Sayyid Jamal Al-Din ‘Al-Afghani’: ‘Irfan and Modern Islamic Activism - Dr Oliver Scharbrodt

https://www.islamic-college.ac.uk/pub... This presentation will provide an overview of the life and career of Sayyid Jamal Al-Din Al-Astarabadi, also known as ‘Al-Afghani’ (1838/9-1897), one of the most prominent Muslim activists of the 19th century. The lecture will explore his Iranian roots and early training in traditional Shi‘i scholarship while highlighting in particular his interest in ‘irfan and its prominent 19th century expression in the Shaykhi School. The lecture will also draw a connection between his mystical and philosophical interests and his prominent role as an anti-imperialist Muslim activist. Finally, some questions will be raised about Sayyid Jamal’s lasting influence on the creation of modern forms of Islamic activism. Oliver Scharbrodt is Professor of Islamic Studies at the University of Chester and Director of the Chester Centre for Islamic Studies. He works on modern and contemporary Islamic intellectual history, Shi‘i Islam, Sufism and Muslims in Europe. Facebook:   / theislamiccollege   Twitter:   / islamiccollege_   Email: info@islamic-college.ac.uk