Muhammad Abduh
Muhammad Abduh - Abduh, Muhammad (d. 1905) was an Egyptian scholar, journalist, theologian, jurist, grand mufti, and reformer. He is widely regarded as an architect of Islamic modernism.
Etymology
The name “Muhammad” is a common Arabic name derived from the root ح م د (H-M-D), which means “to praise.” “Abduh” (عَبْدُهُ) is an Arabic name meaning “His servant” or “His worshiper,” referring to being a servant of Allah.
Arabic and Turkish Translation
- Arabic: محمد عبده
- Turkish: Muhammed Abduh
Early Life and Education
Muhammad Abduh was educated at al-Azhar University, one of the oldest and most prestigious Islamic institutions. Initially, he was an adherent of the Shadhili Sufi order but later renounced his Sufi background. He became a disciple of Jamal al-Din al-Afghani (d. 1897), a prominent advocate of Pan-Islamism and political activism.
Exile and Pan-Islamism
In the 1880s, Abduh edited the influential journal Al-Urwah al-Wuthqa (The Strongest Bond). Due to his political activities, he was exiled from Egypt between 1882 and 1888. During this period, he traveled to Syria, North Africa, and France.
Return to Cairo and Reformation Efforts
Upon his return to Cairo, Abduh focused on reforming education and renewing Islamic theology. He strove to emancipate Muslims from the mentality of taqlid (ألتقاليد, adherence to tradition) while retaining Islamic authenticity. He taught that reason and revelation are inherently compatible and harmonious.
Major Works and Contributions
His most popular work was Risalat al-Tawhid (رسالة التوحيد, The Theology of Unity). The book asserts that belief in God is a rational act and emphasizes the need for rational analysis of revelation.
Abduh declared that any reluctance to apply rationality to social issues or to refuse its scientific fruits was a disavowal of divine creation, constituting shirk (شرك, associationism), which is considered the gravest sin in Islam.
Influence and Legacy
Although he was bitterly opposed by some academics and legal scholars, Abduh’s ideas found continuing expression through the journal Al-Manar, published by his disciple Muhammad Rashid Rida (d. 1935), and Al-Manar al-Jadid, established in 1998.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Modernist Islam: 1840-1940” by Charles Kurzman
- “Islamic Modernism, Nationalism, and Fundamentalism: Episode and Discourse” by Mansoor Moaddel
- “Muhammad Abduh” by Mark Sedgwick
- “Islamic Thought in the Twentieth Century” edited by Suha Taji-Farouki and Basheer M. Nafi
Takeaways
- Muhammad Abduh was an influential figure in Islamic modernism and reform.
- He emphasized the compatibility of reason and revelation.
- His work Risalat al-Tawhid is a cornerstone in rational Islamic theology.
- His ideas continue to influence Islamic thought through subsequent publications and scholars.
Conclusion
Muhammad Abduh’s contributions laid the groundwork for modern Islamic reform. His efforts to harmonize reason with revelation and advocate for rational analysis of social issues remain pivotal in contemporary Islamic discourse. Despite facing considerable opposition, his legacy endures through his writings and the continuing influence of his disciples.
