The History of Imam Mohamed Abduh

The History of Imam Mohamed Abduh by Rachid Rida, Cairo: GEBO, 2012, 3Vols. The General Egyptian Book Organisation (GEBO) has just republished a three-volume work by the Islamic thinker Rachid Rida titled The History of Imam Mohamed Abduh, which tackles the life and works of the famous Islamic reformist Mohamed Abduh (1849–1956). The book also includes many of Abduh's articles which he published in newspapers during his time. Mohamed Rachid Rida (1865–1935), one of Mohamed Abduh's students, gives us insights on the liberal and reformist thinking of the Imam (Abduh) and his plans to develop religious education, especially in the ancient Islamic university Al-Azhar. Although Abduh was one of the university's sheikhs, he disagreed with many of its rules and its education system. Many of the Imam’s articles on reforming education, defending religion and his letters to his contemporary jurists are included in the book, which was republished in the Renaissance Heritage series released by the GEBO.