Afghani, Jamal al-Din al-
Afghani, Jamal al-Din al- (d. 1897) was a prominent 19th-century Islamic thinker and political activist. His intellectual legacy and political endeavors remain influential across the Muslim world.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: جمال الدين الأفغاني
- Turkish: Cemaleddin Afgani
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Iran—although he asserted Afghan origins—Afghani was educated in Iran and Iraq. These regions played a pivotal role in shaping his early worldview and exposure to Islamic scholarship.
Travels and Political Activism
Afghani’s travels significantly influenced his understanding and critique of British colonialism. Upon his move to India, he closely observed British colonial policies, which fueled his activism. His itinerant life saw him inhabit various regions, including Afghanistan, Istanbul, and Egypt. His anti-British stance and his allegedly heretical teachings often led to his expulsion from these regions.
In collaboration with Muhammad Abduh, a fellow reformist, he published the journal Al-Urwah al-Wuthqa (“The Strongest Bond”), which was instrumental in highlighting the importance of pan-Islamism and resisting British rule in Muslim territories.
Philosophy and Beliefs
Afghani held a complex philosophy wherein he advocated Sunni-Shia unity, and believed in the use of reason and natural law. For the masses, he propagated orthodox religious teachings but stressed internal reform and self-improvement with a particular focus on technical and scientific education. He played a pivotal role as one of the earliest modern Muslim figures to intertwine political activism with Islamic ideals, advancing a political program through Islam.
Political Engagements
His political activism was multifaceted, including:
- Public speeches
- Newspaper articles
- Utilizing the Masonic lodge for political activities
- Opposition to foreign colonial concessions
- Formation of secret opposition organizations
- Distribution of oppositional leaflets
- Involvement in the assassination of the Iranian king
Legacy and Influence
Afghani’s legacy persists in the Muslim world due to his:
- Advocacy for political activism within the framework of Islam
- Pan-Islamism
- Emphasis on Muslim unity against the imperialist West
- Modernist and pragmatic re-interpretations of Islamic thought
Suggested Books for Further Study
- Keddie, Nikkie R. Sayyid Jamal ad-Din “al-Afghani”: A Political Biography. University of California Press, 1972.
- Adams, Charles C. Islam and Modernism in Egypt: A Study of the Modern Reform Movement. Oxford University Press, 1933.
- Hourani, Albert. Arabic Thought in the Liberal Age 1798-1939. Cambridge University Press, 1983.
Takeaways and Conclusions
Jamal al-Din al-Afghani remains a seminal figure in modern Islamic political thought. His blend of activism, reformist ideas, and modernist interpretations of Islam against the backdrop of colonialism provides a critical study in the relation between religion and politics. His life and works urge a reflection on the necessity for intellectual and technical education, pragmatic approaches to social reform, and the enduring significance of political activism in confronting external and internal challenges.
Related Entities and Further Links
- Osmania University: Recognized for hosting scholars deeply influenced by Afghani’s reformist ideas.
Afghani’s contributions underline the interplay between traditional Islamic values and the imperatives of modern political realities, offering indispensable insights for contemporary Islamic thought and practice.
