Writing History in Deobandi-Barelvi Polemics: Conflicting Views of Shah Ismail and Fazl-e-Haq Khairabadi

Abstract The Deobandi-Barelvi conflict in South Asia is conventionally over religious beliefs and practices. However, it also has an earlier dimension, encompassing the early nineteenth century theological debate between Shah Ismail and Fazl-e-Haq Khairabadi. Deobandi and Barelvi polemicists rewrite this history to establish their own tradition and identity within a particular narrative of the past, linked to the family of Shah Waliullah. The Barelvis portray their founder, Ahmed Raza Khan, as belonging to the tradition of both Waliullah and Khairabadi, and against Ismail, while the Deobandis highlight Ismail’s orthodoxy. In doing so, polemicists rewrite the past and ensure that the dimension of history is a significant aspect of their conflict today as distinct oppositional identities are created.