Philosopher of Afghanistan: Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghan (Part Three)
Some Traits and Characteristics of Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghani (May Allah Have Mercy on Him)
Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghani, the renowned reformist of the Eastern world, remains a source of inspiration and research for scholars and enthusiasts of history, as well as for those interested in social and political reforms. Despite extensive studies on his life and ideas, there are still undiscovered aspects of his personality. To fully understand Sayyed Jamaluddin, further impartial and scholarly research is needed to unveil the various dimensions of his life and thoughts.
Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghani was not only a social and political reformer but also a symbol of resistance against tyranny and colonialism, as well as a model of commitment to justice, faith, and service to humanity. He was a man who called the Eastern world and the Islamic nations to self-identity, independence, and self-reliance. His tireless efforts made him one of the most influential figures in contemporary history.
A Patriot with a Global Vision
One of Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghani’s most remarkable traits was his deep patriotism combined with his global outlook. He never confined himself to geographical borders and viewed humanity as a whole. Nevertheless, he had a special love and attachment to his homeland, Afghanistan, and throughout his life, he thought about its future.
His first significant work, History of the Afghans, written in Arabic, reflects his profound concern for Afghanistan and its people. In this book, he analyzed Afghanistan’s history and identity and expressed his thoughts on the destiny of this land. Through his numerous travels to various countries, including India, Iran, Egypt, and Turkey, he not only awakened the people of these lands but also presented his ideas on a global scale.
Anti-Tyranny and Anti-Colonialism
One of the most critical aspects of Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghani’s personality was his relentless struggle against internal tyranny and foreign colonialism. He believed that internal tyranny paves the way for external colonial domination and that the liberation of Eastern nations from these two destructive forces could only be achieved through intellectual and cultural awakening.
With his fiery speeches and impactful writings, he instilled the spirit of resistance among Muslims and Eastern nations. Sayyed Jamal al-din urged people to stand against oppression, asserting that only through unity and self-belief could they overcome tyranny and colonialism. He bravely raised the banner of struggle and revived hope for freedom and independence among Eastern nations.
Advocacy for Freedom and Independence
Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghani regarded freedom as one of the greatest blessings bestowed upon humanity by Allah (s.w.t) and believed that nothing could compare to the value of freedom. He educated people about its importance and emphasized the necessity of enduring hardships to achieve independence and liberation.
In one of his speeches, he candidly stated:
“God created you free, but you have placed the yoke of slavery upon yourselves. If I despise the oppressor, I do not favor the oppressed either, for tolerating oppression only emboldens the tyrant.”
These words reflect his profound belief in self-respect and the need to fight for freedom.
A Devout Believer and Opponent of Superstitions
Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghani held a deep and steadfast belief in Islam, seeing the solution to humanity’s problems in returning to the core principles of the faith. He considered Islam a complete and eternal religion capable of fulfilling both the material and spiritual needs of humans.
At the same time, he strongly opposed the superstitions prevalent among Muslims. He believed these misconceptions were significant obstacles to the progress and prosperity of Muslims and consistently warned people about their harmful effects. Sayyed Jamal al-din viewed the Holy Quran as a guide to ethics and a roadmap for life, emphasizing that true success lies in adhering to its teachings.
A Passionate Advocate of Knowledge
Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghani valued knowledge above all else and believed that one of the primary reasons for the backwardness of Eastern nations was their neglect of education. He often lamented the lack of appreciation for knowledge among Eastern societies, saying:
“The people of the East have not realized the value of knowledge and do not recognize scholars. They believe that learning is a futile endeavor and regard attention to it as a waste of time.”
He also stressed that the advancement of Western nations resulted from their commitment to science and that Muslims must utilize this human legacy to progress. On this topic, he remarked:
“The Europeans, who now dominate the world, owe their power to science.”
A Moderate and Realistic Thinker
Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghani always prioritized moderation and balance in his thoughts and actions. He avoided extremes in all matters and sought to provide practical and effective solutions based on rationality and a thorough understanding of the times.
He was familiar with both the strengths and weaknesses of Western civilization and believed that Muslims should benefit from Western scientific and technological achievements while preserving their spiritual and cultural values. He envisioned a harmony between Western modernity and Islamic spirituality, leading to the creation of a new and sustainable civilization.
