Emir Abd el-Kader: Hero and Saint of Islam (Perennial Philosophy)

This extraordinary biography of the Algerian warrior and Sufi saint, Emir Abd el-Kader (1807/8-1883), shows his dazzling spiritual qualities in the fight against the French colonial authorities. The New York Times called the Emir “one of the few great men of the century,” while Abraham Lincoln and Pope Pius IX both commended the Emir for rescuing 15,000 Christians while in exile in Damascus. In 1846, the town of Elkader, Iowa was named in his honor. On the 23rd december 1847, after more than fifteen years of struggle, the emir Abd el-Kader puts an end to the jihâd and surrenders to the french army. He signs a reddition treaty with the general de Lamoricière that will be ratified by the duke of Aumale. This treaty stipulates a transfer to the Orient that - however - never will be respected by the french government. The emir together with about hundred of his companions will remain emprisoned in France. First placed at Fort Lamalgue in Toulon (from january to april 1848), the algerians prisoners are transferred afterwards to the Château Henri IV in Pau (from may to november 1848) and finally to the Château of Amboise (from november 1848 to december 1852). During this hard trial, the emir would not renounce his principles nor his will to be exiled to the Orient. And even though the majority of the public opinion is opposed to liberation, the public debate turns around the legality or illegality of maintained captivity. The destiny given to the former ennemy constitutes nevertheless a State affair that the political crisis touching France at that very moment relegates to the second plan. Some french and foreign voices come up to claim the liberation of the emir. Charles Eynard, a genevan and protestant citizen, engages closer contact with the algerian chief and adopts his cause. He is more particularly the creator of an "abdelkaderian" committee. of liberating the "illustrious captive". On the 16th october 1852, on his way back from a electoral tour, the futur emperor himself goes to Amboise to announce his liberation to the emir. Passing briefly over in Paris and Lyon, Abd el-Kader and about fifty of his companions embark for Turkey on the 21st december Dedication 8 Contents 10 Map 11 List of Illustrations 12 Foreword Éric Geoffroy 14 Introduction Gustavo Polit 18 1 The Last Breath 32 2 His Roots 40 3 The Warrior-Saint 62 4 A Liberating Ascesis 86 5 An Ethic Tested by Deeds 120 6 A Man of His Time 166 7 The Accomplishment 188 8 The Man of Unity 222 Conclusion: The Legacy of Abd el-Kader 248 Chronology 252 Glossary 262 Acknowledgements 268 Suggestions for Further Reading 270 Biographical Notes 272 Index 274