Philosopher of Afghanistan: Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghan (Part 18)
1. Genius and Ijtihad of Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghan
Mr. Plant notes that the genius of Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghani lies in his ijtihad and efforts. He urged people from various countries to reconsider their positions towards Islam and return to the methods of the righteous predecessors. Sayyed Jamal al-din emphasized that Muslims should expand their knowledge and harmonize themselves with the science of their time. He utilized the Quran and Sunnah as reliable and definitive sources, successfully establishing arguments from these texts. He believed that if the Quran and Sunnah were interpreted correctly, Islam would resonate with the significant events and scientific and social developments of its time.
2. Patriotism of Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghan
When Sayyed Jamal al-din was asked about his homeland, he replied, “I am without a homeland,” implying that Muslims today have no homeland. This statement referenced the deplorable condition of Muslims during his time, as they were under colonialism and the oppression of tyrannical rulers. Sayyed Jamal al-din highlighted that Muslims were, in a sense, homeless travelers in their own lands, as colonialists occupied their territories. However, the entire East was his home; every city and village within it was meaningful to him, and he claimed undisputed rights over them.
3. Wisdom and Mission of Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghan
Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghani was a sage who deeply understood the nature of wisdom. He recognized that wisdom entails bringing benefit to people. Therefore, his mission to provide Muslims of the East with methods for progress and advancement was not only influential but will also endure in the future. Sayyed Jamal al-din attempted to free people from intellectual stagnation and guide them towards social and political change.
4. Sayyed Jamal al-din’s Influence on Reform and Revolutionary Movements
The reform and revolutionary movements that emerged in Arab, Turkish, Persian, and Afghan countries in the early twentieth century were directly inspired by Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghani’s mission. His thoughts and teachings played a constructive role in these movements, enabling many leaders to benefit from his ideas. This influence was so significant that none of these movements could have achieved their successes without incorporating Sayyed Jamal al-din’s thoughts. His ideas, rooted in reason, courage, and freedom of conscience, kept subsequent generations steadfast in their reform movements.
5. The Personality of Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghani from the Perspective of Fred Smith
Fred Smith believes that Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghani was the axis of the Islamic world in the 19th century. He presented the vision and considerations of Islam in a novel way, taking bold steps on this path with strength and willpower. Therefore, it can be asserted that Sayyed Jamal al-din created a fundamental shift in the mentality and thought processes of Muslims through his innovative ideas.
6. The Impact of Sayyed Jamal al-din’s Thoughts on the Progress of Islam
The personality and life of Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghani are intimately connected to the numerous advancements of Islam in the following centuries. In the 20th century, it is difficult to find an Islamic movement that has not been influenced by or referred to his thoughts. Sayyed’s fame extends beyond that of an innovative thinker or a planner and organizer; the true significance of his persona is revealed when considering his way of thinking and approach to confronting the divisive issues within the Islamic world.
7. Sayyed Jamal al-din’s Solutions for Removing Obstacles and Problems of the Islamic World
Sayyed Jamal al-din meticulously examined the problems and obstacles confronting the Islamic world. He sought to address these challenges with a profound understanding of the issues and a clear grasp of the existing problems. Therefore, he not only took decisive steps against new social challenges but also stood up against historical divisions and weaknesses. Sayyed Jamal al-din liberated himself from the aimless and thoughtless imitation inherited from the past within the Islamic world and aimed to initiate internal reform and transformation among Muslims.
8. Encouraging Courage and Movement Towards Reform
Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghani was a man who, through his impassioned speeches, encouraged Muslims to be brave and strive for reform in their circumstances. He understood well that Muslims were facing significant hardships at that time and had to make serious decisions to rectify their situation. As such, Sayyed Jamal al-din consistently motivated them to possess the courage and determination necessary to rise from their pitiful state and seek the reform and reconstruction of the Islamic world.
