Islamic World Research Articles

Rethinking financial deepening in Islamic countries: political system and economic growth

Purpose This study aims to determine the effect of financial deepening on economic growth. It also investigates the role of the two political systems (i.e. democracy and monarchy) in supporting the effect between the two factors. Design/methodology/approach This paper adopts a dynamic panel regression model, i.e. generalized method of moments to answer the hypotheses. This paper uses data from 44 Islamic countries that are members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for the period from 2010 to 2019. Findings This paper finds that financial deepening has an inverted U-shaped effect on economic growth. This means that financial deepening will only be effective at a certain threshold, if exceeded, it weakens economic growth. This negative effect is due to several reasons, such as high inflation, money supply, unproductive credit allocation and government policies. Furthermore, the political system facilitates the effect of financial deepening on economic growth. This finding becomes more valid as it is free from the endogeneity effect using two-stage least square tests. Research limitations/implications The proxies used for economic growth and financial deepening in Islamic countries require refinement to improve their relevance and applicability. Furthermore, due to the unavailability of an easily accessible political system index, this paper is forced to use dummy variables. Practical implications The primary outcome of this research is to advocate for the establishment of effective governance within each member country of the OIC countries. Originality/value This study addresses the need to understanding how the effectiveness of the political system enhances financial deepening, thereby fostering economic growth.

The Enlightened Path: Muḥammad ‘Abduh's Fusion of Reason and Revelation

This research paper, titled "The Enlightened Path: Muḥammad ‘Abduh's Fusion of Reason and Revelation," explores the transformative influence of Muḥammad ‘Abduh’s rationalist theology on modern Islamic thought. Focusing on his seminal work "Risālat al-Tawḥīd" the study examines how Abduh’s integration of reason and revelation has provided a framework for a dynamic and progressive interpretation of Islamic teachings in particular contemporary theology. The research highlights Abduh’s belief in the compatibility of faith and reason, arguing that rational thought is essential to truly understand God’s unity (Tawḥīd) and Islamic ethics. This research demonstrates the continuing significance of Abduh's rationalist theology and offers a helpful framework for negotiating the challenges of modernity, identity, and religion. It asks for more investigation into the long-term effects of Abduh's theories, theological comparisons, and real-world implementations of his reforms in Muslim countries today. Muḥammad 'Abduh has shown by his enlightened path that revelation and reason can coexist peacefully, each enhancing the other and leading to a deeper and more applicable understanding of Islam in the contemporary world.

Perbandingan Asuransi Syariah dan Asuransi Konvensional: Analisis dari Perspektif Ekonomi Islam

This research aims to compare sharia and conventional insurance from an Islamic economic perspective. The method used is a literature study of various related scientific sources. The results show significant differences between the two, particularly in the aspect of risk transfer. Conventional insurance involves elements of usury, gharar, and maisir, while Islamic insurance applies the principle of risk sharing as well as the concepts of ta'awun (mutual help) and mudharabah (profit sharing). The main challenge in implementing Islamic insurance is the low level of financial literacy and access to Islamic products, but it has great potential in increasing financial inclusion in Muslim-majority countries. In conclusion, Islamic insurance is more in line with Islamic economic principles and can be a fair and sustainable alternative in the insurance industry.

Wellbeing-oriented spiritualities as a global phenomenon in risk societies

ABSTRACT Alternative or holistic spiritualities are almost always discussed within a Western framework, as a Western phenomenon. This leads to a certain ethnocentrism in our analyses. This article makes three arguments. First, New Age related spiritualities constitute a global phenomenon, with corresponding avatars across the world. The article briefly discusses the cases of Latin America, Indonesia, and China, with brief notes on the Muslim world and Eastern Europe. Second, it argues that wellbeing-focused spiritualities are best understood as linked to the penetration of consumerism and the effects of neoliberal marketisation, even outside the West. As such, New Age related spiritualities are prime examples of the lifestylisation of religion. Set on the opposite end of the religious spectrum as Pentecostal type religion, they can be understood as ways to respond to and manage the insecurities and risk in today’s marketised, global societies. Finally, looking at spiritualities from outside the West enables us to clearly see how they constitute a dominant type of religion today, rather than some kind of ‘quasi-religious’ or ‘secular’ ersatz. In this sense, this article makes a strong statement regarding the importance of studying contemporary spiritualities more seriously, alongside well-trodden themes such as religious diversity and ‘non-religion’.

Paths well travelled: Imaginative contours of the juridical ummah

ABSTRACT This article explores how the subaltern Muslim animated the imaginative politics and juridical contours of the Ottoman nation between 1876-1913. I discuss how the members of the ummah, the global 'Muslim nation', were called to settle and work the lands of the Ottoman Empire. In the late 19th century, the ports and provincial capitals of the empire welcomed immigrants from across the Balkans-to-Bengal axis. However, not all who landed in the Levantine shores enjoyed the entitlements of property and protection promised by the Ottoman immigration state. The provenance of immigrants, the legality of their arrival, and the racial fault lines running through the ummah each set the terms of their inclusion in or their exclusion from the Ottoman nation. Building on the 1902 Resolution to the Ottoman Immigration Law of 1857, this article further explains how the Ottoman nation was delineated by a juridical identity—Ottoman nationality—that was categorically majoritarian and contractually exclusionary because of, and not despite, its global aspirations. I argue that Ottoman sovereignty conceived in the image of a juridical ummah found its terrestrial expression in the Ottoman nation: to the categorical exclusion of non-Muslims, predominantly Armenians; the conditional inclusion of subaltern Muslims; and the tacit rejection of Black Africans. This article thus explores imaginative entanglements of law, race, and religion in the age of empires.

:Political Culture in the Latin West, Byzantium and the Islamic World, c. 700–c. 1500: A Framework for Comparing Three Spheres

:<i>Political Culture in the Latin West, Byzantium and the Islamic World, c. 700–c. 1500: A Framework for Comparing Three Spheres</i>

Advancing Women's Social and Political Rights Through a Reinterpretation of Islamic Law: Ayatollah Jannaati's View of Female Political Authority in Shiite Islam

ABSTRACTOne of the most important questions on which Muslim reformers have challenged traditional jurisprudence is that of the institutionalized discrimination against women, with respect to their social and political rights under Islamic jurisprudence. Traditional jurisprudents cite specific verses from the Qur'an and Hadiths and consider the political and social management of Islamic societies to be exclusive to men. Ayatollah Jannaati is one of Iran's leading Shiite Muslim jurisprudents to call for a review of women's rights, based on dynamic jurisprudence, and declares that women, just like men, may hold the highest religious, political, and social positions in Islamic countries, and enjoy equal rights. This article adopts a theological and hermeneutical approach, and references many primary sources in Persian, including Jannaati's books, articles, and interviews, to determine how the new reading of the Qur'an and Hadith, and his unique theological and epistemological presuppositions, have enabled him to issue such a fatwa regarding the political and social rights of women under Islam.

Russia - Islamic World: Toward the Formation of a Fair and Multipolar World Order

Russia - Islamic World: Toward the Formation of a Fair and Multipolar World Order

Culturally Adapted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Moderate Depression and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Patients

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of culturally adapted cognitive behavioral therapy (CA-CBT) for treating moderate depression and NSSI in Pakistani patients. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 100 participants aged 18-35 years, diagnosed with moderate depression and engaging in NSSI behaviors. Participants were randomly assigned to either the CA-CBT intervention group (n=50) or the standard care control group (n=50). The CA-CBT program integrated Islamic teachings and cultural practices with conventional CBT techniques. Depression and NSSI behaviors were assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and a 3-month follow-up using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Self-Injury Behavior Scale (SIBS). Results: The CA-CBT group showed significant reductions in depressive symptoms (p&lt;0.001) and self-injurious behaviors (p&lt;0.001) compared to the control group. Qualitative feedback indicated that participants in the intervention group found the therapy culturally and religiously meaningful, which enhanced engagement and reduced stigma associated with mental health care. Conclusions: The study demonstrates that culturally adapted CBT is an effective intervention for treating moderate depression and NSSI in Pakistani patients. Integrating cultural and religious elements into therapy enhanced treatment adherence and outcomes, suggesting that CA-CBT could be a valuable approach in non-Western, Muslim-majority countries.

&lt;b&gt;Islam and the Environment: A Conceptual Analysis Based on the Qur'an and Hadith&lt;/b&gt;

This study aims to explore the concept of the environment within Islamic teachings to interpret and apply it in addressing modern environmental challenges. Through conceptual analysis and a qualitative approach, this research focuses on literature studies of the Qur'an and Hadith, utilizing both classical and contemporary interpretations to enrich the analysis. The findings reveal that the concepts of Khilafah (Caliphate) and Amanah (Trust) in Islam are highly relevant for environmental conservation in the modern era. Khilafah positions humans as Allah's representatives on earth, responsible for maintaining the balance of ecosystems, while Amanah emphasizes the moral and spiritual responsibility of humans towards nature. The Qur'an and Hadith provide guidelines for maintaining balance and avoiding excessive exploitation, forming an ethical framework for sustainable public policies and practices. However, the study also identifies challenges in implementation, such as variations in interpretation and political and economic obstacles in Muslim-majority countries. Therefore, a holistic approach involving education, law, and public policy is required to ensure that Islamic teachings on environmental preservation can be effectively implemented. In conclusion, the concepts of Khilafah and Amanah are not only theologically relevant but also practical, making them a strong foundation for sustainable environmental conservation.

Reassessment of Islamic Legal Bases for Matrimonial Property in Malaysia

Most Islamic countries do not implement laws related to matrimonial property (harta sepencarian). This is due to the absence of specific provisions in the Quran and hadith that permit such practices. However, Malaysia has long practiced this and has a comprehensive legal framework concerning matrimonial property. Given this, is the practice in Malaysia truly in line with the teachings of the Quran and hadith? Therefore, this study aims to revisit the foundations of Islamic law regarding the implementation of matrimonial property laws. This research adopts Islamic normative legal research based on the principles of usul al-fiqh. This study reveals that the legal foundations cited by proponents of matrimonial property implementation, which include 'urf, syirkah, istishab and maslahat mursalah are inaccurate and do not align with the principles of usul al-fiqh. Thus, a new principle or legal basis is needed to legitimize Islamic matrimonial property distribution in Malaysia.

Peran Teknologi Blockchain dalam Keuangan Syariah: Analisis Tantangan dan Solusinya

This study aims to explore the role of blockchain technology in enhancing the operations of Islamic financial institutions, specifically in terms of increasing transparency, efficiency, and compliance with Shariah principles. Using a qualitative descriptive-analytical approach, the research examines the technical, regulatory, and operational challenges associated with blockchain implementation and proposes strategic solutions to ensure sustainable integration. Blockchain, through distributed ledger technology (DLT), offers transparency and efficiency that align with Islamic finance principles, as evidenced in the application of sukuk. The use of smart contracts further strengthens operational efficiency, reduces gharar (uncertainty), and ensures Shariah compliance. Although blockchain presents significant advantages, this study finds that a major challenge lies in the environmental impact of consensus protocols like Proof of Work (PoW), which requires high energy consumption. This impact conflicts with Maqasid al-Shariah, which prioritizes welfare and environmental preservation. The use of more eco-friendly protocols, such as Proof of Stake (PoS) and Proof of Authority (PoA), is identified as a more efficient solution. Additionally, inadequate regulation in various Muslim-majority countries poses another barrier. Cross-border regulatory harmonization is necessary to ensure that blockchain can be applied in accordance with Shariah principles globally.

Exploring Islamic Social Finance Practices in Muslim Countries Outside ASEAN

&lt;p class="Default"&gt;&lt;span lang="IN"&gt;Islamic social finance, such as zakat, waqf, and alms, plays an important role in supporting social welfare and economic development in Muslim countries. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the implementation of sharia social finance in several Muslim countries outside ASEAN, focusing on the implementation mechanisms, challenges, and impacts of such instruments on social and economic development. Digitalization has changed the way Islamic social finance is managed by increasing accessibility, transparency, and efficiency. The application of technology such as sharia fintech, blockchain, and halal crowdfunding strengthens the role of zakat, waqf, and alms in supporting social welfare in Muslim countries outside ASEAN. This research uses a qualitative method based on literature studies with reference to international journals, reports of Islamic financial institutions, and related secondary data. The focus of the research includes how social financial instruments are managed, the role of governments and private institutions in their implementation, and their contribution to poverty alleviation and social welfare. The main results show that the implementation of sharia social finance in countries such as Turkey or Saudi Arabia has succeeded in improving access to education, health services, and community empowerment. However, there are still challenges in the form of low financial literacy, bureaucratic constraints, and the need to increase cooperation between the public and private sectors. The digitalization of Islamic finance has emerged as a potential solution to increase transparency and efficiency in the management of social funds.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Mecca, Basra and Baghdad: Economic Situation During the Classical Period of Islam

This study examines in general terms three cities that were prominent trade centers from the Ignorance period to the first centuries of Islam. Because Mecca, Basra and Baghdad are the most notable cities throughout Islamic History. Mecca, which is the mother of cities as mentioned in the Holy Quran, was also an important trade centre in the pre-Islamic period. Thanks to the fairs held during the pilgrimage season and especially the ‘Ukāẓ Fair, Mecca has witnessed a very active cultural and economic activity. In addition to its geographical location, for example with Ilâf has also gained the status of an international trade centre. Baṣra, which was founded as the headquarters city during the caliphate of Umar, developed over time and became one of the schools of religious sciences, while on the other hand, it became one of the main trade centres of the region with its markets, especially Mirbaḍ. It has become a trading city connecting the Arabian Peninsula with Egypt, the coast of Southern Iran, India, Indonesia and China via the Red Sea. On the other hand, Baghdad, which is among the largest metropolises not only of the Islamic world but also of the whole world, has maintained this feature for centuries as a center that directs economic life. Founded during the reign of the Abbasid Caliph Mansur, Baghdad attracts attention with its city model having many different bazaars, as well as being the center of the caliphate of the Islamic world. At the same time, it is primarily in contact with the entire Islamic world through its wide network of land routes and maritime trade. It is the main centre of trade relations with separate regions of Transoxania, China and India. All three cities were affected positively and negatively by political developments throughout Classical Period of Islamic History. In parallel with these influences, their roles in economic and commercial life have differed. However, the traces they left throughout history still maintain their importance even today.

Mahmoud Taleghani: A Pioneer Thinker of Social Islam in Contemporary Iran

ABSTRACTThe confrontation and comprehension of the Islamic world with regard to Western modernity, which has been unfolding for nearly two centuries, has obliged Muslim thinkers to study and reconceptualize this complex intersection of ideas. Ayatollah Mahmoud Taleghani was one of the most prominent figures of jurisprudential Islam, who adopted a modern interpretation of Islam and Shiism as part of the Iranian Islamic tradition. This article analyses the viewpoints of Taleghani, as a pioneer of this form of social Islam in contemporary Iran, focusing on Taleghani's thoughts under five different headings: the historical circumstances of Iran, his system of knowledge, his priorities for norms, his approach toward government, and public policy.

Recontruction of the Decline of Clasiccal Islamic Libraries During the Umayyad Daulad Period (680-750 H)

History covers the journey of human life in filling the world's development from time to time. Every history has meaning and value, so that humans can make their own history and history shapes humans. This research aims to analyze how the decline of Islamic libraries during the time of the Ummayah leadership in the Islamic context moved away from text traditions and context. The text tradition is earlier than the context tradition, which can be traced through the Islamic religious tradition. To study or examine a religion, there are at least five forms of religious symptoms that need to be considered, including literary texts that provide teaching sources. Islamic libraries are part of an Islamic civilization that emerged and experienced development since the beginning of Islam, namely during the prophetic period, the Khulafa al-Rashidin era, and during the Islamic daulahs. If we look at it in a historical context, the development of Islamic libraries experienced a significant increase during the daulahs, so this article focuses on the development of Islamic libraries during the Umayyad Daulah era. This is considered important because apart from the caliphs at that time being directly involved or contributing greatly to the development of libraries, there were caliphs who contributed or had a big role in it, as well as the factors that caused the decline of Islamic libraries, so that this becomes interesting to study exploratively with a historical approach. The decline and vacuum in the Islamic world began with the fall of Muslim regions after physical war against their enemies, and also among the Muslim community itself. Apart from human factors, the destruction of Islamic libraries was also caused by natural phenomena, such as earthquakes. There needs to be a collective awareness for society to reconstruct their thinking that progress cannot be achieved without mastery of science.

The Natural Cooperatives in The Muslim World

This study investigates the structure and socioeconomic roles of traditional entrepreneurial communities in the Muslim world by comparing them with modern cooperative models. Unlike Western cooperatives, which emerged to counter market-induced social disintegration, Muslim communities have sustained themselves through kinship networks, shared values, and voluntary socioeconomic justice. These communities exhibit key characteristics aligned with cooperative aims, including family-business integration, mutual financial support, job creation, and community well-being. However, contemporary research on these communities is limited and often outdated, in contrast to extensive studies on ethnic entrepreneurship in non-Muslim contexts. This study advocates for more exploratory research to understand how Muslim entrepreneurial communities maintain social integration, distributive justice, and Islamic values in their socioeconomic frameworks. It proposes research questions on community organization, economic contributions, welfare mechanisms, and modernization impacts, offering a roadmap for future research to inform policies and community development. By examining the resilience and adaptability of these communities, this study aims to enhance the understanding of Islamic socioeconomic models and their contemporary relevance. These findings highlight the distinctive features of these communities as naturally occurring cooperatives, reflecting their unique cultural, religious, and social contexts. This research advances theoretical discussions in Islamic economics, economic sociology, and cooperative studies, while offering insights into fostering economic inclusivity and social cohesion in diverse settings.

ŞUŞA TARİXİ ABİDƏLƏRİNİ VƏ ONUN İSLAM DÜNYASINDAKI ROLUNU ÖZÜNDƏ ƏKS ETDİRƏN TƏBLİĞAT MATERİALLARININ HAZIRLANMASI VƏ BEYNƏLXALQ SƏVİYYƏDƏ YAYIMLANMASI

Shusha, the art temple of the Caucasus, has many outstanding merits and unique features, as well as a place of historical monuments. National Leader Heydar Aliyev, who appreciated this, emphasized the exceptional importance of our fortress-city for Azerbaijan and said: "There is no Karabakh without Shusha, and there is no Azerbaijan without Karabakh." The article examines the study of historical monuments of Shusha, the role of propaganda materials reflecting its role in the Islamic world in the enrichment of Azerbaijan's national cultural heritage is discussed. Various publications, albums, articles, and books were examined in this study while justifying the influence of Shusha historical monuments on the development of Turkish-Islamic culture. At the same time, the researcher also investigates the possibilities of teaching the historical monuments of Shusha, and researched the relevant historical monuments of Shusha as references in various works.

Al-Ghazali on Taqlid, Ijtihad, and Forming Beliefs

Medieval philosophy has often been stereotypically characterized as rigidly reliant on authority and lacking originality. However, the present research challenges this perception by unveiling the lively debates among medieval philosophers in the Islamic World regarding the autonomy of thought for both esteemed scholars and everyday individuals. Rather than passively accepting authoritative doctrines, these philosophers contemplated the extent to which independent reflection should play a role. Surprisingly, their reflections resonate in the contemporary world as we grapple with parallel questions about the balance between authority and individual inquiry in our society. The first part of the paper introduces a timeless challenge faced by medieval Islamic philosophers: the formation of beliefs. This predicament persists today – how much should we rely on authority without critical examination, and when should we subject our beliefs to scrutiny? The paper introduces an Islamic classical tradition followed by Muslim jurists, theologians, and philosophers: the nuanced distinction between Taqlid (following authority) and Ijtihad (independent reasoning) to address this. The perspective of Al-Ghazali, a prominent representative of this tradition, is thoroughly examined, highlighting its contributions and challenges. In its methodological approach, this paper rigorously analyzes primary and secondary sources relevant to Al-Ghazali’s views in Arabic and English. This comprehensive analysis aims to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the intricate interplay between authority and independent reasoning in the context of medieval Islamic philosophy.

Religion, gender norms and fertility in Muslim post-communist economies

ABSTRACT In this paper, we examine the relationship between religiosity and conservative gender role beliefs, as well as how these beliefs influence fertility decisions. We also test the hypothesis that exposure to gender-progressive political regimes and ideologies can weaken this chain of effects by diminishing either the influence of religion on gender roles or the impact of gender beliefs on fertility. Our empirical analysis is based on World Value Survey (WVS) data for five Ex-USSR Muslim countries compared to seven non-post-Soviet Muslim countries in neighbouring regions. Results indicate that higher religiosity is associated with more traditional gender roles in both groups; however, this link is significantly weaker among individuals from former communist countries who spent their formative years under Soviet rule. Additionally, more conservative gender beliefs do not lead to a higher number of children in Muslim Ex-USSR republics, whereas the opposite is true for the other group of Muslim countries.