Author: Obaidullah Nimruzi
The Philosopher of Afghanistan; Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghan (Part 6)
Dispute Over National Identity
One of the most controversial and debated topics regarding Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghan is his national identity, which has always been a subject of dispute and analysis. This discussion holds special significance among Islamic scholars and historians due to his profound influence on the Muslim world. There are two main perspectives on this issue.
In summary, the claims about Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghan’s nationality can generally be categorized into three views.
First View: The Claim of the Iranian People
Some Iranian researchers and writers believe that Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghan was originally Iranian. This group refers to various sources that identify his birthplace as the village of Asadabad in Hamadan Province, Iran. Some of the most important sources supporting this claim include:
1. The Book “Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghani” by Mohammad Ali Foroughi: This book is one of the most significant Iranian works on Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghan and extensively covers his life and activities. Foroughi argues that Sayyed Jamal al-din was Iranian and was born in Asadabad, Hamadan.
2. The Book “Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghani: A Great Man from a Great Land” by Ali Asghar Kazemi: Kazemi also refers to evidence suggesting that Sayyed Jamal al-din was born in Iran. He cites various sources stating that Sayyed Jamal al-din was born in Asadabad, Hamadan, before later migrating to India and then to Egypt.
Therefore, some researchers believe that Sayyed Jamal al-din was from Iran. This theory is supported by certain historical evidence and his connections with Iranian groups. Some Iranian writers argue that from the very beginning, he introduced himself as an Afghan to attract public attention and expand his influence in the Muslim world. They contend that his emphasis on an Afghan identity was a political strategy to escape sectarian limitations and promote Islamic unity among Muslims worldwide.
Second View: The Claim of the Afghan People
On the other hand, some Afghan researchers and writers assert that Sayyed Jamal al-din was originally Afghan, from the Kunar region, and was born in Afghanistan. They argue that the title “Afghani” itself supports this claim and that various historical sources indicate he was born in the eastern regions of what is now Afghanistan.
Opposing the first group, another group of researchers and historians, particularly Mohammad Emara, firmly and unequivocally consider Sayyed Jamal al-din to be Afghan. According to this group, not only did he always introduce himself as Afghan, but he also explicitly mentioned this in his writings and speeches. Emara, through a detailed study of his works, letters, and correspondences, argues that Afghan identity was an inseparable part of Sayyed Jamal al-din’s character.
Additionally, Mohammad Emara emphasizes that Sayyed Jamal al-din never focused on religious sectarianism and always identified himself as a Muslim. According to Emara, rather than engaging in sectarian disputes, he was committed to Islamic unity and strengthening cohesion among Muslims. Emara even dismisses claims that Sayyed Jamal al-din was a Shia, arguing that his ideas transcended religious and sectarian boundaries. This characteristic made him one of the most prominent figures of Islamic unity.
Sayyed Jamal al-din was recognized in various circles as a reformer, thinker, and even a politician. Through his speeches and writings, he inspired numerous reformist movements in the Muslim world. These qualities established him as one of the most important figures in 19th-century Islamic thought.
Some of the key sources supporting this claim include:
1. The Book “Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghani and Islamic Reforms” by Abdul Rahman Baba: This book provides a detailed account of Sayyed Jamal al-din’s life and struggles, arguing that he was born in Afghanistan. Baba highlights that the term “Afghani” was commonly used at the time to refer to people from the border regions of Iran and Afghanistan.
2. The Book “Sayyid Jamal al-din Afghani: A Global Figure” by Parwiz Hadi: Written by an Afghan author, this book examines the political and social impact of Sayyed Jamal al-din in the Muslim world. Hadi specifically argues that Sayyed Jamal al-din was born in Afghanistan, stating that this fact is documented in various historical sources.
Third View: Neutral Historians
Apart from the Iranian and Afghan claims, some independent historians and researchers have presented different perspectives on Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghan’s nationality. They refer to historical evidence and primary sources that provide a more precise examination of his place of birth and identity.
One key source in this regard is:
– The Book “Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghani: Between East and West” by George Ani: This book offers a comprehensive and neutral analysis of Sayyed Jamal al-din’s life and character. The author, after reviewing historical documents and various pieces of evidence, concludes that Sayyed Jamal al-din was most likely born in western Afghanistan, although some Iranian sources also claim he was born in Iran.
The nationality of Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghan remains a debated topic in historiography. Some Iranian scholars believe he was Iranian, while others, particularly in Afghanistan, claim he was Afghan.
This diversity of views highlights his historical and intellectual significance. He was a figure who sought to transcend sectarian boundaries and unite all Muslims under the common cause of Islam. The ongoing debate over his national identity underscores the extent of his influence and central role in the Muslim world.
Despite these differences, Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghan remains a global and influential figure in Islamic history and the modern world, playing a crucial role in the political and social awakening of Muslims.
Continues…
[1]. Foroughi, Mohammad Ali, “Sayyed Jamaluddin Afghani”, Volume 1, pp. 12-45, Amir Kabir Publications, 1993.
[2]. Kazemi, Ali Asghar. “Sayyed Jamaluddin Afghani, a Great Man from a Great Homeland”, pp. 55-80, Ettalat Publications, 1991.
[3]. Amara, Mohammad, The Complete Works of Jamaluddin Afghani, Vol. 2, p. 32, First Edition, Dar Al-Shoroq, Cairo, 1994.
[4]. Jawad, Mustafa. Principles of History and Literature. Vol. 21, p. 87, First Edition, Dar Al-Jil, Beirut, 1992.
[5]. Baba, Abdul Rahman. “Sayyid Jamaluddin Afghani and Islamic Reforms”, pp. 100-130, Kabul University Publications, 1985.
[6]. Hadi, Parviz. “Sayyed Jamaluddin Afghani: A World Figure”, pp. 150-180, Kabul University Press, 2011.
[7]. Annie, George, “Sayyed Jamaluddin Afghani: Between East and West”, pp. 210-240, translated by Ahmadi, Hossein, Dar al-Fikr Publications, 2005.
