Author: Obaidullah Nimruzi
Philosopher of Afghanistan: Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghan (Part 32)
Egypt’s Economic Crisis and the Nation’s Awakening
Egypt’s Economic Crisis under Khedive Ismail
During the reign of Khedive Ismail, Egypt suffered from severe economic hardship. The ruler launched ambitious development and modernization programs, and to finance these projects, borrowed large sums from European powers, especially Britain. Between 1864 and 1875 (1281–1292 AH), these loans reached the staggering amount of ninety-five million pounds. Simultaneously, the Khedive relinquished many national rights to foreigners, a move that allowed foreign powers to interfere in Egypt’s internal affairs and gradually extend their dominance. Furthermore, the Egyptian government imposed heavy taxes on the people.
Sayyed Jamal al-din al-Afghani and Raising Public Awareness
During this period, Sayyed Jamal al-din al-Afghani, and his students stood against colonial policies and sought to make the people aware of the detrimental consequences of foreign interference and domination. Salim ‘Anhoury quotes Sayyed Jamal as saying: “The common people of Egypt would approach Sayyed Jamal, and he would say to them: ‘O people of Egypt, you have been raised in conditions of slavery and despotism. For centuries, you have lived under the control of ruthless kings and conquerors. Instead of protesting, you have endured and borne the heavy burden. But if your veins still run with the blood of life, if your nerves hold any sense of honor and courage, you must rise and free yourselves from this humiliation and disgrace.’”
A Call to Awakening and Resistance Against Tyranny
Sayyed Jamal continued: “Look at the ancient monuments of Egypt, at the pyramids and the statues of Memphis that symbolize the honor and bravery of your ancestors. You must become like them. Even if you cannot act as they did, you must at least revive the spirit of courage and dignity within yourselves. Shake off the dust of heedlessness and live freely like other nations—or sacrifice yourselves for freedom and attain the rank of martyrdom.”
The Spark of the ‘Urabi Revolution
Following these words, hearts across Egypt were stirred. The people began to question the despotic government more seriously. They listened attentively to those who worked to awaken Egypt’s social and political consciousness. From this moment on, the first sparks of the ‘Urabi Revolution ignited, and reformist movements began to emerge.
Quest for Freedom and National Unity in Egypt: The Eastern Sage’s Vision
The Eastern sage believed that Egypt would only awaken and achieve unity once national political parties were formed. In his view, only parties could unify different segments of society, bring the children of the land together, and guide them towards brotherhood, solidarity, cooperation, and enlightened awareness. Through such means, Egyptians would live with dignity and contribute to the welfare and interests of the broader community. He urged the people to recognize their responsibilities, strive to fulfill them, support the oppressed, and claim their rightful freedoms.
Connection with Freemasonry and Reasons for Leaving It
Prior to this, no political party had been established in Egypt. Sayyed Jamal joined the Scottish Rite Freemasons, believing that its members could help resist oppression and support the people of Egypt. However, it was not long before he learned that the organization avoided engaging in politics out of fear of government retaliation. Sayyed Jamal rejected this reasoning and stated: “If Freemasonry does not engage in politics—where free human beings have a rightful share—then it can never play a role in building the structure of freedom, brotherhood, and equality.”
The True Nature of Freemasonry and Criticism of It
Sayyed Jamal continued: “I was pleased with the slogans of freedom, equality, and fraternity and the aims of their advocates, for it seemed that Freemasonry sought to destroy the fortresses of despotism and establish justice. But unfortunately, these goals were never realized in practice. Ambition, selfishness, and a thirst for power infiltrated the organization.”
He further added: “Freemasonry, in general, is a corrupt and dangerous movement whose goals are anti-human, sowing discord among human societies.”
Reason for Leaving Freemasonry and the Search for a National Party
After realizing the true nature of Freemasonry, Sayyed Jamal concluded that he could not cooperate with its members, who had strayed from their original values and principles. Consequently, he founded a National Association where Egypt’s most elite intellectuals gathered. This association quickly expanded to around three hundred members. After consultations with politicians and writers, the association decided to form a political party. At the beginning of 1879 (1296 AH), the National Party was founded. Other national movements, both secret and open, also emerged.
Main Principles and Goals of the National Party
The National Party founded by Sayyed Jamal pursued several key objectives:
1. Maintaining friendly relations with the monarchy provided Egypt’s independence was respected.
2. Termination of British supervision and oversight.
3. Cancellation of foreign privileges and ensuring equality between Egyptians and foreigners in taxation and legal treatment.
4. Securing press freedom and general political liberties.
5. Establishing a consultative council and a parliamentary body.
6. Creating an educational system and promoting cultural development.
7. Forming a political party that was both religious and national, uniting people of different religions and sects.
This party, which significantly served the Egyptian people, marked a major milestone in the country’s political history and secured Sayyed Jamal al-din al-Afghani a distinguished position in Egypt’s political and social landscape.
Emergence of Egypt’s National Slogan and First Parliamentary Challenge
After the establishment of the Watan Party and other political organizations, the famous national slogan “Egypt is for the Egyptians” began to circulate widely for the first time. This development marked a turning point in Egyptian political history. In the first session of the National Consultative Assembly, the people’s representatives came together to demand their rights through governmental oversight and the enforcement of constitutional principles.
Conflict Between Parliament and the Prime Minister Over People’s Rights
Soon after, a serious dispute arose between the parliamentary council and then Prime Minister Nubar Pasha over the people’s rights and the parliament’s authority. From that point on, the parliament declared itself the legitimate representative of the people and directly demanded their rights. This confrontation ultimately forced the government to resign on February 9, 1879, leaving Egypt without a prime minister for twenty days.
Continues…
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