Islamic Sources Research Articles

Islam, Purity, and Modernity

From the 1930s to the 1950s, the Mzab region in the north of the Algerian Sahara, then under French rule, was shaken by controversies over the consumption and lawfulness of European goods. Historians typically analyze these debates as a form of cultural resistance to colonization or as a sign of the allegedly difficult adaptation of “Islam” to “modernity.” They single out two types of reaction: that of self-proclaimed “reformist” scholars and that of “conservatives,” caricatured as shoring up a barren tradition. Based on the case of the Mzab and on a wide range of Islamic legal documents, this article opens up a new perspective on the relations between Islam, modernity, and colonialism, demonstrating that other logics were also at work. For the Islamic scholars involved, the most important issue at stake was the purity of their community and its preservation in a context of cultural and political uncertainty. Using the tools of Islamic law, both advocates and detractors of these “innovations” shaped a particular vision of their community and its boundaries. By bringing together colonial and Islamic sources, and drawing on both colonial and Islamic studies, this article challenges a reading of the modern history of Islam based on notions such as modernity and reform, which were essentially instrumental in these debates. It also moves away from a historiography that is blind to the internal complexity of these societies, drawing attention to the multiple rationales at work in colonized North Africa.

Middle Persian Title of Khusraw Parvīz’s Commander-in-Chief

The present article aims to reconstruct one of the titles borne by Khusraw Parvīz’s commander-in-chief (sipahbad), generally known to the sources as Shahr-barāz, ‘The Wild Boar of the Kingdom’. The title that is the object of this study is variously given as Farrukhān, Farruhān, and Khurrahān in Islamic sources, and as Khoṙeam in an Armenian chronicle. Two New Persian literary texts, the Shāhnāma (composed between the late tenth and early eleventh century) and the Mujmal al-tawārīkh wa’l qiṣaṣ (begun in 520/1126), offer two forms that certainly originate from a misreading of the title in its Pahlavi and Arabo-Persian spellings, respectively. Such erroneous forms, however, are useful for ascertaining the original form of the title. Only Farrahān, meaning ‘glorious, endowed with farr/farrah’, an adjective derived from farrah ‘glory, divine charisma’ and the adjectival suffix ‑ān, matches all the attested forms.

Poetry in Islamic Historical Writing: The Dialectic of Creativity and the Politics of Truth

Benefiting from various post-positivist historical theories and approaches, this paper aims to seek some new entry points to Islamic historical traditions from the perspective of the presence and function of poetry within it. It is known that looking at history as a “representation” of the past where the real, the imaginative, the artistic, and the narrative intersect, is now considered as one of the pivotal points emphasized by new theories of historical knowledge. However, although this understanding applies to Islamic culture as it applies to others, it cannot be denied that it has been established in Western contexts that may not be suitable for analyzing the circumstances in which Islamic historical writing arose. Accordingly, it is not possible to study the presence of poetry in Islamic historical writings in terms of quantity, quality, and employment, without reconsidering the various theories of literary genres and its oversimplifications that may not apply to ancient Arabic writing systems, and thus to the Arabs’ perception of historical writing. In this perspective, we suggest that studying this presence and its functions may open the way for new hypotheses about Arab and Islamic sources, and the way the Arabs understood poetic writing while formulating their ways of belonging to history.

RELATIONS OF KURDS WITH ARMENIANS (951-1150)

Kurds and Armenians are local peoples of the Middle East. Historically, Armenians lived in the Caucasus and Anatolia, and the Kurds in Upper Mesopotamia and southwest of Iran. Although the places where Kurds and Armenians lived were close to each other, the question of when, where and how the relations between the two communities began has not been answered so far because there is not enough scientific research on this subject. Armenian historians were interested in Armenian-Kurdish relations in the early 19th century and conducted some research. Although some researchers, including N. J. Marr, found the Kurds to be closer to Georgians and Armenians than the Caucasian peoples, this idea was not generally accepted. Since the beginning of the 20th century, Kurdish intellectuals have claimed that the two communities have the same religion, the same lineage, and the same culture, without any cohesive research. However, there is very little information in the Armenian chronicles about the partnership of the two communities. Modern Armenian historians, however, do not consider these assumptions of the Kurds reliable. In this article, an answer was sought to the question of when, where, and how the relations of Kurds with Armenians began in the Middle Ages. Since there are no Kurdish works in our research that describe the early periods of the Kurds; Armenian chronicles, Islamic history sources and the works of modern researchers were used. According to the information given in Armenian chronicles and Islamic sources, Kurdish-Armenian relations seem to have started in the 10th century. This was disclosed through primary sources.

The importance of Jazeera Rigin in syriac sources

This study is concerned with the position and the importance of Jazeera region in Syriac texts by shedding light on the geographic border in Islamic sources and making a comparison with Syriac sources. The different names by Syriacs historians was according to their mind, the weight of the region has reflection in the Syriac sources and records. Undoubtedly, most of the Syriacs historians had lived in that region, and they were witnesses of the most events, which consists of political and religious events. All the changes which have been brought about in the region have had direct impact on representing the social condition. Most of the population of the region are Syriacs in the Syriac records and writings, that is why the Syriacs are considered as the original people of the region. In addition, the region has been pictured as a main center of Christian religion, Syriac language and culture, as most of the Syriacs historians were religious men, all of their writings were composed with religion. They show more religious conditions of the region in the Islamic authority framework, they refer to many names of the Christian Churches in the region.

Jurisprudence islamique en matière de prélèvement et de transplantation d’organes

The emergence of organ transplantation as a medical revolution has sparked profound reflection, imbued with moral and religious considerations regarding its compatibility with various spiritual traditions. This medical advancement has engendered significant debate among the ulema, the eminent Islamic jurists, both within each Muslim country and among inter-Islamic institutions. Driven by the duty to interpret Islamic teachings in light of this new medical reality, they have undertaken a rigorous analysis of the religion's doctrinal sources. And after scrutinizing the doctrinal sources of Islam, these ulema - or at least most of them - have converged on a unanimous conclusion: organ donation and transplantation, whether involving corpses or living individuals, are not only justifiable but also in perfect accordance with the fundamental principles of Islam. This conclusion underscores the adaptability of Islamic jurisprudence to medical advancements, thereby demonstrating the religion's capacity to evolve while preserving its core values.

The Mālikī School of Law in Andalusia and Its Impact on the Development of European Legal Systems

Objectives: This article explores the history of the Mālikī school of law in Andalusia and its influence on European laws. The study opens with the period of the Muslim conquest of Andalusia, aiming to highlight the various schools that existed before the emergence and spread of the Mālikī school and its impact on European laws. Methodology: This article uses a descriptive analysis, drawing on early and contemporary Islamic sources. Its goal is to trace the spread of the Mālikī school of law in Andalusia and analyse its influence on European laws. Findings: This article demonstrates how the Mālikī school of law influenced modern European laws that modified this jurisprudence and integrated it into their legal systems, such as the French Civil Code. Such was the result of a substantial interaction between Muslims and non-Muslims following the Islamic conquest of Andalusia. Consequently, the article concludes that introducing the Mālikī school of law into Andalusia substantially impacted European laws and systems. Originality: This article discusses the entry of Muslims into Andalusia during the European Dark Ages. It elucidates how the conquest of Andalusia affected the Andalusians and that Islamic civilisation and the Mālikī school of law influenced most of Europe's nations as well.

Happiness, virtue and wisdom: elements of ancient Greek philosophy in Islamic advice literature

This essay examines the profound influence of ancient Greek philosophy on Islamic advice literature, particularly in political ethics and governance. It aims to trace the integration of Greek philosophical ideas into Islamic advice literature, focusing on four key areas: Plato's theory of happiness, Aristotle's virtue ethics, the concept of "the three governances," and the ideal ruler-advisor relationship. Employing a meticulous analysis of a dozen Islamic sources from the tenth to the fifteenth centuries, it uncovers the extent of Greek thought's impact. Findings reveal that Islamic political elites, including philosophers, secretaries, religious scholars, and historians, adopted and adapted Greek philosophical theories to align with Islamic political goals and strategies. Plato's notions of happiness through just rule and the pursuit of knowledge and justice are echoed in the works of Islamic luminaries. Aristotle's virtue ethics, emphasizing prudence, temperance, courage, and justice, are seamlessly woven into Islamic governance literature. The concept of "the three governances" reflects Aristotelian governance principles, while Greek gnomology is used to validate political concepts especially the ideal ruler’s wisdom, showcasing the rhetorical power of invoking Greek authorities. The study concludes that Greek elements were frequently combined with Arabic, Persian, and other influences in Islamic advice literature, suggesting caution in interpreting Islamic political ethics through an exclusive lens. The research underscores the convergence of cross-cultural ideas and the Islamization of Greek philosophy to support political demands within a religious framework.

A Historical Exploration of the Selected Writing Trends on As-Sīrah An-Nabawiyyah (Prophetic Biography) from the First Century of Islam to the Contemporary Times

This research paper seeks to explore trends or tendencies in as-Sīrah an-Nabawiyyah (Prophetic Biography) emphasizing the historical investigation of selected writings on this subject from the first century of Islam until contemporary times. Muslims and others find exemplary qualities in every aspect of the Prophet’s life that inspire them to love him, understand his sayings, and follow his deeds, and accept all his decisions. Also, Muslim scholars rely on the Prophetic Sīrah to understand and explain the Islamic Sources, al-Qur’an and as-Sunnah. Initially, most works on Sīrah focused on the composition of the Prophet’s biography, and subsequently, their writers became interested in recording its events in separate books. This study aims to highlight the writing trends on the Prophetic Sīrah throughout Islamic history, and then, examine selected writings addressing the demands and concerns of their times. This work starts with an introduction, and then, continues the discussion on the literal and technical definition of the Prophetic Sīrah, the phases of its writing trends, firstly, from the first century to the third century, secondly, from the fourth century to the golden age of Orientalism, and, lastly, from nineteenth century to contemporary age. This study arrives at insightful findings that for each age, there has been a trend or tendency in the writing of the Prophetic Sīrah according to the demands and concerns of the time. The researchers propose that the demands of modern-day writing trends on the Prophetic Sīrah include rhetorical (Kalāmī), philosophical (Falsafī), and social (Ijtimā’ī) approaches.

Pembentukan Kepribadian Islami dalam Pendidikan Agama Islam

The formation of Islamic personality is a primary goal in Islamic education. Ethical education plays a crucial role in achieving this goal as it involves the moral and spiritual aspects of individuals. This research aims to analyze the Islamic perspective on ethical education and how it contributes to the formation of an Islamic personality. The methodology employed is a literature study involving the analysis of Islamic sources, including the Qur'an and Hadith. The analysis reveals that the Islamic approach to ethical education emphasizes the importance of good morals, social responsibility, and spiritual awareness. Islamic education should prioritize moral values such as honesty, justice, patience, and compassion. Additionally, education should encourage individuals to behave well and be responsible towards society, as well as develop spiritual awareness in their relationship with Allah. This research provides a deeper understanding of how ethical education, from an Islamic perspective, contributes to the formation of an Islamic personality.

An Evaluation on the Effect of Differences in Recitations on Islamic Law: Within the Context of Intercourse with a Woman After Menstruation

The main source of Islam is the Holy Qur'ān. Qirā’a is the branch of science that deals with the different ways of reciting the words of the Qur'ān. For this reason, the science of qirā’a has a special place and importance among the basic Islamic sciences. The fact that the Qur'ān ranks first among the primary evidences in Islamic jurisprudence methodology has made it directly related to the science of qirā’a. At the beginning of Islam, the verses revealed were transmitted firsthand by the Prophet (PBUH) to his companions, who in turn would teach these verses to others. The differences in reciting that existed in this process led to the types of qirā’a called 'seven ahruf/letters'. Believers would first learn the different qirā’āt that they heard from the Prophet (PBUH) and then pass them on to the others. However, in addition to the authentic qirā’āt, the unauthentic qirā’āt that emerged over time directly affected the Islamic legal doctrine. Especially the differences in the most accurate understanding of the divine word led to the emergence of differences of opinion among Islamic jurists. This, in turn, was the source of the divergence of jurisprudential groups. These divergences between the groups based on the differences in qirā’a have come to the agenda depending on the issues of Islamic law, sometimes usūl and sometimes furū’. These debates have led to different jurisprudential approaches depending on the different interpretations of the verses, which has led to mental turmoil among Muslims. In this study, the impact of qirā’a differences on Islamic legal doctrine is analyzed. In this context, the issue of intercourse with a woman after menstruation, one of the issues of jurisprudence, is discussed., Regarding this, in the text the concept of qirā’a, its types, and the reasons for the emergence of qirā’a differences are first evaluated. For a better understanding of the issue, the approaches of the four fiqh schools to the differences of qirā’a are also examined in a general way. Then, the jurisprudential aspect of the concept of menstruation, the way it is expressed in the verse, and the differences of qirā’a on the related verse are examined, and the legal consequences that arise due to these different qirā’āt are explained. As far as can be detected in the process, most of the studies in the field of basic Islamic sciences are carried out in the form of subject analysis under a specific discipline. Unlike the general studies in the literature, in this research, a fundamental issue related to Islamic law and qirā’a, which is among the basic disciplines of Islamic sciences, has been addressed, which reveals the strong bond and interaction between the two disciplines. In order to have a better understanding of the subject of the present research, special attention has been given to include the fundamental sources of the science of qirā’a along with Islamic law.

The Islamic Origins of Human Rights: Alignments with Bangladesh’s Legal Framework and Policy Suggestions for Legislators

Islamic source of human rights is one of the most basic sources. Throughout the paper researchers tried to focus on the basic aspects of human rights along with the three generation rights. Islam has fairly mentioned about Human Rights that, Islam is interrelated with humanity through Islamic Sharia. Universal Declaration of Human Rights has a great significance in recent times because it is the first document of human rights together. Right to life, right to freedom, right to justice, equality of human beings has been interpreted with the law of human rights. Human rights have also been resembled with Bangladesh legal system and it includes the law of crimes, Code of Civil Procedure, Code of Criminal Procedure and Constitutional law as well. Without the law of human rights it might not be possible to protect our human dignity and human life as well. The researchers also tried to explore the parallels between Islamic principles and Bangladesh's legislative framework regarding human rights, and to provide actionable recommendations for policymakers to integrate these principles effectively into policy-making processes, ensuring a harmonious alignment between religious values and legal norms.

The Concept of Human Rights from The Qur'an Perspective

This article focuses on the discussion of human rights in the Qur’an. The issue of human rights (HAM) which is considered to have differences that are contrary to Islam is very problematic so it is interesting to discuss. Is it true that Islam does not recognize the concept of human rights? So how does the Koran as the main source of the Islamic religion discuss the concept of human rights? Therefore, this research aims to reveal the concept of human rights in the Al-Qur'an as the main source of Islam itself. This research uses a qualitative approach with descriptive-analytical methods, especially Maudhu'i's interpretation of verses relating to human rights. The results of this research found that the concept of human rights in Islam has existed since humans were born, as evidenced by the existence of verses in the Qur'an which are very relevant to the concept of human rights, including the rights to equality and justice contained in (QS.an Nisa: 58) the right to life (QS. al-Isra': 33) and the right to education (QS. At-Taubah: 122) with the interpretation related to this verse means that Islam is very relevant to the concept of human rights.

Antecedents of Spiritual Health Affecting Family Management and Sexual Relationships of Couples: A Conventional Content Analysis

Background: Spiritual Health (SH) is the most meaningful and universal part of health affecting all human dimensions functions. Given that community health depends on the health of the family environment, Islam pays special attention to the basic foundation of the family and its persistence. Therefore, this qualitative study aimed to determine the antecedents of SH in Muslim couples according to Islamic sources. Methods: To collect the required data, some keywords, including “spiritual health”, “spirituality”, “spouses”, “couples”, and “Islam” were searched both in Persian and Arabic in Google Scholar, Noormags, SID, and Magiran databases in 1980-2023. After examining 37 documents, the conventional content analysis method was adopted to determine the antecedents of SH. Results: The 139 extracted codes were then classified into six categories (affecting the family management and their sexual, spiritual, behavioral, emotional, and cognitive relations). This paper elaborates on the antecedents of SH “affecting the family management”, and “sexual relationships” of couples. The first category includes four subcategories, “family boundaries and management”, “mutual and exclusive rights”, “planning”, and “cooperation and division of labor”. The second includes five subcategories, “encouragement to marry with trust in God”, “having offspring”, “preparation and contextualization”, “request and response”, and “infidelity prevention”. Conclusion: Both categories of “affecting the family management” and “sexual relationships” affect the lives of Muslim couples as antecedents and consequences of the concept of SH. It is suggested to perform more research by considering the texts of Sunni scholars.

Normative Spirituality in Wahhābī Prophetology: Saʿīd b. Wahf al-Qaḥṭānī’s (d. 2018) Raḥmatan li-l-ʿĀlamīn as Reparatory Theology

The Wahhābī movement within Sunni Islam—a substantial section of the larger Salafi movement—has been often depicted in both western academic studies and Muslim polemical writings negatively as devoid of spirituality, obsessed with a particular creedal understanding that drives its well-known salvific exclusivism, and with rigid legalism. This depiction is partly due to Wahhābism’s historical opposition to Sufism, the branch of Islamic knowledge and practices that has theorized, defined, and delineated Islam’s vision of the spiritual transformation taking place in the believer’s journey towards God. That opposition notwithstanding, the article argues that beyond terminological distinctions, one can locate in Wahhābī texts common Islamic themes of spiritual transformation. Primarily, such texts can be found in Wahhābī publications of the writings of 13th century Damascene Muslim scholars like Ibn Taymīya (d. 728/1328) and his most celebrated student, Ibn Qayyim al-Jawzīya (d. 751/1350). Building on that tradition, Wahhābī scholars have additionally produced texts that display core ideals of the Muslim spiritual goals. Such texts have additionally advanced the movement’s theological concerns and have driven the efforts towards “the purification” of Islamic sources from what Wahhābis deem to be heretical practices and beliefs accumulated throughout the centuries. Wahhābī prophetological texts, the article argues, serve as primary sources where both Wahhābī spiritual ideals and their sectarian reparatory agenda can be identified. The book of the late Saʿīd b. Wahf al-Qaḥṭānī (1952–2018), a well-known Saudi Wahhābī author of the second half of the twentieth century, Raḥmatan li-l-ʿĀlamīn Muḥammad Rasūl Allāh, serves as a representative text of these aims and ideals. Wahhābī spirituality, as identified in the work of al-Qaḥṭānī, has been depicted here as “normative spirituality” in order to point to its intended purpose of engendering praxis that is grounded in Islam’s well-known notion of prophetic imitatio.

Tinjauan Al-Quran dan Hadist Tentang Manajemen Layanan dan Prinsipnya: Studi Literatur

This article presents an analysis of the relationship between service management in the context of Islamic education with principles taken from verses of the Qur'an and hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Service management is seen as a key element in the management of Islamic educational institutions to provide the best experience to learners, educators, and other related parties. The type of research used is a literature study. The source of research data comes from various relevant literature including the Quran and hadith, books, and scientific articles. Data analysis techniques are carried out qualitatively consisting of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results of data analysis show that service management in the context of Islamic education management is an approach used to manage services or facilities related to the implementation of Islamic education. Key principles such as honesty, fairness, responsibility, and empathy, found in Islamic sources, are analyzed in the context of their application in educational management. In addition, the importance of communication skills, leadership, as well as planning, implementing, and evaluating educational programs that are in line with Islamic teachings are also clarified. Taking these principles into account, managers of educational institutions can ensure the overall and sustainable achievement of Islamic educational goals, as well as make a meaningful contribution in the formation of character and morality of learners in accordance with Islamic values

El Escorial, Derand and Guarini: About Formal Control of Ribbed Spherical and Elliptical Vaults

Guarino Guarini’s ribbed vaults have been connected with Islamic sources. However, this connection relies almost exclusively on plans and visual observations from the church floor. By contrast, the vertical layout, although clearly shown in Guarini’s Dissegni di architettura civile ed ecclesiastica, and the intrados surface of the ribs have not been taken into account, except by Marco Boetti (Guarino Guarini, Umberto Allemandi, Torino, 2006). In this contribution, I will deal with some possible sources of Guarini’s designs for the ribbed vaults of Sainte-Anne-la-Royale in Paris, Padri Somaschi in Messina, San Lorenzo in Turin and San Gaetano in Nice. I will take into account not only the plan layout of the ribs, but also their shape in space, and the nature of the intrados surface, analysing such possible sources as the stereotomic treatise of François Derand and several Spanish stonecutting manuscripts connected with El Escorial.

Exploring Gender Equality: A Comparative Study of Contemporary Feminism, Islamic Perspectives, and Feminism in Sufism

This comparative study delves into the concepts of contemporary feminism and Islamic perspectives on gender equality and women’s rights, aiming to identify similarities, differences, and areas of convergence between the two frameworks globally. Drawing on a diverse range of feminist theories and Islamic sources, the study analyses key concepts, principles, and practices related to gender equality, women’s rights, and empowerment. Additionally, the article explores the inclusion of feminist perspectives from Sufism, further enriching the discourse on gender dynamics. By examining the intersections and tensions between these frameworks, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding gender equality discourse and ongoing conversations on women’s rights within diverse cultural and religious contexts. Objectives of the Study: To do a comparative study and explore the contemporary concepts and Islamic perspectives on gender equality with incorporation of feminist ideals within Sufism.

Real estate and business fixed assets in the early Islamic economy from a Zakah perspective

PurposeThe face value of nonowner-occupied real estate and business fixed assets is excluded from Zakah, according to most Fiqh scholars who argue that it has not been explicitly ordered during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad (sas). This study aims to test the hypothesis that the role of these properties in the early Islamic economy was insignificant and, therefore, differed from today.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative historical analysis of primary Islamic sources and narrations from early Muslim historiography has been conducted to understand real estate sales and rent, construction costs and the number and size of houses owned by the Sahabah. In addition, inheritance reports and land gift records have been examined to obtain relevant information about the value of real estate. As for business fixed assets, the type, number and wealth of craftspeople as well as their tools have been analyzed to reveal their significance in comparison with today.FindingsThe findings of this study confirm the hypothesis that real estate for investment purposes and business fixed assets were quasi-non-existent during the lifetime of the Prophet (sas) and, therefore, irrelevant from a Zakah perspective.Originality/valueThis study intends to be a catalyst for the reconsideration of Zakah on these items of wealth and contributes to the Fiqhi discourse.

Sejarah Kehidupan Nabī Dalam Musnad Aḥmad

A review of early Islamic sources confirms that several verses of the Qurān are considered by Muslim scholars to be sources for the history of the Prophet’s early life. However, modern scholars argue about the suitability of this verse of the Qurān as a carrier of true biographical information about the Prophet. Because hadith are considered as an interpretive tool to dig deeper into the meaning of the Al-Qurān, and one of them contains a very extensive source of information about the life of the Prophet, it is very necessary to analyze the ḥadīṡ-ḥadīṡ about the Nabawiyyah sīrah. This research aims to explore the history of the Prophet's early life in Musnad Aḥmad and analyze Aḥmad's perspective regarding verses in the Al-Qurān about the Prophet's early life. This research is qualitative in nature where the researcher uses a critical and analytical approach as the methodology. This study finds that the scarcity of Quranic verses regarding Muhammad’s early life in the Musnad Ahmad, a vast inventory of hadith dating to the ninth century, indicates a scholar’s view of Muhammad’s early life. It is clear that Aḥmad did not relate the Qur’ān to the narrative of the Prophet’s early life, even though the verses are widely used by sīrah writers as descriptions of Muhammad’s early life.