Reformist Ideas Research Articles

Disseminated Knowledge: The Advancement of Finnish Occupational Medicine and Work Psychology in a Transnational Context, c. 1945–1952

Summary This article focuses on the advancement of Finnish occupational medicine in the immediate post-war period, situating its development within a transnational context. Its objective is to offer insight into Finnish post-war industrial medicine and particularly developments in mental health care. The empirical methodology addresses a previously unexplored case study: the connections between the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH) and Roffey Park Rehabilitation Centre, established in 1943 to address various cases of industrial neurosis. The case study sheds light on the ways in which FIOH adopted reformist ideas from transnational medical communities by aligning them with the needs of Finland’s war reparations industry. The article argues that FIOH’s experts advanced new theories of mental disorder for Finland’s newly modern industrial society, and that these initiatives should be situated within broader transnational endeavours in the mental hygiene movement.

Who Were the Kazakh Jadids?

Abstract Located between the Volga-Ural region and Central Asia, where jadidism has been scrupulously studied over the past half century, the Kazakh steppe was nevertheless also an arena for the development of jadid thought, here, as elsewhere, characterized by the coexistence of modernist and Islamic reformist ideas. During the later imperial period figures identifying themselves, or subsequently identified as jadids were numerous. Jadids were active in urban commercial settlements, including Troitsk, Petropavlovsk, and Omsk, as well as in nomadic encampments on the steppe, and included Tatars, Bashkirs, and Kazakhs. The Kazakh case brings into question problems in defining jadidism itself. This is because figures identified in Kazakh Soviet, post-Soviet and in Western historiography as “intellectuals” or supposedly secular reformers also fit the definition of jadidism.

Qur’an Translation and Reformist daʿwa: Ideology, Literacy, and Modernity in West Java

Qur'an translation was an important element of the daʿwa activities of reformist Muslims in West Java at the beginning of the twentieth century, as is reflected in the publication of the Sundanese translation of Ahmad Hassan's Tafsir Al-Foerqan, as well as other Qur'an translations penned by his friends and associates. These Sundanese translations not only promote a reformist ideology, but also demonstrate a shift in the formation of translation and literary culture in West Java: from interlinear word-for-word to verse-for-verse translation; from handwriting to printed books; and from Arabic ( jawi and pegon) script to Roman script. This article explores this new tradition of Qur'an translations. Written for the modern era, they differed from the interpretive translations taught in the traditional Javanese Islamic schools ( pesantren) and were influenced by a wave of reformist ideas originating from the Middle East during the late nineteenth century.

Hamka and the Rise of Kaum Muda (the Modernist) in Indonesia

The paper aims to study the historical background of the Islamic reform movement in West Sumatra with particular reference to the idea of Haji Abdul Malik Karim Amrullah or his pseudonym Hamka (1908-1981). His religious ideal was instrumental in driving the new consciousness and unprecedented religious struggle that erupted in the late 20th century in the Malay Archipelago, which reflected the force of modern ideas of Shaykh Muhammad Abduh (1849-1905) that had brought decisive and greatest influence in the region. The reform movement he inaugurated was carried out by Kaum Muda (the young faction) in the Malay Archipelago, who disseminated his dynamics ideas and aspirations through journals and newspapers such as Al-Imam, Al-Munir, and Saudara. One of the leading figures and pioneers in the struggle of Kaum Muda was Haji Rasul dan Kiyai Ahmad Dahlan, whose legacy was continued by Hamka, who was hailed as the foremost advocate of Abduh’s reformist ideas through his influential writing and activity. To highlight this significant work and idealism, this research presents and analyzes Hamka’s struggle to lead this unprecedented religious movement for reform (islah) and renewal (tajdid) in the Malay world. This research aims to develop his legacy and monumental contribution to the history and tradition of reform in the Malay world.

Balkrishna as a Hindu Reformist in Narayan Dhakal's Pretkalpa (The Age of the Dead): A Critique of New Traditionalism

This paper examines reformation in the Nepali society as represented in Narayan Dhakal's novel Pretkalpa (The Age of the Dead). The novel advocates social reform in the Hindu society as modernity in Nepal during the early decades of the twentieth century. The paper hinges on the following research questions: How are modernity and reformation connected? To what extent does social/religious reformation contribute to modernity? Under the influence of reformist ideas from Dayanand Saraswati's Satyārtha Prakāś (The Light of Truth), Balkrishna, the protagonist of Dhakal’s novel – a Kashi educated Brahmin pundit – leads a series of reformation initiatives to change discriminatory practices across the lines of caste, gender, and class. To examine his reformist initiatives based on the Vedic knowledge, this paper recontextualizes Subir Sinha et al.'s critique of the discourse of new traditionalism in relation to the politics of development and environmentalism in India. Threatened by the reformation efforts of Balkrishna, the state – under the leadership of Chandra Shamsher – does everything it can do to retain the orthodox Hinduism, casteism, and feudalism. Eventually, the feudal Rana system based on the practices like cākarī and caplusī (sycophancy and flattery) prevails, exposing the vulnerability of new traditionalism and thereby of the conservative modernity as well. Discussing modernity, reformation, and new traditionalism, and their connections between and among them to analyze the novel, the paper foregrounds new traditionalism as a significant concept to examine modernity in Nepal.

Between Sādhū and Darwesh: Storytelling and Social Reform in S. uġhrā Humāyūñ Mirzā’s Mohinī (1929)

Ṣuġhrā Humāyūñ Mirzā (1884–1958) was a reformer, journalist, writer and traveller from the erstwhile princely state of Haidarābād, Dakkan. She wrote prolifically and used her fiction and non-fiction as a vehicle for her reformist ideas and objectives. However, scholarly focus on Ṣuġhrā Begum’s reformist work alone risks dismissal of her literary creativity and innovation. This paper aims to address this gap through an analysis of the narrative and stylistic features of Ṣuġhrā Begum’s Urdū novel, Mohinī (1929). I suggest a reading of this text on its own terms, i.e. one that emerges from the text and the motivations of its author, rather than through measurements with standard—usually Western—yardsticks or other assumptions about Ṣuġhrā Begum’s ostensibly singular priorities. Instead, I argue that Mohinī should be read in the context of the development of the Urdū novel, which was taking shape through the encounter between Western modes of representation made prominent through colonialism and existing Indian storytelling traditions, such as the qiṣṣāh. In the process, this paper expands the scholarship on this writer by offering a study of the creative features of her fiction and calls for the imagination of South Asian and wider Persianate print realisms that are not bound by rationalist epistemologies and encapsulate broader systems of knowledge.

Conceitos do que é permitido e proibido no Islã através da análise da fatwa de Ibn Taymiyyah

Abstract: The study of Ibn Taymiyyah’s ideas on haram and halal in Islam remains relevant for understanding Islamic jurisprudence, ethics, cultural identity and contemporary issues. The purpose of the paper is to analyze Ibn Taymiyyah’s works and identify his most important concepts for the Muslim community. The methods of analyzing fatwas, written by Ibn Taymiyyah, and methods of interpreting and comparing the concepts of forbidden and permitted in Islam were used to achieve the purpose of the study. The main conclusion of the study is that Ibn Taymiyyah was known for his research in Islamic law, theology and morality. The figure had conservative views, and due to his own reformist ideas, he was repeatedly convicted. Despite this, he criticized traditional teachings about Islam and supported the need to reform some aspects of Islamic practice. Ibn Taymiyyah attached great importance to the examination of Prophet Muhammad’s Quran and Sunnah to understand what is forbidden and allowed in various areas of Muslim life. He stressed the importance of a healthy diet, the need to follow Islamic principles in financial matters and the preservation of dignity and respectful behavior in all aspects of life.

Islamic Revival in Kazakhstan from the Historical Perspective (1991-2020)

In recent years, researchers have increasingly posed the question of the role of Islam in shaping an individual's personality, their spiritual worldview, and socio-cultural identity in the post-Soviet space. This study aims to analyze the process of Islam's resurgence in the Republic of Kazakhstan, particularly in the context of its independence. The study employs a methodological framework grounded in the historical method of comparison. The findings underscore that Islam has evolved into an integral component of contemporary global civilization. In the era of globalization, it has undergone transformations across various levels of public life, serving as a unifying force for diverse reformist ideologies within the Islamic world. The study's conclusion highlights the contemporary period in the Republic of Kazakhstan as characterized by a national revival. This revival encompasses the revitalization of national culture and religion, with a strong emphasis on the development of national culture rooted in traditional spiritual values. Additionally, it recognizes the significant role of religion in shaping national identity. However, it is essential to acknowledge the ongoing tension between historically entrenched aspects of Islam and modern trends. This tension underscores the Islamic resurgence as a unifying force driving reformist ideas within the Islamic world. In summary, the Republic of Kazakhstan's modern era is marked by a profound national revival that encompasses cultural revitalization and a renewed recognition of religion's role in shaping national identity. This revival exists alongside the ongoing interplay between historical Islamic elements and contemporary influences.

REFORMIST IDEAS OF FRENCH PHILOSOPHY: LATE TWENTIETH TO EARLY TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY

REFORMIST IDEAS OF FRENCH PHILOSOPHY: LATE TWENTIETH TO EARLY TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY

Mandailing Ulama in Modern Malaysia: The Intellectual Network and Works of Shaykh ‘Abd al-Qādir al-Mandīlī

Abstract: This article examines the intellectual network and manuscript legacy of Shaykh ‘Abd al-Qādir al-Mandīlī, a scholar from South Tapanuli, Indonesia, who dedicated his knowledge abroad in Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. The study employs a literature review approach with a historical perspective. Primary sources for this research consist of all works authored by the scholar, written entirely in Malay with Arabic script. The study demonstrates his dissemination of reformist ideas through religious education in both Malaysia and the Haramain, alongside the composition of numerous yellow books (kitab kuning). He fostered relationships with various scholars and attracted numerous students in both the Haramain and Malaysia. All his scholars are prominent figures in the Shāfi‘ī and Ash‘ari schools. Additionally, he propagated neo-Sufism by harmonizing between Shariah and Sufism. This study further corroborates Azyumardi Azra's theory on the network of scholars. Keywords: ulama, Mandailing, Malaysia, intellectual networks, Islamic manuscripts

The Relevance of Fazlur Rahman's Concept of Education to the Independent Learning Curriculum

Islamic education in developing countries like Indonesia also incorporates elements influenced by Western education. It seems that a large number of educated Muslims rely on Western intellectuals as a foundation to build their understanding of optimal educational design. However, some Muslim scholars have extraordinary and unconventional ideas. One example is Fazlur Rahman, whose writings have received significant attention and analysis among Western academics. This research examines Fazlur Rahman's reformist ideas about the education model, particularly its application in modern Islamic education. This research aims to determine the application of this model to independent learning in the Indonesian national education system. So, it is expected to find relevance in the concept of education offered by Fazlur Rahman with independent learning. With the discovery of this relevance, it can be understood that the idea of independent learning implemented in Indonesia is close to the concept of Islamic education. As understood by a Muslim academic, the idea of education must be paradigmized in the values of Islamic teachings.

Difficulties Of the Executives of The ‘’ Educational Association’’ At the Beginning and During Its Operation

The article deals with the executives of the Educational Association "Ekpaideftikós Omilos "(EO) at the beginning and during of its operation, from 1910 to 1930, in Greece. The Educational Association was founded by well-known and prominent people of the time, with the main purpose of improving Greek education and language and educational reform. Founders and executives sought to diffuse reformist ideas from the aristocratic society of their time. They faced several difficulties in cooperation, collecting the prejudice of the others while in 1920 Triantafyllidis leaves the Group for reasons of not getting along with Glinos. After 1920-1922, new ideological upheavals posed intense concerns to the speakers and contributed to its disintegration and later dissolution. The pioneers of the Group seemed quite concerned about the Idea of demoticism, their action was intertwined with the composition of their forces, although the contribution and distinct roles of the three are recognized, at the same time the particularly important presence of Glinos in the attempts at reform was clear. The work is going to investigate the ground, the preparation of the members of the EO and the general and special conditions that have prepared its creation. The method followed is the historical interpretive method of accessing evidence from several archives as well as relevant literature. The research demonstrates that the protagonists of the EO from the beginning experience many obstacles and difficulties in the mutual understanding and processing of the purpose of establishing their organization related to the recovery of Greek education and linguistic renewal with the use of the vernacular in school. It seems the lack of disposition of some for personal work and the strong prejudice of the people for the populists of the Group. At the same time, major ideological confrontations between Delmouzos and Glinos are erased, after the Asia Minor disaster and the arrival of refugees in Greece.

A ‘Liberal Solution’ to Slave Emancipation: State Institutions, Party Politics, and the Trials of Political Abolitionism in Mid-1880s Brazil

ABSTRACT The article examines slavery and abolitionism in Brazil in the mid-1880s and thereby contributes to historiography and expands our understanding of the Brazilian Empire’s political conflicts in its final decade. It contends that abolitionism was not only compatible with liberal reformist ideas, but also impelled the Liberal Party to endorse an expanded interpretation of citizenship (civil and political) and the role of the state in protecting the rights of citizens, including those emerging from slavery. This convergence provoked a virulent anti-institutional reaction among Conservative and pro-slavery hardliners that proved fatal to the emerging democratic stream of Brazilian liberalism.

Islam and politics: a comparative analysis of the theological positions of the Egyptian ‘Alī Abd al-Rāziq (d.1966) and the Senegalese Cheikh Moussa Kamara (d.1945)

The mid-20th century saw the fall of the Ottoman Empire, the last Muslim caliphate, and at the same time, European imperialism continued to develop in Muslim-majority societies. The clash between Europe and the Muslim world also led to the emergence of reformist ideas, sparking intense debate on democracy, women’s rights, the relationship between religion and power, and so on. Added to this, colonization also dismantled well-established systems, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, and imposed its hegemony. In this context, the relationship that Muslims had to maintain with colonial power was also the subject of debate. The aim of our contribution is to analyze the theological thinking of one of the first to question the political nature of Islam, namely the Egyptian ‘Alī ‘Abd al-Rāziq, author of the now famous book Al-Islām wa uṣūl al-ḥukm (Islam and the Foundations of Power). His reflections will be analyzed in comparison with those of a sub-Saharan author, Cheikh Moussa Kamara, author of Akṯar al-rāġibīn, a reflection on the use of religion for power purposes in colonial Africa. The aim will be to highlight how both think about the relationship between spiritual authority and temporal power.

La liturgia en la encrucijada de la reforma religiosa en los monasterios femeninos castellanos

This article studies how examining liturgical books and certain sources that are not strictly liturgical, such as normative texts or miscellanies, can reshape our views and change our assumptions about reform processes in Late Medieval Castilian convents. It offers a detailed examination of the gendered definition of auctoritas, and the role of women in planning and performing the liturgy and the transmission of knowledge. This analysis considers canonical and theological texts together with liturgical sources and normative texts that codified the liturgy: ordinaries, ceremonials, customaries, etc., from female monasteries. Some of these sources were copied in miscellaneous volumes which will be discussed as vehicles for the transfer of knowledge and the creation of a reformed identity in close relationship with the liturgy. Finally, analyzing the circulation of some of these manuscripts through different networks will allow us propose some hypotheses about their roles in the early dissemination of reformist ideas in Castile.

National Dreams, Worldly Visions

Abstract This essay explores the intertwined trajectories of a cluster of Argentine magazines, leftist and avant-garde: Proa, Martín Fierro, Insurrexit, and Revista de Oriente which, in their own peculiar ways, rocked and transformed the Buenos Aires cultural scene. It charts the magazines’ fleeting – though momentous – life-spans and existences at a time of revolution, when small collectives of writers and students spread radical and reformist ideas, formal experimentation, and a vernacular revival. While the nagging question of national identity underpinned the magazines’ literary aesthetics, the essay shows that, from the start, those at the editorial helm increasingly steered them towards the wider waters of world literature. Inasmuch as they realised that the conundrum of how to invent a modern Argentine literature could only be resolved dialectically, facing both inwards and outwards, nationally and transnationally, through the relationship between Argentina, Latin America, and the world at large.

Lessons from the Protestant Reformation for Today’s Islamic World

The Muslim world is in crisis – politically, socially and economically – and Islam is in need of a reformation. Drawing on insights from the Protestant Reformation, this article argues that two of the major reasons for the success of the Protestant Reformation lay in the fact that dissident voices such as that of Martin Luther were protected and that developments like the printing press increased literacy thereby empowering ordinary people to read the Bible on their own without the Church serving as a mediator in conveying revelation to the masses. This helped to break the monopoly of the Catholic Church. At the same time, the printing press allowed the views of reformers to be disseminated to a wider audience creating widespread sympathies for the reformers given the excesses of the Church. Whilst the Muslim world shares many objective realities of the period leading to Europe’s Reformation, the reality is that reformers are provided with little protection from Muslim political elites and widespread illiteracy prevents reformist ideas from gaining traction to a wider audience.

Sufis as Sacred Props: Hagiographical Transmutation of Shāh Ḥusayn (945/1538–1008/1599)

Sufism has been subjected to reformist ideas, whether by the colonial Orientalists or the post-colonial Islamic Republic of Pakistan. This research investigates the process of colonial and post-colonial reformism through the hagiographical transmutation of a malāmatī Qādirī Sufi, Shāh Ḥusayn. It observes that the idea of colonial reformism cannot be thoroughly applied in this case—the post-colonial Pakistani state rigorously implemented its reformist policies and transmuted the saint’s image, while Western academia depicts him as queer. Therefore, the paper argues that Sufis have been used as sacred props by colonial and post-colonial reformists and scholars, resulting in multiple and contradictory Shāh Ḥusayns.

What is a vishwaguru? Indian civilizational pedagogy as a transformative global imperative

Abstract Ambitions for India to enact the role of vishwaguru or ‘world teacher’ are a conspicuous feature of foreign policy discourse under contemporary Hindu nationalist rule in India. This discourse, and India's foreign-policy practice, engage the international realm with a puzzling intensity given Hindu nationalism's inward-looking and exclusionary emphasis on majoritarian cultural unity. In this article, I leverage International Relations scholarship on social closure, international order and recognition struggles to examine the historical lineages and recent articulations of nineteenth-century religious reformist ideas about India's world mission and spiritual superiority. I argue that different Indian civilizational imaginaries across time produce a pedagogical imperative, aimed at the transformation of global social hierarchies. Centred on a quest to assert social superiority and remake the terms of recognition, any given vishwaguru project nonetheless relies on international recognition. The recent domestic and diasporic appeal of Hindu nationalist foreign policy stems from how it appears to intervene to rectify the longstanding misrecognition of India. In this context, western liberal states' instrumental recognition of India as a democratic partner and defender of liberal order in the face of a ‘China challenge’ works to endorse and bolster the vishwaguru project of India's current domestic political moment.

Expressivism, Pluralism, and Charlotte Perkins Gilman's “A Suggestion on the Negro Problem”

Expressivism, Pluralism, and Charlotte Perkins Gilman's “A Suggestion on the Negro Problem”