Tabligh Movement
1. MAULANA ILYAS
~ 17 ~
appreciate their activities. They changed their way
of dressing and, grew beards, shaking off one by
one almost all the pre-Islamic customs that they
had retained after their conversion. Lending or
borrowing on interest as well as robbing, looting,
and dacoities decreased considerably. Liquor
consumption came to an end. Almost every child
became punctual at his prayers. Their dealings,
behaviour and living standards were all influenced
as a result of this religious awakening. Not only did
they reform themselves but they were also inspired
to spread the true message of God to those who
were as ignorant as they had been before. Their
simple, sincere stories of devotion made it seem as
if history were, repeating itself, as if the newly
converted Bedouins, inspired with new found zeal
were reborn and roaming across the desert, their
only desire being to spread the message far and
wide.
In September 1929, an elderly, religious person
visited the area to observe personally the much
talked-of religious fervour. He found on his way a
group of simple Mewati villagers who were going
out on a religious expedition. He motioned to one of
