Author: Obaidullah Nimruzi
Philosopher of Afghanistan; Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghan (Part 43)
Rational Defense of Islam Against Accusations and Doubts:
One of the central missions of Al-‘Urwah al-Wuthqa was to deliver rational and scholarly rebuttals to the baseless accusations and slanders leveled against Islam and Muslims by Orientalists and Western intellectuals. Among the most prominent accusations was the claim that “Islam is anti-civilization and a barrier to progress.” The magazine rejected such claims by citing the history of Islamic civilization, the scientific achievements of Muslims, and their intellectual contributions.
Additionally, the magazine relied on Qur’anic verses and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to illustrate that Islam is a religion that promotes knowledge, reflection, justice, work, order, and reform. Therefore, the claim that Islam opposes progress arises only from ignorance of the true essence of the religion.
The Necessity of Political and Global Awareness for Nations:
At a time when colonialism had reached its peak and dominated Islamic societies through military, cultural, and economic influence, Al-‘Urwah al-Wuthqa emphasized the importance of political awareness and global insight. It urged Muslims to understand the tools of domination, uncover the deceptions of their enemies, and critically assess global events.
This strategic vision elevated the magazine beyond religious matters; it became a comprehensive, reform-oriented platform that addressed politics, economics, and future-oriented thinking, aiming to restore the Muslim Ummah’s global position.
Defense of Muslim Unity and Rejection of Sectarian and Ethnic Division:
In one of its early issues, Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghani and Muhammad Abduh explicitly stated that the magazine had no intention of sowing discord between Muslims and non-Muslims living in the same countries. They argued that many non-Muslims also suffered under colonial oppression, and therefore, they too should join Muslims in defending their nations and human dignity. [1]
This standpoint was rooted in a profound Islamic vision of justice, coexistence, and human honor, and reflected the magazine’s ultimate objective: to form a united front against colonialism and corruption—not to encourage sectarian or ethnic conflict.
In Summary!
Al-‘Urwah al-Wuthqa was more than just a publication; it was a manifesto of awakening, a call to consciousness, and a charter for the unity of Eastern nations. Its eloquent writing, precise analysis, intellectual clarity, and deep religious grounding gave it a lasting place in Islamic intellectual history. The magazine continues to inspire countless reform movements and intellectual initiatives across the Muslim world.
Sayyid Jamal al-Din: The Standard-Bearer of Human Equality and the Awakening of the East
Muhammad Pasha Makhzoumi, one of Sayyed Jamal al-din’s companions in his later years, said about him: “Sayyed Jamal al-din was leagues away from fanaticism and hated it. In most of his articles, he mentioned Muslims more often because they constituted the dominant element and the majority in Islamic countries whose lands had been occupied by foreigners. Therefore, Sayyed spoke more about them to awaken and admonish them because Sayyed Afghan, more than other philosophers, had a broad view of equality and was inclined to the idea of expanding equality among humankind, especially in the field of securing and developing public rights, for which he made increasing efforts.” [2]
The Intellectual Birth of Al-Urwah al-Wuthqa: A Voice from Exile for the Awakening of the East
The first issue of the magazine Al-Urwah al-Wuthqa was published on December 4, 1884 (13th Jumada al-Awwal, 1301 AH) in Paris. Its political leadership was undertaken by Sayyed Jamal al-Din al-Afghani, while the position of editor-in-chief was held by Muhammad Abduh. Although the publication lasted only seventeen months and produced just eighteen issues, it gained widespread fame from the very beginning, and its voice reached the farthest corners of the world.
Each of its articles was an eternal lesson that clarified the rights of Eastern nations and listed the injustices that had befallen them. The conspiracies designed behind the scenes to destroy the spirit of freedom were exposed. The life of humiliation, neglect, and apathy that many Eastern peoples had become accustomed to was seriously criticized. Al-Urwah al-Wuthqa called upon Eastern nations to unite, to stand in solidarity, to show empathy, and to abandon inter-ethnic animosities—so that through such unity, colonial powers would be forced to retreat. For a person can only rebuild their homeland when they are free from the threats of foreign usurpers.
Colonial Fear of Intellectual Enlightenment: Suppression of the Magazine and the Resilience of its Ideas
Global hegemonic and reactionary powers, who saw the magazine as an obstacle to their colonial ambitions, made extensive efforts to halt its publication. Upon learning of its establishment, British colonial authorities attempted to prevent its dissemination. When they failed, they banned its entry into India and Egypt and compelled the Ottoman Empire to adopt similar measures.
Nevertheless, these oppressive policies never succeeded in breaking the will of the freedom-seekers. Al-Urwah al-Wuthqa continued to be distributed from Paris to other countries, where intellectuals in the East exchanged it as a precious gift. Reading sessions were organized for its articles, and its valuable content was discussed and debated academically. It did not take long before this magazine played a major role in sparking intellectual awakening and the beginning of a movement of enlightenment among Eastern thinkers—especially among Arab nations, who entered a new phase of political and social thought as a result. [3]
The Collaboration of Sayyed Jamal and Muhammad Abduh: The Fusion of Knowledge and Wisdom in the Service of Freedom
Although most of the analytical articles in the magazine are attributed to Sayyed Jamal al-Din, it was the profound knowledge and insight of Muhammad Abduh that adorned and enriched them. Through his eloquent and elevated style, Abduh created a deep connection between knowledge and wisdom. The articles published in Al-Urwah al-Wuthqā primarily focused on the liberation of Eastern nations, with special emphasis on Egypt’s freedom, and they detailed the oppression and injustices suffered by countries under colonial domination. They also highlighted the decline of nations caught under internal despotism and landowning rulers. On the other hand, these same nations were also not safe from the threat of foreign occupation.
Hence, the articles called people to fight for freedom, awakening, and emancipation, striving to keep the flame of anti-colonial struggle alive in the heart of Islamic societies.
The Revolutionary Genius of Sayyed Jamal al-din: Seizing Opportunities and Events in the Intellectual Struggle
A study of the analytical articles in Al-Urwah al-Wuthqa shows that Sayyed Jamal al-din dedicated his entire life to combating colonialism. He called this era the “Age of Colonialism” and was deeply aware of the methods, tricks, greed, and injustices practiced by the colonizers. For this reason, he used every available opportunity to aid in the fight against colonialism.
At times, he employed surprising methods. For example, he took advantage of the revolt led by Muhammad Ahmad in Sudan—who claimed to be the Mahdi—to pressure the British colonial government into evacuating Sudan. He amplified the movement, portraying it as a serious threat. In this endeavor, he did not appeal to rational national awareness but rather relied on stirring religious emotions to incite people against colonialism. [4]
This approach led Sayyed Jamal toward complex slogans and ambitious goals that required their own time and context to be realized. Nonetheless, his role in laying down a new vision for the Islamic world is undeniable.
Sayyed Jamal al-din al-Afghani: The Leader of the Anti-Colonial Struggle
In the second half of the 19th century, Sayyed Jamal al-Din al-Afghani was recognized as one of the most prominent opponents of colonialism and a tireless fighter against it. He was uncompromising and stood at the forefront of those who dedicated all their energy to the eradication of this destructive and corrupting phenomenon. He especially warned the Eastern and Arab nations of the dangers of colonialism and devoted his life to combating this social disease. Sayyed Jamal urged the people to rise against colonial rule and exposed the injustices of the colonizers through various means.
Continues…
References:
[1] The Sage of the East, p. 85.
[2] The Sage of the East, p. 86.
[3] The Sage of the East, p. 87.
[4] Ibid.
