Author: Obaidullah Nimruzi
Philosopher of Afghanistan; Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghan (Part 17)
Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghan: A Reformer Beyond His Time
Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghan was a figure who combined thought and action, immortalizing his name in the history of Islamic awakening. He was not only a thinker, but also a fighter, reformer, and an inspiration for many freedom-seeking and reform movements in the Islamic world. His sharp vision of political and social conditions, his deep understanding of Eastern and Western civilizations, and his unparalleled courage in criticizing colonialism and tyranny made him an enduring figure.
Afghan believed that the backwardness of Muslims was not an inevitable fate, but rather the result of intellectual stagnation, neglect of knowledge, and colonial domination. He called Muslims to awareness, unity, and a return to the original spirit of Islam, drawing from both the wisdom of the East and the knowledge of the West. His multi-dimensional personality—encompassing scientific and intellectual genius, patriotism, and a struggle against tyranny—ensured his name would shine among intellectual and revolutionary leaders.
In the following sections, we will examine aspects of the life, thoughts, and influences of Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghan that illustrate the depth of his thought and the extent of his impact in the Islamic world.
1. Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghan’s Courage and Liberality
The advantage and significance of Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghan’s perspective are substantial, as they reveal the depth of his thinking and the breadth of his horizons. By merging courage with enlightenment, he not only criticized colonialism and oppression from all directions but also drew a distinction between the colonialist West and the West as the torchbearer of science and civilization. This perspective, coupled with an emphasis on liberality, represented a profound transformation in his social and political attitudes.
2. Awareness of Global Movements and Criticism of Colonialism
Through his astute understanding of global movements and their developments, Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghan paid special attention to the progress of the West, recognizing that the Islamic world must challenge the colonialist powers. He skillfully distinguished between the colonialist West and the West that embodies the torchbearers of science and civilization.
3. Fighting Intellectual Stagnation and the Need for Change
Sayyed Afghan believed that for the Islamic world to effectively resist Western colonialism, it first needed to overcome intellectual stagnation and petrification. He emphasized the necessity of accepting realities and asserted that societal change and evolution require awareness and the study of Western sciences. In his view, Western science and technology could assist the Islamic world in confronting colonialism, provided that the correct methods and principles of Western science were utilized.
4. Emphasizing the Need to Learn Western Science
Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghan strongly advocated for the importance of learning Western science and technology. He argued that for Muslims to free themselves from Western colonial rule, they must adopt Western scientific methods and grasp the underlying principles of science and technology. He believed that, when applied correctly and viewed through an Islamic lens, Western science could greatly contribute to the progress and independence of Islamic societies.
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