Seyyed Jamaluddin Afghani's views on religious life in the modern world

Abstract

Seyyed Jamal al-Din Afghani, a prominent and influential figure in the Islamic world during the past two centuries, occupies a significant position in the historical narrative. Faced with the challenge of reconciling Islam with the forces of modernity, Afghani sought to reclaim the waning authority and greatness of Muslims while striving to alleviate the colonial subjugation of Islamic nations. Rejecting the dichotomy between "extreme traditionalism" and "progressive modernism" as the sole solutions to the clash between Islam and modernity, he advanced a distinctive third alternative termed "Islamic reformism." This approach aimed to harmoniously blend Islamic principles with modernity, while concurrently reevaluating the interpretation of Islamic teachings within the context of modern discourse. Afghani accentuated the inherent capacity of Islam to lead and guide humanity, establishing it as the foundational tenet of his discourse. His objective was to transcend the uncritical adherence to traditional interpretations of Islam and embrace novel interpretations supported by rational inquiry.