Modern Muslim Research Articles

MODERN REFORMS IN THE ISLAMIC THOUGHT WITH REFERENCE TO SCIENCE: A STUDY IN THE CONTEXT OF THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT

Orientalist scholarship in Western academic literature has portrayed Islam as ignorant, backward, and anti-science. However, there has been a paradigm shift in this monolithic approach to the academic study of Islam. The modern interpretation of Islam supports science and shows the face of Islam as being in harmony with Western practices and procedures. The new representation of Islam has further been categorised into friends and foes. This paper consists of three sections, one of which is based on a study of some of the key reforms proposed by Muslim modernists regarding Islam and modern science. The second part aims to present the Islamist response to modern science, a group that is often presented as an opponent and foe of Islamic modernism. It also includes a comparison between Islamic modernist and Islamist approaches to highlight the differences in their methodology. The final section proposes a new methodology to address the issue of the incompatibility of Islam and modern science. The study employs an analytical research methodology with a qualitative approach. It prioritises primary sources but also uses secondary sources when needed. Books, research papers, and online resources are utilised to analyse differing viewpoints and approaches. Books, research papers, and online resources have been used to explore various methods adopted by Muslim scholars in the Indian subcontinent regarding the relationship between Islam and modern science.

Shāh Walī Allāh Dihlawi (d. 1762): The Hajj Journey and Intellectual Scholarship Between India and Arabia

Rather than simply claiming the “unorthodox” or “pluralistic” mindset of an early modern Muslim thinker, this intellectual micro-history aims to show the complexity of Shāh Walī Allāh’s (d. 1762) thought-world. This article follows him to Mecca and Medina for the Hajj pilgrimage. While pilgrimage is traditionally included in the fundaments of Islamic practice, it is also important to realize that the majority of Muslims have not historically participated in this pilgrimage. Due to the physical limitations of travelling as the Muslim community rapidly expanded in the 7th century onwards, we have nearly a thousand years until the 18th century where only a select few Muslims, usually wealthy enough to make the arduous journey, participated in the yearly practice. This created a complex culture of pilgrims in the Holy Cities with the cities functioning as informal circles of scholarship. Shāh Walī Allāh Dihlawī engages in this knowledge production process while carrying out the mandatory rituals associated with the Hajj pilgrimage. Thus, this article shows that the complex interplay of Walī Allāh with Meccan and Medinan scholars is a highly dynamic process with unexpected outcomes as specific sacred geography interacts with the conceptual (and genealogical) categories that scholarly pilgrims bring with them to this intellectual encounter. In doing so, we catch a glimpse of the 18th century through a very particular set of Indian Sufi eyes.

Social Problems of Islam in Modern Indonesia in Muslim Academic Periodicals

The purpose of the article is to analyse the modern Muslim intellectual tradition in Indonesia in the context of analysing the social problems of Islam. The novelty of the study lies in a comprehensive and comparative analysis of the main trends and directions in the development of Muslim social thought in modern Indonesia. Methodologically, the article is based on the principles proposed in intellectual and social history, which allows us to perceive Muslim intellectuals involved in the study of the social problems of the Ummah as an imagined community, and their ideas as invented traditions. The article analyses 1) the theoretical and methodological foundations of modern Indonesian sociology of Islam, 2) national specifics and regional features of the development of Islam in Indonesia in modern Muslim thought, 3) the problems of transformation and contradictions of the radicalization of Islam through the prism of understanding and interpreting this dimension of the modern social history of Islam. It is assumed that Muslim intellectuals make a significant contribution to the consolidation of modern identity by analysing both the social characteristics and characteristics of the Ummah, as well as the threats faced by the Indonesian model of Islam in a secular society in the context of the actualization of the ideas of radical Islam. The author's main conclusions include several points: 1) professional Muslim intellectuals make a major contribution to the development of modern Muslim sociology, 2) specialised journals published by Islamic universities play a leading role in the production and relaying of social knowledge based on Islam, 3) modern Muslim intellectual tradition is the subject to fragmentation, but, in general, the scientific tradition of the Ummah actualizes moderate trends in Islamic Sociology, based on the principles of interdisciplinarity.

Ibn Khaldūn's reception in colonial South Asia

Abstract Scholars commenting on the reception of the historian and theorist ‘Abd al-Raḥmān Ibn Khaldūn (1332–1406) in modern South Asia have held that it was orientalists and Westernised intellectuals rather than indigenous intellectuals who popularised him in the region. Contesting these impressions, I argue that local intellectuals displayed their agency in using the historian's work to respond to various crises of colonial modernity. They read, translated, and appropriated Ibn Khaldūn to seek inspiration for modern Muslim nationalism, as validation for sectarian convictions and the rhetoric of Islamic reform, and to resist colonial and Hindu revivalist narratives of despotic Muslim rule in India.

Analysis of Divorce under Sharia Law and the Modern Muslim Legislations: A Comparative Study in Focus

Analysis of Divorce under Sharia Law and the Modern Muslim Legislations: A Comparative Study in Focus

From Imminent Threat to Metaphor: Gog and Magog in Modern Sunnī Sources

Abstract Gog and Magog are portrayed in the Quran as two malevolent forces that once wreaked havoc on earth and will reappear near the end of time. Hadiths elaborate their natures and actions and served as the principal source for premodern Muslim treatment of the two. In the modern period, Gog and Magog have, besides remaining objects of Quran exegesis, received considerable attention from apocalyptic writers. This article contributes to current scholarship on the modern Muslim discourse on Gog and Magog by examining the views of some notable Sunnī Quran commentators, which have thus far been almost entirely neglected. I show that they adopt either a literal interpretation, whereby Gog and Magog are understood as certain humans, or a metaphorical interpretation, whereby they are conceived as symbols of various phenomena. I also survey, in contrast to most previous researchers, the ideas of several non-Arab writers, especially the Trinidadian Imran Nazar Hosein (b. 1942), author of several apocalyptic works, including a book on Gog and Magog and their dominance in today’s world. My discussion highlights the remarkable diversity of perspectives among Muslim scholars as well as the tendency to demythologize Gog and Magog by either avoiding hadiths or understanding them in light of contemporary circumstances.

The Contribution of Modern Muslim Scholars and Institutions to Qurʾānic Manuscript Studies: A Preliminary Survey

The Idea of this paper is to document the contributions of contemporary Muslim scholars, Islamic institutions, and postgraduate students to the study of Qurʼān manuscripts through an initial bibliographic survey. The central question addresses the extent and scope of these contributions, examining whether there was any reluctance among Muslim scholars to engage in the study of Qurʼān manuscripts. The objectives of this paper is to provide a preliminary comprehensive overview of the efforts made by contemporary Muslim scholars and Islamic institutions in this domain. Furthermore, this study showcases the significant contributions of contemporary Muslim scholars and Islamic institutions to the study of Qurʼān manuscripts, highlighting their roles and any reservations they may have had regarding the analysis of ancient Qurʼān manuscripts. The paper also identifies key challenges in this field, including the scarcity of previous studies, limited bibliographic surveys, and the lack of dedicated Qurʼānic research centers in the Muslim world. In this paper, a statistical and analytical methodology was applied, the statistical-methodology was facilitated by a preliminary bibliographic list from the e-Ma’rifa Foundation, which included books, published articles in academic journals, conference papers, and university theses. Additional data were provided by the Tafsir Center for Quranic Studies. The findings reveal that contemporary Muslim scholars, postgraduate students, and Islamic institutions have made substantial contributions to the study of Qurʼān manuscripts, with no significant opposition to analytical studies in this area. Consequently, the authors recommend the establishment of specialized centers to conduct comprehensive studies on Qurʼān manuscripts across the Muslim world.

The Identity of Modern Muslim Women on Instagram

The Identity of Modern Muslim Women on Instagram

Muslim Women Emancipation Discourse: Analyzing the Legal Thoughts of Muhammad Quraish Shihab

This article aims to analyze several issues on women in Muhammad Quraish Shihab's fatwās (legal opinions) contained in several of his works in the form of questions and answers. This study departs from the existing studies on Muslim women's emancipation movements, particularly which have become a common trend in the modern Muslim world, including in Indonesia. Shihab's thoughts on Muslim women are worth studying because he attempts to unravel the primary Islamic religious texts that deal with women's issues within their initial context to provide religious instructions for Muslim women today without necessarily renouncing the traditional methods of reasoning. This article argues that Shihab's articulation of Indonesian women's fiqh (jurisprudence) using exegetical logic opens a broader space and provides an alternative for more emancipatory interpretations of religious texts operating within the grand corridor of Islamic religious and intellectual tradition.

Navigating Contemporary Ethical Challenges: Murtadha Muthahhari’s Philosophical Insights for Modern Muslims

This article explores the ethical framework proposed by Murtadha Muthahhari in addressing the moral dilemmas encountered by contemporary Muslims. Motivated by the multifaceted crisis affecting modern Muslim societies, this research seeks to apply Muthahhari’s philosophical insights to contemporary ethical issues. Central to this investigation is Muthahhari’s conceptualization of Ma'rifah Allah (Knowledge of God) and Worship as foundational elements in his ethical philosophy. The study utilizes primary sources, including Muthahhari’s seminal works such as Philosophy of Morals, Perfect Man, and Islamic Moral Philosophy, alongside secondary sources encompassing related scholarly literature. Employing a methodological approach that integrates literature review, inductive reasoning, critical analysis, and heuristic methods, the research elucidates how Muthahhari’s emphasis on aligning human actions with divine commands can lead to a transformative ethical paradigm. The findings suggest that Muthahhari’s philosophy provides a robust framework for resolving the ethical challenges faced by contemporary Muslims, underscoring the transformative potential of grounding ethical conduct in the pursuit of divine pleasure.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF AL-MAKKI AND AL-GHAZALI ON SPIRITUAL DIMENSION OF RAJA’ (HOPE) APPROACH IN TREATING DRUG ADDICTS

Drug abuse is a global alarming concern that affects the world community, including Malaysia with the significant numbers increasing day by days. Drugs were scientifically proven as a damaging substance to brain functionality, which controls social behaviour, reward systems, and human motivational systems. Drug dependency has impacted severely for individuals and society. However, drug addicts are constantly looking for drugs, knowing the fact that the substances are affecting them for a prolonged period. As a response, drugs have been banned in Islam considering their impact on humanity. Thus, several interventions were initiated as a preventative mechanism to address the issue properly. Several types of approaches have been carried including pharmacological, psychological, and psychodynamic treatments to overcome the problem of drug abuse. Therefore, this study seeks to find an alternative treatment for drug addiction based on the religiosity and spirituality approach of the Islamic dimension. This study also intends to evaluate the differences between Al-Makki's views regarding raja' as compared to al-Ghazali. This study is qualitative in nature and therefore, it depends much on in-depth textual analysis. The data was analytically studied from the relevant works of al-Ghazali and Abu Talib al-Makki and later were compared to develop the concept of raja' as suggested by Islam. The finding shows that both figures have extensively discussed the prevalent concept of raja’ as a salutary employment of hope of the soul. It is also suggested that al-Ghazali' ideas was highly influenced by al-Makki, however, he strategizes the concept in an extensive arrangement. Al-Makki emphasizes raja' or hope as the powerful desire of a human being upon requesting something from Allah. The fundamental elements of hope, especially inner meaning, and inner action, can be regarded as a spiritual model for a drug addict considering these spiritual insights are still applicable in modern Muslim society. Hope is believed to be spiritual motivating factors for them to stop the addiction with the help of medication and support from surrounding. This implies that spirituality dimension is a complimentary to a holistic treatment of most illness especially in dealing with addiction. Thus, is it suggested for a structured models to be made based on the concept of raja’ for future study.

Inconsistency of Salafi’s Bid’ah Concept

For the past century, bid’ah (in English know as religious innovation) has been a fundamental sociological problem in modern Muslim life. Regarding this aspect, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Salafi group in Indonesia used a different method to evaluate bid’ah in the rules of Islamic practices. Therefore, this research aimed to illustrate the dynamics of Salafi understanding of bid’ah in Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic. The data collected were acquired digitally from the YouTube platforms of the following Salafi figures Syafiq Riza Basalamah, and Firanda Andirja as well as written documents, uploaded websites, such as rumaysho.com by Muhammad Abduh Tuasikal, almanhaj.or.id by Yazid bin 'Abdul Qadir Jawas, and others. The result showed that Salafi provided new innovations in religious practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. This showed the inconsistency associated with Salafi teachings in bid’ah because it shifted from the Qur’an and Hadith. The inconsistency was carried out by quoting the Qur’an and Hadith from the Ashalah (puritanism) and the maslahah (public interest). This was aimed at selecting legal propositions to the conditions of the thaun (plague). In conclusion, the inconsistency of Salafi by accepting bid’ah (new innovations) to gain Covid-19 survival is proof of the acceptability of Salafi fiqh to social change.

THE INTERPLAY OF IJTIHĀD AND MAQĀṢID AL-SHARĪ‘AH IN PRE-MODERN LEGAL THOUGHT: EXAMINING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF AL-GHAZALI AND AL-SHATIBI

The debate of ijtihād - its meanings, theorization and application, is one of the most noticeable debates in the modern Muslim intellectual space. In the contested backdrop of ‘closure of the gates of ijtihād’, the process of reproduction of ShÉrÊah‘ knowledge, civilizational renewal and forming a critical engagement with the socio-intellectual context of contemporary times through ijtihÉd gained coinage among different strata of Muslim scholarship, developing intra-Muslim conversations between traditionalists, modernists and progressives. In this debate, maqāṣid al-Sharī‘ah as a concept, theory and philosophy has been repeatedly invoked by all three points of views, explaining it from their distinct positions. In this context, this paper attempts to offer an analysis of the pre-modern dialogue between ijtihād and maqāṣid al-Sharī‘ah, revisions of the traditionally more predominant method of extension of law, qiyās, in context of Shāfi’īte four-source theory and employment of relatively more utilitarian tool, maṣlahah. Hence, the paper investigates the concepts of munāsabah and taḥqiq al-manāṭ vis-à-vis maqasid al-Shari’ah, employed by two most prominent advocates of maqāṣid thought in pre-modern scholarship, al-Ghazali (d. 1111 C.E) and al-Shatibi (d. 1388 C.E). Finally, the study attempts to locate the common ground between traditional theory of ijtihād and maqāṣid al-Sharī‘ah, to explain the possibility of maqāṣid based ijtihād model.

Modern Muslim Women Scholars: Catalysts for Cross-Cultural Understanding

Modern Muslim Women Scholars: Catalysts for Cross-Cultural Understanding

Metode Ummi Meningkatkan Kemampuan Membaca Al-Qur'an di Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Al Ghazali (UNUGHA) Cilacap

This research aims to analyze the application of the Ummi method in improving the ability to read the Al-Qur'an at UNUGHA Cilacap. The aim is to provide a better understanding of the factors that influence the effectiveness of Al-Qur'an learning in the academic environment, as well as applying the ummi method to improve students' Al-Qur'an reading skills, with a focus on case studies at UNUGHA Cilacap. Through a case study approach, presenting an effective method for improving skills in reciting the Koran through the Ummi method. Reading the Koran proficiently is an important skill for Muslim students. However, many people face difficulties in mastering the correct recitation techniques. This research explores the effectiveness of the Ummi Method—an innovative teaching approach—in developing strong Al-Quran reading skills among students at Al Ghazali State Islamic University, Cilacap. Through the use of a qualitative case study design, we observed Ummi Method classes, interviewed enthusiastic students and dedicated tutors, and examined evaluation results. These findings reveal how the Ummi Method engages students with a fun yet rigorous step-by-step process. By utilizing repetition, an emphasis on clear pronunciation, and a caring learning environment, students gain confidence and improve their skills significantly. Real-life motivational examples from tutors also inspire spiritual and character development. Students appreciate learning at their own pace through this simple yet comprehensive system. The evaluation scores support that the Ummi Method improves the quality of reading, knowledge of Tajwid rules, and love of the Al-Quran. This research provides valuable insights into effective teaching approaches that address the needs of modern Muslim learners. The successful application of the Ummi Method at Al Ghazali State Islamic University Cilacap shows its potential in optimizing academic achievement and also strengthening faith in other educational contexts. This method is based on the rules of tajwid, makharijul letters, gharib, and tartil rules. Recommendations include curriculum improvements and facility support to improve students' ability to read the Koran. Further studies are needed for a deeper understanding. The findings of this research provide valuable insight for the development of effective learning strategies and solutions to overcome the challenges faced by students in studying the Koran.

Eminence and Contributions of the Companions in the Development and Teaching of the Qur’ān in the First Hijri Century

The process of Qur’ānic teaching in the Islamic world began during the Era of Revelation. Islamic history proves that the Qur’ān was inherited through talaqqī bi al-Mushāfahah (direct oral transmission) from teacher (murshid) to student, passing through a chain of teachers until it reaches the source of its revelation that is Prophet Muḥammad. The companions of the Prophet played a significant role in spreading the message of Islam across the world during their time by teaching the Qur’ān to the Ummah (Muslim community). A significant number of modern Muslims don't have much knowledge about Islamic history, including the vital roles played by the companions in shaping and disseminating the teachings of the Qur’an. This research aims to provide a brief overview of the early history of the development and teaching of the Qur’ān in the first century of the Hijri and explored the scholarship of the companions involved. The study utilised a literary method and a historiographical approach. Each historical fact recorded was analysed through the process based on inductive (taḥlīli), deductive (istinbāṭ), and comparative (muqāranah) methods, while relying on the historical references as primary sources authored by the Islamic scholars. The findings revealed that a significant number of companions, not only Muslim men but also women, played an essential role in disseminating the Qur’ān during the first century of the Hijri calendar.

The Challenge of Integrating Science and Religion in Indonesia and Malaysia

This article discusses the implementation and problems of integration of science and religion in Madurese Islamic boarding schools and Islamic education institutions in Selangor, Malaysia. The development of a modern Muslim society requires Islamic education institutions to reform and actualize their syllabus. Using a phenomenological approach, the study data were collected through interviews, observations, and online materials. The main research samples are IISM School Gombak, Al Hamra Integrated School, Akademi Tahfiz Al-Hidayah in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Pondok Pesantren Al Amien Prenduan in Sumenep, Pondok Pesantren Annuqayah Sumenep, and Pondok Pesantren Darul Ulum Banyuanyar Pamekasan in Madura, Indonesia. It was found that the Islamic boarding schools in Madura implement adoptive-adaptive formal integration where some parts of the education subsystem are carried out separately, while the Islamic schools in Selangor follow a holistic approach. Both systems attempt to offer an inclusive syllabus; however, the integration of science in Madurese pesantren leans more towards constructive integration with concurrent traditionalist elements, while Islamic schools in Selangor have adopted a more modern and progressive syllabus.

Examining the Intersection of Prophetic Hadith and Intellect: Authenticity, Contradiction, and Scholarly Perspectives

This article critically examines the question of whether a prophetic Hadith can be considered weak if it conflicts with intellect. The research employs analytical and library research methods, drawing on a range of scholarly works including books, academic articles, and writings by Muslim scholars spanning both the classical and contemporary eras.This study reveals that when the authenticity of a Hadith is uncertain and it contradicts intellect, it can be deemed weak. However, if a Hadith is deemed authentic by Hadith scholars despite its contradiction with intellect, two distinct theories emerge among Muslim scholars. The first theory, supported by many classical scholars and their contemporary followers, argues that a correct Hadith never opposes the intellect. According to this perspective, a sound and clear intellect will never contradict an authentic Hadith. In contrast, the second theory, advocated by modern Muslim scholars and some classical scholars, posits that a prophetic Hadith should be considered weak if it conflicts with intellect.The findings of this paper indicate that a prophetic Hadith, when narrated through a strong chain of narrators tracing back to the Prophet Muhammad, cannot inherently contradict the intellect. However, if a Hadith contradicts sound intellect, it can serve as a valid reason to question its authenticity and consider it weak. Through a comprehensive analysis of the scholarly discourse surrounding this topic, this study provides a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between prophetic Hadith and intellect. It underscores the importance of rigorous authentication processes, emphasizing the need to consider the reliability of the Hadith chain and the principles of intellectual reasoning when assessing the strength or weakness of a prophetic Hadith

The Moors’ Islamic Cultural Home and the Modern Muslim Ummah: Negotiating Identity, Politics, and Community in 1940s Sri Lanka

The Moors’ Islamic Cultural Home and the Modern Muslim Ummah: Negotiating Identity, Politics, and Community in 1940s Sri Lanka

بائبل سے گریز کرنے کا نبوی حکم (اسنادی حیثیت، حکمت ومفہوم اور متعلقہ مباحث)

According to some hadiths, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) forbade one of his companions, Hazrat Umar bin Khattab, from studying the Bible. These hadiths are the field of scholarly discourse among the scholars of Islam۔ Some modern scholars have rejected these hadiths saying that they are not proven by reliable sources, but authentic Islamic researchers of the past and present accepted these hadiths and did not consider the attitude of authenticating them to be correct. If viewed objectively, it is the second attitude that is correct. However, what was the reason for this prohibition of Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), is another dilemma that occurred to Islamic scholars in this chapter, from the great commentator of hadith, Hafiz Ibn Hajar Asqalani, to the famous historian of the recent past, Shibli Nomani, they seem confused in this debate and they could not give any proper justification for this prohibition. In this paper, the author has clarified the authentic position of the relevant hadiths and also discussed their correct justification. And it has been stated that the reason for this prohibition is very clear and unambiguous, which is clearly indicated by the words of the relevant hadiths themselves. Also, what should be the right attitude in terms of rejecting or accepting the Bible quotes, in some of the Prophetic hadiths, there are some manners and points mentioned in this regard, which, unfortunately, are badly neglected by some modern Muslim writers. Thus, they reflect an unmoderate attitude of denial or acception when speaking from the Bible. The author also mentions his correspondence with the editors of some religious magazines in which some of his irresponsible comments regarding the Bible were criticized.