Jamal al-Din al-Afghani and the Idea of Establishing the Islamic University

Abstract

This study explores the life and reformist thought of Sayyid Jamal al-Din al-Afghani (1838–1897), a prominent Arab-Muslim figure born in the Afghan village of Asadabad. Al-Afghani played a pioneering role in advocating for Islamic reform, with one of his most significant contributions being the call for Pan-Islamism—a vision for uniting Muslim nations against colonialism and fragmentation.

The research is structured around three main themes: The first examines al-Afghani’s biography, including his early life, major travels, and the political and ideological challenges he faced. The second theme focuses on the emergence of the Pan-Islamic idea, the role of Sultan Abdul Hamid II in supporting it, and the obstacles that hindered its full realization. The third explores al-Afghani’s key religious and political ideas, highlighting his role in founding the journal Al-Urwah al-Wuthqa and its reformist objectives.

The study concludes by summarizing the key findings, reaffirming al-Afghani’s intellectual legacy and his foundational role in shaping the discourse of modern Islamic reform.