Origins & Early Life

Sayyid Jamāl al-Dīn al-Afghānī (Persian/Pashto: سید جمال‌‌‌ الدین افغانی), also known as Jamāl ad-Dīn Asadābādī (Persian/Pashto: سید جمال‌‌‌الدین اسد‌آبادی) and commonly known as Al-Afghani (1838/1839 – 9 March 1897), was a political activist and Islamic ideologist who travelled throughout the Muslim world during the late 19th century. He is one of the founders of Islamic Modernism as well as an advocate of Pan-Islamic unity in India against the British. He has been described as having been less interested in minor differences in Islamic jurisprudence than he was in organizing a united response to Western pressure. He is also known for his involvement with his follower Mirza Reza Kermani in the successful plot to assassinate Shah Naser-al-Din, whom Afghani considered to be making too many concessions to foreign powers, especially the British Empire.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

As indicated by his nisba, al-Afghani claimed to be of Afghan origin. His true national and sectarian background has been a subject of controversy. According to one theory and his own account, he was born in Asadabad, Afghanistan, near Kabul. Another theory, championed by Nikki Keddie and accepted by several...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

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