Munir Al-Ajlani and his role in reform through Al-Jazirah newspaper (1934-1939)

Abstract

Munir Al-Ajlani represented the main leading character for the reform movement. such activity is rarely expressed in Arabic reformist newspapers. As Al-Ajlani was able to interpolate reform issues into the field of regular political debate, and made these reform issues present on all occasion, which resulted in making the reform movement a prominent topic in all different issues, especially those related to the political and social aspect.

Reading the history of the reform movement through the writings and positions of Munir al-Ajlani, illustrates the strength of the idea, knowledge, and diligence through his political and social demands that combine Arab culture and modernity, and this became clear when he demanded the liberation of Syrian women, because he was fully aware that one of the requirements this era is the development of women and from within the Arab and Western culture, and those who reject the prospects of Western civilization were not only Muslims but also Europeans, especially when the colonial policy aimed to dismantle oppressed societies.

We also note that the intellectual heritage left by Munir Al-Ajlani is a critical heritage of the deteriorating conditions that Syria suffered during settler colonialism and the economic crisis of 1936 and its aftermath.

This is what we notice from his reports and statements condemning the French colonial policy, based on the principle of human rights and patriotism. Al-Ajlani also studied the position of the Syrian leaders on Jabal Al-Arab, Upper Mesopotamia, and the forces that contributed to the defeated of Sanjak of Alexandretta. So, Al-Ajlani decided to make sharper criticism of the political situation of Syria which also included the international contracts and treaties especially the Franko-Syrian Treaty of Independence in 1939, as shown Al-Jazeera newspaper headed by Munir Al-Ajlani who's agreement was always associated with associated viewing and discussing.

In view of these political positions, some of which contributed to political changes that had an impact on the local level, to then participate in the mobilization of national activity through his participation in the formation of the National Guard Committee or the so-called "iron shirt" teams. This was the reason why Munir al-Ajlani was subjected to interrogation sometimes and to arrest since the beginning of the World War in 1939. Nevertheless, the Syrian struggle did not end, nor did the demands for the reformation, resistance to the occupier, and not to give up rights in order to gain independence and search for salvation.

Keywords: (Syrian-Lebanese Federation, economic crisis, parliament, political situation, civil disobedience)