Allama Sayyed Abul Hasan Nadwi, ‘May Allah Have Mercy on Him’ (Part 27)
Responsibility of Islamic Countries
In the face of all these tendencies and the immersion in communist and secular movements, coupled with the desire for Western civilization and following in the footsteps of Western societies, not only is Afghanistan responsible, but all Islamic countries share responsibility for this situation. As we know, Afghanistan’s sources of income are very limited, and it is not considered a capitalist country. Afghanistan is deprived of natural resources, including oil, and does not have a commercial port. Its exports and imports are very weak, consisting mainly of a few products such as dried fruits, sheep wool, and skins.
Naturally, this country is forced to seek help and cooperation from advanced and developed nations to meet its needs and implement its development, educational, cultural, and defense plans.
If Allah Almighty enables the great Islamic governments to extend their hands of cooperation and assistance to Afghanistan, helping it to complete its plans and implement its programs, this country will undoubtedly no longer need to ask for help from other powers. Then, it can protect and expand its Islamic integrity and benefit the entire Islamic world. This Muslim nation, whose religiosity is rooted in their heritage, embracing Islamic emotions and zeal, can be saved from falling prey to the deceptive manifestations of civilizations and false beliefs.
Unfortunately, wealthy Islamic governments have often neglected to assist and pay attention to developing countries, paving the way for the Soviet Republic and the People’s Republic of China to step in and provide abundant support to Afghanistan, allowing it to progress and create prosperity and comfort. It is natural that alongside this aid, they have also chosen alternatives for the intellectual and cultural development of the people and have been eager to influence all aspects of life.
Afghanistan is also far behind the Islamic world in terms of science and culture. Additionally, India has moved away from its original cultural source due to barriers imposed by Pakistan and has remained content with its old scientific heritage, lacking awareness of contemporary scientific and religious activities and trends.
Were it not for Egypt and the great Al-Azhar University, where Afghan youth have always sought knowledge, Afghanistan would have been completely cut off from cultural connections and Islamic movements, remaining forever in isolation behind the Iron Curtain. Now, we see that the elite and the cream of the crop in this land are mainly those who graduated from Al-Azhar and its faculties and have spent significant time in Egypt.
Speech at the Saudi Banquet Ceremony
On the evening of Sunday, June 9, 1973, His Excellency Sheikh Muhammad Ahmad Al-Shubili, the esteemed ambassador of Saudi Arabia, organized a ceremony and banquet to honor the guest group and facilitate a meeting among the elders and prominent figures of the country. This gathering included most of the ambassadors of Arab countries, several Afghan ministers, the mayor of Kabul, judicial heads, university professors, educators, scholars, and a number of Christian Arab professors engaged in various embassies.
It was a magnificent gathering, bringing together a large number of scientific and religious elders, politicians, and government officials. His Excellency the ambassador asked me to welcome the guests and briefly explain the occasion of this gathering, as well as the goals and mission of our expedition group.
I began my speech with what Allah had destined for me, and I endeavored not to limit my remarks to mere thanks or formulaic greetings. Rather, I seized the opportunity—one that few bearers of a mission have—to express my emotions and thoughts, to offer thanks and greetings, and to speak about the greater significance of our gathering: the common good and welfare of all present. I have written the full text of the speech as I remember it, which you will read in the following pages.
After my remarks, Professor Ahmad Mohammad Jamal spoke and delivered many eloquent sentences. In his speech, he thanked the Afghan government and people for their warm welcome and hospitality to our group. He also expressed gratitude and appreciation to the guests who had attended the assembly and responded to the hosts’ invitation.
In part of his address, Professor Ahmad outlined the goals and objectives of the Islamic World League organization and spoke about the all-encompassing care His Majesty King Faisal showed in fostering Islamic solidarity. He emphasized the responsibilities of scholars in fulfilling this mission and achieving these objectives.
All present then proceeded to the reception hall for dinner, and after the meal, they returned to their homes in a state of joy and contentment. This was the final meeting, and the next morning, June 11, we departed Kabul for Tehran.
Dear readers, you can follow some of the speeches and events that took place during the Tehran trip in the audiobook or through other media.
