Author: Obaidullah Nimruzi
Philosopher of Afghanistan; Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghan (Part 7)
Genealogy and Place of Birth
Sayyed Jamal al-din was born in 1839 AD (1254 AH). One of the significant issues in his life that continues to spark debate today is the exact place of his birth. Two main theories exist in this regard: some assert that he hailed from Asadabad, Iran, while others believe he was born in Asa’adabad, Afghanistan.
Historical studies indicate that the second theory—that he was Afghan—is supported by more substantial evidence. For example, contemporary sources and works by prominent writers, such as Hana al-Fakhouri, suggest that his birthplace was Asa’adabad, Afghanistan. This view is more widely accepted, given his historical and familial connections.
Sayyed Jamal al-din’s father, Sayyed Saftar, was a Husseini Sadat, and his lineage can be traced back to Imam Ali Zayn al-Abidin, the son of Imam Hussein ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib, may Allah be pleased with him. This family connection not only bestowed upon him a spiritual and social status but also profoundly influenced his personality and thoughts. Because of this lineage, Seyyed Jamal al-din garnered respect from Muslims from an early age, leveraging his position to disseminate his messages.
Historians have noted that this family affiliation was a key reason for Sayyed Jamal al-din’s popularity among the Muslim masses. Many accepted him not only as a thinker and reformer but also as a person of religious and spiritual authenticity.
Personality and Activities
Sayyed Jamal al-din attracted attention from a young age due to his complex and multifaceted persona. He traveled extensively during his youth, gaining rich experiences in countries such as India, Iran, Afghanistan, Egypt, and even European capitals. These journeys, which were both political and cultural, significantly influenced the formation of his character.
Sayyed Jamal al-din’s religious education initially took place in a Sufi environment. In his youth, he was inclined toward mystical teachings and was regarded as a spiritual person. However, as he became more acquainted with the political and social conditions of Islamic societies over time, this inclination shifted. He turned toward Islamic fundamentalism and sought to spread his thoughts among Islamic communities.
One prominent characteristic of Sayyed Jamal al-din’s personality was his ability to meld religious teachings with societal needs. He posited that Islam, not merely as a religion but as a comprehensive social and political system, could provide solutions to the challenges faced by Muslim societies. Consequently, he emphasized Islamic unity and endeavored to unite Muslims around shared religious principles.
Family
The Sayyed Jamal al-din family held a prominent position not only socially and politically in Afghanistan but also regionally. This status was attributed to their noble lineage, which traced back to the family of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. This noble heritage conferred significant prestige and respect among Muslims, particularly in Afghanistan and neighboring areas, while also imposing numerous social and political responsibilities.
The Sayyed Jamal al-din family, especially during certain periods of Afghan history, wielded power over various parts of the country and played crucial roles in the political developments of the region as local emirs and rulers. However, the ascension of Dost Mohammad Khan, the Emir of Afghanistan at the time, significantly altered the political landscape of Afghanistan. Dost Mohammad Khan aimed to strengthen the central government and exert more control over various regions, leading to structural changes that diminished the power of many local families, including that of Sayyed Jamal al-din.
As a consequence of these developments, Sayyed Jamal al-din’s father and some of his uncles were compelled to relocate to Kabul, which was the capital of Afghanistan at that time. This relocation not only coincided with major political changes in Afghanistan but also had a profound impact on Sayyed Jamal al-din’s life and upbringing.
Sayyed Jamal al-din arrived in Kabul at the tender age of eight, where he received an education under the auspices of his father, a prominent figure in both science and politics. His father, regarded as part of the scholarly and religious elite, made every effort to educate his son. At that time, educational methods—especially among scholars and royal families—were traditional and rooted in religious and philosophical teachings, providing Sayyed Jamal al-din with the opportunity to acquire a profound and comprehensive education in these areas.
This period in Sayyed Jamal al-din’s life significantly shaped his intellectual and religious identity and played a crucial role in the development of his thoughts and views, particularly regarding Islamic unity and social reform.
Continues…
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