Pizhuhish nāmah-i intiqādī-i mutūn va barnāmah hā-yi ̒ulūm-i insāni (Critical Studies in Texts & Programs of Human Sciences)

Criticism of Jabri’s Approach and Method in Explainingthe Arab Intellect from the Point of View of Critics ofthe Arab WZorld

Document Type : Research

Authors

Seyed Mohammad Rahim Rabbanizadeh 1
Mohsen Daryabeigi 2
Lotfollah Lotfi 3

1 Assistant Professor of Islamic Iranian History, Faculty Member at the Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies, Tehran, Iran

2 Member of the Secretariat of the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution, Tehran, Iran

3 Researcher in the History of Islamic Iran, Member of the Department of Education

https://doi.org/10.30465/crtls.2025.48330.2831
Abstract
Getting out of decadence is one of the major no.s of thought of contemporary thinkers of the Arab world. The gap between the current situation of the Arab world and the Western world and the recognition of the main factors of this and how to get out of it has been a matter of concern. Mohammad Abed Al-Jabari, one of the prominent thinkers of the 80s and 90s of the 20th century, made the knowledge of tradition and how to reproduce it in the new world the center of his thought. After authoring the book "Al-Khattab al-Arabi al-Mudhamdin" (Contemporary Arabic Discourse), he focused his research on explaining a method to criticize the Arabic intellect, which became one the most controversial no.s in the Arab world. In addition to giving a brief description of Mohammad Abid Jabri's project and the framework of his thinking about Shia and mysticism in Islamic history and culture, this article deals with the formulation of Arab thinkers' criticisms. The categorization of this critical view has been done based on the content, form and data of Jabri, which is remarkable for the inclusion of discussion and attention to his status in the Arab world. The main question of this article is the position of Mohammad Abed Al-Jabri among the thinkers of the Arab world. While expressing some of these criticisms, we judged them. Our method was descriptive analysis. The classification of these criticisms is in three levels: 1. Attitudinal-methodical criticism 2. Criticism of historical data 3. Criticism of structure. A purely structural view without considering the capacity of the Arab East to get out of the cultural situation of the new world while being influenced by Orientalists is one of the main problems of Jabri's project.
The no. of overcoming decadence and stagnation has been a central concern for contemporary Arab thinkers, particularly in light of the perceived gap between the Arab world and the Western world in terms of intellectual, cultural, and socio-political development. This gap has been a source of deep introspection and debate among Arab intellectuals, who have sought to understand the root causes of this disparity and identify pathways to transcend it. The quest for intellectual and cultural revival has been a defining feature of modern Arab thought, with thinkers grappling with questions of identity, heritage, and modernity. Among these thinkers, Mohammad Abed Al-Jabri, a prominent philosopher and critic of the late 20th century, stands out for his rigorous engagement with the question of tradition (turath) and its role in shaping the modern Arab intellectual landscape. His work, particularly his critique of the Arab intellectual tradition, has sparked significant debate and controversy across the Arab world, making him a central figure in contemporary Arab thought. Al-Jabri’s intellectual project revolves around the critical examination of the Arab-Islamic heritage and its relevance to contemporary challenges. In his seminal work, "Al-Khattab al-Arabi al-Mudhamdin" (Contemporary Arabic Discourse), he lays the foundation for a methodological critique of the Arab intellect, aiming to deconstruct and reconstruct the ways in which Arab thought engages with its historical and cultural legacy. His approach is deeply analytical, seeking to identify the epistemological structures that have shaped Arab thought and to propose ways to reformulate these structures in a manner that aligns with the demands of modernity. Al-Jabri’s work is characterized by a commitment to rationalism and a critical reevaluation of the Arab intellectual tradition, which he believes has been hindered by uncritical adherence to outdated paradigms. This article explores Al-Jabri’s intellectual framework, focusing on his critique of the Arab intellectual tradition and his views on Shiism and mysticism within Islamic history and culture. It also examines the criticisms leveled against his project by other Arab thinkers, categorizing these critiques into three main levels:
1. Attitudinal-Methodical Criticism: This level addresses the philosophical and methodological assumptions underlying Al-Jabri’s work, questioning whether his approach adequately accounts for the diversity and complexity of Arab thought. Critics argue that his emphasis on rationalism and structural analysis may overlook the rich, multifaceted nature of Arab intellectual history, which encompasses not only rationalist traditions but also mystical, poetic, and philosophical currents. Some scholars contend that Al-Jabri’s method risks reducing the Arab intellectual tradition to a monolithic entity, ignoring its internal pluralism and dynamism.
2. Criticism of Historical Data: Here, the focus is on the accuracy and interpretation of the historical and cultural data Al-Jabri employs to support his arguments. Critics argue that his reading of history may be selective or overly influenced by Orientalist perspectives. For instance, his treatment of Shiism and mysticism has been criticized for being reductive and failing to fully appreciate their contributions to Islamic thought and culture. Additionally, some scholars question the extent to which Al-Jabri’s historical analysis is shaped by his own ideological commitments, which may lead to a biased or incomplete understanding of the past.
3. Structural Criticism: This level critiques the structural framework of Al-Jabri’s project, particularly his emphasis on a purely structural analysis that may overlook the dynamic and adaptive capacities of Arab culture in responding to modernity. Critics argue that his structuralist approach, while valuable in deconstructing existing paradigms, falls short in offering a clear, actionable roadmap for cultural and intellectual renewal. By focusing primarily on critique, Al-Jabri’s project is seen by some as lacking a constructive dimension that could guide the Arab world toward a more vibrant and inclusive intellectual future.
One of the central criticisms of Al-Jabri’s work is his perceived reliance on a structuralist approach that fails to fully consider the potential of the Arab East to navigate its cultural and intellectual challenges. Critics argue that his project, while groundbreaking, may be limited by its overemphasis on deconstruction without offering a clear, actionable roadmap for cultural and intellectual renewal. Additionally, his engagement with Orientalist thought has been a point of contention, with some arguing that it inadvertently reinforces certain Eurocentric biases. This critique highlights the tension between Al-Jabri’s desire to critically engage with Western intellectual traditions and his commitment to reclaiming and redefining Arab thought on its own terms. The primary question this article seeks to address is: What is the position of Mohammad Abed Al-Jabri among the thinkers of the Arab world, and how do his ideas contribute to or complicate the discourse on Arab intellectual revival? Through a descriptive-analytical method, the article evaluates the strengths and limitations of Al-Jabri’s project, offering a nuanced judgment on his contributions to contemporary Arab thought. By categorizing and analyzing the criticisms of his work, the article highlights the ongoing relevance of his ideas while also pointing to areas where further intellectual engagement is needed. In conclusion, Al-Jabri’s project represents a significant attempt to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity in the Arab world. His critical examination of the Arab intellectual tradition has opened up new avenues for dialogue and reflection, challenging Arab thinkers to reevaluate their cultural and intellectual heritage. However, his work also raises important questions about the methods and frameworks best suited for addressing the complex challenges facing Arab thought today. By engaging critically with his ideas, this article contributes to a deeper understanding of the ongoing debates surrounding Arab intellectual revival and the role of tradition in shaping the future of the Arab world. Ultimately, Al-Jabri’s legacy lies in his ability to provoke thought and inspire a new generation of Arab intellectuals to grapple with the pressing no.s of their time.

Keywords

Criticism of Arabic Intellect
Arab Maghreb
Arab East
Cereals
Shiism
Ibn Sina
Iranians
Subjects
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  • Receive Date 20 December 2024
  • Revise Date 08 March 2025
  • Accept Date 20 May 2025

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