This paper examines the representation and interpretation of Mahatma Gandhi in Arabic intellectual scholarship through a thematic analytical framework. Drawing on a diverse range of Arab writings, including biographical studies, interpretative works, and translated autobiographical texts, the study explores how Gandhi has been constructed as a multifaceted figure across different intellectual contexts. It identifies key thematic strands in these representations, including Gandhi as a national liberator and paternal figure, a model of non-violent leadership, a proponent of interreligious dialogue, and a universal moral thinker.

The paper highlights the contributions of prominent Arab authors who have engaged with Gandhi’s life and philosophy, demonstrating how their works reflect both admiration and critical interpretation. Particular attention is given to writings that situate Gandhi within broader discussions of colonialism, ethical leadership, and cross-cultural exchange, as well as those that reinterpret his ideas in light of contemporary global challenges. The analysis also incorporates Arabic translations of Gandhi’s own writings, which provide direct insight into his intellectual and spiritual development.