Muslim Scholars Research Articles

Understanding contemporary miracles

This study investigates the understanding of miracles in contemporary Nigerian society, particularly among Muslims, with a focus on reinforcing the concept of Tauhīd. It identifies the miracles of the Prophets and the righteous as divine occurrences, while other extraordinary occurrences, particularly those linked to unethical behavior, are interpreted as magical or deceptive, possibly influenced by occult practices. However, religion has become a basis for extraordinary claims among some Muslims and Christians alike. This research employs a mixed-methodology approach that combines qualitative and quantitative analysis methods. A total of 12 Muslim scholars and 5 pastors were interviewed, each responding to eight structured questions. Additionally, 211 respondents completed a questionnaire disseminated via WhatsApp. The instrument consisted of 25 questions, including one open-ended item designed to elicit suggested solutions. The quantitative approach provided data for statistical analysis, while the qualitative approach enabled a thematic discussion of the issues. Strengthening theological understanding - particularly Tauhīd among Muslims - could contribute to reducing the prevalence of magical interpretations of religious experiences. While completely eliminating shirk may not be feasible, increased awareness can help mitigate its occurrence.

Eksistensi Nafs Melalui Terminologi Ilham dalam QS. Al-Syams [91]:7-10

The Qur'an, which was present in the Arabian Peninsula around the beginning of the 7th century AD, also provides information about the existence of the human soul. However, the entry of Hellenism culture into the Muslim world in the Middle Ages also influenced the perspective of Muslim scholars in interpreting the Qur'an which discusses issues about the soul. This study aims to examine the interpretation of Muhammad Husain Thabathaba'i as a representation of modern mufasir, on QS. al-Syams [91]: 7-10 which contains a description of the existence of the soul. This research uses a qualitative method with the type of library research. The results of this study are, first, Thabathaba'i tends not to limit the meaning of nafs where some mufasir limit it as the soul of Adam as. Secondly, the inspiration given to the human soul by Allah is understood by Thabathaba'i as giving a priori knowledge of abstract values that make humans know for themselves what is good and bad, appropriate and inappropriate. Such an opinion is not the same as that of other scholars who state that the meaning of this verse is that Allah directs man to goodness or piety, nor does it mean teaching the physical form of a practice. Thabathaba'i's interpretation is closer to the views of Ibn 'Ashur and Ibn Atiyah. Thirdly, in interpreting this verse, Thabathaba'i includes various narrations from hadith, atsar, and the opinions of scholars. However, the opinions of scholars that he raises are not only from the Shi'a, but also from the Sunnis such as al-Suyuti and al-Wahidi.

Who are the Sābiqūn ? From the Companions of the Tree to the Muhājirūn: The Story of a Controversy and its Implications for the Umma (1st–2nd/7th–8th Century)

Abstract The Sābiqa is a key concept in the early Islamic tradition, mainly referring to the precedence of the first converts to Islam, particularly those who migrated from Mecca to Yathrib/Medina. In this paper, I argue that the emergence of this discourse is rooted in a controversy regarding the identification of the Sābiqūn al-awwalūn mentioned in verse 100 of Sūra 9, al-Tawba. Alternative definitions of the Sābiqūn coexisted and vied with this discourse, progressively shaping the contours of the umma between the first/seventh and the second/eighth century. In the first/seventh century, the Sābiqūn were often identified with Companions who swore an oath of allegiance to Muḥammad at al-Ḥudaybiyya, or with Companions who first prayed toward Jerusalem, then toward Mecca. At the turn of the second/eighth century in Medina, the question was rather with whom identify the Muhājirūn al-awwalūn. The following century saw the gradual imposition of a major model for the founding of the first community of Believers centered on the emigration from Mecca to Yathrib/Medina. Locating these discourses posed the challenge of partially breaking away from the mold of the Islamic tradition to revisit the first/seventh century, before hadith became widespread among Muslim scholars. To achieve this, motifs, that is, coherent semantic units related to these discourses, were recorded in an SQL database and subsequently extracted to construct digital diagrams illustrating their transmissions.

Dental and Oral Health in Islam And Muslim Scholar Efforts in This Field

Dental and Oral Health in Islam And Muslim Scholar Efforts in This Field

Colored Qur’ānic Manuscripts and Their Impact on Mastering the Science of Qur’ānic Recitations (Qirāʾāt)

Muslim scholars have long dedicated significant efforts to enhancing the Qur’ān’s recitations, employing scientific and technological advancements in the process. This study focuses on the types of colored Qur’āns available that aid in the study of Qur’ānic recitations. While some of these editions specialize in presenting a single narration or recitation, others include the ten minor readings (al-ʿashara al-ṣughrā) according to the al-Shāṭibiyya and al-Durra, or the ten major readings (al-ʿashara al-kubrā) according to the Ṭayyiba al-Nashr, with some even combining the ten major readings with the four irregular (shaadh) ones. Each Qur’ān utilizes unique color-coding systems to distinguish variant readings (farshiyyat) and foundational principles (uṣūl), which are discussed in detail. The research also highlights editions that incorporate examples from al-Shāṭibiyya and al-Ṭayyiba al-Nashr, along with scholarly clarifications (tahqiqaat), making these versions particularly valuable for students. The use of colors in these Qur’ān enhances learning by engaging multiple senses, improving memory retention, and helping students recognize differences within a single recitation or among multiple readings without needing to refer to specialized texts. Additionally, these colored Qur’āns prevent the mixing of recitations and simplify the study of different recitational aspects. The Qur’āns that include the ten major readings and the four irregular readings offer significant value to scholars in various fields, such as Qur’anic Exegesis (tafsir), jurisprudence (fiqh), ḥadīth, and linguistics, by providing a comprehensive resource that eliminates the need to consult classical texts. In conclusion, colored Qur’āns cater to human nature's inherent affinity for visual stimuli, streamlining the learning process and saving time for students, making the study of Qur’ānic recitations (Qirāʾāt) more efficient and accessible.

The Numerical, Calculative, and Codification System in the Maghreb: A Historical and Documentary Study

This study delves into the intriguing interplay between numbers and letters, with a focus on their role in letter calculation and encoding among Muslims in the Western Islamic world. It traces the historical evolution of Arabic numerals, originating from the Indian numeral system known as Ghubār numerals, and their lasting impact in the Maghreb region until the 19th century AD. The research meticulously examines the sophisticated system of obfuscation and encryption, essential for safeguarding sensitive information during confidential exchanges, thus leaving a profound imprint on numerical practices in the Islamic West. These cryptographic techniques not only ensured information security but also significantly influenced the cultural and socio-economic landscape of the region, fostering trust in commercial transactions and potentially affecting diplomatic exchanges and the preservation of religious texts. This intricate symbiosis between numbers and letters showcases the intellectual ingenuity of Muslim scholars, who utilized mathematics and encryption methodologies to navigate and shape the complexities of their society.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Ummi Method in Memorizing Juz Amma for Early Chilhood Learners

Research on Al-Quran teaching methods applied in schools is still very limited. Teachers play an integral role in helping young children understand and learn Arabic letters. This is very important so that children acquire reading skills and become familiar with them from an early age. So that it impacts their worship experience when they grow up. This study's criteria for memorizing Al-Quran verses (Juz Amma) include ease of pronunciation, makharijul letters and correct recitation rules. It is important to introduce short verses as basic capital in memorizing the Al-Quran. This research interviewed 2 kindergarten teachers, the principal, and two guardians of Al Azhar Rantauprapat Kindergarten students in Labuhanbatu Regency, North Sumatra Province. The focus of this research is on the process of memorizing the Al-Quran using the Ummi method. The Ummi method is a practical method for reading the Al-Quran by Tajwid rules. Muslim scholars created this method to make it easier to study the Koran. Research findings reveal that the ummi method really helps children memorize the Al-Quran/Juz Amma with the help of trained teachers (Hafiz and Hafizah).

What is Holding Back Full Feminist Solidarity with Muslim Women? The Epistemic Failures of White Liberal Feminism

Despite the recent shift towards embracing anti-racism and intersectionality within the feminist movement in Quebec, Canada, support for Muslim women affected by secularism laws remains elusive. Our article seeks to understand what is still holding back a full feminist solidarity with Muslim women in Quebec by examining the limits of intersectional solidarity discourses from feminist groups officially positioning themselves in defence of Muslim women’s rights to wear religious symbols. We focus on the advocacy discourse against the <i>Act Respecting the Laicity of the State</i> (Law 21) led by the Fédération des femmes du Québec (FFQ), Quebec’s largest feminist coalition. We employ a theoretical framework combining feminist critical Muslim scholarship and critical epistemologies, which leads us to ask: How does the FFQ’s advocacy work against Law 21 mobilise an intersectional approach to defend Muslim women’s rights against nationalist and secular colonial narratives? What are the limits and blind spots of this advocacy work? Our analysis shows that despite FFQ’s declared political support for Muslim women’s rights and attempts to incorporate religion within an intersectional framework of domination, the organisation still failed to dismantle the deep-rooted idea of an inherent incompatibility between feminism and Islam and to consider Muslim women within its ranks as full feminist epistemic subjects.

AL-GHAZALI’S FRAMEWORK OF TEACHINGS PROFESSIONAL VALUES: ANALYZING THE PEDAGOGICAL PRINCIPLES IN ISLAMIC EDUCATION

Values are a cornerstone of education, serving as essential guides for the learning process. This article investigates the pedagogical principles articulated by Imam Ghazali, one of the most influential Muslim scholars of the 11th century, particularly as presented in his seminal work, "Ihya' Ulum al-Din." The study offers a comprehensive analysis of Ghazali's unique approach to teaching, which integrates ethical and spiritual dimensions aimed at character development, ethical conduct, and spiritual growth. Key values such as sincerity, humility, empathy, and justice are identified as fundamental to the educational experience within his framework. The relevance and application of Ghazali's ideas in contemporary educational settings, particularly in Islamic schools and institutions, is emphasized. Employing a qualitative methodology, this study utilizes textual analysis of Ghazali's works alongside secondary literature to deeply understand his pedagogical model. The findings indicate that Ghazali's focus on ethical and spiritual education provides a robust framework that is vital for addressing contemporary educational challenges in the Muslim world.

Perspectives on Peace Education of Muslim Scholars and Educators in Sulu, Philippines

Perspectives on Peace Education of Muslim Scholars and Educators in Sulu, Philippines

Cryptocurrencies and Zakat Applicability: An Analysis of the Fatwa Genre

This article examines whether zakat is applicable to cryptocurrencies via a study of the fatwa genre on this topic. Fatwas from seven legal specialists in the Muslim world will be examined. These juristic opinions range from considering cryptocurrencies to be permissible to those that consider it prohibited. However, across this spectrum these authorities argue for zakat application to cryptocurrencies. The analysis will isolate and identify the relevant proof texts and principles relied upon. It will be shown that a unifying theme across the fatwa genre is of how thamaniyya is vital in linking cryptocurrencies to zakat-applicability. The study concludes that Islamic Finance successfully contains a theoretic concept, namely thamaniyya, that can help Muslim scholarship engage with advancements in cryptocurrencies regardless of future technological innovations. This study is novel for focusing on fatwa analysis through a theoretical orientation. This article sheds light on how contemporary fatwas are used in the field of Islamic Finance to negotiate between the jurisprudential tradition and cutting-edge developments in cryptocurrencies. The study is limited in not considering socio-political factors in the analysis. It is hoped the results of this study can highlight how disparate legal opinions in Islamic Finance actually share common ground.

Monotheistic Hindus, Idolatrous Muslims: Muḥammad Qāsim Nānautvī, Dayānanda Sarasvatī, and the Theological Roots of Hindu–Muslim Conflict in South Asia

Contrary to popular notions of a perpetual antagonism between ‘Hinduism’ and ‘Islam’, played out on Indian soil over the centuries, this article examines the relatively recent origins of a Hindu–Muslim conflict in South Asia, situating it in the reconfigurations of ‘religion’ and religious identity that occurred under British colonial rule in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The multivalent and somewhat fluid categories of religious identification found in pre-modern India gave way to much more rigid and oppositional modern and colonial epistemic categories. While much has been written on how colonial policies and incipient Hindu and Muslim nationalisms shaped the contours of modern Hindu–Muslim conflict, little work has been done on the important role religious actors like Muslim and Hindu scholars and reformers played in shaping the discourse around what constituted Hinduism and Islam, and the relationship between the two, in the modern period. This study examines the first-known public theological debates between a Hindu scholar and a Muslim scholar, respectively, Swami Dayānanda Sarasvatī (1824–1883), founder of the reformist Arya Samaj and first exponent of a Hindu polemic against other religions, and Mawlānā Muḥammad Qāsim Nānautvī (1832–1880), co-founder of the seminary at Deoband and an important exponent of Islamic theological apologetics in modern South Asia, and how they helped shape oppositional modern Hindu and Muslim religious theologies. A key argument that Nānautvī contended with was Dayānanda’s claim that Islam is idolatrous, based on the contention that Muslims worship the Ka’ba, and thus, it is not a monotheistic religion, Hinduism alone being so. The terms of this debate show how polemics around subjects like monotheism and idolatry introduced by Christian missionaries under colonial rule were internalized, as were broader colonial epistemic categories, and developed a life of their own amongst Indians themselves, thus resulting in new oppositional religious identities, replacing more complex and nuanced interactions between Muslims and followers of Indian religions in the pre-modern period.

Exploring the experience of Muslim students and scholars in Western academic institutions

This special issue of the Journal of International Students explores the multifaceted experiences of Muslim students and scholars in Western academic institutions. It investigates challenges such as acculturative stress, social integration, language barriers, and the psychological well-being of Muslim international students. The volume provides insights into the unique experiences of Muslim students navigating cultural, religious, and academic identities in Western educational contexts. This compilation, contributing to the broader conversation on diversity, inclusion, and equity in higher education, features 28 authors from 9 countries, offering crucial perspectives on the academic and social lives of Muslim students and scholars in the West.

Muslim Perceptions of Buddhism: A New Approach

ABSTRACT Most pre-modern Muslim scholars engaged Buddhism by documenting and often refuting its teachings. In modern and contemporary times, many Muslim authors have begun to see Buddhism as a religion with divine origins. The objective of this article is to take account of this shift, which has hitherto been neglected in secondary literature, by examining the writings of some notable Muslim scholars and thinkers from various parts of the world. I concentrate especially on the authors’ attempts to reconcile their monotheism with what they see as the absence of a supreme, personal deity in Buddhism. I also consider the significance and relevance of their views for contemporary Muslim–Buddhist relations, pointing out both their irenic potential and their limitations.

Practicing Islam in China the ‘right way’ – Islamic orthodoxy in the Muslim Sanzijing genre

ABSTRACT Reconciling their simultaneous identity as legitimate members of Chinese society and the transnational Muslim Umma has been a longstanding concern for Chinese-speaking Muslims, particularly those associated with what is now known as the Hui community. Over time, this challenge prompted Chinese Muslim scholars to grapple with the demands of Islamic law within the framework of Confucian cultural and legal hegemony. Their efforts led to the development of a regionalist understanding of Islamic orthodoxy, imbued with conceptual elements borrowed from Chinese traditions but fully consistent with the core principles of Sunni Islam. These efforts are systematically expounded within the Muslim Sanzijing genre, which features Islamic versions of the so-called “Three-Character Classic,” aiming to periodically address and reconcile the emergence of potential frictions between Islam and the Chinese law. The core trajectory of their combined narrative, as it pertains to Islamic orthodoxy and its development in the aftermath of the 18th century, constitutes the focus of this study.

SOCIO-RELIGIOUS EFFECT OF THE BOKO HARAM MOVEMENT IN NIGERIA

There were several attempt to develop programs of reforming the practice of Islam in Nigeria. While some of the campaigns guarantees easy admission to paradise with strange ideologies, others engaged in the use of superstitious activities to attract followers. More others are forcing people to accept their ideologies, without recourse to its legality and number of casualties. For instance, the activities of Boko Haram have attracted condemnation to Islam and the Muslims. The paper attempt to assess the effect the movement on the socio-religious life of people. To achieve these, historical and theoretical analysis is employed. The work reveal that violent activities of the Boko-Haram are nothing but a rebirth of the Khawarij ideologies, which does not in any way represent the pristine teachings of Islam, and the understanding of the early Muslim scholars. It concludes that extreme activities of the movement have done more harm than good to Islam and the Muslims. It further recommends the need to regulate and monitor religious activities for peace and harmonious coexistence the country.

Mapping the Evolution of Islamic Da’wah in Indonesia: A Bibliometric Analysis and Future Research Directions

This study examines the evolution of research related to Islamic da’wah in Indonesia, sourced from reputable Scopus-indexed journals from 1995 to 2023. It explores author productivity and related keywords that depict Islamic da’wah’s development in Indonesia. This research employs bibliometric analysis techniques and descriptive statistical approaches, utilizing the biblioshiny tool and R program to identify recommended research keywords with significant potential for future development. The research findings indicate that “social media” emerges as a frequently occurring keyword in studies on Islamic da’wah in Indonesia. Furthermore, two research paths emerge as recommendations for future development: the authority of Islamic da’wah in Indonesia and Islamic da’wah in the digital era. This investigation holds significant importance for stakeholders, including government authorities, Muslim preachers (da’i), and Muslim scholars, as it provides fundamental insights into the development of Islamic da’wah literature in Indonesia, thus offering prospective research directions.

Principle of Consideration of the Consequences (Iʿtibār al-Maʾālāt) on the Conflicting Fatāwā in Malaysia about the Interfaith Marriage between Muslims and the Women from the People of the Book: A Comparative Juristic Analysis

There are two main fatwā institutions in Malaysia which discuss the problems faced by the Muslim community. These institutions are the state fatwā institutions, which exist in every state and the national fatwā council, which issues a ruling on the national level. The existence of these institutions with independent legislative jurisdiction has led to disagreements and conflicts in Malaysian fatāwā issues. One of the conflicting issues is the ruling on the permissibility of the interfaith marriage between Muslims and the People of the Book. It is very significant to examine this issue in light of the principle of consideration of the consequences (iʿtibār al-maʾālāt) in order to investigate whether the permissibility of this marriage in the context of Malaysia will bring maṣlaḥah, or the common good to the society. Therefore, this paper explores the opinions of Muslim scholars related to this issue in light of their consequences which will determine the appropriate ruling in the context of Malaysia. Analytical and comparative methodologies are employed to elaborate on the perspectives of scholars and the fatāwā pertaining to this issue. This study demonstrates that even though the general ruling for marrying the women from the People of the Book is permissible, the permission will bring great harm to the Islamic familial system. Thus, the researcher concurs with the fatwā that prohibits marrying the women from the People of the Book based on the principle of consideration of the consequences.

Leveraging Bibliometrics and AI: Empowering Islamic Studies Scholars to Uncover Emerging Topics and Navigate Diverse Perspectives

This study explores the transformative role of bibliometrics and artificial intelligence (AI) in advancing Islamic studies. It highlights how these tools enhance Islamic knowledge's preservation, analysis, and dissemination while fostering intellectual and economic growth aligned with Islamic principles. The paper also examines the synergy between bibliometrics and AI and their collective potential to revolutionize the study of Islamic texts and traditions. A qualitative approach was employed, synthesizing existing literature and case studies to analyze the applications of bibliometrics and AI in Islamic studies. Bibliometric analysis was used to trace research trends and identify gaps in Islamic scholarship. At the same time, the review of AI applications focused on tools such as natural language processing, semantic analysis, and digitization techniques. Challenges such as the lack of digitized Islamic texts, the underrepresentation of Muslim scholars, and ethical concerns in AI applications were critically assessed. The findings reveal that bibliometrics provides valuable insights into the intellectual landscape of Islamic studies, while AI enhances accessibility, efficiency, and precision in text analysis and heritage preservation. These technologies enable data-driven decision-making, interdisciplinary collaboration, and global dissemination of Islamic knowledge. The study identifies practical challenges and proposes solutions, such as targeted investments, training programs, and ethical frameworks, to maximize the potential of these tools. This study underscores the importance of integrating bibliometrics and AI into Islamic studies to preserve heritage, promote innovation, and address contemporary challenges. Proposing actionable recommendations offers a roadmap for scholars, industry leaders, and policymakers to responsibly embrace these technologies and ensure equitable access to their benefits. This work contributes to the growing discourse on technology's role in shaping the future of Islamic scholarship.

'I was asked by a clever gentile': a Jewish-Muslim polemic in Morocco in the early modern period

ABSTRACT The early modern period in Morocco is characterised by many interreligious debates, and much academic research has been devoted to this topic. However, the comprehensive scholarship has overlooked the Jewish-Muslim polemic in Morocco in the aforementioned period. The present study seeks to fill this gap, by drawing attention to the sole early modern Jewish-Muslim debate that we know of to date, occurring in Meknes at the close of the eighteenth century between its initiator, an anonymous Muslim scholar, and Jewish respondent R. Petahia Mordekhai Berdugo, who documented the debate in his book. At the centre of the polemic stood one of three claims usually raised in Jewish-Muslim polemics from the Middle Ages onwards: that the Hebrew Bible and the laws of Judaism have been abrogated (nasḫ) and replaced by the Qur'an and the laws of Islam. While both scholars demonstrated proficiency in the prevailing arguments, we also see them make their arguments in some unusual and interesting ways. The current study expands the research discourse on the Jewish-Muslim polemic in the North African space, as well as shedding new light on Jewish-Muslim relations in Morocco in the early modern period and on their intellectual history.