Jadidism
Overview
Jadidism was a nineteenth and early twentieth-century Russian Muslim intellectual movement. Inspired by figures like Ismail Bey Gasprinski, it was a response to colonial hegemony and the pressures of the modern age. Jadidism sought to reform education, improve the quality of life for Muslims, enhance economic and technical competitiveness, and restore power, wealth, and dignity lost over prior decades and centuries.
Historical Context
Jadidism marked a key period of Islamic intellectual history, emerging predominantly in Central Asia and among the Tatar communities of Russia. The movement was significantly influenced by Sufi brotherhoods emphasizing the inner awakening and moral reformation of individuals.
Core Philosophy
Jadidists reassessed accepted Islamic traditions and emphasized renewing the Islamic civilization. They aimed to promote a better future by authenticating and implementing the foundational traditions of the early Muslim community (Salaf). The movement encouraged scientific and cultural education and practical efforts to modernize society.
Educational Reform
One of the focal points of Jadidism was educational reform. Traditional madrasas were restructured to include modern sciences alongside traditional Islamic subjects. This new method of education, Tarbiya al-Jadid (new education), aimed at a holistic development of individuals.
Role of Women
Jadidism also sought to advocate for women’s empowerment, granting them more central societal roles. Feminist intellectual efforts were promoted in various spheres, supporting education and participation in public life.
Etymology
The term “Jadidism” (Russian: Джадидизм) comes from the Arabic root “ج د د” (j-d-d), meaning “new” or “novel”. The term “uslujan jadid” (Arabic: أسلوب جديد) literally means “new method”.
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: الجدية
- Turkish: Cedidcilik
Further Reading
- Khalid, Adeeb. The Politics of Muslim Cultural Reform: Jadidism in Central Asia. University of California Press, 1998.
- Rorlich, Azade Ayse. The Volga Tatars: A Profile in National Resilience. Hoover Institution Press, 1986.
- Khalid, Adeeb. Islam after Communism: Religion and Politics in Central Asia. University of California Press, 2007.
Key Takeaways
- Jadidism: An intellectual movement aiming at modern reforms within Muslim communities under Russian rule in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Reform Focus: Education, empowerment of women, economic and technical advancements.
- Sufi Influence: Inner and moral reformation began with Sufi brotherhoods.
- Foundations: Advocated a return to the core principles of early Islam while integrating modern scientific knowledge.
Conclusion
Jadidism was a prominent reform movement that played a crucial role in the education and cultural reawakening of Russian Muslims during the 19th and early 20th centuries. By reinvigorating traditional practices with modern knowledge, promoting women’s roles, and enhancing socioeconomic conditions, it significantly impacted Islamic intellectual and cultural history.
