Previous page | New search |
The free AfricaBib App for Android is available here
Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | An Islamic Humanist in the 20th Century: Malik Bennabi |
Author: | Christelow, Allan |
Year: | 1992 |
Periodical: | Maghreb Review |
Volume: | 17 |
Issue: | 1-2 |
Pages: | 69-83 |
Language: | English |
Geographic term: | Algeria |
Subjects: | Islam biographies (form) Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) Religion and Witchcraft |
About person: | M¯alik Ibn Nab¯i (1905-1973) |
Abstract: | Malik Bennabi stands as one of the most prolific essayists of 20th-century Algeria. His publishing career began soon after World War II with his book 'Le phénomène coranique: essai d'une théorie sur le Coran' (1946). His works are known in the Middle East and Europe as well as in the Maghreb. They touch on several domains of critical concern to the student of modern Arab and Islamic thought. Bennabi was a deeply religious man, dedicated to revitalizing Islam so that Muslims might effectively meet the challenges of the 20th century. He was a critical observer of nationalist politics and politicians, and he explored the relationships between Islamic civilization and both modern science and the other major civilizations of the world. Perhaps the best description of his thought would be 'Islamic humanist', in that he placed great emphasis on the role of the human intellect. This article first identifies several strands in Bennabi's thought - his preoccupation with the historical decline of Islam, his ecumenicism, his scientific and antipolitical attitude, before going on to a discussion of his works. Notes, ref. |