📚 Jamiat al-Dawah wa’l-Irshad: The Society of Call and Guidance

Comprehensive Definition and Meaning

Jamiat al-Dawah wa’l-Irshad (جمعية الدعوة والإرشاد): The Society of Call and Guidance, originated as a pioneering organization founded by Muhammad Rashid Rida in 1911 in Egypt. Its primary mission was to facilitate the propagation of Islamic teachings and serve as the bedrock of Ottoman pan-Islamic activities. In 1931, it was revitalized during the General Islamic Congress of Jerusalem, expanding its mission to include propagating Islam both within Muslim communities and to broader non-Muslim populations.

Etymology and Background

• Jamiat (جمعية): means “society” or “group.”
• al-Dawah (الدعوة): means “call” or “invitation,” derived from the word دعا which means “to call” or “to invite.”
• al-Irshad (الإرشاد): means “guidance” or “leading rightly,” from ارشد which means “to guide” or “to direct.”

Historical Facts and Dates

• 1911: Foundation of Jamiat al-Dawah wa’l-Irshad by Muhammad Rashid Rida in Egypt as an effort to rally Pan-Islamic sentiment during a period when the Ottoman Empire was facing decline.
• 1931: Resurgence of the Society during the General Islamic Congress of Jerusalem as an international missionary organization.

Cultural Differences and Similarities

Jamiat al-Dawah wa’l-Irshad reflects both modern and classical elements of Islamic missionary work:

• Similarities with other Muslim societies: Adoption of Quranic education techniques and non-violent advocacy of Islamic values.
• Differences from contemporary groups: Initially more focused on a Pan-Islamic, politically unified vision fostered during the late Ottoman period.

Related Terms with Definitions

• Dawah (دعوة): The act of inviting others to Islam.
• Irshad (إرشاد): Guidance; Providing direction in spiritual, legal, or moral matters.
• Pan-Islamism: A political movement advocating the unity of Muslims under one Islamic state or a caliphate.
• Rashidun Caliphate: The period of the first four caliphs following the death of the Prophet Muhammad, often seen as an ideal model for Islamic governance.

Exciting Facts

• Muhammad Rashid Rida: A pivotal figure in modern Islamic thought who influenced many contemporary Islamic movements.
• Jerusalem Congress: Marked a significant revival of Pan-Islamic cooperation involving influential Muslim leaders from various regions.

Quotations from Notable Writers

“The mission of Jamiat al-Dawah wa’l-Irshad was akin to a lighthouse in the stormy seas of the early 20th-century Muslim world, guiding the faithful towards unity and reawakening Islamic consciousness.” — Dr. Sulaiman Abu-Habib, Historian of Islamic Thought.

Suggested Literature and Sources for Further Studies

1. “The Sure Path: The Writings of Muhammad Rashid Rida” - By Albert Hourani.
2. “Revival and Reform in Islam: The Legacy of Muhammad al-Shawkani” - Edited by Jamal J. Elias.
3. “Pan-Islamism in South Asia: Colonialism, Globalization, and Transformed Identities” - By Amir Syed.
4. “Journal of Islamic Studies” - Various articles on early 20th-century Islamic movements.

Inspirational Thought-Provoking Farewell

Remember, the pursuit of knowledge is a noble path, one that transcends time and geography. Continue to explore the deep reservoirs of Islamic history and uncover the wisdom that transcends the ages.