Author: Obaidullah Nimruzi
Philosopher of Afghanistan; Sayyed Jamal al-din al-Afghan (Part 47)
Rolling Up the Sleeves to Revive the Path of Sayyed and Abduh
“For this reason, I rolled up my sleeves to seek out the works and writings of Sayyed and Sheikh Muhammad Abduh, and to become familiar with what had been said and written about them.
From then on, I began to defend them — a vigorous and passionate defense — to the extent that no one dared criticize or speak ill of them in my presence…” ¹
A Title for Rashid Rida: Lover of Sayyed Jamal al-din
Elsewhere, he says: “Among the people, I came to be known as a lover of Sayyed Jamal al-din. At times, some of my friends called me an advocate of his path or counted me among his followers — especially when I defended him against objections such as his association with the Masonic movement, sitting in public places, extended stays in Europe, proximity to non-Muslims, and guiding them in non-Islamic lands.” ²
Conclusion of This Discussion
Al-‘Urwah al-Wuthqa: The Manifestation of the Revivalist Ideals of the Islamic Ummah
Al-‘Urwah al-Wuthqa, the journal established by Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghani and Sheikh Muhammad Abduh as an influential publication in the Islamic world, was not merely a simple press outlet. Rather, it launched a major intellectual and cultural movement that fundamentally altered the course of Islamic history. Published during difficult historical and social circumstances, particularly in the face of Western colonial threats and the political and social decline in Islamic countries, this journal held a special place as a catalyst for the revival of Islamic thought.
The goals and strategies of Al-‘Urwah al-Wuthqa, at their core, represented a genuine struggle against ignorance, tyranny, and colonialism. For many Muslims—especially in the Arab world and North Africa—it marked the beginning of a return to Islamic identity and its human and social ideals.
Within its objectives, Al-‘Urwah al-Wuthqa focused on several foundational principles whose significance remains clearly visible even today. Its primary goal was the revival of Islamic identity—particularly during a time when the West and colonial powers were doing everything they could to dismantle Islamic civilization and impose their culture upon Muslim societies.
This journal not only boldly critiqued and analyzed the social and cultural conditions of Muslims but also emphasized the need for a fundamental reconstruction of Islamic thought. In this regard, Al-‘Urwah al-Wuthqa strove to reinterpret religious and social concepts and taught Muslims that Islam is not merely a personal and otherworldly faith, but a comprehensive religion encompassing all aspects of social, political, cultural, and economic life. This renewed perspective on Islam triggered a dramatic transformation in how Muslims understood their role and position in the contemporary world.
Yet, the deeper and more central aim of Al-‘Urwah al-Wuthqa was not merely social and religious reform, but the inception of an intellectual revolution in the Islamic world. Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghani, in collaboration with Sheikh Muhammad Abduh, endeavored to make Muslims realize that rebuilding Islamic civilization required reflecting on a bright and instructive past while also embracing new and rational ideas.
The journal never settled for superficial or conventional thinking; rather, it took bold steps toward opening new intellectual horizons in the Islamic world. This is what transformed Al-‘Urwah al-Wuthqa from a mere news outlet into an intellectual hub that gathered scholars and thinkers, offering pathways for re-evaluating traditional structures and responding to contemporary challenges.
This publication specifically aimed to combat colonialism and restore independence to Islamic countries. In this effort, its objectives were founded on principles such as political freedom, resistance to internal despotism, and opposition to colonial influence. The journal reminded Muslims that in order to escape both external and internal domination, they had to engage in economic, social, and cultural fields. These ambitions and ideals, presented consistently and assertively in the pages of Al-‘Urwah al-Wuthqa, quickly spread among Muslims and awakened many Islamic societies. For instance, during an era when many Muslims blindly imitated Western ideologies, the journal sought to present an independent Islamic perspective on political and social matters.
Moreover, Al-‘Urwah al-Wuthqa, by emphasizing science and intellectualism and calling for foundational reforms in Islamic societies, underlined the importance of social and cultural awareness. With its inclusion of scholarly and philosophical articles—particularly the writings of Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghani and Sheikh Muhammad Abduh—it consistently tried to show Muslims that rebuilding Islamic civilization requires a return to foundational roots and the use of knowledge and logical thinking. In this path, the journal placed special emphasis on reforming educational systems and supporting Muslim scholars, urging them to play active roles in social reform and the spread of knowledge.
Reviving the Spirit of Resistance in the Islamic World
The greatest impact of Al-‘Urwah al-Wuthqa can be found in reviving the spirit of resistance and unity among Muslims. Sayyed Jamal al-din Afghani and Sheikh Muhammad Abduh, through the publication of this journal, proved that Islamic solidarity had evolved from a doctrinal idea into a political and social necessity. They aimed to show Muslims that, in order to resist internal and external threats, they must unite under a single voice and shared Islamic principles. The journal itself was evidence that through collective thought and precise scholarly analysis, one could stand up to global threats and overcome hegemonic powers.
These efforts indirectly revived political and social consciousness in the Islamic world and inspired future generations. Among the outcomes were the emergence of political and cultural movements in the Arab world and other Islamic regions that were directly influenced by Al-‘Urwah al-Wuthqa. Ultimately, at its core, the journal aimed to spark a vast intellectual and reformist movement across the Islamic world, and its impact remains clearly evident throughout the history of Muslims.
The Path Ahead and Enduring Messages
The legacy and messages of Al-‘Urwah al-Wuthqa remain alive among Muslims and can still be considered one of the key sources for understanding Islamic identity and analyzing contemporary socio-political issues. Even today, the need to revive Islam as a comprehensive cultural and social civilization, and to return to its authentic principles, is more deeply felt than ever.
Indeed, Al-‘Urwah al-Wuthqa conveyed a message to Muslims that is still vibrant: the revival of Islam requires the restoration of the principles of freedom, justice, knowledge, and equality. Muslims must use reason and reflection to rebuild Islamic civilization and restore it to its rightful place in the world.
In conclusion, Al-‘Urwah al-Wuthqa should be recognized as one of the most prominent intellectual journals in Islamic history, playing a foundational role in the revival of Islamic thought and the awakening of the Islamic Ummah in the face of its time’s challenges. It was not merely a journal, but an intellectual, social, and political movement, the influence of which remains powerful and enduring in the modern history of the Islamic world.
Continues…
Previous Part/ Next Part
References:
[1] Tārīkh al-Ustādh al-Imām, Vol. 1, p. 84.
[2] Ibid.
