THE NOTION OF ANIMISM: SOME VIEWS FROM PROPHETIC TRADITION AND WESTERN ANTHROPOLOGIST PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

Purpose of Study: The prophetic tradition (al-Sunnah) as the second authentic source for Muslims includes guidance that touches all aspects of life, from economics, politics, laws, anthropology, etc. Some Western anthropologists stressed on debating the notion of animism which is a belief that everything exists in the universe has soul, spirit and must be respected. In fact, animism had been revered by all religions, and this theory was introduced by Edward Burnett Tylor (1832-1917) in the 19th century.
 Methodology: This article discusses on animism from the perspectives of prophetic traditions and Western Anthropologist. By applying content analysis method, this article found that both parties have some similarities and differences. In lieu of this, Islam concluded that animism or the belief in the power of invisible spirits of people’s ancestors and the spirits of nature to influence the fortunes of humans on earth are blasphemous and deviant. While in view of Anthropologist, animism puts more emphasis on the uniqueness of each individual soul. Animists see themselves on roughly equal footing with other animals, plants, and natural forces, and subsequently, have a moral imperative to treat these agents with respect.
 Implications/Applications: The implications for this kind of studies will open to discussions about anthropology through multi background and methods of data collection.