Islamic Tradition Research Articles

Shah Wali Allah al-Dihlawi and the Conclusive Argument from God

This scholarly analysis critically assesses the literary work, “The Conclusive Argument From God: Hujjat Allah al-Baligha,” by Shah Wali Allah al-Dihlawi. Dihlawi’s Hujjat Allah al-Balighah delved into the intricacies of Sharia by unveiling its underlying principles and exploring its various branches. While grounded in Sharia’s esoteric dimensions, the work seamlessly integrates Hadith, Fiqh, ethical teachings, Sufism, and even philosophical elements. Drawing upon his expertise in descriptive and epistemological disciplines, Dihlawi navigated these mysteries with an unwavering commitment to knowledge. Remarkably, he identified the scientific justification for each Quranic and Prophetic mandate, bridging the gap between revelation and reason. Furthermore, he eloquently emphasized the importance of Sufism and spirituality within the Islamic context. Hujjat Allah al-Balighah illuminated the relevance and interconnectivity of the four primary Sunni schools of thought, highlighting their joint base in Islamic law and tradition.

Urban just sustainability: Capitalist reform vs. Islamic tradition

Urban just sustainability: Capitalist reform vs. Islamic tradition

Military Naming Practices of Palestinian Factions in Reactive Response to Israeli Incursions and Aggressions

Abstract This article explores the military operation-naming practices of Palestinian factions in response to Israeli aggression, analyzing their strategies and their impact on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict dynamics. The research uses the War Normalizing Discourse (WND) theory as a framework and draws from Islamic tradition, official Hamas documentation, publicly disseminated materials, and insights from Arab intellectuals. The results show that the names chosen for military operations by Palestinian factions hold deep symbolic, cultural, and emotional significance, aiming to recruit fighters, gain public support, and maintain resilience. Understanding these naming practices provides valuable insights into the complex Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the intricate interplay between the nomenclature of battles conducted by Palestinian factions and Israel’s military operations.

Kearifan Lokal Islami Masyarakat Jawa: Mengupas Nilai Tasawuf dalam Tradisi Nyadran

Indonesia's diversity includes religion, ethnicity, tradition, and culture. Various traditions carried out by society circle. Nyadran’s tradition is one of example form local wisdom that still preserved by javanese people. This tradition proven to be in multiple regions toward month of Ramadan, the ritual widely carried out. Nyadran underwent acculturation process in the Walisongo era, from Hindu-Buddhist culture to islamic traditions. However, the appearance of sense conservatism in society make minder thinking to preserve the nation's culture. Nyadran is considered out from Islamic religion and impressed heretics. This research aims to remove the understanding of conservatism and inferiority among society by discussing the values of Sufism contained in the nyadran’s tradition. The practice form of these values can be seen from concrete of social Sufism in society, aslo their closeness to God. This research form of qualitative research with a literary approach. The author found, in nyadran’s practice, not only social dimensions with human, and nature, but also with God. This dynamic is very appropriate as a method of missionary endeavor and the development of Sufism as one of the vehicles to create the intimacy of life. Through this approach, Walisongo be able to change the practice of Sufism that nuance mystical change with Islamic and rational version. The form of this tradition still same as the beginning, but prayers are replaced with the phrase tayibah, tahlil, tahmid, and others.

Revitalizing Javanese Islamic Literature: A Philological and Oral Tradition Study in Coastal Culture

This study explores a spiritual occurrence that flourishes and develops within the framework of Pesantren, a significant aspect of Javanese Islamic tradition. One notable spiritual activity that flourishes in Pesantren is known as Pesantren literature. The term 'Pesantren literature' refers to literary works that originate and develop within the Pesantren environment, encompassing both the physical and spiritual realms. Noteworthy characteristics of Pesantren literature include the following. Pesantren literature is predominantly composed in Arabic and is typically written in Arabic script. At times, Pesantren literature may be composed in the new Javanese language with Arabic-pegon script. It emerged and gained momentum during the 18th century, experiencing rapid development in the 19th century. Pesantren literature encompasses both oral and written traditions. It is often recited during specific ceremonies and occasionally performed as a form of performing art. Pesantren literature exhibits varying degrees of influence from Arabic and Persian literature. In conclusion, Pesantren literature has been a vital spiritual and literary tradition in the Indonesian archipelago, particularly in Java. It has evolved as a unique form of literary expression within the Pesantren environment, encompassing both oral and written traditions. Received: 6 April 2024 / Accepted: 27 October 2024 / Published: 05 November 2024

Islamic Law and Human Trafficking: The Ethical and Legal Frameworks

Human trafficking represents a profound violation of human rights, prompting critical examination across both Islamic and Western legal traditions. This study compares these perspectives, identifying shared values and key distinctions, with particular emphasis on the ethical and punitive aspects of Islamic law related to exploitation. Using a normative legal research methodology, this research investigates the role of Islamic law (Sharia) in countering human trafficking, viewed as a contemporary form of slavery. Through an analysis of Sharia principles, such as the sanctity of human life and the comprehensive prohibition against exploitation, this study reveals preventive strategies embedded within Islamic jurisprudence. These strategies include the elimination of exploitation sources and the prohibition of unjust enrichment at the expense of vulnerable populations. The study further advocates for an integrated approach that addresses both the physical and moral dimensions of human protection. In conclusion, this research affirms Islamic law as a comprehensive framework that aligns with international human rights efforts, notably in its decisive opposition to human exploitation and commodification.

ANALYSIS OF IMAM MOTURIDI'S LEGAL VIEWS ON SAYING "AMEN" AFTER PRAYER

This article explores the legal views of Imam al-Maturidi on the practice of saying "Ameen" after prayer within the context of Islamic jurisprudence. Imam Maturidi, a prominent theologian and jurist, is well known for his contributions to the Hanafi school of thought, and his interpretations of Islamic law emphasize reason and rationality. This study examines how Imam Maturidi addresses the utterance of "Ameen" following the recitation of Al-Fatiha during the congregational prayer (Salat). The article analyzes the theological and jurisprudential significance of "Ameen" in his writings, particularly focusing on whether it is an obligatory or recommended act, and how it aligns with his broader understanding of prayer rituals. Additionally, it discusses how Maturidi’s views contrast with those of other juristic schools, offering insights into the nuances of legal reasoning in Islamic ritual law. The paper concludes by highlighting the flexibility in Islamic legal tradition, showing how Maturidi’s reasoning offers a bridge between strict adherence and the allowances for personal preference in ritual practice.

Examining the Implications of Islamic Teacher Education and Professional Learning: Towards Professional Identity Renewal in Islamic Schools

Teachers in Islamic schools are often required to navigate complex identities. They balance personal and/or school-based religious obligations with contemporary secular-based commitments to meet organisational demands for institutional compliance. Behaviourally, the motivations and attitudes of teachers play a vital role in shaping a learning environment that fosters a sense of community and caters to the needs of students. However, recent studies on Islamic education suggest a real struggle in managing such complexities. Consequently, scholars have called for specialized programs to counter such issues, focusing on the need for schools to renew their commitment to promoting educational values, principles and practices that are rooted in the Islamic tradition. Several higher education institutions have responded to this call by establishing programs in Islamic studies and Islamic education. Nevertheless, there is limited knowledge of the organisational and behavioural significance of such programs on the professional identity of teachers. Using semi-structured interviews, this article presents findings from four teachers who had completed a postgraduate qualification in Islamic education at an Australian university. The six-phase thematic data analysis, informed by Muslim identity and an Islamic worldview, revealed that secular teacher education provided participants with ‘a license to teach’ but lacked in ‘nurturing a purpose for teaching’. The findings also revealed a distinct connection between Islamic teacher education, professional learning and professional identity, whereby Islamic-based pedagogies ‘enlightened and empowered’ teachers toward becoming ‘faith-centred’ in their professional practice. While the study was limited to four teachers, it contributes knowledge to the Islamic education, organizational and behavioural fields of inquiry in two ways, by underlining that (i) the professional identities of Muslim teachers are shaped by a knowledge-seeking mindset, and (ii) Islamic teacher education and professional learning create pathways towards the renewal of teachers’ professional identities in Islamic schools.

Shawqi's Friends, Opponents and Contemporaries

This research sheds light on Shawqi's friends, acquaintances and opponents. As the Islamic tradition says, a man follows the religion of his friend, so look at whom he likes. In contemporary history, friendships between writers decreased and feelings of envy, hatred and competition for glory, fame and influence prevailed among them. This is what we see through the tense relations between great Egyptian writers, such as Taha Hussein, Al-Aqqad and Mustafa Al-Sadiq Al-Rafi’i in the 1930s and 1940s. The conflicts between Arab poets were intense, even if they belonged to the same movement. In contrast, there were writers who had beautiful friendships, lofty goals and literary ambitions, as were the friendships of Ahmed Shawqi. Shawqi had few friends yet many acquaintances. He selected his friends in the same way as a skilled jeweler would select exquisite gems to complete his creation and expensive handicraft masterpiece. He did not feel comfortable except in the company of a limited number of lighthearted people with sublime taste. Among those close to him were Mohammed Al-Babily, Dr Mahjoub Thabet and Sheikh Tamarah, who was imam of the Egyptian embassy in Washington at the time, as well as Hussein Shirin, Mohamed Jaziri and a few others, including professors Ahmad Rami and Muhammad Abdul-Wahab [1 (p. 117)].

When the Earth is Shaken: Ecocide in the Islamic Tradition

When the Earth is Shaken: Ecocide in the Islamic Tradition

Manajemen Pendidikan Islam: Kolaborasi Antara Nilai Spiritual dan Pengelolaan Pendidikan

Islamic education management is a discipline that not only focuses on the technical aspects of the management of educational institutions, but also incorporates Islamic spiritual and moral values at every stage of education. This article aims to find out the collaboration between spiritual values and educational management in Islamic education management. This study uses a literature study method with a systematic approach to review previous studies related to research topics. The data sources used come from scientific journals indexed in databases such as Google Scholar. The selected articles meet the inclusion criteria, namely published in the last five years. The analysis is carried out by identifying, comparing, and grouping the results of existing research, to formulate a comprehensive conclusion. The results of the analysis show that the fundamentals of Islamic education management include principles based on the teachings of the Qur'an, Hadith, and a strong Islamic scientific tradition. Islamic education has the main goal of forming people who are faithful, knowledgeable, and have noble character, where the entire educational process is directed to achieve harmony between science and Islamic values. In its implementation, Islamic education emphasizes the importance of faith (Tauhid), deliberation (Shura), justice (Adil), and goodness (Ihsan), which must be applied in school management, teaching processes, and relationships between individuals in the educational environment

Divine traditions and the governance of the city-state of Medina

Divine revelations in Islam are not restricted to the spiritual well-being of its followers but aim to guide them towards the realisation of a socio-political organisation, a polity, wherein they can achieve spiritual as well as socio-political excellence. Because of the immense significance of socio-political organisation in Islam, the governance of socio-political organisation is one of the key topics in Islam. The principles of the governance of socio-political organisation in Islam are based on certain divine traditions. This article focusses on five major Islamic divine traditions outlined in Islamic revelatory culture: firstly, the divine tradition of guidance and misguidance; secondly, the divine tradition of Ni’mat [Blessings] and their reversal; thirdly, the divine tradition of the triumph of Haqq’ [Truth] over Báṭil [Falsehood]; fourthly, the divine tradition of the destruction of the oppressors and fifthly, the divine tradition of trial. This article attempts to show that these five Islamic divine traditions form the foundation for the structure and function of the governance system of the first Muslim polity, the city-state of Medina.Contribution: This article highlights the role of Islamic divine traditions in the structure and function of the governance system of the first Muslim polity, the city-state of Medina.

Preparing Teachers for the ‘Ummah’: A Case Study of Hayat Foundation

This preliminary study initiates an exploration into a novel informal Islamic teacher education programme developed by a community organisation. The presented case study explores the Afghan Muslim inspired Hayat Foundation’s communal educational initiative, the Marefat programme. The programme, derived from Islamic educational theoriesis ‘imbued with notions of reflective, critical, and reflexive thinking’, which are designed to recognise the individual levels of development for every educator and simultaneously elevate their efficacy, agency, and person. Adopting an interpretivist-narrative methodology conveyed through a dialogical approach, this study focuses on the lived experiences of this social-welfare organisation by seeking to decipher the teleological nature of the programme. This examination is guided by three questions which seek to identify its intended audience, the specificity of the issue it attempts to address, and the approaches it has adapted to implement its programme. The findings suggest that the overarching purpose of this educational initiative is to foster empowering liberatory pedagogical responses to counter oppressive narratives in the reading of the Islamic tradition.

Critical pedagogical engagement with Muslim geographies

In this commentary, I delve into critical pedagogical engagement with Muslim geographies and the Dīn of Islam, daring to go beyond the decolonial. I begin with an exploration of Sidaway's (2023a) discussion of ‘decolonising Muslim Geographies’ in the context of the pedagogical engagement of a female Muslim teacher of geography. I will develop an argument which will encourage critical geographers to ‘learn’ from Muslim geographies in deep and meaningful ways through the rich influential and intellectual traditions within the Dīn of Islam. My reflections will directly respond to Sidaway's call for a possible paradigm shift within the parameters of Eurocentric thinking to share Islamic epistemologies embedded in my own pedagogical approach. This will encompass rich and diverse intellectual traditions of Islam and geographical understanding of the concept of al-Mizān (balance) for the world that we all share.

Analisis Kekerasan Terhadap Anak

Child abuse is a serious issue with lasting impacts. While positive law provides legal protections for children, its implementation faces challenges. In Islamic tradition, fiqh from the four major schools of thought—Maliki, Shafi'i, Hanbali, and Hanafi—also offers guidelines for child protection. This study explores the integration between positive law and fiqh to enhance child protection. Using a qualitative, library research method, the research examines whether Indonesian legislation aligns with the views of these schools. The findings reveal both alignments and differences. Positive law offers a clear legal framework, while fiqh provides a moral and religious foundation that supports the social and ethical dimensions of child protection. Integrating these perspectives can lead to a more holistic approach, combining legal rigor with religious principles to safeguard children's rights. This collaboration may strengthen child protection strategies by being more adaptive to socio-cultural contexts, offering a comprehensive solution to combat child abuse and ensure children's rights are effectively protected.

Community-based Islamic education: Democratizing learning through local wisdom

This study examines the role of community-based education in the context of Islam as a means of democratizing education and integrating local wisdom, motivated by the need for a more inclusive and responsive education system. Using a literature study method, this research analyzes primary and secondary sources related to Islamic education, democratization, and local wisdom. The results reveal that community-based education has strong historical and normative roots in Islamic tradition, reflected in various forms of traditional educational institutions such as mosques, kuttabs, and pesantrens. This educational model is proven to encourage active community participation, decentralization of decision-making, and integration of local values into the curriculum. However, its implementation faces challenges in balancing national standards with local autonomy, as well as potential conflicts between universal Islamic values and local cultural practices. This study highlights the complexity of integrating local wisdom into modern Islamic education in the era of globalization, paving the way for further research on optimal mechanisms for adapting this educational model to increasingly diverse Muslim societies.

The Integrative Paradigm of Sufi Psychology

The ontology and epistemology of Sufism are key elements in Islamic studies. Sufi psychology, as part of Sufism, essentially falls within the framework of Islamic psychology. This research aims to explore Sufi psychology and explore how these concepts can be integrated into modern psychological approaches. This research uses a qualitative method, with data collection through a literature study. The collected data were then analyzed through three stages: reduction, presentation, and conclusion. The results show that in logic, this relationship is known as the correlation between particularity and universality (al-Umum wa al-Khusus Mutlaqan). However, in its development, Sufi Psychology focuses more on esoteric aspects, perennialism, and inclusivism. Unlike Islamic psychology in general, Sufi Psychology has been developed by scholars outside the Islamic tradition, such as figures in transpersonal psychology, including Robert Frager (Chairman of the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology), Lynn Wilcox, James Fadiman, and Arthur Deikman. They develop the concept of tasawwuf by integrating Sufi knowledge with empirical contributions from modern psychology, resulting in a holistic approach to psychology, both in terms of ontology, axiology, epistemology, and methodology.

Deconstruction of the Existence of Khidr: A Study of Sheikh Mahfudz al-Tarmasi’s Thought Through Derridean Hermeneutics Approach

Discussions on the existence of Prophet Khidr in Islamic tradition have long been debated. Questions about his status as a prophet or saint, whether he is still alive or has passed away, and other issues remain significant among Muslims. These debates have also drawn the interest of Sheikh Mahfudz al-Tarmasi, a prominent Nusantara scholar. In his work, “Ināyat al-Muftaqir bimā Yata`allaq bi Sayyidinā al-Khidr `Alaihi al-Salām.” al-Tarmasi offers detailed and critical insights into Prophet Khidr’s existence. This research examines al-Tarmasi views using Derridean hermeneutics to deconstruct traditional thoughts on Prophet Khidr and encourage new interpretations. Employing a qualitative descriptive literature method, the study aims to gain a deeper understanding of Prophet Khidr’s existence. By applying Derrida’s deconstructive approach, this paper shows how al-Tarmasi addresses the contradictions among the views of Sufis, hadith scholars, and jurists about Prophet Khidr. The findings suggest that al-Tarmasi supports the idea that Prophet Khidr is still alive, thus reinforcing the Sufi perspective in Islamic tradition. This alignment not only highlights al-Tarmasi’s critical stance but also contributes to the broader discourse on the diverse interpretations of Islamic teachings.

Potensi Delima (Punica granatum) dalam kajian Qur'an dan Sunnah

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) occupies a special place in Islamic tradition and modern health literature. This article aims to explore the potential of pomegranate from the perspective of the Qur'an and Sunnah, as well as to examine the health benefits substantiated by scientific research. Pomegranate is mentioned in several verses of the Qur'an, such as in Surah al-An'am (6): 99 and Surah Ar-Rahman (55): 68, highlighting its significance as a symbol of Allah's power. Hadith also recommend the consumption of pomegranate, indicating its spiritual and medicinal properties.Previous research has demonstrated that pomegranate possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and it has the ability to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Studies confirm that pomegranate consumption can mitigate oxidative stress, inflammation, and cancer cell proliferation. This article compiles and analyzes data from various literature sources using a systematic literature review method.The findings of this review indicate that pomegranate has significant religious and health benefits, rendering it an important fruit in a healthy diet and alternative medicine. Further research is necessary to explore the applications of pomegranate in modern health therapies more comprehensively.

THE HISTORICAL BEDROCK OF HOLY QUR’AN’S MANUSCRIPT IN MALAYSIA: A STUDY ON ITS STYLE OF CALLIGRAPHY AND ILLUMINATION

The focus of this article is to examine the historical foundation of the Holy Qur’an’s manuscript in Malaysia, with specific attention to its calligraphic style and illumination. Islamic calligraphy and manuscript traditions hold significant importance within the Malaysian Muslim heritage. These traditions have been inherited and evolved over generations, with the earliest examples of Arabic calligraphy being found in the Holy Qur'an, commonly inscribed in a script known as Kufic. The historical roots of Islam are deeply intertwined with the Holy Qur'an's manuscript, making it a primary source for understanding the advent of Islam. In this research, an extensive array of resources from the Islamic Art Museum Malaysia (IAMM) and the National Library of Malaysia (NLM) were utilised, alongside personal collections and secondary sources. Data analysis involved employing philological, comparative, deductive, and inductive methodologies. Through this approach, it was revealed that the production of Malay Holy Qur'an's manuscripts has been significantly influenced by local creative input and intellectual contributions from regions such as Turkey, China, and Persia. The study particularly accentuates the diverse calligraphic and illumination techniques across different nations. Notably, manuscripts from the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, specifically from Malacca and Johor, exhibit distinct artistic qualities that set them apart from those originating from the east coast, including Kelantan and Terengganu. This underscores the prevalence of varied artistic expressions resulting from a broad spectrum of cultural interactions. The development of calligraphy and illumination methods in Malaysian Holy Qur'an's manuscripts mirrors a wide range of artistic expressions, which are shaped by both local innovation and broader Islamic intellectual traditions.