Muslim Scholars Research Articles

Revisiting The Critical Edition of the Qur'an: Historical Perspectives and Contemporary Challenges

The concept of a critical edition of the Qur'an resurfaced following earlier attempts by western scholars such as Bergstresser (w. 1351 AH/1933 AD), Jeffery (w. 1378 AH/1959 AD), and Pretzl (w. 1360 AH/1941 AD), who were supported by Fischer (w. 1369 H/1949 M), Baumstark (w. 1368 AH/1948 AD), Ritter (w. 1391 AH/1971 AD), and Kahle (w. 1384 AH/1964 AD). In a conference at the University of Notre Dame in April 2005, Gabriel Said Reynolds proposed “The New Reading of the Qur`an” for updating textual reseacrh on the Qur`an, after various manuscripts were discovered as research material for the Qur`an. Additionally, among those who contributed to the conceptualization of the Critical Edition of the Qur'ān is Taufik Adnan Amal, a Muslim scholar. This qualitative-historical research, I examine the ideas of the Bergstresser, Jeffery, dan Pretzl’s version of the Critical Edition of the Qur`a and Taufik Adnan Amal’s version to find out whether both of them are same or different. As well, this study aims to answer the possibility of the existence of a contemporary Critical Edition of the Qur'an as implied by both of them. Even though they use the same term, their Critical Edition of Quran do not only have similarities, but also have differences. As for the possibility of using the ikhtiyâr technique at the present time to produce a Critical Edition for the Qur`an, many factors must be considered and should comply with the conditions that apply. One of them, if it is still possible, there are maqbûl readings outside the ten. The reciters who perform ikhtiyâr must also have a sanadreaching to Rasulullah saw.

Religious Knowledge Production and Digital Affordances

Abstract: This essay revisits a research trend that examines the impact of digital media on religious authority, concentrating on a specific genre of authority related to religious knowledge production, specifically “embodied knowledge” within Muslim intellectual history, pedagogical practices, and epistemology. Fundamental to the discussion is the potential decline of embodied knowledge, which is traditionally acquired through direct interaction with a living scholar or spiritual master. The essay emphasizes the increasing prevalence of disembodied knowledge facilitated by digital media’s expanding affordances. This shift signifies a transition in knowledge transmission from direct engagement with scholars to digital interfaces. With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence within the broader knowledge economy, including the religious sector, a growing number of students of religion are turning to digital platforms for their learning. Concomitantly, Muslim scholars, educators, and preachers, some of whom may have unverified credentials, are leveraging these technologies to attract students and, at times, monetize their online popularity. This migration from embodied to disembodied pathways of learning and teaching has garnered significant attention from scholars researching this phenomenon.

Islamic Literacy and Scholarship in African Languages: The Case of Hausa in West Africa

Language is the main instrument in the wider spread and documentation of Islam and Islamic history in Africa and beyond. Historical development and rapid spread of Islam in African societies were historically accredited to African languages. The historic contact of the first Muslim generations with the Ethiopian emperor opens up the gate for the socio-linguistic development of translating Islamic dogma and messages into African languages. The Hausa factor in West African Islam is well noted in the writings of the early Muslim scholars. African linguistics contributions enhance the converts' literacy and develop a strong community of scholars of the highest historical relevance in the history of Islam in the African context. Africa is the home of about 2000 languages, Nigeria is with more than 556 languages, having Hausa leading the race with about 150 million speakers was rated as number 11 out of 7500 languages in the modern world as of 2022. Interestingly, about 85% of the Hausa native speakers are Muslims and about 69 percent of the Nigerian Muslim scholars are either Hausa natives or hausanized through Islamic activities in Hausaland. Thus, the spread of Islam in Africa was the handwork of African languages and not by the sword as alleged by the observers. My contact with Muslim scholars of various regions in Hausaland justified that, the technique of identification and naming Arabic alphabets are the same across the regions. In addition, the Ajami writing styles are the same. Hundreds of books and manuscripts are of the same orthography. These gave me the courage to investigate how it helps Islamic scholarship in the West African regions. This paper aims to study the role of Hausa Muslim scholars in the translation, naming, and adaptation of the 28 Arabic alphabets into the Hausa language which led to the innovation of Hausa Ajami writing and subsequent development of scholarship in the Hausaland. The paper would critically look into the Hausa-Arabic battle of alphabets treatment and the role of mother tongue in Islamic scholarship activities in West Africa Islam, with special emphasis on Hausa-speaking communities of West Africa.

Islamic Religious Education as Student Character Development in the Millennial Era

The millennial phenomenon becomes very interesting when faced with the condition of Islamic education in Indonesia. On the one hand, Islamic education has a target and orientation to create perfect human beings. However, on the other hand, at the same time, Islamic education must be able to develop the skills, abilities, potential and behavior of its followers in responding to internal challenges and the challenges of the global world that has opened wide before us. "Hard impacts" will be increasingly felt and it will not be easy to reduce them, when Islamic education has to struggle and struggle with the world of the millennial era. When it comes to millennials, there are several problems that are already facing the world of Islamic education. This research aims to analyze the perspective of Islamic religious education in building student character in the current of globalization in the millennial era. The research method used is a qualitative method with a qualitative-phenomenological approach. The research subjects were Balikpapan University FKIP students who were selected using purposive sampling. The object of this research is students in the role of Islamic Religious Education in the formation of morals and character in the millennial generation era. The data collection techniques used were observation, interviews and documentation. The main instrument in this research is the researcher himself. Testing the validity of the data is carried out by: extending observations, increasing persistence, triangulation,. Data analysis uses the Miles and Huberman interactive model. The research findings show that the role of Islamic religious education for students in the millennial era is seen as the guardian of national and religious values to produce quality Muslim scholars

Budget Management of the Aceh Government: An Analysis of the Maqāṣid al-sharī’ah Approach

Aceh is a region that has special autonomy and privileges based on law within the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. In terms of the application of the special autonomy, four pillars shall be enacted by the government, including the implementation of religious life and the role of religious scholars in making regional policies in the context of Islamic law. This present study aims to examine the realization of regional expenditures based on their functions in accordance with the maqāṣid al-sharī’ah (objectives of the Islamic law). This normative legal study analyzed data by using the theory of maqāṣid al-sharī’ah. The data consisted of documents such as Aceh Regional Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBA) reports, legislations, and relevant articles and books. The findings of the study revealed that the determination of regional expenditures has been moderate and reflected the realization of the maqāṣid al-sharī’ah, although less optimal. In addition, the implementation of APBA management has been in line with the maqāṣid al-sharī’ah, including protecting soul, property, religion, mind, and lineage. Yet, in the concept of maqāṣid al-sharī’ah, the proposed order should be protecting religion, soul, mind, lineage, and then property. Despite following the maqāṣid al-sharī’ah, the order of the implementation of APBA management differs from that developed by Muslim scholars. However, such hierarchical order needs not to be understood as is, since in certain conditions (i.e., emergency), protecting soul should be more prioritized than protecting religion. Moreover, the category of budget management cannot be distinguished diametrically, i.e., protection of mind also includes protection of religion since it involves funding for education and dayah (Islamic boarding schools).

A STUDY ON FIVE QUR’ANIC TRANSLATIONS BY NON-MUSLIMS OF THE INDIAN SUB-CONTINENT

The Holy Quran has been translated into almost every language of the world, and India is also credited for being translated into the majority of its languages—these translations from Muslims and non-Muslims. The legitimacy of the translation of the Quran is widely disputable among Muslim scholars. Though most Muslims do not consider Quran translation to be legal under a theological base, it does aid in conveying the divine message to non-Arabic speakers. The driving force of non-Muslim translations that occurred in the Indian sub-continent is the vision of conveying the message of the Quran and the intelligent discussion within different religions and faiths. The Western oriental translations were criticized for failing to capture the original meaning, while the translations by Indians and Eastern scholars were praised for accurately conveying the text’s content and failed to be commonly acknowledged and narrated by the history due to the lack of consistent studies and research. It is a fact that the contribution of non-Muslims to the Quranic study didn’t get needed attention by researchers. This Paper aims to study five Quran translations compiled by non-Muslim scholars of the Indian sub-continent, using the Qualitative method. The results of this research show that there is an impact that these translations can make in the social and religious domain in India.

Islamic Ethics and Nutrigenomics: A Methodological Approach to Constructing a Theoretical Framework

Individualised nutrition based on knowledge of nutrigenomics is becoming a major scientific and health interest subject worldwide. Still, it adds a layer of complexity that may benefit and harm the social aspects of eating. In the case of advancing the knowledge of gene–nutrient interactions and other scientific disciplines, all religious communities of the world, including Muslims, have statements of principles that express the identity and commitment defining one community from others. To properly develop a religiously acceptable framework that encompasses important aspects of the Islamic tradition, indirect input from Islamic scientific philosophers, scholars, luminaries and source materials is required. Without trying to be thorough, this work addresses that need and provides new opportunities for future research and publishing in Islamic ethics, genome, and food (nature). It also analyses Muslim scholars’ arguments and deliberations on the ethical framework that extends beyond the binary dichotomy between right and wrong (al-ʾamr bi al-maʿrūf wa al-nahy ʿan al-munkar) in Islamic jurisprudence. This qualitative study utilised a range of Islamic intellectual voices to build a theoretical framework of Islamic ethics in nutrigenomics based on constructivist grounded theory as the broader research approach. Constant conversation between nutrigenomics (modern science) and Islamic ethics is suggested to help Muslims grasp this dialectic better. It is only by taking a more comprehensive view incorporating theological, spiritual, jurisprudential, and social dimensions that one can make a stronger case and construct a foundational theoretical framework to build applications of Islamic ethics in nutrigenomics. Likewise, a systematic approach to developing a framework anchored in these sources is required to properly place the area of Islamic ethics in nutrigenomics and pave the way for future research on indigenous intervention development.

Revisiting the Crucifixion of Jesus within Islam

This article demonstrates that Muslim teachings on the historical crucifixion event of Jesus are by no means monolithic. While the Qur’ān’s reference to the crucifixion has typically been interpreted as fostering explicit rejection of the belief that Christ was crucified, its meaning on this issue constitutes neither denial nor affirmation of its historicity. Over time, discussion of the crucifixion within the Islamic tradition was formed to accommodate a rejection that obscured the neutrality of the original Qur’ānic position. One school of Islamic thought which affirmed the historicity of the crucifixion on a Qur’ānic basis is the tradition of Shi’a Isma’ili Islam. This article focuses on the conceptualisation of the crucifixion within Isma’ilism and its connection with Sunnism. From the Isma’ili perspective, the Qur’ān does not deny the crucifixion of Jesus; rather, it only denies that the People of the Book crucified him, in apparent response to their boasting. The ambiguity of Surah 4:157 remains a vigorous debate among classical and later Muslim scholars with references to the crucifixion as preserved in early and medieval literature furnishing distinctively divergent accounts of its unfolding. Even classical scholars such as al-Ghazali were persuaded by the views about the crucifixion expressed by leading Isma’ili thinkers such as Abu Ḥatim al-Razi (d. 934 CE) and Naṣir Khusraw (d. 1078 CE). Ultimately, the objective of this article is twofold: to demonstrate that the Qur’ān offers a neutral account of the crucifixion and to examine Shi’ite exegetical analysis on the crucifixion event in contrast to mainstream Islam.

Peradilan Agama Islam di Negara Syiah

Ayatollah Imam Khomeini became an important figure in the independence of the Islamic Republic of Iran as a Shia state, using Wilayat al-Faqih as its legal concept with the Imamate principle. The principle of Imamate explains that as long as the Twelfth Imam (Imam Mahdi) is still unseen, the government is led by an Imam whose qualifications are close to the Imam in terms of knowledge and spirituality. Consequently, the way the law is administered and the way the law is adjudicated in the State of Iran is up to the Wali Faqih, and when the Wali Faqih agrees, the rules can be implemented. This paper aims to examine the history, legal system, and judiciary of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The research data is obtained from literature studies (library research) and is descriptive and analytical. The result of the discussion is that Iran has gone through a long history starting from the first Persian empire, namely Akhameniyah, to the occurrence of post-Revolution until now. Iran is a country that adheres to Shi'a Islam and uses the legal concept of Wilayat al-Faqih where high power is in the hands of Wali Faqih. The judicial council is the holder of judicial power, whose head of the judiciary is directly elected by the Wali Faqih. Some of the courts in Iran include the Revolutionary Court, the General Court, and the Supreme Court of Cassation. In Iran, there is also a Clerical Court/SCC that tries clerics or Muslim scholars and this court is very secretive

Reviving the Essence of Jihad in the Contemporary Era: Advocating Struggle and Solidarity for Palestine Through Boycott of Pro-Israel Products

The humanitarian plight of the Palestinian people is stirring global sympathy, resulting in various forms of support. Among these actions is the pro-Israel boycott movement, endorsed by Muslim scholars and intellectuals through the issuance of fatwas. Therefore, this research analyzes the conceptualization of boycotting pro-Israel products within the framework of Islamic Jihad. The literature discussing the concept of boycotts in Islam and the product movement for humanity is explored using library research methodology. The results show that contemporary Jihad includes military, political, economic, and boycott efforts. In addition, the movement is developed as a manifestation of Jihad against injustice and human rights violations according to individual capacities and circumstances. This research positions boycotts as a novel facet of Jihad in the modern era, contributing to the multifaceted nature beyond traditional warfare paradigms.

Sufism vs. Monism in ʿAzīz-i Nasafī's Works

While the 7th/13th-century Persian Muslim scholar of the Mongol era ʿAzīz-i Nasafī actively engaged with Sufi traditions in his writings, he also introduced an overlooked distinction by drawing a line between Sufis (ahl-i taṣavvuf) and monists (ahl-i vaḥdat), aligning himself with the latter. This paper argues that Nasafī's clear differentiation between these two groups reflects broader transformations in the intellectual landscape of the Persianate Mongol world. These changes marked the emergence of new modes of thought not easily explainable by the established linguistic conventions of classical Sufism. Consequently, Nasafī's works serve as a window into the intellectual and linguistic challenges faced by Muslim intellectuals as they endeavored to shape the pre-modern and early modern Islamic cosmopolis (7th/13th–9th/15th centuries), revealing points of convergence and divergence with their intellectual predecessors.

“The Scripture Is an Instantiation of Divine Discourse”

Abstract Modern scholarly literature often presents classical Islamic theology treating the speech of God (kalām Allāh) and the Koran as synonyms. Moreover, the discussion on the nature of the Koran/God’s speech is portrayed as having to do with the question of whether or not the Koran was created. However, I suggest that this was only a fraction of the issues debated. Classical and post-classical Muslim scholars put forward multifaceted and sophisticated theories on the natures of divine discourse and the Koran. Many, if not most, deemed the speech of God and the Koran to be separate concepts. This article analyses the Safavid-era Iranian philosopher and theologian Mullā Ṣadrā (d. c.1045/1635) with regard to his views on the ontological and theological status of divine speech and the scripture(s), with particular emphasis on his magnum opus the Four Journeys. I trace some of Mullā Ṣadrā’s sources regarding this issue and endeavor to pinpoint the original ideas he is putting forward.

Ayat dan Hadits Tentang Tujuan Pendidikan Islam

From the great attention that Islam gives to education, it can be understood that this religion has special goals and reasons related to this issue. Therefore, in this article we will explain the aim of the Islamic religion in encouraging its followers to pay attention to education. This approach will include quotations from verses that discuss the aims of education, with explanations that are not limited to just one book of commentary, but involve several books of commentary. In addition, several hadiths that are relevant to educational goals will be presented, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the goals of education in Islam. In the analysis, various opinions from Muslim scholars will be taken as a comparison and to increase insight in understanding the goals of Islamic education. Likewise, various views from modern Western educational figures will be used as a comparison in the study of educational goals from the perspective of the Al-Quran and Hadith.

THE MANAGEMENT OF WAQF IN PERLIS: A STUDY AT STATE ISLAMIC RELIGIOUS COUNCIL OF PERLIS, MALAYSIA

Waqf properties contribute to a huge percentage of societal wealth in several Muslim countries. However, numerous Muslim countries are facing massive socio-economic problems such as poverty, education, and lack of basic healthcare services. This encourages contemporary Muslim scholars to formulate new financing methods that can be used to develop waqf properties and ensure that these modes confirmed with the Shariah. However, these methods are not maximumly been practiced in several states in Malaysia due to problems such as management, lack of funds, customer awareness, and others. Indeed, the applications of some of these financing methods have been proven successful in the development of Waqf properties. This paper attempts to review deeply on the main resources of waqf properties in Perlis, the current development of waqf properties as well as the issue in the management of waqf asset to aid the development of waqf properties in the Perlis Islamic Religious Council. By implementing qualitative research methods, this research design to ensure the finding of this study will give a massive contribution, especially to the Perlis Islamic Religious Council to practice an instrumental approach to developing the waqf properties to meet urgent social needs of society. The study discusses the findings of the current waqf management practices in Perlis specifically on waqf development such as al-mudharabah, al-musharakah, al-muzara’ah and implementation of cash waqf. Based on the findings, there are several methods been used to manage waqf properties in Perlis such as al-Musyakarah, al-Mudharabah, al-Muzaraah and also cash waqf been implemented.

Evolution of the Concept of Death.

The definition of death remains unresolved. To define death, one has to define the characteristics of a living person and to confirm whether an individual with brain death fulfils any of these characteristics. Although the concept of irreversible cessation of brain function is clear, controversy remains on the treatment of individuals with brain death and beating hearts. An individual with brain death but a beating heart is not breathing on his own and is dependent on medications and machines to maintain respiration, heartbeat, and blood pressure. Muslim scholars remain divided over the issue of whether death also means irreversible cessation of brain function. Questions remain on when it is permissible to remove vital organs for organ transplant. Groups have advocated for uniformity in law and medical practice on the definition of brain death.

Scientific Study of Islam for Its Understanding and Dialogue of Cultures

Heightened interest in modern Islam, its philosophy, and its culture is substantiated by the complex transformations in Islamic countries and Muslim regions of post-Soviet Russia. Some countries see a rise in the political role of Islam: religion has become a driver of international politics, and adaptation of the Muslim world to the global transformational processes of the century is still on the agenda. Some argue that the scholarly study of religion is ineffective for solving global issues. Muslim scholars take a dim view of non-Muslims attempting to study Islam. Russian academic approach lies in between Western and Muslim religious sciences; thus, new Russian works on Islam not only promote religious studies but also strengthen Russia as an international actor. Doctor of Philosophy, professor Taufik Ibragim is one of the eminent researchers of Islam. In 2009, he was a co-author of the biography of Muhammad. In 2015, he published a much-talked-about work on religious pluralism in the Quran. T. Ibragim’s works conflate encyclopedic knowledge and academic scrutiny with clarity and are of interest to both specialist audiences and general readers. In 2022, he published the book Names of God according to Islam, in which he attempted to translate Muslim concepts into the language of another monotheistic religion. The nature of God—personal and/ or impersonal—is subject to heated discussions, and T. Ibragim gives his interpretations of Quranic verses. The introduction presents an overview of the characteristics of God in the Quran and also gives the first comprehensive index of the names of God. The methodology, systematization, structure, and content of the book make it significant for Russian Islamic and Oriental studies. It will be helpful for theologists, Arabic and Islam scholars, as well as students. T. Ibragim’s works shed light on one of the most numerous and dynamic world religions and let everyone look into the hidden treasures of Islamic tradition.

MUATAN KURIKULUM PENDIDIKAN ISLAM DALAM HADITH JIBRIL: KAJIAN MATERI DAN METODE PEMBELAJARAN

This article aims to address the issue of curriculum stagnation in Indonesia, which often undergoes changes without yielding significant results. Many Muslim scholars have conducted in-depth research to identify the real problems within the curriculum, particularly focusing on the components of content and methodology. This article employs a literature study research method, gathering both primary and secondary data. The author finds that the curriculum is a learning tool designed to facilitate the educational process in achieving its goals. The curriculum consists of several components, namely objectives, content, methods, and evaluation. Based on the analysis of the Hadith of Gabriel, the content components include aqidah (faith), fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), tasawuf (ethics), and eschatology. Additionally, the method derived from the Hadith of Gabriel is the hiwar or dialogue method.

Mineralogy and Geology Among Arab and Muslim Scholars and Modern Science: A Comparative Study

يهدف البحث إلى : إلقاء الضوء على ما توصل إليه بعض أعلام العرب والمسلمين في علم المعادن والصخور ،في عصر ازدهار الحضارة الإسلامية ،وإجراء المقارنة العلمية الدقيقة بما توصل إليه العلم الحديث في هذا المجال ، بعد تطور أجهزة البحث والتنقيب ،والقياس ، والفحص المخبري الدقيق., وقد تم تقسيم البحث على: مقدمة و مبحثين , وخاتمة ,تناول المبحث الأول : أنواع الصخور وتكونها , وتناول المبحث الثاني : المعادن والأحجار الكريمة .وتوصل الباحث إلى مجموعة من النتائج أهمها : أن ما توصل إليه أعلام العرب من وصف دقيق وتصنيف مبدع ودراسة متعمقة لعلم المعادن والصخور جاءت في مواضع كثيرة تشابه إلى حد كبير او قد تكون في أحايين أخرى مطابقة لما توصل إليه العلم الحديث ,لان ما قدموه من العلم لم يقتصر على المنقول من علوم السابقين ,بل تعداه إلى مجالات الإبداع والأصالة .

LEARNING TAXONOMY FROM THE ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE: IMPLICATIONS ON CURRICULUM INSTRUCTIONS AND DESIGNS

The prominence of the Western taxonomy of learning has resulted in serious epistemological problems and contradicted the Islamic worldview as it aims mainly at the achievement of the material world. Islam, on the other hand, looks into emphasizing a holistic learning taxonomy that does not merely emphasize knowledge of the mind but also includes the knowledge that is essential for the soul. Employing a qualitative method, this paper attempts to explicate the concepts of ilm, hikmah, and tafakkur, and their implications on one’s life, and draw a demarcation between the Islamic and Western concepts of ilm (knowledge) and hikmah (wisdom). Ultimately, this paper proposes the taxonomy of ilm from the Islamic perspective and presents it as an alternative to contemporary Muslim educators and scholars. The findings of the current study highlight the major distinctions between the philosophies and goals of Western and Islamic taxonomies of learning. The multidimensional approach of "adabisation,” which encompasses the moral values of Tauheed-based knowledge, is also discussed.

The Workshop on Cattle Breeding and Fattening in an Effort to Increase the Human Development Index in Sijunjung Regency

The Human Development Index (HDI) is an important indicator to measure a country's progress in improving the welfare of its people. Compared to other Southeast Asian countries, Indonesia's HDI is still low. To improve Indonesia's HDI, the livestock sector, especially cattle breeding and fattening, can contribute significantly. ICMI (Indonesian Muslim Scholars Association) in collaboration with the Department of Agroindustry developed a high-quality and sustainable cattle breeding and fattening program. The goal of this collaboration is to improve cattle breeding and raising skills and support sustainable agricultural development. The solution of this collaboration is the improvement of participants' knowledge and skills on better livestock technology so as to increase the productivity and quality of beef cattle especially in Sijunjung Regency.