The Essence of Existence and Peace: Emir Abdelkader's Journey in Manifesting the Human Condition

Abstract

Emir Abdelkader’s persona exudes a sublime humanitarian spirit that transcends narrow allegiances. He regarded all people as servants of God, whether they were his subjects or even the French colonizers. He recognized that the French did not come to Algeria as refugees in need of aid, but as invaders seeking to seize power; thus, his struggle was not driven by enmity, but rather by the futility of extending benevolence under such circumstances. Rejecting all forms of violence and bloodshed, he resorted to military action only after repeated peaceful endeavors had failed. His confrontation with the French was not an end in itself, but a means to achieve lasting peace. His noble ethics shone through in his treatment of prisoners. Rather than viewing them as defeated foes, he treated them as honored guests deserving of respect and care—even going so far as to summon a Christian priest to offer prayers for his Christian captives. This gesture embodied his broad religious and humanitarian vision. Emir Abdelkader embraced dialogue with those of differing faiths, firmly believing that the divinely revealed religions originate from the same source, sharing common foundations while differing only in their outward expressions. Despite enduring personal suffering and exile, he harbored no malice toward Christians; indeed, he defended their rights and protected them, as evidenced by his advocacy on behalf of the persecuted Christians of Damascus. Through such exalted conduct, his legacy ascends to the realm of the highest moral virtues, standing as a timeless symbol of peace and justice.