In spite of the controversies that overstuff books on the status of Gamal Al Din Al Afghani, no one can deny his outstanding role. This had a dual effect. One was for liberation, and the second was for religious reform. This is the way he was described by Ahmed Amin at his graveside, during the memorial service for him. In his memory, Amin said that he had revived souls, liberated minds and moved hearts, resurrected nations and shaken thrones. He was envied by Sultans for his grace, fear of his tongue and ascendancy. Countries suffering freedom issues feared his actions too; others, who enjoyed higher degrees of freedom, were bored with his freedom. Many nations were inspired by the stances Al Afghani took. In the presence of the Sultan Abdel Hamid, Al Afghani took his rosary out of his pocket and started fumbling with the beads. The chief of staff bent over and whispered to him to put it back in his pocket. Al Afghani replied in a loud voice: "His Highness the Sultan fumbles with the lives of 30 million humans, can't Gamal Al Din play with 30 amber beads?" The sultan was the most powerful of his time, and he was the Caliph of the Muslims. When he sat with Khedive Tawfik, Al Afghani did not mince his words. He bluntly said: "If you accept advice from a faithful person, you need to hasten to involve the public in ruling the country using the Shura method, by permitting election of congressmen to enact laws. These laws will be complied with under your name, and according to your will. This, in turn, will stabilise your reign, and extend your authority." (From the book Al Amaal Al Kamla page 475) Al Afghani loudly advocated equality, when asked by Nasser Al Din Khesro, the Shah of Iran, if it were acceptable that a person like himself, a king of Persia, should be equal to a peasant. Al Afghani answered: "You need to know that your crown, the glory of your authority and the pillars of your throne, will become greater through a constitution and more stable than at present. Without a doubt your highness, O Sultan, you have seen and read about a nation that was able to survive without a king. Never have you seen a king living without a nation or having no subjects?" (Abdel Rahman Al Rafie- Gamal Al Din Al Afghani – the raiser of Oriental civilization- page 212) Al Afghani continued to incite revolution: "O you poor peasant, you tear the heart of the earth to make it grow plants, to feed your children. So why don't you tear the heart of he who oppresses you, and those who reap your effort?" He also says: "If every one of these suppressed people spits just once, if they all spit together, a huge sea will be formed to drown all tyrants." He then delves into the field of religious reform. He declares courageously: "Religion should be above scientific contradictions, but if there are any, then the religious script must be reinterpreted. He then shouts through the pages of his magazine, The Most Trustworthy Handhold, saying "Islam has been mangled by ignorance of its true doctrines throughout generations, and there has to be a revolution for reform. If this reform does not happen then perdition awaits Muslims. The misinterpretation of the truth of Islam as mentioned in the Holy Quran and Sunna. Islam at its core is a rational religion that promotes freedom of thought from myths, and opens wide the gates for science. Muslims should, if they choose to leave the dungeons of retardation and decadence, take from Europe whatever is useful as far as modern science is concerned." He also said, "The original doctrine of Islam gives Muslims the right to revolt against their tyrant rulers." Then he goes even further, challenging all by saying, "Laws change with nation change." (Mohamed Kamel Daher – assiraa bayna attayarayn addini wal ilmani –(Conflict Between Religious and Secular Trends)- p 154) The Al Azhar scholars, as expected, were stirred, and incited their followers against him. They attacked his meetings, so he took to living at a secret place, "Dar Al Fawal" at Khan Abi Takeyah. The Al Azhar students were, however, still able to reach him. They beat him with sticks, severely injuring him. Eventually, Al Afghani started a secret organisation with the aim of assassinating the Khedive Ismail Pasha, this matter was confirmed by Al Sheikh Mohamed Abdou (Secret History of the English Occupation of Egypt – p.489–) At length, an official decree was issued declaring that Al Afghani was the head of a secret organization formed of reckless youth, who have converged to corrupt religion and life, it was determined that he should be expelled from Egypt. While Al Afghani was making his way to Suez to sail off, accompanied by his follower Aref Abou Torab, carrying his bundle of clothes, he was approached by the British consul offering him a financial aid. Al Afghani refused saying, "No Mr. consul, the lion will never execute a prey."
