Islamic Theology Research Articles

Миметическая теория сегодня и ее будущее

The article discusses in a first step the explanatory power of mimetic theory as René Girard has applied it himself and as many other scholars in different academic fields. Girard understood his approach as a hypothesis that must be proven. His scholarly attitude is underlined with two examples of self-correction that he undertook during the unfolding of his theory. Today also people outside academia show an increasing interest in mimetic theory. It has also become a helpful approach to explain the current stage of our world by the example of two books, which is discussed at the end of the first section of this article. The second and third parts address important roads for future research in mimetic theory. Girard’s scapegoat theory has recently been discussed with archeologists at the Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük in Central Anatolia. This discussion as well as new research by primatologists may help to develop a more nuanced understanding of how an originary violence has shaped human culture. The second part of this article will refer to recent publications in this direction. The third and final part will explore possibilities for mimetic theory to reach beyond its usual focus on Judaism and Christianity. It recommends a closer connection with the axial age thesis and today’s world religion in general. It is important to note that Jewish as well as Muslim scholars have recently applied mimetic theory in their own works. I especially highlight Adnane Mokrani’s Islamic theology of nonviolence that he developed in dialogue with Girard’s approach. The dangerous stage of our current world necessitates an emphasis on nonviolence in the different religious and cultural traditions.

Contemporary Islamic Theology in Iran: Mohammad M. Shabestari, Mostafa Malekian, Mohsen Kadivar

Contemporary Islamic Theology in Iran: Mohammad M. Shabestari, Mostafa Malekian, Mohsen Kadivar

The certificate ceremony of the Islamic Theology and Culture Program was held

The certificate ceremony of the Islamic Theology and Culture Program was held

Finding the Qur’an in Imitation: Critical Mimesis from Musaylima to Finnegans Wake

Certain formulations of Islamic theology place considerable weight on the doctrine of iʿjāz al-Qur’ān: the miraculous impossibility of imitating the Qur’an. The prevalence of iʿjāz al-Qur’ān doctrines, however, has not prevented many Muslims and non-Muslims from interpreting iʿjāz al-Qur’ān less as a concluded statement of mimetic impossibility and more as a dare to engage the Qur’an in ways that elude conventional academic habits of classifying the Qur’anic sciences. In short, there are dozens of Qur’anic imitations throughout Islamic history, and this article argues that they are not mere provocations but variously represent efforts to participate in the revelation of God, to embody the Qur’an while annihilating the self, and to re-open the messianic moment of God’s direct, linguistic communication with humankind. As a conclusion, this article follows the lead of examples of Qur’anic imitation to develop a literary hermeneutic of the Qur’an in which we can read the Qur’an into various literary texts and linguistic philosophies.

Фальсафа и эвиденциализм. Рецензия на: Booth A. Analytic Islamic Philosophy. New York & London: Palgrave Macmillan, 2018. 222 p.

This article discusses Anthony Booth’s book “Analytic Islamic Philosophy”. This book is an introduction to Islamic philosophy, from its origin in the Middle Ages to its contemporary forms. A. Booth uses the language and conceptual apparatus of contemporary analytic philosophy in his exegesis, thereby attempting to bring the legacy of Islamic philosophy into focus. The central theme of the book is an evidentialistic interpretation of the special epistemic status of the prophet. The main figures of Medieval Islamic philosophy — al-Kindī, al-Fārābī, Ibn Sīnā, al-Ġazālī, Ibn Rušd — are presented in chronologically order, together with an introduction to the basic themes of Islamic theology and the Greek philosophical tradition. The book then briefly introduces what the author calls “pre-modern” figures, including al-Suhrawardī, Mullā Ṣadrā and Ibn Taymiyyah, and all these thinkers, along with their medieval predecessors, are presented as forerunners to the more modern incarnation of Islamic philosophy, Political Islam. I question A. Booth’s use of the Cliffordian evidentialism (based on famous Clifford’s Principle) to analysis of the central problem. Firstly, this kind of evidentialism is very outdated and cannot in any way be regarded as a concept of contemporary analytic philosophy. Secondly, it is not immune to the objection from doxastic limits, which Booth does not mention. This objection, however, opens up new possibilities for analysis of the evidentialism and new hermeneutic ways of interpreting concepts of prophetic knowledge in the Islamic philosophical tradition. Thirdly, Booth’s analysis can be much more adequately conducted not by introducing many different kinds of evidentialism, but rather by the concept of doxastic practices. In the conclusion I consider the question in what ways contemporary analytic philosophy can be useful for the history of philosophy.

Islamic psychology: conceptual foundations and problems of methodology

The article is devoted to the conceptual foundations and problems of the methodology of modern Islamic Psychology, which, on the one hand, is a fairly new phenomenon in Islamic thought and world psychology, and on the other hand, historically has its roots in the works of medieval Muslim scholars, and then - in the primary sources of Islam – the Qur’an and the Sunnah. The author undertakes a brief overview of the historical path of development and the current state of Muslim psychological thought, and also analyses approaches to the definition and subject of Islamic Psychology. It has been revealed that the common matter in the considered definitions is a reference to the religious nature of Islamic Psychology and the subject of research - the soul and other components of the inner world of man and the mental processes and behaviour determined by them. The author underlines the controversial nature of the Islamic Psychology methodology issues, which is typical for Islamic epistemology problematics in general. The article raises main methodological issues of Islamic Psychology and paves the ways to solve them, particularly through the implementation of the Integration of Knowledge approach and Maqasid methodology. It is substantiated that true integration in understanding the inner world of man and his behaviour is possible provided that the efforts of Islamic psychologists and Islamic theologians combine on the basis of affined religious beliefs and similar interpretations of Islamic provisions, and consideration of psychology and its individual topics through the prism of religious (Islamic) knowledge, and understanding of Quranic verses and hadiths containing “psychological” provisions through the prism of scientific, evidence-based psychology.

"Philosophy of Falsehood" A Research Review in the Light of Selected Qur'anic Interpretations

The "Philosophy of Falsehood" explores the intricate relationship between falsehood, perception, and truth within the context of selected Qur'anic interpretations. This research review delves into the philosophical underpinnings of falsehood as discussed in various Islamic commentaries, seeking to unravel the multifaceted dimensions of deception and its implications on human understanding. Drawing upon a diverse array of Qur'anic verses, the study critically examines the nuanced perspectives on falsehood and its consequences, considering the impact of distorted perceptions on moral and ethical frameworks. Moreover, the research highlights the dynamic interplay between falsehood and truth, shedding light on the transformative potential of discerning reality amidst misleading appearances. By synthesizing insights from classical and contemporary interpretations, the article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the philosophical discourse surrounding falsehood in the Qur'an. This research review contributes to a deeper understanding of the Philosophy of Falsehood within Islamic theology, emphasizing the relevance of discernment and ethical considerations in navigating the complexities of truth and deception.

Religious Minorities in Punjab Prisons

Despite Islamic, constitutional, and statutory provisions, under-trial and convicts from religious minorities in Punjab prisons strive for the right to worship and earn remissions by acquiring religious education on parity with Muslim prisoners. Muslim prisoners are entitled to remission if they reach a certain level of the Qur’ānic and Islamic education. In contrast, prisoners hailing from religious monitories cannot earn remission for their religious courses according to Pakistan Prisons Rules, 1978. This article outlines the state of remission for prisoners from religious minorities. It discusses the tenets of Islamic theology on the issue of providing religious education to non-Muslims at the expense of the Islamic state. The article investigates the administrative impediments and attitudinal biases that entail religious discrimination and the challenges that religious minorities experience in acquiring religious education for remission. The article underlines the need to develop administrative infrastructure and capacity in Punjab prisons to deliver education to religious minorities.

Hassan Hanafi's Reformation in The Islamic World

This research analyzes Hassan Hanafi's liberation thoughts: Al-Turats wa Al Tajdid, hermeneutics of liberation, and the Islamic left. The method used in this research is library research with a descriptive-analytic method, namely using interpretive analysis of books by Hassan Hanafi as primary data and articles, research journals, and other scientific works related to the research object as secondary data. The research results show that Al Turats Wa Tajdid is a significant project in the revival of Islam. This Hanafi idea changed the concept of Islamic theology from theocentric to anthropocentric. The second is Hassan Hanafi's hermeneutics of liberation using three methods: 1) Historical-Criticism, 2) Eidetic-Conciusness, and 3) Practical-Conciusness. The third is the movement for the liberation of Islamic thought called the "Islamic Left". This movement is intended to fight colonialism, Zionism, and Western hegemony, as well as the oppressive ruling elite, as well as against ignorance and confinement. This research makes a significant contribution in inspiring readers to follow the renewal of Hanafi thought, which elevates Islamic theology as a driver of social change and solutions to social problems, as well as changing the Islamic theology curriculum to focus on social reality rather than just God.

Cultural Beliefs of Kejawen as Life Form of the Javanese in Islamic Theology Perspective

Kejawen is the belief of a multi-ethnic people on the Indonesian island of Java. Kejawen philosophy is based on Javanese thinkers' religious beliefs. This study aims to analyze the cultural beliefs of Kejawen from an Islamic Theology perspective with the objectives of this study are to determine the ritual of Kejawen in daily life from Islamic perspective and the materials used such as flowers and offerings in Kejawen which will be studied in Islamic perspective. This is an ethnographic study with the location of this study being in the Special Region of Yogyakarta and Solo. Documentation and observation are the instruments which are used for this study. The result found that Kejawen is an example of this fusion, with many Islamic elements. In Kejawen, God is known as Sang Hyang Taya, which is connected to the Islamic idea of Allah. Muslims believe that Allah is the one God and that no other gods exist. From an Islamic theological stance, Kejawen emphasizes the importance of inner spirituality, human experience, and the interconnection of all things in the cosmos. There are many connections between it and Islamic ideas, including as the concept of God and the power of prayer.

Exploring the Concept of “Kalimāt” in the Quran and Hadith: A Preliminary Survey of Relevant Issues and Literature

The term “kalimah,” as found in both the Quran and hadith, has engendered significant scholarly discourse due to its multifaceted definitions and theological implications. The extant body of literature scrutinises various aspects of kalimah, encompassing its linguistic explications, its attribution to Allah, its juxtaposition with human utterance, and its correlation with cosmic order and the broader universe. Furthermore, the surveyed materials underscore the paramount importance of comprehending the myriad forms and applications of kalimah within the Quran and hadith. Scholars have delved into its grammatical intricacies, didactic significance, and diverse connotations. Additionally, the interplay between kalimah and the divine ordinances governing the universe, often referred to as al-sunan al-ilāhiyyah, has been a subject of contemplation and interpretation. In a broader context, the literature on kalimah serves as an exemplar of the expansive domain of Islamic scholarship and the unceasing pursuit to fathom the profound concepts embedded in Islamic scripture. The study demonstrates a profound awareness of the intricate nature inherent in the concept of kalimah, transcending not only the religious context but also within the domain of linguistic scholarship. The concept of kalimah is deeply intertwined with several other pertinent debates within the academic sphere. These encompass discussions concerning the nature and discipline of kalām in Islamic theology, the exploration of divine attributes, and the examination of the concept of jawāmiʿ al-kalim (compact speech) attributed to the Prophet Muḥammad. This literature review lays the foundational groundwork for forthcoming systematic inquiries and theological dialogues pertaining to kalimah, thereby augmenting the comprehension of devout Muslims, and fostering a deeper connection to their religious heritage.

Eternity of the Word of God: Exploring a Common Theme in Judeo-Christian and Muslim Theological Discourse

Emerging religions typically lack an established theology initially. Their theology develops gradually; and Islam exhibits traces of influence from earlier belief systems. Therefore, some novel concepts in Muslim theology emerged through the contributions of converts from other faiths. The second and third centuries AH were the formative periods, after which thought degenerated into a split of hairs. Religion was in a ferment, which brought in many strange ideas. Nonetheless, some Muslim scholars disagree that even Judaism and Christianity had some influence on certain Muslim worldviews. Focusing on the doctrine of eternity of the Qur’ān, this paper finds out the extent to which not only Judaism and Christianity but even Greek philosophical principles had some influence on certain Muslim beliefs. The methodology was historical reasoning and analysis of facts in Greek, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The aim is to go beyond the semantic surface into the inner reaches of these traditions to see exactly where the notion of scriptural eternity is anchored. The paper draws attention to the fact that examining the theories about the Qur’ān in the light of inter-textual reasoning with the bible and pre-biblical literature produces interesting data for the Islamic theology of inclusivism although cross-cultural nexus with certain theories about the Qur’ān and Islam in general is rejected by Muslim researchers. The paper revisits the debate and traces the origin of the doctrine arguing that it has possible connections with Greek and Judeo-Christian beliefs. It also appraises some of the arguments of the principal theological groups that defended or refuted the doctrine, respectively.

The Place of the Qurʾān and Islamic Theology in Ḥayy ibn Yaqẓān and its Early English Receptions: A Study in Textual Citation and Excision

Abstract This article on the place of the Qurʾān and Islamic theology in Ḥayy ibn Yaqẓān constitutes a study in textual citation and excision articulated in two main parts. The first part of the article studies the interconnections between philosophy and theology in Ibn Ṭufayl’s (d. 581/1185) life and the references to the Qurʾān and to Islamic theology in his Risālat Ḥayy ibn Yaqẓān. In the second part, I track the engagement with the Qurʾān and Islamic theology in the early-modern Latin and English variants of the tale. The article provides a detailed study of the Qurʾanic passages in translation, and reflects on practices of citation, excision and significant paratextual reorganisations. The article argues that the case is less one where the Qurʾān and Islamic theology are excised from the tale and vanish from view, than one where the tale is ‘de-Islamised’ so that it can serve intra-Christian and orientalist interests. The issue resides in making the Qurʾān and Islam epistemically dispensable and in disabling them as hermeneutic interlocutors to be reckoned with in a theological and philosophical debate.

TO THE QUESTION OF THE WAYS OF INTERPRETATION OF ISLAMIC REALIAS

The article is devoted to the problem of identifying the features of the interpretation of realias in religious discourse by the material of the sermons of English-speaking Islamic theologians. This article discusses such concepts as «Islamic discourse», «interpretation of Islamic realias», «translation transformations». Possessing significant cultural and pragmatic potential, realias still cause a number of difficulties both in terms of extralinguistic interpretation and in terms of translation adaptation. Sermons cannot be imagined without Islamic realias, they accumulate a significant amount of nationally significant information, reflect the history, religious beliefs and culture of the people to which they belong. As a result, there is a great need to study issues related to the interpretation and translation of Islamic realias in the English language discourse. A corpus of Islamic realias has been formed for further translation analysis. In the practical part, the collected material has been correlated with the existing principles of realia division, and the identified nominations denoting realias have been classified according to the thematic principle, and are also arranged in lexico-semantic fields. In the translation aspect, the ways of transferring Islamic realias into Russian are considered and described.

Преподавание религиоведения и теологии в вузах России: проблемы и задачи, с точки зрения преподавателей религиоведения и теологии (по материалам экспертных интервью)

The article is devoted to the study of the teaching of religious studies and theology in the universities of St.Petersburg in the aspect of considering problems and prospects from the point of view of the teachers themselves. The study was conducted in February-March 2022 using a qualitative method, an expert semi-structured interview. The interviewed were determined during the target sample. The selection criteria were as follows: (1) All respondents should be professionally busy as teachers of religious studies and (or) theology at universities in St. Petersburg, (2) temporary criterion-teaching experience at the university for at least 13 years, (3) candidate or doctoral scientific degree. The experts identified the following key problems, related to theology teaching: the problem of personnel training, the lack of a line of textbooks, the insufficient development of the very concept of theology as a subject in higher education, the lack of qualified specialists in Islamic theology, the danger of dogmatization and ideologization in the field of teaching theology. Experts expressed different points of view regarding the very fact of the emergence of theology in secular universities. Some experts noted the preference for a model that implies the interaction and complementarity of theology and religious studies. Secularism, which in the past set the paradigm of religious education exclusively from secular neutral positions, had its costs associated with the dogmatization of the secular approach to the study of religion. In order to overcome these costs, it is desirable that both religious scholars have respect for theology, and theologians for religious studies. As for religious studies, here, according to experts, there is only one area that needs improvement, again, the area of personnel training. One of the questions in guide of the interview was the question of the demand for graduates of such specialties as religious studies and theology. According to all experts, a specialist with a religious and theological education can work as a teacher or researcher, in addition, individual experts indicated that graduates of the relevant specialties can work as school teachers, employees of religious structures and institutions, work in state authorities and local self-governments, and museums.

Magnum Opus of Mohammed Arkoun; Cultural Resilience Amidst Pluralism

The world faces a multidimensional crisis, with cultural, ethnic, racial, linguistic, and ethnic diversity giving rise to various issues. Wars in different parts of the world continue to result in bloody events and casualties. Preventive efforts are needed to address these problems, including promoting a culture of tolerance. Mohammed Arkoun was a figure and philosopher of pluralism who advocated and conveyed ideas about pluralism. The weaknesses of classical Islamic theological thinking become apparent when confronted with the empirical social reality of human life that continues to evolve with the advancement of science and technology. Mohammed Arkoun, an intellectual fNrom Algeria, attempted to comprehensively reinterpret the framework of Islamic thought, including aspects such as theology (kalam), Sufism, jurisprudence (fiqh), ethics, and exegesis (tafsir). Mohammed Arkoun expressed that Islam can succeed if Muslims adopt an open attitude toward pluralistic thinking, as during the early Islamic period and the Middle Ages. This pluralism can be realized if religious understanding is based on human values, allowing Muslims to interact with anyone. This research uses a qualitative method with a literature review study type, gathering data from various references, books, and articles related to Mohammed Arkoun's magnum opus: the study of cultural tolerance resilience amid pluralism. According to Arkoun, debates based on cultural diversity, thought, and theology in classical Islam lead to profound interpretations of the Quran and laws based on sacred texts.

Patani Scholars' Views on Tawassul with the Prophet and Righteous: Analysis of Abd al-Qadir bin Wangah's Risalah Irsyad Al-Jawiyīn

This study explores the theological concept of Tawassul in the Islamic tradition of the Nusantara region, focusing on Patani scholars' perspectives, particularly in Abd al-Qadir bin Haji Wangah Sela Budi Sekam Fatani's manuscript "Risalah Irsyad Al-Jawiyiin Ili Sabilil Al-Ulama' Al-‘Amilin." The manuscript's context is set in a period of theological debates between the Salaf and Khalaf schools, addressing Quranic interpretations, Hadith studies, and practices like Tawassul. The qualitative research methodology involves transcribing the original Jawi script into the Roman alphabet, translating it into English, and performing a detailed textual analysis. This approach aims to uncover the nuances of Tawassul, as discussed in the manuscript, making it accessible to a broader audience.The study reveals Tuan Guru Haji Abd al-Qadir's in-depth discourse on Tawassul, particularly relating to Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu’ alaihi wasallam and other righteous individuals. It underscores the permissibility and varied forms of Tawassul, reflecting the intricate layers of Islamic jurisprudence and cultural practices in the Nusantara region. The manuscript offers significant insights into the diversity of Islamic thought within the Nusantara region. It bridges historical theological discourse with contemporary religious practices, enriching the understanding of Tawassul's role in Islamic worship and spirituality. The study situates Tuan Guru Haji Abd al-Qadir's perspectives within broader Islamic theological discussions, highlighting the dynamic and interpretive nature of Islamic theology.

Women in the Public Sphere: Gender Equality in Islamic Theology

This article aims to analyze the equal role of women in the public sphere in terms of Islamic theology. Discrimination against women due to race, nationality, or religion is a topic that is often discussed today. Looking at the position of women in various religious traditions can help find solutions to problems such as discrimination against women. Furthermore, this discrimination causes women to have limitations in the public sphere, thus suppressing women's productivity. This research aims to explain how the Qur'an can be interpreted to provide a more equitable theology of gender roles within the Islamic framework. The research strategy combines a qualitative descriptive approach with a literature review. Research questions were guided by Qur'anic verses and answered using literature sources, including books, scholarly journals, and the most popular online databases. The findings of this study show that the Qur'ān does not support discrimination based on gender. Regarding receiving a broad message, both men and women are given equal weight in the Qur'ānic framework. There are too many possible interpretations of the term "gender equality" to make any concrete conclusions. The solution to all the world's problems can be found in the Qur'ānic literature, which promotes gender equality through balance, fairness, and proportion. The Qur'an uses existing arguments to describe the importance of women's role in the public sphere, both as Servants and Caliphs. The role of women in the public sphere is different from that of men, but in terms of calculation, the portion assigned to women and men is relatively balanced. The idea that Islam is a religion of sexism is also not supported by the language and literature of the Qur'an. The author argues that the Qur'anic principles of gender equality can be applied to modern efforts to eliminate derogatory stereotypes.

Philosophy versus theology in medieval Islamic thought

The encounter of the medieval Muslims with Greek philosophy undeniably shaped the course of their philosophical and theological thought. This encounter led to the complex and contentious issue of ‘philosophy versus theology’. Medieval Muslim thinkers needed to develop a response to the issue of philosophy versus theology. The present article will first highlight the response of the Islamic theologians to their encounter with Greek philosophy in the form of three major trends in medieval Islamic theology: (1) strong opposition to the application of reason and rationalist approach to Islamic doctrines, and strict adherence to the actual text of the Qur’an and the Hadith, (2) the adoption of Greek philosophy, and the application of reason and rationalist approach to explain and defend Islamic religion and (3) acknowledging the significance of reason in exploring the matters related to the natural world but, at the same time, stressing the subordination of reason to revelation. This article will discuss Atharism, Muʿtazilism and Ashʿarism as the representatives of the first, second and third trends, respectively. The response of the medieval Islamic theologians to the issue of philosophy versus theology serves as a context in which medieval Muslim philosophers carried out their philosophy–theology debate. The article will proceed to show that some medieval Muslim philosophers, such as Abu Bakr Al-Razi, subordinated religion or revelation to philosophy or reason. Other medieval Muslim philosophers, such as Al-Ghazali, subordinated philosophy to theology. The third group of medieval Islamic philosophers represented by Alfarabi argued for the reconciliation and harmonious co-existence of philosophy and religion.Contribution: This article highlights the response of medieval Islamic theologians and philosophers to the issue of philosophy versus theology that was caused by their encounter with Greek philosophy.

The “Metaphysical Monster” and Muslim Theology

By placing Blackamerican Muslim theologian Sherman A. Jackson’s work, especially his Islam and the Problem of Black Suffering, in conversation with the work of American pragmatist William James, I explore the pragmatic dimensions of Islamic thought through an examination of Jackson’s account of classical Islamic theology put forward in response to the problem of Black suffering. In doing so, I argue that Jackson’s account both parallels and challenges a Jamesian account of religion. It parallels James in that it speaks of the “practical effectiveness” of the “web of beliefs” constituting Islamic doctrines of God in inculcating certain habits of seeing and acting in the world that best deal with the challenges of “black experience”; however, in this process, the category of “experience” itself and its role in the verification of belief is thoroughly interrogated. In his critical engagement with Black philosopher of religion William R.Jones, Jackson exposes the uncritical role played by “experience” in Jones’ thought, a charge which will be made of James as well. In making this argument about Jackson, I hope to provide an example of a Muslim theologian who makes explicit the pragmatic dimensions of religious doctrine, demonstrating that thick theological discourse can be practical. There are some people—and I am one of them—who think that the most practical and important thing about a man is still his view of the universe. —G.K. Chesterton, “Heretics”