It feels like losing a friend, but not really. We have such warm memories of our meeting with Syrian nonviolence scholar Jawdat Said, who passed away last month in Istanbul. As his niece, Afra Jalabi, told us, “We will … learn new ways of reclaiming his presence in his absence.”
What stands out for us right now are two things (and they’re closely related): his humanity as a person and his clear evocation of the holy Quran as a testimony of peace and nonviolence. When we listened to Jawdat it felt as obvious as it was irrefutable; such was the power of his logic and his passionate conviction for nonviolence. We are still grateful to have had the chance to work with him.
Thank you, Jawdat Said, for your life’s work. May it continue to guide and inspire humanity in our long journey together.
We provide educational resources on the safe and effective use of nonviolence, with the recognition that it’s not about putting the right person in power but awakening the right kind of power in people. We advance a higher image of humankind while empowering people to explore the question: How does nonviolence work, and how can I actively contribute to a happier, more peaceful society?
Waging Nonviolence partners with other organizations and publishes their work.
Jawdat, I am sorry you have gone ahead. I will follow when it’s my turn.
Thank you for your profound wisdom.
When you asked, and I shared my dream of the prophet walking me to talk with the man who wanted to kill me, you said, “Allah sends such a dream to very few. You have been chosen.”
What does it mean to be ‘chosen’? I have been wrestling with your words ever since.