Philosopher of Afghanistan: Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghan (Part 20)
Conclusion
Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghan, one of the prominent and influential figures in the contemporary history of the Islamic world, played an important role in the awakening of Muslims and the creation of intellectual, social, and political developments through his historical mission. By demonstrating courage and adherence to religious and reform principles, he prepared the ground for Muslims to return to their religious identity. At the same time, he called on the elites and thinkers of the Islamic world to review and adapt Islamic principles to new global developments with a deep understanding of the conditions of the time.
One of the outstanding aspects of Sayyed Jamal al-din’s personality was his ability to combine religious and scientific ideas. He was freed from the monopoly of outdated interpretations and the constraints of past centuries, presenting Islam in a new way through a correct understanding of the historical and social situations of Muslims. The call for Ijtihad and revision in jurisprudence and the interpretation of the Quran and Hadith were among the most important components of Sayyed Jamal al-din’s thought, capable of launching many reformist and intellectual movements in the Islamic world. Therefore, examining the different dimensions of his thoughts and influences in various fields is of great importance.
Finally, some key aspects of Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghan’s influence on religious, political, and social developments are mentioned.
1. Sayyed Jamal al-din’s Influences on Religious and Intellectual Reforms in the Islamic World
Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghan is recognized as one of the greatest representatives of the Islamic Awakening movement in the 19th century. He resisted colonialism and the scientific and philosophical developments emerging from Europe during a sensitive and challenging period in the history of Islam. His efforts to strengthen the religious identity of Muslims and return to the original sources of Islam played an important role in shaping religious and intellectual reforms in the Islamic world.
He demonstrated to Muslims that Islam is not only compatible with new scientific and philosophical developments but also must adapt itself to the conditions of time and place by criticizing and correcting outdated interpretations. Thus, understanding the depth and adaptability of these ideas, especially in the contemporary world, remains a significant challenge and an essential need in the Islamic world.
2. Sayyed Jamal al-din and His Influence on Political and Social Movements
The mission of Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghan not only influenced the intellectual world of Islam but also played an irreplaceable role in the political and social arenas. He strengthened anti-colonial and nationalist movements in the Arab, Persian, Turkish, and Afghan regions. Sayyed Jamal al-din’s influence on figures such as Muhammad Abduh and Saad Zaghloul exemplifies these historical impacts. By leveraging Sayyed’s reformist and social ideas, these figures were able to lead reformist and anti-colonial movements, particularly in Egypt and other Islamic countries.
With a profound understanding of the helplessness of Muslims against colonialists and foreign interference, Sayyed Jamal al-din not only revised his intellectual principles but also emphasized the importance of Muslim unity from a political perspective. He believed that only through unity and a return to authentic Islamic principles could Muslims resist external challenges and threats, thereby liberating themselves from colonial rule.
3. Sayyed Jamal al-din’s Multidimensional Personality and His Contradictory Attitudes
One of the outstanding characteristics of Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghan’s personality was his contradictory and multifaceted nature. He was a tolerant man with a pure heart who, at the same time, exhibited a sharp and sometimes hot-tempered disposition in times of need. These traits were particularly evident in his dealings with tyrannical kings and leaders. Sayyed never relinquished his rights in the face of oppressive powers and consistently fought for the realization of justice and truth. He firmly defended his principles, and even if these traits led to his detriment, he would not compromise.
This courage and resistance to oppression have made him one of the most resilient and steadfast figures in Islamic history. However, these characteristics have sometimes prompted researchers to present differing views on his personality, describing him as a contradictory figure.
4. Controversies and Challenges in Sayyed Jamal al-din’s Religious Call
The religious call of Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghan, particularly in the field of interpretation of the Quran and Hadith, sparked considerable debate and controversy among researchers and scholars. To adapt Islam to the modern world, he challenged several old and traditional interpretations. This approach led many traditional and conservative scholars to accuse him of deviating from Islamic principles.
Sayyed Jamal al-din never shied away from these challenges and criticisms and always emphasized the need for Ijtihad and the revision of religious principles. Although these controversies and disputes created difficulties for him, they could not diminish his widespread and positive impact in the religious and social arenas.
5. Long-Term and Contemporary Effects of Sayyed Jamal al-din’s Thoughts
Sayyed Jamal al-din’s thoughts were influential not only during his lifetime but also continued to resonate in the following centuries. Reform and nationalist movements inspired by his teachings are still evolving and undergoing new developments in the contemporary world.
His ideas in religious, social, and political fields, particularly in addressing the challenges faced by the Islamic world today, continue to be regarded as a reference and source for various movements both within and outside the Islamic world. Moreover, Sayyed Jamal al-din’s emphasis on returning to the original sources of Islam and updating Islamic Ijtihad remains significant in the scientific and intellectual arenas of the Islamic world.
In a Word!
Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghan left a profound and lasting impact not only in religious and scientific fields but also in social and political arenas through his lofty and reformist thoughts. His historical mission in Islamic awakening and his calls for Ijtihad and reforms are still regarded as some of the most important intellectual and social issues in the Islamic world.
Given the current conditions in the Islamic world and the many challenges facing Muslims, Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghan’s teachings can provide solutions to many issues and problems. By underscoring the importance of revising religious thoughts and advocating for solidarity and unity among Muslims, he remains a model of a prominent and pioneering figure in contemporary Islamic history, whose mission and influence continue to expand.
