Abd al-Hamid Ben Badis (1889-1940) was a prominent Algerian Islamic scholar, educator, and reformer. Born in Constantine, Algeria, he hailed from a prestigious family of scholars and notables. His early education was deeply rooted in Islamic teachings, and he memorized the Quran by the age of thirteen.

Ben Badis was significantly influenced by his mentor, Hamdan Lounissi, who instilled in him a passion for knowledge and a commitment to the rights of the Muslim inhabitants of Algeria. Lounissi’s counsel to “learn knowledge for the sake of knowledge, not because of duty” left a lasting impact on Ben Badis.

In 1931, Ben Badis founded the Association of Algerian Muslim Ulema, a national organization that brought together Islamic scholars from various perspectives. The Association played a crucial role in the cultural and religious revival of Algeria, setting up numerous educational institutions and publishing the monthly journal Al-Chihab.

Ben Badis was a staunch advocate of cultural nationalism and opposed the assimilation of Algeria into France. His efforts were part of the broader Salafist and Wahhabi movements across North Africa. He was also influenced by the pan-Islamic reformers Jamal al-Din al-Afghani and Muhammad Abduh.

Throughout his life, Ben Badis remained dedicated to the cause of Islamic reform and education. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Algerians and Muslims worldwide.