Rashid Rida’s Efforts in Calling for Muslim Unity and Political Reform

Abstract

This paper is an attempt to cover some aspects of MuÍammad RashÊd RiÌÉ's role in political and religious reform during the first half of the twentieth century. It endeavours to answer enquiries regarding the degree of his involvement in political thought as well as in the vital historical transformations that the Islamic world was undergoing during that period. The writer has chosen RiÌÉ as the subject of the present discussion because he is considered one of those reformers whose call for reform and Muslim unity was envisioned within the framework of the Islamic caliphate under the guidance of the values and goals of the Holy Qur’Én. In addition, in his book ØaÍwat al-Rajul al-MarÊÌ wa al SulÏÉn ÑAbd al-×amÊd al-ThÉnÊ wa al-KhilÉfah al-IslÉmiyyah (1984), Muwaffaq BanÊ al-Marjah claimed Rida was influenced by Masoniry. This paper proves that he was not influenced by the Masonic and colonialist ideas that were widespread during that period and which were adopted by some reformers. These ideas called for abolishing and dividing the Ottoman caliphate and establishing a new one. In his discussion, the writer shall briefly address RiÌÉ’s educational and political role and his stance toward al-Azhar and the translation of the Holy Qur’Én. Brief discussion shall also be made of RiÌÉ’s role in promoting reform and unity through al-ManÉr Journal, his stance toward the removal of Sultan ÑAbd al-×amÊd, political conditions of his era and his stance toward the Ottoman authority (1898-1909) as well as his stance against the nationalists (1911-1912).