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Shakib Arslan and the Campaign for Islamic Nationalism: CMS Modern Middle East

Danny Simmons

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Published in Islam Against The West: Shakib Arslan And The Campaign For Islamic Nationalism (CMES Modern Middle East 10)

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Shakib Arslan was a prominent Arab nationalist and Islamic reformer who played a key role in the development of the modern Middle East. Born in Lebanon in 1879, Arslan was educated in Istanbul and Paris, where he was exposed to the ideas of European nationalism and liberalism. He returned to Lebanon in 1908 and quickly became involved in politics, advocating for Arab independence and unity. In 1911, he founded the Arab Reform Party, which became one of the most important political organizations in the Arab world. Arslan was also a prolific writer and journalist, and his writings helped to spread the ideas of Arab nationalism and Islamic reform throughout the Middle East.

Islam against the West: Shakib Arslan and the Campaign for Islamic Nationalism (CMES Modern Middle East 10)

Islam against the West: Shakib Arslan and the Campaign for Islamic Nationalism (CMES Modern Middle East Series Book 10)

by William L. Cleveland

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10890 KB
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Print length	:	248 pages

Arslan's vision of an Islamic caliphate was based on a belief in the universal brotherhood of all Muslims. He argued that the caliphate was the only legitimate form of government for Muslims, and that it was essential for the unity and progress of the Islamic world. Arslan's ideas were influential in the development of the modern Middle East, and they continue to inspire Muslim nationalists and reformers today.

Early Life and Education

Shakib Arslan was born in the village of Shwayr in Mount Lebanon, Ottoman Empire, on December 2, 1879. His father, Emir Mustafa Arslan, was a prominent Lebanese Druze leader, and his mother, Fatima bint Ali al-Atassi, was a descendant of the famous Syrian family of al-Atassi. Arslan received his early education at the prestigious Aley College in Lebanon, where he studied Arabic, Turkish, French, and English. He then went to Istanbul to study at the University of Istanbul, where he graduated with a degree in political science. Arslan then went to Paris to study at the Sorbonne, where he was exposed to the ideas of European nationalism and liberalism.

Political Career

Arslan returned to Lebanon in 1908 and quickly became involved in politics. He was elected to the Ottoman Parliament in 1912, and he quickly became one of the most vocal advocates for Arab independence and unity. In 1911, he founded the Arab Reform Party, which became one of the most important political organizations in the Arab world. Arslan's party advocated for a decentralized Ottoman state that would give Arabs greater autonomy. Arslan was also a prolific writer and journalist, and his writings helped to spread the ideas of Arab nationalism and Islamic reform throughout the Middle East.

During World War I, Arslan supported the Ottoman Empire against the Allied Powers. He believed that the Ottoman Empire was the best hope for Arab independence and unity, and he feared that an Allied victory would lead to the partition of the Arab world. After the war, Arslan continued to advocate for Arab independence and unity. He was a delegate to the Paris Peace Conference in 1919, where he argued for the creation of a united Arab state.

Islamic Reform

In addition to his political activities, Arslan was also a prominent Islamic reformer. He believed that Islam was a progressive religion that was compatible with modern values. He argued that Muslims needed to reform their society and adopt modern science and technology in order to progress. Arslan was also a strong advocate for the rights of women. He believed that women should have the right to education, employment, and political participation.

Arslan's ideas were influential in the development of the modern Middle East. He was one of the first Arab leaders to advocate for Arab independence and unity, and he was also a pioneer of Islamic reform. Arslan's writings continue to inspire Muslim nationalists and reformers today.

Legacy

Shakib Arslan died in Geneva, Switzerland, on December 10, 1960. He was buried in his hometown of Shwayr. Arslan's legacy is complex and controversial. He was a prominent advocate for Arab nationalism and Islamic reform, but he was also a supporter of the Ottoman Empire and an opponent of Western imperialism. Arslan's ideas continue to be debated today, but there is no doubt that he was one of the most important figures in the development of the modern Middle East.

Arslan's writings have been translated into several languages, and he is considered one of the most important Arab thinkers of the 20th century. He is also remembered as a pioneer of Islamic reform, and his ideas continue to inspire Muslim nationalists and reformers today.