Seyyed Jamal al-Din Asadabadi and Call for Muslim Unity

In an era when the Muslim world was fractured by colonial interference, internal conflicts, and political stagnation, one man stood as a beacon of unity and reform—Seyyed Jamal al-Din Asadabadi (1838–1897).

He was more than just a scholar. He was a revolutionary thinker whose ideas shaped the course of modern Islamic movements. Preaching the need for Pan-Islamism, Asadabadi envisioned a united Muslim world that could resist Western domination and reclaim its lost strength. His mission was not just intellectual—it was a call to action.

Asadabadi's ideas remain relevant today, as the Muslim Ummah continues to struggle with disunity, sectarian divisions, and external pressures. By revisiting his vision, we can find timeless lessons on how unity can be achieved and why it remains crucial for the survival and dignity of the Islamic world.

Who Was Seyyed Jamal al-Din Asadabadi?

Seyyed Jamal al-Din Asadabadi, often known as al-Afghani in Western and Arab sources, was born in Asadabad, Iran. A master of Islamic philosophy, politics, and social reform, he traveled extensively—from Iran to India, the Ottoman Empire, Egypt, and Europe—spreading his message of Islamic unity and resistance against colonialism.

Unlike traditional scholars who focused solely on religious discourse, Asadabadi was deeply involved in politics. He believed that Islam was not just a spiritual faith but a complete system of governance and civilization that, if unified, could challenge Western imperialism.

Unity as the Foundation of Strength

One of Asadabadi’s greatest concerns was the fragmentation of the Muslim world. He saw that European powers were able to dominate Muslim lands not because they were superior, but because Muslims were divided. His solution was Pan-Islamism—a vision in which Muslims, regardless of sect or nationality, would unite under a common Islamic identity.

His key ideas included:

1. Rejecting Sectarianism: He criticized divisions between Sunni and Shia Muslims, arguing that these conflicts weakened the Ummah and served colonial interests.

2. Political Awakening: He urged Muslim rulers to resist foreign influence and establish independent Islamic governance based on justice and unity.

3. Revival of Islamic Knowledge: He promoted intellectual and scientific progress, arguing that Islam was never opposed to modernity but had fallen behind due to stagnation.

In his famous quote, he said:
"I traveled through Muslim lands and saw that Islam was alive, but Muslims were dead."

This statement reflects his deep concern for the intellectual and political decline of the Ummah and his call for revival through unity.

Scholarly and Historical Support for his Vision

Several scholars and historians have analyzed Asadabadi’s ideas and their impact on Islamic movements, among them Dr. Nikki Keddie, author of "Sayyid Jamal al-Din al-Afghani: A Political Biography", Albert Hourani, author of "Arabic Thought in the Liberal Age” and also the Journal of Islamic Studies by Oxford Academic which discusses how Asadabadi’s political activism shaped anti-colonial resistance in the Muslim world.

These sources reinforce the historical and ideological significance of Asadabadi’s call for unity.

Despite his efforts, the Muslim world is still plagued by national borders, political rivalries, and sectarianism.