Philosopher of Afghanistan; Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghan (Part 8)
Education
Sayyed Jamal al-Din was placed in an environment rich in religious and cultural education from the very beginning. His extraordinary talent and intelligence were evident from childhood, and he quickly progressed in various sciences. At the beginning of his education, he learned Arabic and Afghan languages, and at the same time studied religious sciences, history, philosophy, logic, and mathematics. At that time, religious sciences held a special place in society, and their teaching in traditional Islamic schools was of great importance.
By taking advantage of these opportunities and his natural talent, Sayyed Jamal al-Din was able to achieve a degree of perfection in various sciences at a young age. His education not only equipped him with academic skills but also prepared him to face complex social and political issues. In addition, the educational environment in which he was raised familiarized him with teaching methods and deep religious thought.
At the age of 18, having reached adulthood, Sayyed Jamal al-Din decided to expand his knowledge and traveled to India. At that time, India was one of the great scientific and cultural centers where not only Islamic sciences but also modern and Western sciences were taught. In India, he became acquainted with modern European-style educational methods for the first time and studied various modern scientific disciplines.
These experiences had a profound impact on his thoughts. In India, he learned English and was able to benefit from new scientific and research resources. During this time, he developed new perspectives and explored various issues, including scientific, philosophical, and social development. These studies provided Sayyed Jamal al-Din with new viewpoints that influenced his political and reformist thoughts in the future.
Naturally, Sayyed Jamal al-Din had a great interest in traveling, and thus he decided to visit different countries. After staying in India, he intended to perform the Hajj. The Hajj journey was an opportunity for him to study and observe the situation in various Muslim countries, in addition to fulfilling an important religious obligation. During this journey, he became acquainted with different Muslim cultures and civilizations, and these experiences helped broaden his political and social views.
Finally, after spending a year traveling to various countries, Sayyed Jamal al-Din reached Makkah and performed the Hajj in 1857 AD (1273 AH). This spiritual journey, considered one of the greatest religious undertakings of Muslims at that time, significantly impacted Sayyed Jamal al-Din’s personality. During this journey, he paid particular attention to issues of Islamic unity, the need for Muslim solidarity, and the importance of cultural and scientific reforms in Islamic societies.
In addition to its spiritual and religious dimensions, this journey marks an important period in Sayyed Jamal al-Din’s intellectual and political development. His various experiences in India and Makkah helped him emerge as a prominent Islamic figure in both the religious and political realms.
General Conclusion
The debate over the nationality and identity of Sayyed Jamal al-Din Afghani has always been one of the most challenging and controversial topics in Islamic historiography. His complex and influential personality in the Islamic world has led many researchers and writers to consider his life and identity from different angles and present various theories.
On one hand, some Iranian sources and scholars believe that Sayyed Jamal al-Din Afghani was originally Iranian and was born specifically in the Asadabad region of Hamadan in Iran. This view is primarily based on evidence related to his family history and genealogy, further supported by the title “Asadabadi,” which is mentioned in some historical sources as a reference to Sayyed Jamal al-Din.
On the other hand, some Afghan scholars assert that Sayyed Jamal al-Din Afghani was born in the eastern regions of Iran and was, in fact, from the land of Afghanistan. This perspective is supported by his Afghan name and historical documents that refer to his birthplace in the border areas of Afghanistan, making it a more likely explanation. Sayyed Jamal al-Din’s education and travels also contribute to his identity. By traveling to various countries, including India, Egypt, Turkey, and France, he gained extensive knowledge and experience, meeting many prominent global figures during these trips, thereby exerting a considerable cultural and political influence on the Islamic world. These journeys and international contacts directly impacted his reformist attitudes and the social and political developments within the Islamic realm.
Ultimately, the conclusion regarding Sayyed Jamal al-Din Afghani’s nationality seems to be that he was a global figure without geographical boundaries. His identity is not limited to his birthplace or lineage; through his scientific, political, and reformist activities on a global scale, he has become a symbol of Islamic awakening and efforts for progress and reform in Muslim societies. Therefore, Sayyed Jamal al-Din Afghani cannot be confined to the framework of a specific nationality and should be recognized as a universal figure belonging to all Muslims and freedom-seekers.
