Abdel-Hamid ibn Badis

Abdel-Hamid ibn Badis, born on December fourth, eighteen eighty-nine, was a prominent Algerian Salafi educator and a pivotal figure in the cultural nationalism movement. His contributions as a teacher, ulema, journal editor, and journalist significantly shaped the educational landscape of Algeria during a time of great political and social change.

In nineteen thirty-one, Ben Badis founded the Association of Algerian Muslim Ulema, a national organization that united various Islamic scholars from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. This association played a crucial role in influencing Algerian Muslim politics, particularly leading up to the Algerian War of Independence. Through this platform, he was able to advocate for religious reform and cultural identity.

Under the auspices of the Association, numerous educational institutions were established, providing thousands of Algerian children from Muslim families with access to education. Additionally, the Association published a monthly journal, Al-Chihab, to disseminate its ideas and engage with pressing religious and political issues. Souheil Ben Badis was a regular contributor to this journal from nineteen twenty-five until his passing in nineteen forty.