul), and celebrating Urs (death anniversaries) as acts of devotion.
[3] Celebration of Mawlid : Marking the Prophet’s birthday is not only accepted but encouraged as a form of showing love and gratitude.
[4] Use of Poetry and Dhikr : Reciting na’ats (poems in praise of the Prophet) and engaging in loud dhikr (remembrance of Allah) are common features of Barelvi gatherings.
[5] Spiritual Chain (Silsilah) : Barelvis typically associate with Sufi orders like the Qadiri, Chishti, Naqshbandi , and Suhrawardi paths, often tracing their spiritual lineage back to the Prophet ﷺ.
Theological Distinctions
What sets the Barelvi movement apart from other Sunni schools in South Asia (such as the Deobandi and Ahl-e-Hadith) are its theological positions on:
(a) Intercession (Shafa'ah) : They affirm the ability of the Prophet and saints to intercede with Allah on behalf of believers.
(b) Ilm al-Ghayb (Knowledge of the Unseen) : They believe the Prophet was granted exceptional knowledge by Allah, including aspects of the unseen.
(c) Bid’ah (Innovation) : While opposing innovations that contradict core tenets of Islam, Barelvis are more accepting of good innovation in worship, especially those promoting love of the Prophet.
Spread and Influence
The Barelvi movement is most prominent in:
(a) India and Pakistan : With millions of followers and thousands of affiliated mosques and madrasas.
(b) Bangladesh and Sri Lanka : Particularly among Sufi-oriented Muslim communities.
(c) United Kingdom and South Africa : Where South Asian diaspora communities have established Barelvi-run mosques and community centers.
(d) Central Asia and East Africa : Some influence through shared Sufi traditions.
In Pakistan, Barelvis constitute one of the largest Sunni sects, with political representation through parties like Sunni Tehreek and Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), although the original movement itself is largely non-political and focused on religious devotion.
Contributions to Islamic Thought
Ahmed Raza Khan authored over a thousand works covering fiqh, theology, Arabic grammar, logic, astronomy, and devotional poetry. His fatwa collection, Fatawa Rizvia, remains an authoritative reference for Barelvi scholars.
He also translated the Qur’an into Urdu (Kanzul Iman) and composed numerous na’ats that are still sung passionately across the world.
Criticism and Controversy
The Barelvi movement has faced criticism from other Islamic groups:
(a) Reformist scholars sometimes accuse them of excessive veneration of saints.
(b) Political opponents criticize certain groups within the movement for reactionary activism, especially in Pakistan.
However, most mainstream Barelvi scholars emphasize tolerance, peace, and spiritual refinement, distancing themselves from extremism or sectarianism.
At its heart, the Barelvi movement is about preserving tradition, expressing love for the Prophet ﷺ, and deepening one’s spiritual connection with Allah. It represents a devotional path that embraces the beauty of Islamic culture, poetry, and Sufi spirituality while remaining rooted in orthodox Sunni theology.
Whether one agrees with every aspect of Barelvi thought or not, its impact on the Muslim identity of South Asia and the diaspora is profound and enduring.
Whether you’re studying Islamic theology or just curious about the diversity of Muslim thought, understanding the Barelvi movement offers important insight into how tradition, spirituality, and community intersect in Islam.
Historical Background
The Barelvi movement was established in the late 19th century by Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi (1856–1921) in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India. A prolific scholar and jurist, Ahmed Raza Khan reacted strongly against what he saw as the rising tide of Wahhabi and Deobandi reformist ideologies, which he believed were undermining classical Sunni beliefs and disrespecting the status of the Prophet ﷺ.
He aligned himself with the Hanafi school of jurisprudence, Ashari/Maturidi theology, and Sufi spiritual traditions — forming a school of thought that emphasized both legal orthodoxy and devotional practice.
Core Beliefs and Characteristics
The Barelvi movement is primarily Sunni Hanafi in its jurisprudence but deeply rooted in Sufi traditions and emphasizes a profound love and reverence for the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Key features
[1] Exalted Status of the Prophet ﷺ : Barelvis believe in the perpetual spiritual presence (Hazir-o-Nazir) of the Prophet and view him as the most perfect creation and intercessor for humanity.
[2] Veneration of Saints (Awliya Allah) : They uphold visiting the graves of saints (ziyarah), seeking their spiritual blessings (tawassul), and celebrating Urs (death anniversaries) as acts of devotion.
[3] Celebration of Mawlid : Marking the Prophet’s birthday is not only accepted but encouraged as a form of showing love and gratitude.
[4] Use of Poetry and Dhikr : Reciting na’ats (poems in praise of the Prophet) and engaging in loud dhikr (remembrance of Allah) are common features of Barelvi gatherings.
[5] Spiritual Chain (Silsilah) : Barelvis typically associate with Sufi orders like the Qadiri, Chishti, Naqshbandi , and Suhrawardi paths, often tracing their spiritual lineage back to the Prophet ﷺ.
Theological Distinctions
What sets the Barelvi movement apart from other Sunni schools in South Asia (such as the Deobandi and Ahl-e-Hadith) are its theological positions on:
(a) Intercession (Shafa'ah) : They affirm the ability of the Prophet and saints to intercede with Allah on behalf of believers.
(b) Ilm al-Ghayb (Knowledge of the Unseen) : They believe the Prophet was granted exceptional knowledge by Allah, including aspects of the unseen.
(c) Bid’ah (Innovation) : While opposing innovations that contradict core tenets of Islam, Barelvis are more accepting of good innovation in worship, especially those promoting love of the Prophet.
Spread and Influence
The Barelvi movement is most prominent in:
(a) India and Pakistan : With millions of followers and thousands of affiliated mosques and madrasas.
(b) Bangladesh and Sri Lanka : Particularly among Sufi-oriented Muslim communities.
(c) United Kingdom and South Africa : Where South Asian diaspora communities have established Barelvi-run mosques and community centers.
(d) Central Asia and East Africa : Some influence through shared Sufi traditions.
In Pakistan, Barelvis constitute one of the largest Sunni sects, with political representation through parties like Sunni Tehreek and Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), although the original movement itself is largely non-political and focused on religious devotion.
Contributions to Islamic Thought
Ahmed Raza Khan authored over a thousand works covering fiqh, theology, Arabic grammar, logic, astronomy, and devotional poetry. His fatwa collection, Fatawa Rizvia, remains an authoritative reference for Barelvi scholars.
He also translated the Qur’an into Urdu (Kanzul Iman) and composed numerous na’ats that are still sung passionately across the world.
Criticism and Controversy
The Barelvi movement has faced criticism from other Islamic groups:
(a) Reformist scholars sometimes accuse them of excessive veneration of saints.
(b) Political opponents criticize certain groups within the movement for reactionary activism, especially in Pakistan.
However, most mainstream Barelvi scholars emphasize tolerance, peace, and spiritual refinement, distancing themselves from extremism or sectarianism.
At its heart, the Barelvi movement is about preserving tradition, expressing love for the Prophet ﷺ, and deepening one’s spiritual connection with Allah. It represents a devotional path that embraces the beauty of Islamic culture, poetry, and Sufi spirituality while remaining rooted in orthodox Sunni theology.
Whether one agrees with every aspect of Barelvi thought or not, its impact on the Muslim identity of South Asia and the diaspora is profound and enduring.