Abu al-Qasim Saadallah
Abu al-Qasim Saadallah was a prominent researcher and historian born in 1930 in Algeria, specifically in Ouled Souf, a suburb of Qamar. Raised in a very impoverished family, he earned recognition as one of Algeria’s leading historians and was a significant figure in social and religious reform within the country. He studied the fundamentals of Islamic sciences, including jurisprudence, language, and religion. Throughout his academic career, he authored numerous works and achieved significant milestones.
Abu al-Qasim Saadallah played a vital role in numerous events that shaped Algeria’s history. He produced a vast array of studies and publications, most notably the “Cultural History of Algeria,” which spans nine volumes, along with various other research articles discussing different aspects of Algerian history.
Early Life of Abu al-Qasim Saadallah
From 1947 until 1954, Professor Dr. Abu al-Qasim Saadallah pursued his studies at Al-Zaytuna University. Due to the French colonial era during his childhood, he did not attend formal primary education, as his family and many others in the community opted against enrolling in such schools.
In 1954, he began working as a writer for the “Al-Basair” newspaper, the official publication of the Algerian Muslim Scholars Association, earning the title “the young critic.” He served as a teacher in Algeria and, encouraged by his mentors, moved to Cairo in 1955 to further his studies in the humanities. In 1962, he received a master’s degree in history and political science.
Saadallah later relocated to the University of Minnesota in the United States, where he spent several years. During his time there, he earned a Ph.D. in contemporary and modern history in English in 1965, while also mastering several languages, including French, German, and Persian.
After obtaining his doctorate, he intended to return to Algeria but delayed his return following the coup in June of that year. Instead, he studied Western civilization at a university in Wisconsin. Notably, he refused to accept American citizenship, viewing it as an act of national betrayal, and eventually returned as a professor at the University of Algiers in 1967.
Contributions of Abu al-Qasim Saadallah
His most significant works include:
- The Cultural History of Algeria
- The Algerian National Movement
- Research and Reflections on Algerian History
- The Green Era
- Studies in Algerian Literature
- Experiences in Literature and Travel
- Intellectual Foundations
- Civilizational Concerns
Passing of Abu al-Qasim Saadallah
Abu al-Qasim Saadallah passed away on December 14, 2013, at the age of 83, in the military hospital of Ain Naadja in Algiers after a prolonged illness. He left behind an impressive legacy of 54 volumes that cover diverse fields such as literature, language, and history, establishing foundational references for future historians.