Muslim Scholars Research Articles

The Evolution of Philosophical Interpretation in Islam: From Classical to Modern

This research examines the evolution of philosophical interpretation (tafsir falsafi) from the classical to the modern period within the context of the Islamic intellectual heritage. Philosophical interpretation, integral to the journey of Muslim scholars since the classical era, serves as a "gateway" to the progress of Islamic thought. However, the philosophical nature of this interpretation has sparked controversy and is deemed problematic from an epistemological perspective, becoming a focal point of debate among the Muslim community. The research employs a library research method, utilizing various literature sources as supporting evidence, with a primary focus on both primary and secondary data. The findings indicate that the emergence of philosophical interpretation is linked to the translation of Greek works into Arabic. Some fully reject or accept it, while others integrate it with Eastern traditions. Overall, a comprehensive interpretation fully incorporating the philosophical style has not been found; usually, this style is expressed separately through writings that do not specifically interpret the Quran. The epistemology of early-generation philosophical interpretation tends to be peripatetic, involving the use of reason in discussing aspects such as divinity, the afterlife, and scientific disciplines. Some figures or philosophers relevant to the philosophical interpretation of Quranic verses include al-Kindi, al-Farabi, the Ikhwan al-Shafa order, and Ibn Sina.

Doctrine of Hijrah and Emergence of Muslim Communities in the West

The presence of Muslims in the West is not recent; their existence in the West dates back centuries. Like other minority groups, Muslims, as a religious minority, have been influenced by their circumstances. Human migration has impacted the culture, lifestyle, and habits of indigenous peoples, as migrants bring their faiths and religious traditions with them. Historically, migration occurred from the East to the West and vice versa for centuries. However, in the last two centuries, this migration has primarily been from developing to developed countries in search of a better future and employment opportunities. The doctrine of hijrah (migration) in Muslim legal thought, along with the emergence of Muslim communities in non-Muslim regions and their interactions with non-Muslims, has long been a subject of discussion among Muslim jurists. This research explores the formation of Muslim communities in non-Muslim countries and assesses the current situation in light of historical and contemporary discourses. Therefore, discussing classical concepts related to migration and the past and present emergence of Muslims in the West is appropriate. This article analyses various writings of classical and contemporary Muslim scholars on the issues of hijrah and Muslims’ settlement in the West.

Islamic Socialism and Communist Socialism: A Review of Comparative Analytical Studies

The paper reviews studies that compare Communist Socialism and Islamic Socialism to explore how Islamic Socialism is a viable alternative to both Communism and Capitalism. It investigates the shortcomings of Capitalism, which caused the emergence of the idea of socialism. The paper also discusses the strong endorsement of Islamic Socialism by prominent Muslim scholars to inspire confidence in its legitimacy. The analysis reveals that Islamic revival movements that arose during the era of Western political domination emphasized values shared by Islam and the rest of the world and initiated the concept of Islamic Socialism. The principles of Socialism, such as the government’s ownership of productive units and the establishment of social welfare programs, align with Islamic teachings on social justice. In Islam, Zakat serves as a form of funding for welfare programs and social services, reflecting the religion's compassion and concern for the poor.

Objective Approach of Muslim Scholars in the Study of Religions

An impression is given by the people of the West that the objective approach of the study of religions has not been prevalent among Muslims. On the contrary, the determination of the purpose has been done first and the research activity has been implemented later. The review of this Western claim has been presented in this paper. Two Muslim thinkers have been selected in this regard, of which Abu Al-Hasan al-Amiri (381 AH/992 AD) is related to the early ones and Al-Sheikh Ahmad Shalabi (1421 AH/2000 AD) is related to the late ones.These two Muslim thinkers have presented their explanations on comparative religions and in this paper it is clarified that in the case of Abu al-Hasan al-Amiri, the objective approach to the study of religions was prevalent among Muslims in the past. Likewise, the same critical approach is also prevalent among recent Muslims. In this paper, Abu Al-Hasan al-Amiri's "Al-Alam Bumnaqib al-Islam" and Al-Shaykh Ahmad Shalabi's "Maqaran al-Idyan" have been made the focus of study.

Did the Prophet practice Ijtihad? An Inquiry into the Prophet's Personal Opinion-Based Juridical and Judicial Ruling

This research paper delves into the intriguing question of whether the Prophet Muhammad practiced Ijtihad, issuing personal opinion-based juridical or judicial rulings without explicit divine revelation. It explores the varying perspectives of jurists and Muslim scholars on this matter, with some permitting the Prophet's reliance on his intellect and understanding for issues related to worldly affairs, such as politics, war, agriculture, and judicial cases but not religious matters. The distinction between purely religious and public affairs is supported by numerous texts and narrations. The paper discusses the controversy arising from conflicting interpretations of Quranic and Hadith texts regarding the Prophet's reliance on divine revelation versus his judgment. While some argue that all the Prophet's statements are revelations from God, others point to instances where his opinions were not based on revelation but on Ijtihad. Furthermore, this study underscores the narrower application of Ijtihad in strictly religious matters compared to its broader use in non-theological affairs, adapting to changing situations and times. This controversy prompts a reevaluation of the rigid adherence to the Prophet's tradition in all aspects of Muslim life. It raises questions about the adaptability of these traditions to contemporary situations influenced by politics, technology, culture, and social values. The paper concludes by advocating for a thoughtful categorization of the Prophet's traditions, such as Fatwahs, judicial, theology, politics, personal matters, social, and cultural issues, to determine their relevance and obligatory status for the Muslim community. This categorization, the paper argues, would provide a solid framework for applying the Prophet's tradition, taking into account the dynamic nature of public affairs.

Impacts of Dacwah Activities of Selected Muslim Scholars on Social Media Platforms on Yoruba Muslims

Social media has become an integral part of Muslims' personal and public lives. Through the advancement of the Internet, Social media networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, Telegram, Tik-Tok and personal blogs have gloriously allocated space for Dacwah activities. Thus, this study aims to assess the utilization of Social media platforms by selected Yoruba Muslim scholars for Dacwah activities and the impacts they have on Yoruba Muslims. Descriptive and analytical methods of research have been employed in carrying out this research. The descriptive method assists in describing how social media platforms are utilized by selected Yoruba Muslim scholars. The analytical method helps in analyzing the content of social media post by Yoruba Muslim scholars. Participatory observation, as a research tool, is used to follow some Ducāt in order to have access to their discussions and posts as well as get information on their impacts. The paper reveals that, as a result of advance in modern information dissemination, social media has provided innovative platforms for religious leaders to spread their messages and engage with various Muslims conveniently. The paper also reveals the effectiveness of religious scholars’ message in influencing attitudes, behaviors and perceptions among their followers. The paper concludes that the role of Social media in fostering unity, promoting values, and countering misconceptions about Islam cannot be underestimated. Therefore, it is recommended that the Yoruba Muslim scholars should make strategic use of Social media positively to impacts the Nigerian Muslims by disseminating knowledge fostering unity and countering misinformation.

Representation Of Woman Leader In The Qur'an (Power-Knowledge Relations In The Discourse On Surah An-Naml 20-44)

The presentation of the story of Queen Bilqis in the Qur’an has sparked debate among Muslim scholars regarding women's public leadership. The majority of classical and modern scholars argue that the positive portrayal of Bilqis in the Qur’an cannot be used as evidence of women’s suitability for leadership roles, as this tradition is associated with non-believers. Only a few scholars use the positive image of Bilqis as an argument for women’s leadership capabilities, asserting that it is inconceivable for the Qur’an to depict something forbidden in a positive light. This study aims to reveal the Qur’anic ideology on women’s leadership, the pro and con responses of scholars to this ideology, and the factors that have led to the dominance of interpretations that prohibit women’s leadership. This research is a literature review with a feminist approach. Data were collected through bibliographic searches of Qur’anic exegesis from the classical to the modern era. The study shows that the Qur’an fully and unconditionally recognizes women’s public leadership. However, this gender-egalitarian Qur’anic ideology has not developed from the classical to the modern era due to power-knowledge relations that regulate, limit, and control the discourse surrounding women’s agency in the Islamic public sphere. The study recommends providing equal access to women in public leadership spaces

Framing Faith and Fear: Muslim Religious Scholars Perspectives on Media Representation of Terrorism in Kenya

This study investigated the perceptions of Muslim religious scholars on media representation of terrorism in Kenya. Kenya presents a unique context for the study because of its diverse religious landscape, its specific experiences with terrorism and upsurge of digital platforms for news dissemination. Muslim scholars in Kenya, therefore, play a critical role within Muslim communities as they look after their congregation. The phenomenological theory was used as a framework for the study. The study found that there was a general perception among Muslim religious scholars that media representation of terrorism was biased towards the Muslim population. The scholars are of the view that Muslims were labelled as terrorists, terrorism sponsors or sympathizers. As a result, the religious scholars had become reluctant to consume Kenyan media products, and some of them had disconnected from various media platforms. There is need for guidelines and policies that recognize the place and the sensitivities of the Muslim population in terrorism reporting in Kenya to improve media representation of terrorism, and as well as differentiating between Islam and terrorism, as part of the guidelines, and training journalists on their implementation

Abdelwahab Meddeb and Anour Majid: Revisiting The Muslim Heritage or Celebrating the Diversity of Islamic Tradition

This paper is a celebration of the diversity of Muslim thought and tradition, an invitation to revisit the Islamic legacy and rethink mainstream Muslim scholarship in the light of the plurality , multivoicedness and richness of the Muslim faith. It is incidentally a questioning of the inability of contemporary Islam to establish interfaith dialogue with kin monotheist religions, as well as a deep interrogation of our understanding of the creed and our praxis as believers in the third millenium, compelled as we stand, to adhere to the global spirit and meet the high stakes of modernity. This conandrum interpellates the Muslim community to reconsider the rigidity nay sterility of today’s Islam, championned by the growingly powerful fundamentalist movements thriving in’ Dar Al Islam’. Islam never had a Dante who summoned the intellectual audacity to make his writing address political events as they appeared in the reality of history. I dream of this genius that Islam did not create : he would have constituted the opposite of Ibn Taymiyya. ( Meddeb, 95)

Sains dan Sastra Pada Zaman Dinasti Abbasiyah

The Abbasid Dynasty (750-1258 CE) stands as one of the most illustrious periods in Islamic history, marked by significant advancements in science and literature. These achievements were driven by several factors, including political stability, economic prosperity, and government policies that promoted research and education. During this era, Baghdad, the capital of the caliphate, emerged as the intellectual hub of the world, attracting scholars, philosophers, and writers from diverse backgrounds.Science during the Abbasid Dynasty encompassed various disciplines such as mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, and physics. Muslim scholars not only translated classical works from Greek, Persian, and Indian sources into Arabic but also conducted original research and made substantial innovations. Figures like Al-Khwarizmi, known as the father of algebra, and Al-Razi, a pioneer in medicine, symbolize the scientific achievements of this period.In the realm of literature, the Abbasid era also witnessed remarkable growth. Poetry, prose, and other literary works flourished, with contributions from notable writers such as Al-Jahiz and Al-Mutanabbi. These literary works not only reflect the cultural and intellectual richness of the time but also provide insights into the social and political life under the Abbasid caliphate.Several factors contributed to these advancements, including the presence of large libraries such as the House of Wisdom (Bayt al-Hikma), which served as centers for translation and research, and the patronage of caliphs who supported the development of science and the arts. The synergy between political stability, economic support, and visionary government policies created an environment conducive to the progress of science and literature.Thus, the Abbasid Dynasty not only represents a significant milestone in Islamic history but also greatly contributed to the advancement of human civilization through its achievements in science and literature.

Tafsir Basis Surat Perspective Abdul Hamid Al-Farahi: A Study Of The Concept Of Nazm And Its Application In The Interpretation Of Surah Al-Mursalat

Abdul Hamid al-Farahi is one of the Indian Muslim scholars who uses the interpretation of the letter based on the concept of nazm. Surah-based interpretation is interpretation that works on the letter of the Qur'an as a unified whole and has a unified theme (the sura as a unity). In this article, the author tries to explain the concept of nazm initiated by al-Farahi and how this concept is applied in the interpretation of the letter Al-Mursalat. The author uses qualitative research methods with data collection techniques through literature review. This paper shows that al-Farahi's nazm concept is a further development of the munasabah approach. Al-Farahi's concept of nazm emphasizes that each surah has an 'amud surah (central theme). 'Amud functions as a control over the resulting interpretation to build a unified letter. The application of the concept of nazm al-Farahi can be seen from his interpretation of the al-Mursalat letter. Al-Farahi stated that the 'amud of the letter revolves around warnings about the Day of Judgment, obedience to Allah, and doing good among fellow creatures. Thus, every interpretation of the verses in Surah Al-Mursalat must refer to the 'Amud of the Surah.

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.

Contemporary Approaches to Qur'anic Hermeneutics

The problem in this study focuses on the significant changes in Qur'ānic hermeneutics in the modern era, where traditional approaches are often considered inadequate in addressing contemporary issues. This discrepancy creates a need for a more contextualized and inclusive approach to interpretation. This study aims to analyze the transformation of Qur'ānic hermeneutics and offer a more contextual approach without ignoring traditional values. The research used a descriptive qualitative method with a literature review design. The research subjects comprised 15 Muslim scholars and scholars involved in contemporary Qur'anic interpretation. Data were collected through document analysis and in-depth interviews, using an interview guide as an instrument. Data analysis was conducted through content and thematic analysis approaches. The results showed that the contemporary hermeneutic approach is more adaptive to modern social and cultural changes, enriching a more inclusive and contextual interpretation methodology. This study concludes that the transformation of Qur'anic hermeneutics offers interpretations more relevant to the challenges of the times. The implication of this research shows the need for a flexible hermeneutical method to support Muslims' understanding in the modern context.

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.

A Reclassification of al-Ījī’s Akhlāq al-ʿAḍudiyya into a Model of Traditional Islamic Virtues (TIV)

While psychologists have only recently become extensively interested in character development and virtue acquisition, such an interest has existed for centuries among Muslim scholars. Islamic scholars have created many typologies and classifications of the virtues building upon the tradition they inherited from the ancient Greeks. Among the most notable works in this genre is the treatise most famously known as al-akhlāq al-ʿaḍudiyyah, written by the 14th century scholar ʿAḍud al-Dīn al-Ījī (d. 756 AH/1355 CE), which provided a comprehensive yet concise manual of the Islamic virtues that synthesized the previous work of Islamic philosophers situated within Islamic scripture. This paper provides a revised classification of the Islamic virtues by adjusting al-Ījī’s classification of virtues in his al-akhlāq al-ʿaḍudiyyah. This revised classification of virtues, referred to as Traditional Islamic Virtues (TIV), adopts the four cardinal virtues of wisdom, temperance, valor, and justice, with the addition of spirituality as an independent chief virtue with accompanying sub-virtues. TIV provides an aggregation of many of the sub-virtues enlisted by al-Ījī due to the degree of overlap between them. TIV also makes minor linguistic revisions and adds a few new sub-virtues. The definitions of each of the TIV sub-virtues are constructed by drawing upon numerous sources in the Islamic tradition while still relying mostly on al-Ījī’s classification. The process of aggregation and revision has produced five cardinal TIV virtues with 31 sub-virtues. This paper further demonstrates that a review and integration of the Islamic tradition into mainstream psychological discourses can greatly enrich the holistic practice of clinical and community psychology.

Early Muslim Scholars’ Conceptions of Character Development and Contemporary Applications in Mental Health and Well-being

Well-being, as a comprehensive phenomenon related to an individual’s emotional response and life satisfaction, has a vital importance for human beings today. Contemporary perspectives, such as the domain of positive psychology, have shifted from a pathology-oriented perception of well-being and have made efforts to include psychological and spiritual aspects in the picture. The aim of these modern approaches is to activate mechanisms of change and build positive qualities within a person. Similarly, the Islamic tradition has long emphasized the importance of physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual well-being, with the spiritual dimension at the center of the purpose of personal development. Both modern psychological and Islamic theological perspectives consider character development as essential for increasing well-being. While modern psychology uses character development only as a tool to achieve self-actualization, an Islamic perspective includes, within the concept of self-actualization, the notions and objectives of purification from the evils of the world and the self and attaining the pleasure of God. Islamic scholars in the classical period emphasized the importance of keeping a balance between good and bad character traits within the conception of human well-being. This chapter will discuss the mechanisms and approaches to character development suggested by early Muslim scholars, such as Abu Zayd al-Balkhi (9th century), Abu Hamid al-Ghazali (112th1th century), Al-Razi (13th9th century), and Birgivi (16th16th century), as well as discuss possible contemporary applications in the light of modern psychological studies. It will put forth strategies for Islamically informed character development and their potential for implementation within Islamically-integrated psychotherapy and well-being counseling within contemporary contexts.

Examining the Integration of Legal and Shariah Principles In the London Metal Exchange

Purpose: The Islamic banking system is recognized for its role in promoting the equal distribution of resources and its emphasis on risk management. This research paper explores the rulings of the London Metal Exchange (LME) within the framework of Islamic law. The main objective is to investigate the involvement and impact of Islamic banking in LME contracts. Methods: The study utilizes both primary data, obtained through interviews with Islamic banks and LME management, and secondary data from previous research. Results: The findings highlight the significant role of Islamic banks in facilitating LME contracts, with Murabaha, Tawarruq, Istisna, Salam, and Kafala identified as the most commonly used instruments in the GCC regions. However, Islamic banks also face challenges, including criticism from Muslim scholars regarding certain practices. Conclusion: Despite these challenges, there are several opportunities for Islamic banks to contribute to the further development of the Islamic financial system. By addressing concerns, increasing awareness, and adhering to Islamic principles, Islamic banks can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the financial industry.

The Politics of Religious Non-Interference: Islamic Legal Reform in Colonial India

Abstract The 1929 Child Marriage Restraint Act (cmra), initially propounded as the Sarda Bill, became the first law related to marriage enacted in colonial India to be universally applicable to all subjects regardless of personal religious affiliations. Though formally adopted before Indian independence, the crma was advanced and passed by the newly formed Central Legislative Assembly which consisted primarily of Indians. As a result, the cmra garnered vociferous debates within both Muslim and Hindu communities and signaled a new challenge for religious communities which was distinct from British colonial legal logics. The focus of this article will be on one Muslim scholarly engagement with the cmra, that of Mufti Kifāyatallāh Dihlawī, the President of the Jamʿiyyat-i ʿUlamāʾ-i Hind (juh) and a highly influential Deobandi scholar. By navigating the contours of his legal debate surrounding the cmra, this article explores how the process of Islamic legal reform in the late colonial period in India was met with a new set of challenges as Indians gaining legislative authority sought to enact legal reforms that were seen as impinging on the rights of religious communities. And while, in this case, Muslim juristic opinions were sought, they could ultimately be trumped by larger social and political forces. More broadly, this article demonstrates that as India inched towards self-governance, competing groups and entities sought to claim communal representation of Muslims, and in the process, arguments made by religious scholars, even if they were recognized as being representative of broad Muslim sentiments, could be dismissed by emerging legal logics which supported the nationalizing tendencies of the Imperial Legislative Assembly over and above the rights of religious communities.

القلق في ضوء القرآن الكريم وعلم النفس الحديث

The study aimed to explore anxiety as a psychological phenomenon, including its types, causes, and treatment methods in light of the Holy Quran and modern psychology. The research employed a descriptive-analytical approach by collecting relevant Quranic verses and comparing these concepts with those found in psychology books, as well as examining the insights of Muslim scholars and modern psychology regarding anxiety, its types, causes, and treatment. The study found that anxiety is a modern psychological concept that affects individuals due to fear, stress, or excessive thinking about certain life issues, often of unknown origin, and is a source of psychological pressure. It also revealed that the verses in the Quran addressing doubt and suspicion refer to anxiety in its modern sense. Additionally, the study showed that Quranic stories illustrate the levels and types of anxiety experienced by the prophets in different situations, including psychological anxiety, social anxiety, and objective anxiety related to their prophetic missions. Furthermore, the Quranic verses focused on the anxiety of specific groups, such as hypocrites and disbelievers, particularly concerning their doubt and suspicion in receiving the divine message and opposing the prophets. The study recommends incorporating psychological studies rooted in Islamic heritage into university curricula and encourages researchers to conduct in-depth studies on such topics. It also advocates for integrating psychological studies from the Quran and Sunnah with modern psychology.

Advanced human embryo research beyond the 14-day limit: A bioethical perspective from the Muslim world

Advancements in invitro human embryo research prompt a reconsideration of the 14-day rule, highlighting the integration of global religious perspectives, particularly Islam. Through analyzing classical Muslim scholars' perspectives and modern interdisciplinary Islamic bioethical discussions, we advocate extending the 14-day limit to at least 40days, with specified conditions.