Jalal al-Alam = Abd al-Wadud Yusuf
- Died
- 1403 AH
- Born in
- Homs
Abd al-Wadud Yusuf (1357–1403 AH / 1938–1983 CE), widely known by his pen name Jalal al-Alam, was a Syrian Islamic writer, historian, and activist from Homs, best known for his political tract Qadat al-Gharb yaqulun: dammiru al-Islam abidu ahlahu ("Leaders of the West Say: Destroy Islam, Annihilate Its People") .
Early Life and Education
Yusuf was born in Homs in 1938 CE, where he was raised and received his primary schooling . He studied Islamic sciences in the city's mosques and religious schools under local Syrian scholars and became active in Islamic collective work in his youth, joining the student circles of Mustafa al-Siba'i .
After completing his secondary baccalaureate examinations, he moved to Damascus and enrolled concurrently in the Department of History within the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Sharia at Damascus University . He graduated with a bachelor's degree in history and subsequently earned a master's degree from Cairo University . Although he completed his doctoral dissertation, his engagements in writing and youth mentorship delayed his formal defense in Egypt until his final arrest . In 1965 CE, he married; he had three sons and two daughters .
Career and Activism
Yusuf worked as an inspector in the Directorate of Antiquities and Museums in Damascus and later held an inspection post in the Central Commission for Inspection and Control . In 1971 CE, he resigned from public office to devote himself entirely to Islamic writing, publishing, and cultural activities, and he became a member of the Arab Writers Union .
Arrests and Death
Yusuf was imprisoned twice by Syrian authorities . His first arrest occurred in 1964 CE during the events surrounding the Umayyad Mosque under President Amin al-Hafiz, amidst a widespread crackdown on Islamic activists; he was tortured, suffered a broken rib, and was released from al-Mezza Prison after several months, recording these experiences in his unpublished memoirs .
His second arrest took place on the morning of Monday, 31 March 1980 CE, during a nationwide general strike held in solidarity with the Syrian Bar Association . State authorities accused him of covert organizational activities, seeking to overthrow the ruling regime, promoting anti-Ba'athist ideology, and using his membership in the Arab Writers Union for political incitement . Following several months of detention in Sheikh Hasan Prison in Damascus and two hospitalizations at al-Mawasat Hospital resulting from torture, he was transferred to Tadmur Prison, after which all communication and news of him ceased . The biographical historian Nizar Abazah dated his death in captivity to 1403 AH (c. 1983 CE) .
Answer updated
List of Works
Qadat al-Gharb Yaqulun Dammiru al-Islam Abidu Ahlahu (Leaders of the West Say: Destroy Islam, Annihilate Its People) is an Islamic political booklet originally published under the pseudonym Jalal al-Alam. Completed in Tripoli on 15 August 1974 CE, it was written as a call to Muslim rulers and peoples regarding the dangers facing the Muslim world, presenting Islam as the central source of strength, revival, and unity against foreign hegemony.