پروفیسر عبد الحمید کمالی: فلسفہ خودی کے تمدنی پہلو

Professor Abdul Hameed Kamali: Cultural Aspects of the Philosophy of Self

Abstract

Professor Abdul Hameed Kamali (10 December 1931 – 2 May 2015) was a distinguished scholar whose life was dedicated to the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge. Born in an academic family in Bijnor, India, Kamali was deeply influenced by his father, Professor Allah Bakhsh Kamali, a renowned mathematician and educator. From an early age, Kamali was exposed to intellectual gatherings, which shaped his lifelong commitment to scholarship. He studied under prominent philosophers at Osmania University and later earned his MA in Philosophy from the University of Karachi, where he was mentored by eminent scholars like Dr. Mahmood Ahmad and Anisur Rahman. Kamali’s academic career was marked by his association with the Iqbal Academy, where he served as Deputy Director and Director. He played a pivotal role in promoting the study of Allama Iqbal’s philosophy, contributing significantly to the field of Iqbal studies. Kamali’s intellectual journey was deeply intertwined with the works of Iqbal, particularly the concept of "Khudi" (selfhood), which he explored in depth, drawing connections between Islamic thought and Western philosophy. He was also influenced by the works of Ibn Khaldun, Hegel, Marx, and Spengler, among others, and engaged critically with their ideas on history, civilization, and the rise and fall of nations. Kamali’s scholarship extended beyond Iqbal, encompassing a wide range of philosophical and Sufi traditions. He critically examined the works of Islamic philosophers like AlFarabi, Ibn Sina, and AlGhazali, as well as Sufi thinkers such as Ibn Arabi and Jalaluddin Rumi. His writings often focused on the synthesis of Islamic and Western philosophical traditions, emphasizing the importance of selfawareness and the dynamic interplay between individual and societal development. Throughout his career, Kamali remained a humble and dedicated scholar, eschewing the pursuit of fame or material wealth. Despite facing challenges, including the denial of a doctorate degree, he continued his scholarly work with unwavering commitment. His contributions to Islamic philosophy, Iqbal studies, and the broader field of intellectual history have left an indelible mark, earning him recognition as one of the leading scholars of his time. Kamali’s legacy is a testament to his profound intellectual rigor and his enduring quest for knowledge.