The Deobandi Movement was founded in India in 1866 as a response to British colonial rule and the perceived decline of Islamic scholarship. This revivalist seminary movement emphasized a strict adherence to sharia law and sought to preserve Islamic teachings and practices. The Deobandi Movement has had a profound impact on Islamic education and has influenced various Islamic movements worldwide, particularly in South Asia.

The founding of the Deobandi Movement in India in 1866 strengthened Urdu religious poetry, fostering a rich tradition of madrasa-based literary works. Poets like Allama Iqbal drew upon these influences to explore themes of spirituality and cultural identity in their writings.