314 chapter seven
The above points seem to serve as a constitution for the government,
which lay down the foundation for its general policies. Further details
would be necessary to outline the detailed policies that a government
should follow to exercise these guidelines.
Furthermore, in addressing the issue of government, Shah Wali-
Allah referred to various issues related to the unfortunate appoint-
ment of a bad administrator, the corrupt government, the duties of
the powerful ruler, the proper distribution of labour.
If all did not work, Shah believed it was inevitable that a revo-
lution would take place. And he seemed to be in favour of it. In
justifying his views, he states that sacrifices, even with one’s own life,
is sometimes necessary as a final resort towards rectifying the wrong
done. But it should be seen only as a final course of action after all
other course are sincerely pursued and fully exhausted.
Shah Wali-Allah seems to have leaned more towards a radical
form of reform than a moderate approach to change. He calls for
a powerful government of law and order, of war and peace, and of
justice and fairness—all in one. He is particularly concerned about
security, stability and fairness: security of individuals in society against
maladministration, safety of a country against political disturbances
from inside and outside enemies, and fairness in dealing with the
subjects. These basic principles of societal security seem to be echoed
throughout his writings. This is not surprising given the circumstances
that prevailed before and during his time. Indeed, with some reservation
about his call for a revolution if the need arise, his views can serve
even in a society that may come after him of peace and tranquility
if potential political and economic mishaps are to be avoided. It is
not surprising, therefore, to see the views of Shah Wali-Allah pop-
ular in the subcontinent even after a few centuries following his death.
In the next chapter we turn our attention to the reform and
revival in the period that preceded the renaissance in Islamic eco-
nomics in the twentieth century.