Author: Obaidullah Nimruzi
Philosopher of Afghanistan; Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghan (Part 14)
The Banner of Awakening and Justice
Keywords: Awakening, Justice, Unity, Reform, Anti-colonialism, Awareness.
Abstract
In the previous part of this research, we discussed the political position of Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghani and his role in confronting colonialism and tyranny. In this part, we will examine his role as the banner of awakening and justice. Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghani, one of the brightest figures of the Islamic awakening in the 19th century, with his profound thought and revolutionary spirit, raised the banner of justice and enlightenment at a time when the Islamic world was ensnared by foreign colonialism and domestic tyranny. He was not only an outstanding thinker but also a pioneering leader and pragmatic reformer, playing an irreplaceable role in both intellectual and political spheres. At a time when Muslims across the Islamic lands were suffering from scientific decline, intellectual stagnation, and political backwardness, he called for awakening, independence, and unity through his unparalleled genius.
Sayyed Jamal al-din was not only a theorist but also an activist. He sowed the seeds of awareness among Islamic nations and ignited the fire of struggle against oppression and injustice through his numerous travels, fiery speeches, and writings.
Sayyed Jamal al-din’s thoughts were based on several fundamental principles: first, the revival of Islamic identity against the cultural and intellectual invasion of the West; second, liberation from colonialism and foreign domination; third, the fight against internal tyranny and incompetent rulers; and fourth, the strengthening of rationality, scientific learning, and Muslim unity. He believed that the weakness of Muslims did not stem from the teachings of Islam but from their deviation from the authentic foundations of the religion. Therefore, he called on Muslims to return to authentic Islam, rebuild Islamic civilization, and benefit from the scientific and intellectual advancements of the modern world.
Throughout his career, he engaged with many elites, thinkers, and politicians, striving to create an intellectual and practical link between them and the masses. From India and Iran to the Ottoman Empire and Egypt, Seyyed Jamal al-Din constantly endeavored to awaken Muslims from their slumber and make them aware of the dangers posed by Western colonialism and the treachery of autocratic rulers. His successive travels, though marked by displacement and exile, had a significant impact on the Islamic awakening. In India, he called Muslims to resist British colonialism; in Iran, he challenged the tyranny of the Qajar kings; in Egypt, he sparked a wave of reformism; and in the Ottoman Empire, he called for the unity of the Islamic world against foreign threats.
However, Sayyed Jamal al-Din’s path was fraught with challenges. The colonialists regarded him as an enemy because, by exposing their plans, he led Muslims out of submission. The internal tyrants also considered him a dangerous troublemaker, as he courageously unveiled their corruption and treachery. These shared animosities resulted in his repeated persecution, forced exile, and ultimately, a tragic fate due to the intrigues of colonialism and tyranny.
Nonetheless, his thought and path endure. Sayyed Jamal al-din’s influence on reform and independence movements in the Islamic world was unparalleled. His students and followers, from Muhammad Abduh in Egypt to Iqbal Lahori in India, kept the flame of awakening he kindled alive. His ideas paved the way for intellectual and political revolutions and inspired many anti-colonial movements. Even in the present era, his intellectual legacy continues to inspire fighters for justice, freedom, and independence.
This research adopts a scientific and documented approach to examine the various dimensions of Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghani’s personality, thoughts, and struggles. The historical context of his life will first be addressed, followed by an exploration of his views on politics, religion, and society. Finally, his impact on reform and independence movements in the Islamic world will be analyzed. The aim of this research is not only to review the thoughts of this great thinker, but also to examine how his teachings can be applied in the contemporary world to address today’s challenges.
Introduction
The history of Islamic thought has consistently witnessed the emergence of figures who, at critical junctures, have altered the course of intellectual and political developments. Among these brilliant figures, Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghani occupies a distinguished position. He was not only a thinker and theorist but also a revolutionary activist and social reformer who raised the banner of Islamic awakening and justice during an era of foreign colonialism and internal tyranny. His thoughts and struggles inspired reform and independence movements not only in his own time but also in subsequent decades.
The importance of Sayyed Jamal al-din extends beyond his theories; he was a figure who, rather than remaining confined to the theoretical realm, actively engaged in action and played a vital role across the vast geography of the Islamic world—from India and Iran to Egypt and the Ottoman Empire.
In the 19th century, the Islamic world faced numerous crises. On one hand, Western colonialism had conquered vast parts of Islamic lands and was plundering their economic, cultural, and political resources. On the other hand, domestic Muslim governments, often authoritarian and inefficient, not only failed to resist colonialism but, in some cases, even collaborated with it. Furthermore, scientific and intellectual decline weakened Islamic society and led to its dependence. In this context, Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghani, by carefully analyzing the situation, asserted that liberation was possible only through intellectual awakening, political unity, and a return to the rational principles of Islam. He emphasized the need for Muslims to utilize knowledge and scientific advances to restore their civilizational glory and resist colonialism and tyranny.
A notable feature of Sayyed Jamal al-din was his deep understanding of the mechanisms of power and politics. Unlike many contemporaries who sought reform solely in the cultural and moral spheres, he recognized that intellectual reform would be futile without addressing political and social structures. With a realistic perspective, he both criticized colonialists and condemned domestic dictators. His dual struggle against domestic tyranny and foreign colonialism prompted fear among colonial governments and made domestic dictators perceive him as a dangerous challenge. Consequently, he faced persecution, exile, and repression many times during his life.
However, the significance of Sayyed Jamal al-Din is not confined to his political struggles. He was among the thinkers who believed in the intrinsic connection between religion, politics, and rationality. Contrary to stagnant traditionalist movements that denied any engagement with the modern world, as well as extreme Western movements advocating for pure imitation of the West, Sayyed Jamal al-din proposed a middle path. He posited that Muslims could benefit from the scientific and technological achievements of the West while preserving their Islamic identity and freeing themselves from intellectual and cultural domination. For this reason, one of the crucial axes of his thought is the emphasis on the role of rationality in understanding religion and politics. He viewed religion not as a tool for domination and imposition but as a source of power, awareness, and progress.
In this study, we will explore the various dimensions of Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghani’s personality, thought, and struggles. We will first analyze the historical context of his life and the conditions in which he worked. Then, we will examine his thoughts and views on politics, religion, and social reforms. Finally, we will assess his influence on the Islamic Awakening and independence movements to clarify how his ideas continue to inspire reform movements in the Islamic world.
This article aims not only to examine Sayyed Jamal al-din as a historical figure but also to explore how his teachings can be applied in the contemporary world. Can the path he laid out still lead to solutions for the challenges facing the Islamic world today? Can a connection be established between his ideas and today’s political, social, and cultural issues? This research, employing a scientific and documented approach, seeks to provide answers to these questions, clarifying the role of Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghani not only in the past but also in the future of the Islamic awakening.
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