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Shakib Arslan and the Campaign for Islamic Nationalism: A Radical Voice in the Modern Middle East

Andy Cole

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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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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
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Shakib Arslan (1869-1946) was a prominent figure in the early 20th-century Islamic nationalist movement. A prolific writer, orator, and political activist, Arslan advocated for Islamic unity, the independence of the Arab world, and the modernization of the Muslim world. His ideas had a profound impact on the development of Islamic nationalism and continue to resonate in the Middle East today.

Early Life and Education

Shakib Arslan was born in the village of Shwayr in Mount Lebanon, which was then part of the Ottoman Empire. His father was a wealthy landowner and a prominent member of the Druze community. Arslan received a traditional Islamic education and studied at the American University of Beirut. He later traveled to Europe, where he was influenced by the ideas of European nationalism and liberalism.

Islamic Nationalism

Arslan's political thought was shaped by his belief in the unity of the Muslim world (umma). He argued that Muslims should unite under the banner of Islam and that they should seek to establish an independent Islamic state. Arslan was also a strong advocate for Arab nationalism. He believed that the Arabs should have their own independent state and that they should not be subject to foreign domination.

Arslan's ideas were influential in the development of the Islamic nationalist movement. He was one of the founders of the Arab Congress, which was established in 1913 to promote Arab unity and independence. Arslan also played a leading role in the Khilafat Movement, which was a mass movement of Indian Muslims that opposed the British occupation of the Ottoman Empire.

Political Activism

Arslan was a tireless advocate for his beliefs. He traveled extensively throughout the Middle East and Europe, giving speeches and writing articles to promote his ideas. He also played a role in the political development of several Arab states. In 1920, he was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs of the short-lived Kingdom of Syria. He later served as an advisor to the King of Saudi Arabia and the President of Egypt.

Legacy

Shakib Arslan's legacy is complex and controversial. He was a brilliant intellectual and a passionate advocate for his beliefs. However, he was also a supporter of authoritarian regimes and he sometimes expressed intolerant views.

Despite his flaws, Arslan's contributions to the development of Islamic nationalism are undeniable. His ideas helped to shape the course of Middle Eastern history and they continue to be influential today.

Shakib Arslan was a radical voice in the modern Middle East. His ideas helped to shape the development of Islamic nationalism and they continue to resonate in the Middle East today. Arslan was a complex and controversial figure, but his legacy is undeniable. He was a brilliant intellectual, a passionate advocate for his beliefs, and a pioneer of Islamic nationalism.

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