Philosopher of Afghanistan; Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghan (Part 9)
Intellectual and Political Personality
Keywords: Islamic Awakening, Islamic Unity (Pan-Islamism), Religious Reformism, Fight Against Colonialism, Ijtihad vs. Imitation, Political Pragmatism.
Abstract
The intellectual and political persona of Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghan, MAPH, stands as one of the greatest reformers and thinkers of the 19th century, profoundly impacting the Islamic Awakening and the reformist movements within the Islamic world. Sayyed Jamal al-din can rightly be considered a symbol of the connection between thought and action; he was not only a prominent thinker analyzing the cultural, social, and political crises of the Islamic Ummah but also played a pivotal role as a political activist and reformist leader.
From an intellectual perspective, Sayyed Jamal al-din provided a radical critique of the existing situation during a time when the Islamic world faced numerous crises, such as intellectual stagnation, structural weakness, and colonial domination. By emphasizing the need to return to the original principles of Islam and the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah, he attempted to bridge the gap between the glorious past of the Islamic nation and the contemporary state of decadence. He believed that the spread of blind imitation and the abandonment of the spirit of Ijtihad had hindered Muslims’ progress and innovation, laying the groundwork for their cultural and civilizational backwardness. His reformist ideas centered on themes such as Islamic unity (Pan-Islamism), the revitalization of Ijtihad, a review of social and educational systems, and the fight against moral and intellectual decay.
Politically, Sayyed Jamal al-din was among the few thinkers who implemented his ideas in practice. He asserted that the political and social problems of Muslims—particularly division and dependence on foreign powers—resulted from the negligence and inaction of Islamic leaders and communities. Through his extensive travels to both Islamic and non-Islamic countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, the Ottoman Empire, Egypt, India, and even Europe, he endeavored to invite political leaders and intellectual elites to unite against colonial influence. Unlike many contemporaries, Sayyed Jamal al-din’s political views were grounded in realism, a keen understanding of global developments, and the utilization of modern political and media tools. He communicated his message through publishing articles, writing books, hosting scientific meetings and public lectures, and engaging directly with rulers and political leaders, all while striving for tangible changes in the social and political structures of Islamic societies.
In all his endeavors, Sayyed Jamal al-din emphasized the importance of unity among the Islamic Ummah. He maintained that only through solidarity and the establishment of a united front against colonial powers could dignity and independence be achieved. His concept of “Pan-Islamism” or Islamic unity, which he advocated as a fundamental principle of his reformist thought, inspired numerous anti-colonial and reformist movements in the Islamic world.
The intellectual and political legacy of Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghan, despite the more than a century that has passed since his life, remains a significant influence in the contemporary history of Islam. His ideas not only awakened and enlightened Muslims of his time but also inspired numerous Islamic movements in subsequent years, including independence movements and social and cultural initiatives. His comprehensive personality—characterized by deep thought, political insight, and purposeful pragmatism—serves as an unparalleled model for contemporary thinkers and political activists.
Finally, Sayyed Jamal al-din can be seen as more than just a reformer or thinker; he symbolizes awakening, resistance, and intellectual and practical jihad, opening new horizons for the Islamic Ummah under difficult circumstances, through his unwavering faith in Islamic ideals and tireless efforts to reform society. His thoughts and actions are still regarded as exemplary by Muslims worldwide, serving as a model for resisting colonialism, reclaiming Islamic identity, and striving for the unity of the Islamic Ummah.
Introduction
In the previous part of the study, we explored one of the important aspects of the life and personality of Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghan (MAPH), specifically his nationality, family, and birthplace. This part aims to present an accurate and comprehensive picture of this significant figure, examining his ethnic and family roots through reliable historical sources and research. The discussion surrounding the nationality of Sayyed Jamal al-din has frequently been contentious among historians and researchers. Some consider him to be Afghan, while others attribute his origins to Iran. These disputes stem from the historical and political complexities of his lifetime, as well as the scarcity of definitive and unified evidence.
Furthermore, in analyzing Sayyed Jamal al-din’s family background, we also examine the influences of his family environment and the educational and cultural values that shaped his childhood and adolescence. This study not only introduces us to the intellectual and educational roots of this figure but also enhances our understanding of the social and cultural contexts that influenced the formation of his thoughts and actions.
The following sections aim to analyze Sayyed Jamal al-din’s impact on the intellectual and social movements of our time more precisely, demonstrating how his legacy continues to serve as an inspiring model in the Islamic world, transcending differences related to nationality. With the help of Allah Almighty and using reliable sources, we intend to delve into the intellectual and political dimensions of the personality of Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghan, MAPH. Sayyed Jamal al-din is recognized as one of the most prominent figures in the contemporary history of Islam, known not only for his profound ideas and social analyses but also for his political and social activities, which have significantly contributed to the awakening of the Islamic nation.
His character embodies a blend of thoughtful contemplation and pragmatic politics, allowing him to become a champion for the unity and revival of Islamic identity during the tumultuous 19th century. Analyzing the intellectual persona of Sayyed Jamal al-din necessitates addressing his reformist ideas in religion, politics, and society. By criticizing the intellectual stagnation and social degeneration among Muslims, he emphasized the need to return to the original teachings of Islam and to avoid blind imitation. His thoughts on the unity of the Islamic Ummah, opposition to colonialism, and the strengthening of Muslim political and cultural independence are central to his philosophy.
Moreover, exploring his political persona illustrates that Sayyed Jamal al-din was not merely a theorist but also played an active role as a political leader. Employing diplomatic methods and political struggle, he endeavored to awaken Muslims from their slumber. He met with political and intellectual leaders across various countries—from Afghanistan and Iran to Egypt, India, and even Europe—urging them to unite and combat colonialism.
In this section, we examine the various dimensions of Sayyed Jamal al-din’s intellectual and political personality, analyzing his views and actions to gain a deeper understanding of this remarkable figure. We hope that this research represents a small step toward clarifying his true place in the history of the Islamic world and helps elucidate his profound influence on the intellectual and political developments of the contemporary era.
