The post explains “What was din i illahi or din i akbari? What was Sluh i Kul? Who accepted din i illahi and what was its outcome and objective? Its characteristics.”
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Short Note On Din i illahi / Din e illahi
Din i illahi was a failed political move of emperor Akbar. Akbar acceded to the throne of Delhi in 1566 AD. From the beginning Akbar in order to penetrate and en-strengthen his rule over India had adopted a liberal posture while conducting state’s affairs. To win Hindus support he had married a number of Hindu women and had given some important posts in his court to Hindus. To further strengthen the roots of his rule over India, Akbar on advice of his Hindus courtiers introduced a new religion with the name of Din-i-illahi.
Akbar was a great politician and he knew how to win the trust and support of his Hindu subjects in society. To do so he not only married a number of Hindu princesses but also introduced a new religion by mixing the principles of Islam and Hinduism. He called this religion Din-i.illahi or Din-i-Akbari and made sure that every person follow it.
What Was Din-i-illahi?
Mughal emperor Akbar convened a general council of high officials to discuss religious antagonism and strife that existed in his subjects. He then on advice of his Hindu courtiers in 1582 AD introduced a new religion by mixing the rules of Islam and Hinduism. He called this religion Din-i-illahi or Divine Faith and promulgated the policy of Sulh-i-Kul.
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What Was Sulh-i-Kul?
Sulh-i-Kul is Arabic term which means “peace with all”. Mughal emperor Akbar had promulgated it for the first time in Indo Subcontinent along with his Din-i.illahi. Akbar ordered that all religions should be united in such a way that the advantage of all religions should be gained by all and that evils of any faith should be disregarded. Smith in his book “The Great Moghal” has noted Akbar statement in these words “honor would be rendered to God, peace would be given to the people and security to the empire”.
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Din-i-illahi elevated Akbar’s status and declared him God’s shadow on earth. He assumed the title of Mujaddid-i-Azam and Imam-i-Adil. Akbar sanctioned a number of un-Islamic practices in the name of religion, Din-i-illahi, in society that included worship of sun and fire. Muslims were banned from loud calling to prayer in Masjids and cow slaughter was not allowed. Similarly it was also not allowed to name a child after Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Who Accepted Din-i-illahi?
The chief priest of Din-i-akbari was Abul Fazal while the first disciples were Birbal, Prince Salim and Abul Fazal Ibn Mubarak.
What Was The Objective Behind Din-i-illahi?
The only major objective of Akbar behind the introduction of Din-i-akbari was political gain. He wanted to remove the element of religious antagonism and differences from society to make it a unanimous and harmonious society so that his empire may grow and prosper rapidly.
What Was The Outcome Of Din-i-illahi?
The immediate effect of Din-i-akbari on Muslim society was the loss of Muslims hegemony in the society. Similarly many un-Islamic beliefs and practices were emerged in Muslim society due to the liberal approach of Akbar and it is believed that because of Din-iillahi Islam would have vanished from the surface Indo Subcontinent long ago if Mujaddid Alf Sani have not exposed its fallacy.
End Of Din-i-Akbari
Din-i-Akbari soon came to an end after the death of Akbar. Muslims scholars and mystics worked hard to remove its poisonous effects from society.
