What Is Left of Classical Reformism?

Abstract

The alliance between Muslim and Christian scholars around the idea of a religious, political, and social reform in the Orient was sealed in 1871 around the figure of al-Afghani. In 1903, however, the alliance was subjected to a severe test. The previous chapter saw Abduh struggling with conservatives for reform of the al-Azhar University mosque. Another event took place in concomitance with this which deserves discussion because it bears witness to the limits of reformist thinking.