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Eqbal Ahmad: Critical Outsider in a Turbulent Age

Eliot Foster

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Eqbal Ahmad: Critical Outsider in a Turbulent Age

by Stuart Schaar

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Eqbal Ahmad was a Pakistani intellectual, activist, and scholar who wrote extensively on Islam, politics, and the Middle East. A vocal critic of US foreign policy, he was also a strong advocate for peace and justice. Ahmad's work has been praised for its clarity, insight, and moral courage.

Ahmad was born in 1933 in the city of Lahore, which is now part of Pakistan. His father was a prominent Muslim scholar and his mother was a social worker. Ahmad grew up in a politically active household, and he developed a deep interest in social and political issues at a young age.

Ahmad attended the University of Punjab in Lahore, where he studied economics and political science. After graduating, he worked as a journalist and editor in Pakistan and the United Kingdom. In 1969, he moved to the United States, where he taught at several universities, including Hampshire College, the University of California, Berkeley, and Princeton University.

Ahmad was a prolific writer and speaker. He published over 20 books and hundreds of articles on a wide range of topics, including Islam, politics, the Middle East, and US foreign policy. His work has been translated into over 20 languages.

Ahmad was a harsh critic of US foreign policy, which he believed was often driven by greed, power, and military might. He was particularly critical of US support for Israel and its wars in the Middle East. Ahmad argued that these policies were counterproductive and only served to increase violence and instability in the region.

Ahmad was also a strong advocate for peace and justice. He believed that all people deserved to live in dignity and freedom, regardless of their race, religion, or nationality. He worked tirelessly to promote understanding between different cultures and to build bridges between people.

Ahmad died in 1999 at the age of 66. He left behind a legacy of scholarship, activism, and moral courage. His work continues to inspire people around the world who are working for peace, justice, and a better future.

A Closer Look at Ahmad's Work

Ahmad's work can be divided into three main categories: Islam, politics, and the Middle East. In his writings on Islam, Ahmad argued that it was a religion of peace and justice that had been hijacked by extremists. He believed that the true message of Islam was one of love, compassion, and tolerance.

In his writings on politics, Ahmad was a strong advocate for democracy and social justice. He believed that all people deserved a say in how they were governed and that everyone should have access to basic needs such as food, water, and healthcare.

In his writings on the Middle East, Ahmad was a fierce critic of US foreign policy. He believed that the US was using its power to bully and intimidate weaker countries in the region. He also argued that US support for Israel was a major obstacle to peace in the Middle East.

Ahmad's work was often controversial, but it was always thought-provoking and insightful. He was not afraid to challenge conventional wisdom or to speak out against injustice.

Ahmad's Legacy

Eqbal Ahmad was a brilliant scholar, a tireless activist, and a man of great moral courage. His work has left a lasting legacy on the world. He helped to change the way people think about Islam, politics, and the Middle East. He also inspired a generation of activists to work for peace, justice, and a better future.

Ahmad's work is more relevant than ever in today's world. We live in a time of great turmoil and uncertainty. The world is facing a host of challenges, from climate change to poverty to war. Ahmad's work can help us to understand these challenges and to find ways to overcome them.

Ahmad was a man of hope. He believed that a better world was possible. He worked tirelessly to bring about that world. We can honor his legacy by continuing his work. We can work for peace, justice, and a better future for all.

Eqbal Ahmad: Critical Outsider in a Turbulent Age

by Stuart Schaar

5 out of 5