Al-Itqān: Journal of Islamic Sciences and Comparative Studies
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Hamka's Discourse on Christianity in Tafsir al-Azhar
No full textThis article explores HAMKA’s (d. 1981) approach in his interpretation of Qur’anic verses on Christianity in his Tafsīr al-Azhar. HAMKA produces many literary works. Tafsīr al-Azhar is HAMKA’s magnum opus produced in Malay language. As a scholar and social activist, HAMKA’s Qur’anic exegesis embedded a broad range of contextualized local issues. The focus of this article is on HAMKA’s responses towards Christianity portrayed in his commentaries of the Qur’anic verses related to Christianity. A thorough textual analysis was conducted on those verses from his Tafsīr al-Azhar. The study deals with three categories of discussions on Christianity in HAMKA’s interpretation, which are Christian beliefs and doctrines, attitudes of Christians narrated in Al-Qur’ān, and self-reflection and critics to the Muslim community. This research finds that his commentaries on Christianity reflect the Muslim-Christian polemics in the context of the socio-political milieu of Indonesia in the 20th century. This research indicates that HAMKA applies an analytical approach when dealing with Christian beliefs. He adopts an argumentative approach when he highlights the flaws in Christian beliefs and counter-argues the beliefs from the Islamic perspective. In dealing with verses related to the attitudes of the Christians, HAMKA is stern in his criticism as he responds to the Christians in Indonesia. He also applies criticism when dealing with verses on Christianity but transcends as reminders to the Muslim community. The research found that HAMKA’s interpretations reflect his awareness and his grave response and critics on the threats of Christianity that interfere with Muslim affairs in Indonesia
The Influence of Western Secular Ideas of Liberalism on Some Malay Muslim Intellectual Elites in Malaysia
No full textThis paper discusses the Western ideas focusing on liberalism that influenced some Malay Muslims intellectual elites in Malaysia. This is only a conceptual paper to highlight the rise of liberalism among the Muslim intellectuals nowadays in Malaysia thus attracted the youngsters to follow them. This study is also introducing certain prominent liberalist in Malaysia to scrutinize their ideas and standpoint towards Islam because they called themselves as Muslim-liberal. The main objective of this paper is to examine some influencing factors of Western ideology upon the mind of Muslim intellectual elites that drive their actions for everyday life. The finding reveals that those intellectuals have been de-westernized their thought because of their Western educational background but still believing in Islam as their religion. As a result, their Islamic practice is merely on the mold of Western thought unlike the majority of Muslims
A Preliminary Discussion on Maqāṣid al-Sharī‘ah of Imām al-Shātibī
No full textThe study attempts to study the Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah according to al-Shāṭibī based on recent problem and issues. This paper will focus on the classification of Maqāsid al-Sharīʿah based on the views of Imām al-Shāṭibī. This study is a preliminary discussion on Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah according to the views of Imām al-Shāṭibī and his methodology in conducting contemporary issues in accordance with the Sharīʿah. Al-Shāṭibī is among the contemporary jurist to develop new ḥukm to cater the current issues that growth rapidly. Al-Shāṭibī is also called as a master architect of Maqāṣid because of his approach by dividing the law into two categories: The Purpose of the Lawgiver (Al-Qaṣd al-Shāriʿ) and The Purpose of the Subject (Al-Qaṣd al-Mukallaf). This study employs qualitative methodology by excluding the numerical data involving content analysis on written materials from books, articles and internet resources. The finding of the study reveals that al-Shāṭibi’s maqāṣid is relevant to implement upon the contemporary issues nowadays. Originally, maqāṣid was developed by al-Juwaynī and al-Ghazālī thus al-Shāṭibī restructured it systematically to cater the contemporary issues
Buddhist’s Kalyāṇamitta and Ṣūfi’s Shaykh-Murid: A Comparative Exploration of Spiritual Mentorship in Buddhism and Islam
No full textSpiritual mentorship is essential in both Buddhism and Islam because it offers seekers individualized support and direction on their path to self-realization and spiritual bliss. The Buddhist concept of Kalyāṇamitta and the Ṣūfi idea of Shaykh-Murid explain the importance of the experienced and wise spiritual guide who will assign the meditators to attain spiritual perfection. So, the objective of this research is to investigate the fundamental roles of Buddhist Kalyāṇamitta and the Sufi idea of Shaykh-Murid as methods for personal transformation and spiritual growth to make better interreligious understanding among the adherences. The study examines the philosophical foundations, historical orientations, and practical applications of these ideas in the two traditions through a comparative lens. Through an examination of relevant primary and secondary sources, scriptures, and scholarly works, this research aims to elucidate the spiritual practices that enable seekers to cross the transformative journeys of both Buddhism and Islam. Although Buddhism and Islam are two different religions, the study's findings show that they have many fundamental parallels in the pursuit of spiritual mentorship. This research concludes by empowering Buddhist-Muslim interreligious understanding and lessening misconceptions within them through finding commonalities on spiritual mentorship, and discipleship. Mentorship plays a crucial role in both Buddhism and Islam, providing personalized guidance and support to individuals on their quest for self-realization and spiritual fulfillment. This is exemplified in the Buddhist concept of Kalyāṇamitta and the Sufi notion of Shaykh-Murid, highlighting the significance of experienced and wise spiritual guides who assist practitioners in achieving spiritual excellence. Consequently, this study aims to explore the foundational roles of Buddhist Kalyāṇamitta and the Sufi concept of Shaykh-Murid as vehicles for personal transformation and spiritual development, fostering greater interreligious understanding among their followers. By employing a comparative approach, this research delves into the philosophical underpinnings, historical context, and practical applications of these concepts within both traditions. Through an examination of primary and secondary sources, scriptures, and scholarly literature, the research seeks to elucidate the spiritual practices that facilitate transformative journeys in both Buddhism and Islam. Despite the apparent differences between Buddhism and Islam, the study's findings reveal remarkable parallels in their pursuit of spiritual mentorship. In conclusion, this research empowers interreligious understanding between Buddhists and Muslims, dispelling misconceptions and highlighting common ground in the realms of spiritual mentorship and discipleship
Hamka’s Contribution to the Field of Anthropology: Another Perspective on Hamka’s Work
No full textHamka (Haji Abdul Malik Karim Amrullah) was one of the most prominent Islamic scholars. His work is widespread in Malay-speaking countries. In this paper, the researchers examine a different perspective, namely, on how far Hamka contributed to the field of anthropology. Hamka spent more than four months travelling in the United States and some Arab nations in the 1950s. He published his observations and came to some thought-provoking conclusions. Furthermore, he expressed his views about the people of Nusantara in many of his works. The researchers followed an approach of the sociology of knowledge in the sense of Karl Mannheim. The social position or the passage of time are two circumstances that may cause knowledge and perceptions to shift. It was discovered that some of Hamka’s views concern anthropological questions. Additionally, it was detected that he considered traditional anthropological concepts and participated in discussions. He gave an impression of the history of ideas within a society. Hamka used precise methods to communicate his knowledge, including realistic case studies and descriptions of his own experiences. He made a variety of contributions to anthropological knowledge and emphasised emic understanding
The Methods of Reflection on The Qurān from Tafsīr Mʿārij al-Tafakkur Wa Daqāʾiq al-Tadabbur by Ibn Ḥabannakah al-Maidānī: A Model on Sūrah al-Qiyāmah
No full textيهدف هذه البحث إلى دراسة قواعد تدبر القرآن الكريم عند الشيخ عبد الرحمن حسن حبنكة الميداني في كتابه "معارج التفكر ودقائق التدبر" من خلال سورة القيامة، مستوحىً بما وضعه الشيخ من القواعد تنظيراً في كتابه "قواعد التدبر الأمثل لكتاب الله ﷻ" الذي يعتبر مقدمة لما جاء تطبيقاً في تفسيره للآيات القرآنية. تعتمد الباحثة في دراستها على المنهج الاستقرائي والتحليلي، وهي تقوم على تناول الجزئيات في تفسير سورة القيامة للشيخ عبد الرحمن حبنكة الميداني، ومن ثم تحليلها واستنتاج القواعد التفصيلية التي سار الشيخ عليها عند تدبر السورة. ويخلص البحث إلى نتائج أهمها : أن قواعد تدبر القرآن عند الشيخ عبد الرحمن الميداني من خلال تفسيره في سورة التكوير ينبني على أسس قويمة متوازيةً بما أنشأها في كتاب "قواعد التدبر الأمثل لكتاب الله ". ومن أمثلة تلك القواعد التي طبقها الشيخ ضمن تفسير القيامة؛ اكتشاف الموضوع الذي تدور حوله السورة، والنظر في التفسير المأثور لمعنى النص القرآني، والنظر إلى ما توصلت إليه البحوث العلمية الإنسانية في الموضوع الذي يعالجه النص، والبحث عن المعاني التي تدل عليها وجوه القراءات المختلفة، وغير ذلك.This study aims to investigate the methods of reflection on the Qurān applied by ʿAbdur Raḥmān Ḥasan Ḥabannakah al-Maidānī in his book Maʿārij al-Tafakkur Wa Daqāʾiq al-Tadabbur from surah al-Qiyamah, guided by a set of principles that he has theoretically developed in his other book Qawāʿid al-Tadabbur al-Amthal li Kitābi Allāh ʿazza wa jalla which can be considered as the introduction of his exegesis book. Based on the induction and analytical method, this study concludes that the methods of reflection on the Qurān from surah al-Qiyamah applied by Ibn Ḥabannakah al-Maidānī in his exegesis were established upon sound foundations and are in parallel with the principles developed in his earlier book. For instance, to discover the theme around which the surah is revolved, to examine al-tafsīr bil maʾthur (received tafsīr) for the meaning of the Qurʾanic text, to examine the topic covered in Quranic text based on scientific research, and to study the meaning of the text based on the different types of qirāʾāt
A Terminological Issue: Islamic Phılosophy or “Phılosophy in The Islamıc World”?
No full textThere have been debates and contentions on what should be the term, translated into English, given to the discipline of falsafah or ḥikmah in the Islamic intellectual tradition. Some of the common terms given to it by both Western and Muslim scholars are ‘Islamic philosophy’, ‘Muslim philosophy’, ‘Arab philosophy’ and ‘Arabic philosophy’. More recently the term ‘philosophy in the Islamic World’ was made popular by the scholar and philosopher Peter Adamson. The reason for using this term which Adamson considers as a terminological issue is that it is the “most appropriate”, and the term Islamic Philosophy is “too obvious”. In this paper, firstly, the different terms given to the discipline of falsafah or ḥikmah as aforementioned will be discussed and secondly, why the term ‘Islamic Philosophy’ is the most precise term to be given to it will be shown. A critique of why the term coined by Adamson is imprecise and does not address the essential meaning of the discipline itself and its role in Islamic civilization will also be undertaken. This issue is of particular significance since using and explaining the correct term would be helpful to clarify how ‘Islamic philosophy’ is essentially Islamic in its definitions, principles, and characteristics. This counters the common misunderstanding that Islam does not have an authentic philosophical tradition of its own. Understanding the real meaning and role of Islamic philosophy is important to avoid the commonly held view by Muslims and non-Muslims alike that Islam has an anti-intellectual stance which is the cause of violence and extremism among its adherents
Robert N. Bellah's Civil Religion as an Approach to the Religious Diversity
No full textReligious diversity is frequently a barrier to interreligious relations. This is due to the fact that religious diversity usually leads to disputes and conflicts. As a result, many scholars offered proper approach to managing this diversity. Robert N. Bellah is popularly known with his idea of Civil Religion. This study aims to explain the concept of Civil Religion as proposed by Bellah then analyzing the implementation of his ideas for managing religious diversity. This study employs qualitative methodology through library research to collect the data. Thus, the data is analyzed by adopting descriptive and critical analysis methods. The findings revealed that Civil Religion in Bellah's view is a set of religious beliefs that are the basis and foundation for the identity and self-understanding of the United States as a nation and people. Second, Civil Religion places religion and belief under the state constitution in managing religious diversity. Third, Civil Religion is part of the understanding of religious pluralism, and even though it is a new religion, it has become the main reference for all human behavior
Al-Ma’mūn’s Strategies on Standardisation of Baytul-Hikmah: An Antidote to the Decaying System of Education in Nigeria
No full textThe Islamic worldview on education is outstanding as it implores every available means for its attainment. The primary sources of the Islamic law are replete of references on the significance of attaining qualitative education and consequences of its absence. This has helped the Muslims who played frontier roles in various fields of knowledge that the world can never underestimate.Theinfluence of Al-Ma’mūn (d. 833C.E.) towards intellectual upliftment of his people is commendable as he standardised Baytul-Hikmahand produced great scholars and learning centers. The current situation of system of education in Nigeria proves to be problematic that the strategies employed byAl-Ma’mūn could be relevant in reviving the decaying education in the country. The paperperused the strategies used byAl-Ma’mūn in realising a globally recognised center of knowledge in the medieval times. Historical and analytical research methods are employed to justify the efficacy of the strategies to effect sustainable qualitative education in Nigeria. In conclusion, having discovered that Nigerian government has every capacity and machinery required to restore and balance the qualitative education, it is recommended that Federal Government should gear up towards making a considerable funding and comprehensive implementation,hence education would be revived for better
Hamka on Chastity and Its Importance in Preserving Muslim Identity: An Analysis
No full textLifestyle of the Muslim youth nowadays has been challenged by manifold temptations, brought about by internal as well as external causes. To be identified as modern and up-to-date, many of them easily allure to modern lifestyles that recognize less religious boundaries. Observing chastity or ‘iffah has no longer been considered as relevant. Negative impacts befall the individual as well as society at various level due to non-conformities to the ethical value of chastity. Concern with remedial approach to the modern and future ethical crisis, Hamka, throughout his writings underscores the importance of chastity in thoughts, actions and, behaviour particularly in the context of Muslim relationships with others. The primary aim of this paper is to highlight the notion of chastity, challenges to observe the virtue in present time, the importance of chastity and ways of preserving and contextualizing the virtue in the light of Hamka’s wisdom