Malek Bennabi’s Contribution to Islamic Thought

Abstract

A century has passed since abolishment of Ottoman Caliphate, an event that proved the mettle of West and set forth never ending debate over reasons for Muslim Civilization to fall behind in race of progress and development from the West. Many brilliant minds had presented their theories and ideas over downfall and revival of Muslim World since 1^st World War. Malek Bennabi, an Algerian philosopher and intellectual was a product of same colonialism which exploited and suppressed the indigenes. He is among rare breed of Muslim thinkers in a sense that he had witness modern inventions and technological creations unfolding before his eyes. He had extensive interest in the history, religion, sociology, philosophy, science, culture and technology. While pursuing education in French school he resumed his Islamic education in Madrasa, where he got acquainted with Nahda movement, which help him to conceptualise his unique ideas and systematic approach toward causes of ‘al-Takhalluf” (cultural, economic and social retardation). This paper delves into thoughts behind his compiled works where he describes the culture as a medium to become progressive through ethical and technical values. He held responsible the prevalent ideology for the quiescence and perversion of society. Unfortunately, due to his work being in Arabic and French, even in translation his technical terminologies and content is intellectually higher for general readers remained little known in Muslim masses. Malek Bennabi coined the term ‘Post-Almohad Man’ to denote Muslims of modern world- lost of identity and progressive ideas. This article is an attempt to present Malek Benabi as assessable to all readers and introduced Muslims with his theories for Muslims and Modernism reconciliation.

Key Words: Ottoman Caliphate, Colonialism, Nahada, al-Takhalluf, Post-Almohad Man