Muhammad 'Abduh and the Ongoing Project of Islamic Reform

Muḥammad ’Abduh was one of the most influential figures in the modern history of Muslim societies and the reform movement. Although his demise was at an early age (53 years) over a century ago, his thoughts and ideas are still discussed in different spheres. In the chaotic political, social and religious circumstances we find ourselves in post-Arab Spring, thinkers and scholars increasingly turn to the work of some great reformers who appeared in the late 19th century. Muḥammad Abduh (1849-1905) was an Egyptian philosopher, sociologist and reformer, ranked one of the most remarkable figures in the contemporary Muslim world. At his death he left numerous disciples, and works of genuine interest and inestimable value. He was, and still is, commonly given the superb title “al-Ustādh al-Imām” (The Master and Guide); this title alone shows his influence upon his contemporaries. Abduh was one of those reformers who tried to explain the reasons for the decline of Muslims and their cultures. Muḥammad Abduh was born in Egypt, an autonomous province of the ancient Ottoman Empire. He was instrumental in developing one of the first political parties in Egypt (The National Party); he participated in a failed attempt at revolution (‘Urabi, 1881), went into exile, and died in Egypt under British occupation. He had many occupations: journalist, teacher, writer, politician, and the Grand Muftī of Egypt. Politically, he lived through extraordinary eventful times, and politics occupied him throughout his life.