Maryam Jameelah (1934-2012)
Maryam Jameelah, born Margaret Marcus, was an American writer and intellectual who made significant contributions to Islamic thought following her conversion from Judaism to Islam in 1961. She moved to Pakistan in 1962 at the invitation of the prominent Islamic scholar Sayyid Abul A’la Maududi. Maryam Jameelah is known for her extensive writing on Islamic ideology and has become a pivotal figure in the dialogue between Islam and the West.
Biographical Background
Born in 1934 in New York, USA, Margaret Marcus grew up in a Jewish family. She exhibited from an early age a keen interest in religious and philosophical questions, which eventually led her to explore Islam. Deeply moved by her studies, she converted to Islam, adopting the name Maryam Jameelah in 1961. Her journey towards Islam was deeply influenced by her correspondence with Sayyid Abul A’la Maududi, the founder of Jamaat-i-Islami, from 1960 to 1962. Subsequently, she accepted his invitation to move to Pakistan to further her understanding and commitment to her new faith.
Literary Contributions
Maryam Jameelah’s literary career is noteworthy for its vigorous defense of traditional Islamic values against Western cultural and ideological encroachments. Her works often delineate Jamaat-i-Islami’s ideology, although she never officially joined the party. She focused on the nuanced debate between Islam and the West, delivering a revivalist critique of Christianity, Judaism, secular Western thought, and the trends within Islamic modernism.
Key Published Works:
- “Islam Versus the West”
- “Western Civilization Condemned by Itself”
- “Islam and Modernism”
- “Islam and Orientalism”
Ideological Stance
Jameelah’s writings argue for the superior moral and social framework offered by Islam, in contrast to what she views as the moral decay and intellectual errors of Western civilization. Her critiques are grounded in a traditionalist viewpoint, striking a balance between scholarly analysis and passionate advocacy.
Legacy and Influence
Jameelah continues to be a significant figure in Islamic intellectual circles and among scholars interested in Muslim-Christian-Jewish relations, conversion narratives, and critiques of modernity. Her works remain influential within and beyond Jamaat-i-Islami, providing invaluable insights into the concerns of traditionalist Islamic thinkers in the modern era.
Etymology and Language:
- Arabic: مريم جميلة (Maryam Jameelah)
- Turkish: Meryem Cemile
Further Reading
For those wishing to delve deeper into Maryam Jameelah’s life and works, the following books and articles are recommended:
- Jameelah, Maryam. Islam Versus the West. Lahore: Muhammad Yusuf Khan, 1964.
- Jameelah, Maryam. Western Civilization Condemned by Itself. Lahore: Mohammad Yusuf Khan, 1965.
- Jameelah, Maryam. Islam and Modernism. Lahore: Muhammad Yusuf Khan, 1968.
- Jameelah, Maryam. Islam and Orientalism. Lahore: Mohammad Yusuf Khan, 1971.
Takeaways
- Conversion: Maryam Jameelah’s conversion from Judaism to Islam marks an important narrative in the tapestry of religious and cultural exchanges.
- Literary Impact: Her prolific writings defend Islamic ideologies and criticize Western secular values.
- Legacy: Jameelah serves as a touchstone for traditionalist and revivalist Islamic thought, particularly in post-colonial contexts.
Conclusion
Maryam Jameelah’s intellectual journey and contributions offer a compelling study of religious conversion, cross-cultural critiques, and the resilience of Islamic traditionalist thought. Through her unwavering dedication and articulate defense of Islamic beliefs, she remains an enduring influence in contemporary Islamic discourse.
