Islamic Studies Research Articles

AI and Digital Media: Enhancing Islamic Studies and Advancing Communication in Higher Education

This study looks at how artificial intelligence (AI) and digital media affect Islamic studies and communication in higher education. The research was done through a narrative review of existing studies. Using AI and digital media in higher education opens up new opportunities, making learning more varied and improving communication. This review sums up the literature to show how these technologies are being used in education and communication. It also analyzes AI tools that help advance Islamic studies, specifically the Islamic Education Management study. Additionally, it talks about how digital media makes it easier to access learning materials, encourages group learning, and keeps students more engaged. By employing library study or literature review by sorting out approximately 25 journals from 2021 to 2024, this study also considers the ethical issues that come with using these technologies, especially in Islamic education and higher education in general. By gathering information from different sources, this review highlights both the benefits and challenges of using AI and digital media in education. It also discusses what the findings mean for lecturers, students, and researchers, pointing out the need to balance technology with the values of Islamic education management themselves. This study aims to be a helpful resource for those adapting to the changing world of education in the digital age.

Prophetic Ethics of Inclusion and Conflict Resolution: A Neo-Traditionalist Interpretation of the Sirah

In an era marked by escalating religious intolerance and social fragmentation, the ethical legacy of the Prophet Muhammad (Sirah) offers a compelling yet underexplored framework for promoting peaceful coexistence. Despite its rich content, contemporary discourse often marginalises the inclusive and reconciliatory dimensions of the Prophet’s life. This study aims to examine how neo-traditionalist Muslim scholars—particularly from the West and the Indian subcontinent—interpret the Sirah to address issues of social inclusiveness and conflict resolution. Employing a qualitative descriptive method, this research integrates content analysis, thematic exploration, and comparative interpretation. It focuses on key historical events such as Hilf al-Fudul, the Constitution of Medina, the migration to Abyssinia, the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, and the Conquest of Makkah. The findings show that neo-traditionalist scholars present a contextual and ethical reading of the Sirah that aligns classical Islamic values with modern challenges. This study contributes to the growing field of peace studies in Islam by reviving the Prophet’s ethical model as a viable framework for interfaith harmony, minority rights, and conflict transformation in pluralistic societies.

Islamic Bank Risk Studies: A Bibliometric Review

This article analyzes Islamic banking risk trends from 1996 to November 2024. This study aims to: (1) trends and growth of publications ‎related to Islamic banking risks; (2) the most productive contribution related to the risk study of Islamic banking; (3) the most cited ‎documents in research related to Islamic banking risks; (4) essential keywords involved in Islamic banking risk research. The processed data ‎were obtained from the Scopus database using the term (Islamic OR sharia*) AND (bank OR finance) AND (risk), resulting in 355 ‎documents, then exported and analyzed using Biblioshiny, VOSviewer, Publish or Perish (PoP), and Microsoft Excel. The results of the ‎study show that most publications occurred in 2023. The authors who contributed the most to publishing documents were Mirakhor, A. (7 ‎publications), International Islamic University Malaysia by the institution (98 publications), English by language (98 percent), Malaysia by ‎country (104 publications), and Journal of Islamic Accounting and Business Research by title (25 publications). The most frequently cited ‎article is the work of Mollah et al. (2017) on "The governance, risk-taking, and performance of Islamic banks." Referring to the results of ‎the network visualization mapping, research on Islamic banking risks is grouped into four main themes, including Performance and Management of Islamic Banks Risk and Finance in Islamic Banking, Governance and Efficiency of Islamic Banks, Risk Management Practices, ‎and Types of Risks in Islamic Banks. This study recommends a systematic literature review related to topics and issues regarding ‎technological innovation and further exploration of the regulatory impact of risk in Islamic banking‎.

The Pillars of Hajj for Muslims and Their Impact on The Pilgrim

This study investigates the multifaceted dimensions of Hajj, the Islamic pilgrimage, which is not only a fundamental religious obligation but also a transformative spiritual journey with deep personal and communal significance. While Hajj is well-established in Islamic jurisprudence as one of the five pillars of Islam, this research identifies a gap in understanding its broader impacts beyond the legal framework. The primary aim of this study is to analyze the educational, spiritual, social, and psychological effects of Hajj, particularly among Iraqi pilgrims. Employing a qualitative analytical method, the study draws upon classical Islamic sources, contemporary literature, and testimonies from Iraqi pilgrims to explore the lived experience of Hajj. The findings are organized into four thematic dimensions. The first addresses the legal foundation of Hajj, including its legitimacy, types, and essential rulings. The second highlights the spiritual and moral impacts, such as enhanced self-discipline, deeper faith, and increased humility. The third focuses on social and cultural benefits, including the promotion of Muslim unity, intergroup tolerance, and the sharing of diverse experiences. The fourth examines psychological effects, such as emotional healing, inner peace, and the profound feeling of divine connection and repentance. This research concludes that Hajj transcends its ritualistic form to become a life-changing experience that reshapes a believer’s relationship with God, self, and society. The study contributes to Islamic studies by offering a holistic understanding of Hajj’s role in individual transformation and communal harmony, especially within the context of Iraqi society.

Historicity of Hadith Studies: Paradigm of Understanding, Transmission, and Contemporary Hadith Studies

<em><em>This study aims to examine the historicity of hadith studies by mapping the development of paradigms of hadith understanding, analysing patterns of hadith transmission, and examining the dynamics of contemporary hadith studies. The primary objective of this research is to contextualise classical and modern understandings of hadith within contemporary discourse, particularly regarding how hadith continues to function as a source of Islamic jurisprudence in the face of modern epistemological and socio-cultural challenges. This study employs a qualitative-descriptive approach with a historical-analytical method, analysing primary and secondary sources related to the development of hadith knowledge and Muslim scholars' responses to Orientalist criticism. It also integrates interdisciplinary perspectives from philosophy, sociology, and epistemology to enrich the analytical framework. The results show that the understanding of hadith has undergone a significant shift, from oral transmission and textual literalism in the classical era to a contextual-rationalist and intertextual approach in the modern and contemporary periods. Hadith transmission, despite facing political, social, and Orientalist criticism, has demonstrated resilience through academic rigour in the analysis of sanad and matan. Additionally, contemporary Muslim scholars are increasingly adopting interdisciplinary methods to reinterpret hadith in light of modern realities. This underscores the importance of critically engaging with classical traditions and modern approaches to maintain the relevance and authority of hadith in contemporary Islamic studies</em>.</em>

A Peircean Semiotic Analysis of Elegiac Symbolism in Rithā’ al-Andalus by Abū al-Baqā’al-Rundī

ABSTRACT This study investigates Rithā’ al-Andalus by Abū al-Baqā’ al-Rundī through the semiotic lens of Charles Sanders Peirce to examine how poetic language communicates historical grief, spiritual identity, and collective memory. Composed in 1267 CE, the elegy laments the fall of Muslim Andalusia following the Christian reconquest. Beyond a personal outcry, the poem serves as a layered cultural document, encoding ideological resistance and loss through complex sign systems rooted in Islamic tradition and Andalusian history. The primary objective of this research is to analyze how Rithā’ al-Andalus employs Peirce’s triadic model of signs—icon, index, and symbol—to articulate themes of displacement, decline, and spiritual anguish. The study seeks to identify each type of sign within the poem and interpret its function in representing communal trauma and religious dislocation. This research adopts a qualitative interpretive approach. The original Arabic text is subjected to close reading, with poetic expressions classified based on Peircean categories. Each sign is interpreted within its historical, religious, and literary context, drawing on interdisciplinary scholarship in Islamic studies, medieval history, and Arabic poetics. The findings demonstrate that iconic signs evoke vivid visualizations of ruin and sorrow; indexical signs register the traces of temporal loss and cultural fracture; and symbolic signs encapsulate abstract notions of divine will, imperial collapse, and faith. Together, these elements construct a semiotic grammar of mourning. Ultimately, the study concludes that Rithā’ al-Andalus functions as more than a poetic elegy—it emerges as a symbolic archive of Andalusia’s fall and a resilient expression of Islamic identity through semiotic discourse.

Exploring the Significance of Andalusian <i>muwashshaḥāt</i> and <i>azjāl</i> in the Study of Islamic Theology

Can the poetic and musical genres muwashshaḥāt and azjāl enrich Islamic theology, particularly through their compatibility with traditional naẓm (didactic poetry), while addressing the epistemological and ethical challenges confronting Islamic discourse today? This paper examines the significance of these Andalusian forms, focusing on Jādaka al-ghayth by Lisān al-Dīn Ibn al-Khaṭīb (1313–1374), and raises critical questions about the role of traditional theological texts, especially naẓm, in meeting the evolving needs of contemporary Islamic thought. The study underscores four key contributions that muwashshaḥāt and azjāl can bring to Islamic theology: their interdisciplinary nature, their reflection of multireligious contexts, their innovative linguistic features that blend Arabic with Romance, Hebrew, and Amazigh (Berber), and their rich aesthetic value, particularly through Andalusian music. By integrating these genres into Islamic studies, the research advocates for a more flexible and inclusive curriculum, challenging the dominant approach. It suggests that muwashshaḥāt and azjāl—in a way akin to naẓm—offer a transformative perspective on Islamic epistemology by providing a more poetic and accessible approach to theological concepts. This allows for a deeper engagement with God-talk (discussions on the divine) by framing theological ideas in ways that resonate emotionally and intellectually, thus encouraging a re-examination of how theology is taught, understood, and communicated in modern times. Key terms: muwashshaḥ • zajal • al-Andalus • naẓm • Ibn al-Khaṭīb • Islamic theology

Chinese Muslims and Religious Encounters in the “Chinatown” of Dakar, Senegal

This paper investigates religious encounters between Chinese and Senegalese Muslims in the relatively new Chinatown of Dakar. Chinese Muslims from Kaifeng City, Henan Province first arrived in Senegal in the 1990s following the Henan provincial state-owned construction company. They started a wholesale business mainly of clothing and shoes and brought their relatives and family members to Dakar. However, scholars studying the Chinese community in Dakar have largely ignored their Muslim identity and its significance. Moving beyond the conventional focus on tensions between Muslim and Chinese identities in the study of overseas Chinese Muslims, this paper turns to religious encounters in everyday life. Based on field research and interviews both in Dakar and Henan, this paper argues that for these Chinese Muslim businesspersons in Dakar, Islam as a shared religious identity sometimes provides opportunities to connect with their fellow Muslims in a foreign country. However, differences in religious practices can also lead to misconceptions between them and other Senegalese Muslims. This paper thus contributes to Islamic studies and the study of global China, particularly in relation to overseas Chinese Muslims, China–Africa encounters, and global Chinatowns.

Navigating Opportunities And Ethical Challenges In Facebook-Based Islamic Da’wah: A Critical Study Of Strategies In The Contemporary Era

This study explores the utilization of Facebook as a medium for Islamic da'wah in the contemporary era, highlighting its potential, advantages, and accompanying challenges. The method employed is a literature review with a narrative-descriptive approach. Data were collected from indexed and relevant scholarly articles and analyzed thematically to portray the dynamics of digital da'wah. The findings indicate that Facebook offers a broad, fast, and interactive space for da'wah through features such as live streaming, da'wah groups, and visual content. The platform’s strengths lie in its ability to reach younger generations, foster digital spiritual communities, and support contextual two-way communication. However, challenges also arise, such as the proliferation of hate speech, the spread of hoaxes, negative comments, and the emergence of unqualified preachers lacking sufficient knowledge and digital ethics. Additionally, the pressure to gain popularity often obscures the substance of da'wah. Therefore, effective da'wah on Facebook requires an integration of digital competence, deep religious knowledge, and commitment to Islamic ethical values. This study is expected to contribute theoretically to the development of Islamic communication studies and serve as a practical guide for preachers and Islamic institutions in designing ethical and effective digital da'wah strategies.

Arabic Language and Cultural Identity

The Arabic language plays a significant role in shaping and expressing the cultural identity of Muslim communities, both in the Arab world and within diaspora communities. This study aims to present a systematic review of academic literature examining the relationship between Arabic language and cultural identity from a sociolinguistic perspective. Using a qualitative literature study approach, data were obtained from twenty selected scholarly sources and analyzed using thematic analysis techniques. The findings indicate that Arabic serves not only as a communication tool but also as a religious, ethnic, and national symbol that mediates identity construction through practices such as diglossia, code-switching, and code-mixing. Dialectal variations and the use of Arabic in digital media further strengthen cosmopolitan and religious identities. This study also highlights the influence of globalization, migration, and technological transformation on the position of Arabic in the contemporary social landscape. By integrating theories of linguistic identity, language ideology, and linguistic anthropology, this research produces a new conceptual synthesis that explains the multidimensional relationship between Arabic language and cultural identity. These findings are expected to serve as theoretical and methodological foundations for future studies in linguistics, education, and Islamic cultural studies.

The Opportunities and Challenges for Hadith Studies among Orientalists

This study discusses the opportunities and challenges of hadith studies among Orientalists. Orientalism as the study of the Eastern world, especially Islam, has a complex history and development. Over time, orientalism turned into a political and social tool used to attack and denigrate Islam and to protect the Christian community from the threat of Islam. The change in focus from general Islamic studies to hadith studies shows the evolution of orientalism in exploring specific aspects of Islam. The method in this study is a qualitative research method, namely by formulating research ideas, collecting data, analyzing data, and concluding research results. The type of research used is library research, which involves searching and collecting information from various sources in the library. The results of this study show that although the general view among Muslims tends to be suspicious of orientalism as a tool of Western ideology to undermine Islam, a critical and objective approach to orientalism can help enrich Islamic discourse and open the door to constructive criticism from different points of view. Confronting Orientalists in hadith studies is not an easy task for Muslim scholars as they are faced with the challenge of maintaining the integrity and autonomy of their hadith studies under the glare of Orientalist criticism and evaluation. However, hadith studies among Orientalists also offer great opportunities to broaden academic understanding and promote interreligious dialogue, which can be undertaken with an objective and professional approach and with due regard for methodological differences and diverse views.

Assessment in Islamic Perspective: Balancing Knowledge, Intention Character, and Accountability

The said paper regarding the assessment in Islamic perspective: Balancing Knowledge, Character and Accountability. Further the assessment in Islamic education extends beyond measuring cognitive achievement; it incorporates a holistic framework that emphasizes intellectual development (ʿilm), moral character (akhlāq), intention (niyyah), and accountability (muḥāsabah). That is rooted on the principals of fairness, ethics and justice. The Islamic assessment cultivates the academic competency and spiritual competency in the learner and teacher. The present study is qualitative and thematic analysis approaches were used, while taking the faculty from Islamic studies department of Higher educational instructions. The senior academia with more than ten years of teaching experience with the doctorate of education was taken for the opinion. The findings, underscore the reforms of the capacity building, development of the framework on the research issue were proposed and further it was recommended that, the Islamic vision need to align with the holistic human development.

Kosmopolitanisme Kehidupan Intelektual di Ḥijāz sebelum Wahabisme, Studi Kasus Sintesis Teologi Asya’ri-Akbari oleh Ibrāhim al-Kurānī (w. 1690 M)

The study of Islam in the archipelago cannot be separated from the intellectual dynamics in Ḥijāz. This is as shown by the study of Bruinessen, Azra, and Fathurrahman. On the other hand, very few have commented on the condition of Ḥijāz in the 16th to 19th centuries. The book Intellectual Life in the Ḥijāz before Wahhabism Ibrāhīm al-Kūrānī's (d. 1101/1690) Theology of Sufism by Naser Dumairieh tries to fill the gap. Using tsabat books, books that contain scientific sanad that connect with the authors of classical works, Dumairieh explores the circulation of knowledge, figures and works in the region. He found that the circulation of science in Ḥijāz was so intensive that it succeeded in giving birth to dynamics that influenced other regions in the Islamic world, especially Southeast Asia. The intellectuals of Ḥijāz, represented by the figure of Ibrāhīm al-Kūrānī valued the transmissive (manqūl) and rational (ma'qūl) sciences. The result of this scientific dynamic is the success of synthesizing theology and Sufism within the framework of the Ash'ari-Akbari fusion. This synthesis view was accepted by students from Southeast Asia such as Abdurrauf al-Singkilī and Yūsuf al-Makassarī. The intellectual dynamics of 16th-century Ḥijāz show that the Islamic world of the post-classical period cannot be categorized as an era of regression.

The Influence of Reading Interest and English Vocabulary Mastery on the Ability to Read Islamic Texts in the English for Islamic Studies Course

This study investigates the individual and combined effects of reading interest and vocabulary mastery on students' ability to read Islamic texts in the English for Islamic Studies course. A quantitative correlational design was employed, involving 26 third-semester students from the Islamic Education Program at STIT Palapa Nusantara, selected through purposive sampling. Data were gathered using structured questionnaires assessing reading interest, vocabulary mastery, and Islamic text reading ability, and were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression via SPSS. The results revealed a significant positive correlation between reading interest and Islamic text reading ability (r = 0.574, p < 0.01), with an even stronger correlation between vocabulary mastery and reading ability (r = 0.639, p < 0.01). Descriptive statistics indicated high mean scores across variables, with reading ability (M = 83.7) ranking highest, followed by vocabulary mastery (M = 81.5) and reading interest (M = 78.3). Key performance indicators included interpreting Qur'anic texts (M = 84.2), summarizing Islamic readings (M = 83.1), and understanding basic Islamic concepts (M = 81.6). Multiple regression analysis confirmed that both reading interest (β = 0.401) and vocabulary mastery (β = 0.489) significantly predicted reading ability (p < 0.01), collectively accounting for 53.2% of the variance (R² = 0.532). The findings suggest that enhancing students’ vocabulary and fostering reading interest are effective strategies to improve their comprehension of Islamic texts in English.

Integrasi Pendekatan Tekstual dan Kontekstual terhadap Hadis Sahih di Era Modern

Understanding ṣaḥīḥ ḥadīths has remained a critical methodological discourse in both classical and contemporary Islamic studies. Two major hermeneutical approaches—textual and contextual—are central to this discourse. The textual approach emphasizes a literalist reading of the ḥadīth text in order to preserve the authenticity and sanctity of the Prophet Muhammad’s teachings. In contrast, the contextual approach considers the socio-historical and cultural background in which a ḥadīth was transmitted, thereby enabling its normative messages to remain relevant to contemporary realities. This article addresses the methodological question of how these two interpretative approaches can be integrated to respond to the dynamic challenges of modern Muslim life.This study employs a qualitative-descriptive method using a library research model. The primary sources include both classical ḥadīth compilations and contemporary scholarly literature. Selected ṣaḥīḥ ḥadīths that are often debated between textualist and contextualist interpretations are analyzed to demonstrate the theoretical implications of both approaches. Findings indicate that the textual and contextual approaches are not inherently contradictory but rather complementary. The textual method safeguards the transmissional integrity (riwāyah) of the ḥadīth, while the contextual approach ensures that its meanings (dirāyah) can be appropriately situated within evolving socio-cultural frameworks. The integration of both provides a more balanced and comprehensive understanding of Prophetic traditions. In conclusion, a synthesis between textual fidelity and contextual relevance is essential to interpret ḥadīths holistically. This integrative framework is proposed as a viable model for contemporary ḥadīth interpretation that is both normatively authentic and socially responsive.

Dawr al-maktabāt al-raqamiyyah fī da‘m wa-nashr buḥūth al-lughah al-‘Arabiyyah wa al-Islāmiyyah fī Nigeria

This study aims to explore the concept and significance of scientific research, particularly the types of scientific studies available in Arabic and Islamic studies in Nigeria. It also examines the definition and role of digital libraries, highlighting the key challenges they face and the difficulties encountered by researchers and students in accessing Arabic scholarly content. The research employs a descriptive-analytical method to investigate the role of digital libraries in supporting and disseminating Arabic and Islamic research in Nigeria. The significance of this study lies in its emphasis on promoting the role of digital libraries in advancing Arabic and Islamic scholarship, as well as encouraging researchers and intellectuals to engage more with this field. The study seeks to answer several core questions: What is the definition, significance, types, conditions, and objectives of scientific research? What types of Arabic-language research exist in Nigeria in the field of Islamic studies? What is the concept of digital libraries? What challenges do digital libraries face, and what obstacles hinder researchers and students from accessing Arabic academic resources? What is the role of digital libraries in supporting and disseminating Arabic and Islamic research in Nigeria? The findings reveal that digital libraries facilitate easier, faster, and more cost-effective access to books and research materials. However, challenges include limited researcher training in digital library usage, poor infrastructure, weak internet connectivity, and digital illiteracy among some scholars. Ultimately, digital libraries have played a significant role in supporting Arabic-language scientific production in Nigeria. The study recommends organizing training workshops for Nigerian scholars, graduate students, and researchers on how to effectively utilize digital libraries.

Implementation Of Islamic Business Ethics In Clothing Stores: A Study In 16 Ilir Market Palembang

Purpose: This study aims to analyze how Islamic business ethics are applied by Muslim fashion traders in Pasar 16 Ilir Palembang and its influence on consumer trust and loyalty. Methodology: The approach used is descriptive quantitative involving 55 respondents from the general public, students, and college students in Palembang. Data were collected using a Likert-based questionnaire that measures the application of the values of shiddiq (honesty), amanah (trust), tabligh (openness), and fathonah (wisdom). Results And Findings: As many as 50.9% of respondents agreed and 38.1% strongly agreed that traders have implemented Islamic business ethics well. The shiddiq value obtained the highest score with 52 respondents giving a positive assessment, followed by amanah (50 respondents), fathonah (49), and tabligh (48). Novelty And Originality: This study offers a new contribution by focusing the study on the context of traditional markets, which have so far received less attention in Islamic business ethics studies, and emphasizing the application of local values in direct buying and selling practices. Conclusion: The application of Islamic ethical principles has been proven to be able to build consumer trust and increase loyalty, which plays an important role in the sustainability of sharia-based businesses. Type of Paper: Research paper.

Asmaul Husna-based Hypnotherapyto Reduce Anxiety, Stress, and Depression in New College Student

Adolescence is a very important developmental period marked by significant physical, emotional, and cognitive changes, which can lead to increased susceptibility to stress, anxiety, and depression. This study aims to test the effectiveness of Asmaul Husna Hypnotherapy in reducing anxiety, stress, and depression in new students. Asmaul Husna, the 99 names of Allah, has long been known to have spiritual and psychological benefits in the Islamic tradition. One method of hypnotherapy is the Islamic hypnotherapy method. A branch of psychology known as Islamic hypnotherapy studies how suggestion can help overcome problems of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to Islamic values. This study used a quantitative experimental method using a control group design without treatment, involving dependent pretest and posttest samples for data collection. This study consisted of four variables, namely Asmaul Husna Hypnotherapy, depression, anxiety, and stress. The main benefit of this study is to provide a potential therapeutic alternative for individuals experiencing psychological disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and stress. The main data source in this study was the results of a questionnaire distributed to students. Data analysis was performed using an independent paired t-test. The results showed a significant decrease in the level of depression, anxiety, and stress (p <0.001) after intervention using Asmaul Husna. Husna Hypnotherapy was conducted on new students of Universitas X Yogyakarta with an average age of 19 years who initially had levels of depression, anxiety and stress in the moderate to high category, based on examinations conducted using the DASS scale (depression, anxiety scale)

Integrating Maqasid al-Shari’ah in Contemporary Islamic Legal Reform on Drug Policy

This research explores how contemporary Islamic legal reform shapes drug policy using the framework of Maqasid al-Shari’ah. In many Muslim-majority countries, drug-related problems are on the rise, and traditional punitive responses—such as mandatory death sentences and corporal punishment—are increasingly questioned for being ineffective and misaligned with core Islamic values. Using a qualitative-normative approach combined with comparative analysis, this study examines statutory frameworks, fatwas, and recent legal reforms in countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Iran. It highlights a growing shift toward maqasid-based reasoning in designing more balanced and humane drug policies. The findings reveal three key trends. First, there is increasing emphasis on hifz al-nafs (protection of life) and hifz al-‘aql (protection of intellect), reframing drug offences not merely as moral or legal violations but as public health concerns requiring systemic solutions. Second, several Islamic legal institutions are adopting harm reduction strategies—such as rehabilitation, decriminalisation of minor drug use, and reintegration programs—framed within the maqasid discourse to uphold human dignity and promote social welfare (maslahah ‘ammah). Third, there is a growing openness toward contextual ijtihad, allowing reinterpretation of hudud and ta'zir punishments considering contemporary realities and scientific evidence. Academically, this research contributes to Islamic legal studies by offering a systematic and comparative analysis of how the principles of Maqasid al-Shari’ah are being operationalised in modern drug policy reform. It fills a gap in the literature by bridging classical Islamic legal theory with contemporary policy needs, particularly in areas often neglected by traditional fiqh discourse, such as drug rehabilitation and public health. The study also advances the methodological integration of maqasid-based reasoning with empirical policy analysis, providing a practical framework for future legal reforms in Muslim-majority contexts.

An islamic theologian of the kazakh steppe and his religious legacy

This article explores the life and theological legacy of Ahmad al-Zhandi, a prominent medieval Islamic scholar who lived in the Kazakh steppe. His religious-legal (fiqh) and doctrinal (Aqeedah) contributions are examined, with a focus on his impact on the Islamic education system in the region. As a representative of the Maturidi school, al-Zhandi played a key role in interpreting and systematizing Islamic creed. The paper provides a content analysis of his major works, highlighting their connection to classical Islamic thought and their relevance in modern Kazakhstan. The level of scholarly attention his works have received in Kazakhstani Islamic studies is assessed, and suggestions are made for future research directions. Ahmad al-Zhandi's legacy remains significant in preserving traditional Islamic values, fostering religious enlightenment, and countering religious extremism. His works require further, in-depth academic investigation.