Duri, Abd al-Aziz al-

Introduction

Duri, Abd al-Aziz al- (b. 1919), is a prominent Iraqi educator and social historian who played a significant role in the study of Arab nationalism and identity. His work emphasizes the cultural and linguistic aspects of Arab identity, setting aside ethnic, regional, or religious considerations.

Etymology

The name “Abd al-Aziz” (عبد العزيز) in Arabic means “servant of the Almighty (God),” and “al-Duri” (الدوري) indicates affiliation, suggesting descent from, or residence in a place called “al-Dur.”

Focus

Arab Nationalism

Duri’s scholarship is renowned for its focus on Arab nationalism, which he perceives as a construct rooted in cultural and linguistic commonalities. He argues that Arabism transcends ethnicity and regional divides, proposing that linguistic and cultural factors are the primary unifying elements.

Islam and Arabism

Duri’s integration of Islam into his framework of Arabism is profound. He posits that Islam and Arabism form a unified entity, with Islam serving as the intellectual and ideological basis that facilitated the unification of the Arab peoples. According to Duri, this unification enabled the effective founding and expansion of early Islamic states, thereby promoting the spread of Islam internationally.

Key Themes

1. Cultural and Linguistic Identity:

   • Contrary to perspectives that highlight ethnic and regional distinctions, Duri underscores the centrality of Arabic language and culture in defining Arab identity.

2. Islam’s Unifying Role:

   • Duri asserts that Islam provided the intellectual and ideological foundation required for the unity and state formation among Arabs, making it an inseparable element of Arab nationalism.

Books for Further Study

To gain a deeper understanding of Duri’s perspectives and methodologies, the following texts are recommended:

1. “The Rise of Historical Writing Among the Arabs” by Abd al-Aziz Duri
2. “Early Islamic Institutions: Administration and Taxation from the Caliphate to the Umayyads and Abbasids” by Abd al-Aziz Duri
3. “The Historical Roots of Arab Nationalism” by Adrian Hastings

Takeaways

• Cultural Over Ethnic Unity: Duri’s work exemplifies the importance of cultural and linguistic factors in defining Arab identity over ethnic or religious elements.
• Islam’s Integral Role: Recognizing the dual significance of Islam in facilitating both ideological and political unity among Arabs, Duri provides a nuanced view of Arab nationalism.
• Interconnectedness of Arabism and Islam: By positing that Arabism and Islam are intricately linked, Duri presents a vision where one cannot fully understand Arab identity without considering the influence of Islam.

Conclusion

Abd al-Aziz al-Duri made groundbreaking contributions to the fields of Arab nationalism and Islamic history. His emphasis on the intertwined nature of Islam and Arabism provides a pivotal framework for understanding Arab identity that persists in contemporary discourse.

By diving into his works, scholars and students can better appreciate the complexity of Arab nationalism and the role of Islam in shaping the historical and intellectual landscape of the Arab world.