The Higher Objectives of Islamic Theology

The Higher Objectives of Islamic Theology

Author: Mohammed Gamal Abdelnour

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2022-11-04

Total Pages: 193

ISBN-13: 0197648630

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In the Islamic tradition, fiqh (Islamic law) is generally regarded as the science of furū'al-dīn (matters complementary to the Islamic faith), as opposed to kalām (Islamic theology) which is known as the science of uṣūl al-dīn (matters primary to the Islamic faith). Over time, however, fiqh has significantly surpassed Kalām in terms of cognitive maturation and epistemic development. In The Higher Objectives of Islamic Theology, Mohammed Gamal Abdelnour argues that far too little attention has been paid to parallel developments in Islamic theology. Consequently, the theological project in the Islamic tradition has largely become limited to definitions and deliberations about the nature and qualities of the transcendent God, and has barely developed as a systematic discipline devoted to the higher objectives of Islamic theology, similar to those of Maqāṣid al-Sharī?a (higher objectives of Islamic law). Addressing this gap and drawing on the full-fledged genre of Maqāṣid al-Sharī?a, this study aims to develop a genre of Maqāṣid al-?Aqīda (higher objectives of Islamic theology) based on a scheme of core values (Truth, Justice, Beauty), instead of a scheme of .hudūd (penalties). Arguing that the tradition's current overemphasis on law (Justice) has relegated both theology (Truth) and Sufism (Beauty) to the periphery of the tradition, Abdelnour illustrates how this marginalisation of theology and Sufism leaves less room for an "ethical Islam" and instead prioritises "legal" and "political Islam." In shifting the focus from law to theology, the book thereby grapples with such questions as: why did Islamic theology fail to develop a systemic genre of Maqāṣid al-?Aqīda? How do we chart out a map to guide the process of founding such an area? In what ways can the emerging Maqāṣid al-?Aqīda benefit from the well-established Maqāṣid al-Sharī?a? What are the ramif underdeveloped theology?


Book Synopsis The Higher Objectives of Islamic Theology by : Mohammed Gamal Abdelnour

Download or read book The Higher Objectives of Islamic Theology written by Mohammed Gamal Abdelnour and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2022-11-04 with total page 193 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the Islamic tradition, fiqh (Islamic law) is generally regarded as the science of furū'al-dīn (matters complementary to the Islamic faith), as opposed to kalām (Islamic theology) which is known as the science of uṣūl al-dīn (matters primary to the Islamic faith). Over time, however, fiqh has significantly surpassed Kalām in terms of cognitive maturation and epistemic development. In The Higher Objectives of Islamic Theology, Mohammed Gamal Abdelnour argues that far too little attention has been paid to parallel developments in Islamic theology. Consequently, the theological project in the Islamic tradition has largely become limited to definitions and deliberations about the nature and qualities of the transcendent God, and has barely developed as a systematic discipline devoted to the higher objectives of Islamic theology, similar to those of Maqāṣid al-Sharī?a (higher objectives of Islamic law). Addressing this gap and drawing on the full-fledged genre of Maqāṣid al-Sharī?a, this study aims to develop a genre of Maqāṣid al-?Aqīda (higher objectives of Islamic theology) based on a scheme of core values (Truth, Justice, Beauty), instead of a scheme of .hudūd (penalties). Arguing that the tradition's current overemphasis on law (Justice) has relegated both theology (Truth) and Sufism (Beauty) to the periphery of the tradition, Abdelnour illustrates how this marginalisation of theology and Sufism leaves less room for an "ethical Islam" and instead prioritises "legal" and "political Islam." In shifting the focus from law to theology, the book thereby grapples with such questions as: why did Islamic theology fail to develop a systemic genre of Maqāṣid al-?Aqīda? How do we chart out a map to guide the process of founding such an area? In what ways can the emerging Maqāṣid al-?Aqīda benefit from the well-established Maqāṣid al-Sharī?a? What are the ramif underdeveloped theology?


The Higher Objectives of Humanity

The Higher Objectives of Humanity

Author: Azman Hussin

Publisher:

Published: 2016-11-17

Total Pages: 284

ISBN-13: 9781539004110

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This book discusses the why, what and how of Rahmatan lil-Alamin as the higher objective of humanity. It presents a practical understanding of the purpose of creation and humanity to improve the individual and collective well-being of Muslims and society. The intention is to re-introduce and re-emphasize the correct Islamic perspective of humanity.The first five chapters revisits the common understanding among Muslims as to why mankind is created. We show that the prevalent view that we are created to worship Allah (SWT) is incomplete. There is a higher and more noble purpose; Rahmatan lil-Alamin (mercy to the worlds).We next describe the what of Rahmatan lil-Alamin. The best role model of Rahmatan lil-Alamin is undoubtedly Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the last and final prophet and messenger, whom Allah (SWT) sent with a very clear purpose, "And We have not sent you but as a mercy to the worlds." [21:107]. We present many examples from the history of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and a collection of his (SAW) sayings and advice on being the best.The final chapters of the book deal with the how of Rahmatan lil-Alamin. We describe in detail how the Muslim can apply Rahmatan lil-Alamin daily in his or her life. We propose a practical model of Rahmatan lil-Alamin that we induced from the Quran. We also addressed how to apply Rahmatan lil-Alamin to a broader society by proposing a decision-making tool that can guide us as persons and as communities to make decisions that conform to the foundations and priorities of Rahmatan lil-Alamin. We present case studies from the history of the Companions using this decision-making model.This book seeks to establish a connection between Islam and civilization within a civilizational and ethical framework. We believe that a more proper and complete understanding of the Islamic view about humanity may present to us new perspectives of Islam and how Muslims should engage with fellow Muslims and people of other faiths. In fact, the implication of this new reinterpretation framework goes even further in that: any human civilization built on this framework is the most prosperous for the whole and also for the individuals in it.


Book Synopsis The Higher Objectives of Humanity by : Azman Hussin

Download or read book The Higher Objectives of Humanity written by Azman Hussin and published by . This book was released on 2016-11-17 with total page 284 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book discusses the why, what and how of Rahmatan lil-Alamin as the higher objective of humanity. It presents a practical understanding of the purpose of creation and humanity to improve the individual and collective well-being of Muslims and society. The intention is to re-introduce and re-emphasize the correct Islamic perspective of humanity.The first five chapters revisits the common understanding among Muslims as to why mankind is created. We show that the prevalent view that we are created to worship Allah (SWT) is incomplete. There is a higher and more noble purpose; Rahmatan lil-Alamin (mercy to the worlds).We next describe the what of Rahmatan lil-Alamin. The best role model of Rahmatan lil-Alamin is undoubtedly Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the last and final prophet and messenger, whom Allah (SWT) sent with a very clear purpose, "And We have not sent you but as a mercy to the worlds." [21:107]. We present many examples from the history of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and a collection of his (SAW) sayings and advice on being the best.The final chapters of the book deal with the how of Rahmatan lil-Alamin. We describe in detail how the Muslim can apply Rahmatan lil-Alamin daily in his or her life. We propose a practical model of Rahmatan lil-Alamin that we induced from the Quran. We also addressed how to apply Rahmatan lil-Alamin to a broader society by proposing a decision-making tool that can guide us as persons and as communities to make decisions that conform to the foundations and priorities of Rahmatan lil-Alamin. We present case studies from the history of the Companions using this decision-making model.This book seeks to establish a connection between Islam and civilization within a civilizational and ethical framework. We believe that a more proper and complete understanding of the Islamic view about humanity may present to us new perspectives of Islam and how Muslims should engage with fellow Muslims and people of other faiths. In fact, the implication of this new reinterpretation framework goes even further in that: any human civilization built on this framework is the most prosperous for the whole and also for the individuals in it.


The Concept of Belief in Islamic Theology

The Concept of Belief in Islamic Theology

Author: Toshihiko Izutsu

Publisher: The Other Press

Published: 2006

Total Pages: 332

ISBN-13: 9839154702

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Book Synopsis The Concept of Belief in Islamic Theology by : Toshihiko Izutsu

Download or read book The Concept of Belief in Islamic Theology written by Toshihiko Izutsu and published by The Other Press. This book was released on 2006 with total page 332 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


Maqasid al-Shari’a and Contemporary Reformist Muslim Thought

Maqasid al-Shari’a and Contemporary Reformist Muslim Thought

Author: A. Duderija

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2014-09-04

Total Pages: 431

ISBN-13: 1137319410

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It is the first study which comprehensively, systematically and critically examines the role and usefulness of the concept of Maqasid al-Shari'a (higher Objectives of Islamic Law) in contemporary Muslim reformist thought in relation to number of specific issues pertaining to Islamic legal philosophy, law, ethics and the socio-political sphere.


Book Synopsis Maqasid al-Shari’a and Contemporary Reformist Muslim Thought by : A. Duderija

Download or read book Maqasid al-Shari’a and Contemporary Reformist Muslim Thought written by A. Duderija and published by Springer. This book was released on 2014-09-04 with total page 431 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: It is the first study which comprehensively, systematically and critically examines the role and usefulness of the concept of Maqasid al-Shari'a (higher Objectives of Islamic Law) in contemporary Muslim reformist thought in relation to number of specific issues pertaining to Islamic legal philosophy, law, ethics and the socio-political sphere.


Islam is Mercy

Islam is Mercy

Author: Mouhanad Khorchide

Publisher: Verlag Herder GmbH

Published: 2014-11-27

Total Pages: 172

ISBN-13: 3451802864

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* The first outline of a contemporary European approach to Islamic theology With this book, Mouhanad Khorchide introduces a contemporary approach to Islamic theology. He demonstrates how Islam can make the ground-breaking step towards a theology centred around a merciful God – a step achieved from within and not imposed from the outside. A real sensation – not only from an academic point of view! Mouhanad Khorchide: "With my book, I aim to outline a theological approach centred around mercy and present it as an alternative to the theological approach of obedience and fear which is so widespread in the Islamic world - in a straightforward way, also accessible to non-experts. For me, Islam is a message of mercy ... The divine character trait God uses most frequently in the Qur'an to describe Himself is mercy ... It is astounding that this God, the All-Merciful, is so thoroughly neglected in Islamic theology and popular belief!"


Book Synopsis Islam is Mercy by : Mouhanad Khorchide

Download or read book Islam is Mercy written by Mouhanad Khorchide and published by Verlag Herder GmbH. This book was released on 2014-11-27 with total page 172 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: * The first outline of a contemporary European approach to Islamic theology With this book, Mouhanad Khorchide introduces a contemporary approach to Islamic theology. He demonstrates how Islam can make the ground-breaking step towards a theology centred around a merciful God – a step achieved from within and not imposed from the outside. A real sensation – not only from an academic point of view! Mouhanad Khorchide: "With my book, I aim to outline a theological approach centred around mercy and present it as an alternative to the theological approach of obedience and fear which is so widespread in the Islamic world - in a straightforward way, also accessible to non-experts. For me, Islam is a message of mercy ... The divine character trait God uses most frequently in the Qur'an to describe Himself is mercy ... It is astounding that this God, the All-Merciful, is so thoroughly neglected in Islamic theology and popular belief!"


Radical Reform

Radical Reform

Author: Tariq Ramadan

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2009-02-05

Total Pages: 385

ISBN-13: 0195331710

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In this new book, Tariq Ramadan argues that it is crucial to find theoretical and practical solutions that will enable Western Muslims to remain faithful to Islamic ethics while fully living within their societies and their time. He notes that Muslim scholars often refer to the notion of ijtihad (critical and renewed reading of the foundational texts) as the only way for Muslims to take up these modern challenges. But, Ramadan argues, in practice such readings have effectively reached the limits of their ability to serve the faithful in the West as well as the East. In this book he sets forward a radical new concept of ijtihad, which puts context -- including the knowledge derived from the hard and human sciences, cultures and their geographic and historical contingencies -- on an equal footing with the scriptures as a source of Islamic law.


Book Synopsis Radical Reform by : Tariq Ramadan

Download or read book Radical Reform written by Tariq Ramadan and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2009-02-05 with total page 385 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this new book, Tariq Ramadan argues that it is crucial to find theoretical and practical solutions that will enable Western Muslims to remain faithful to Islamic ethics while fully living within their societies and their time. He notes that Muslim scholars often refer to the notion of ijtihad (critical and renewed reading of the foundational texts) as the only way for Muslims to take up these modern challenges. But, Ramadan argues, in practice such readings have effectively reached the limits of their ability to serve the faithful in the West as well as the East. In this book he sets forward a radical new concept of ijtihad, which puts context -- including the knowledge derived from the hard and human sciences, cultures and their geographic and historical contingencies -- on an equal footing with the scriptures as a source of Islamic law.


Islamic Theology and the Problem of Evil

Islamic Theology and the Problem of Evil

Author: Safaruk Chowdhury

Publisher: American University in Cairo Press

Published: 2021-04-06

Total Pages: 350

ISBN-13: 164903055X

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A rigorous study of the problem of evil in Islamic theology Like their Jewish and Christian co-religionists, Muslims have grappled with how God, who is perfectly good, compassionate, merciful, powerful, and wise permits intense and profuse evil and suffering in the world. At its core, Islamic Theology and the Problem of Evil explores four different problems of evil: human disability, animal suffering, evolutionary natural selection, and Hell. Each study argues in favor of a particular kind of explanation or justification (theodicy) for the respective evil. Safaruk Chowdhury unpacks the notion of evil and its conceptualization within the mainstream Sunni theological tradition, and the various ways in which theologians and philosophers within that tradition have advanced different types of theodicies. He not only builds on previous works on the topic, but also looks at kinds of theodicies previously unexplored within Islamic theology, such as an evolutionary theodicy. Distinguished by its application of an analytic-theology approach to the subject and drawing on insights from works of both medieval Muslim theologians and philosophers and contemporary philosophers of religion, this novel and highly systematic study will appeal to students and scholars, not only of theology but of philosophy as well.


Book Synopsis Islamic Theology and the Problem of Evil by : Safaruk Chowdhury

Download or read book Islamic Theology and the Problem of Evil written by Safaruk Chowdhury and published by American University in Cairo Press. This book was released on 2021-04-06 with total page 350 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A rigorous study of the problem of evil in Islamic theology Like their Jewish and Christian co-religionists, Muslims have grappled with how God, who is perfectly good, compassionate, merciful, powerful, and wise permits intense and profuse evil and suffering in the world. At its core, Islamic Theology and the Problem of Evil explores four different problems of evil: human disability, animal suffering, evolutionary natural selection, and Hell. Each study argues in favor of a particular kind of explanation or justification (theodicy) for the respective evil. Safaruk Chowdhury unpacks the notion of evil and its conceptualization within the mainstream Sunni theological tradition, and the various ways in which theologians and philosophers within that tradition have advanced different types of theodicies. He not only builds on previous works on the topic, but also looks at kinds of theodicies previously unexplored within Islamic theology, such as an evolutionary theodicy. Distinguished by its application of an analytic-theology approach to the subject and drawing on insights from works of both medieval Muslim theologians and philosophers and contemporary philosophers of religion, this novel and highly systematic study will appeal to students and scholars, not only of theology but of philosophy as well.


Understanding Maqasid al-Shari’ah

Understanding Maqasid al-Shari’ah

Author: Musfir bin Ali al-Qahtani

Publisher: International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT)

Published: 2015-01-01

Total Pages: 213

ISBN-13: 1565647947

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Dr. Musafir bin Ali al-Qahtani's work contributes to the ever growing body of scholarly literature in the field of maqasid al-Shari'ah (higher objectives of Islamic law). Understanding Maqasidal-Shari’ah calls for the development of a juridicial sense that is finely tuned to the higher objectives and purposes of Islamic rulings, the aims of which are the formulation of a new methodology in understanding the revealed texts and the reform of Muslim thought and its application. The author draws attention to the importance of understanding various levels of maqasid, including distinguishing between primary aims (al-maqasid al-asliyyah) and secondary aims (al-maqasid al-tabi'ah). Al-Qahtani asserts that a positive understanding of the objectives of the Shari'ah should produce affirming human and cultural developments in Muslim societies. The real strength of this work, however, is in the author's application of higher objectives and aims to different areas of jurisprudence, such as in deriving and issuing religious rulings (ifta'). and to important social issues and problems present in Muslim societies, such as extremism, jihad, commanding right and forbidding wrong, social change, crisis of Muslim thought, countering religious excessiveness, the need for recreation and leisure, citizenship and nation-belonging, spreading beauty and harmony in Islam, and the role of Muslim women in society.


Book Synopsis Understanding Maqasid al-Shari’ah by : Musfir bin Ali al-Qahtani

Download or read book Understanding Maqasid al-Shari’ah written by Musfir bin Ali al-Qahtani and published by International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT). This book was released on 2015-01-01 with total page 213 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Dr. Musafir bin Ali al-Qahtani's work contributes to the ever growing body of scholarly literature in the field of maqasid al-Shari'ah (higher objectives of Islamic law). Understanding Maqasidal-Shari’ah calls for the development of a juridicial sense that is finely tuned to the higher objectives and purposes of Islamic rulings, the aims of which are the formulation of a new methodology in understanding the revealed texts and the reform of Muslim thought and its application. The author draws attention to the importance of understanding various levels of maqasid, including distinguishing between primary aims (al-maqasid al-asliyyah) and secondary aims (al-maqasid al-tabi'ah). Al-Qahtani asserts that a positive understanding of the objectives of the Shari'ah should produce affirming human and cultural developments in Muslim societies. The real strength of this work, however, is in the author's application of higher objectives and aims to different areas of jurisprudence, such as in deriving and issuing religious rulings (ifta'). and to important social issues and problems present in Muslim societies, such as extremism, jihad, commanding right and forbidding wrong, social change, crisis of Muslim thought, countering religious excessiveness, the need for recreation and leisure, citizenship and nation-belonging, spreading beauty and harmony in Islam, and the role of Muslim women in society.


Imam Al-Shatibi's Theory of the Higher Objectives and Intents of Islamic Law

Imam Al-Shatibi's Theory of the Higher Objectives and Intents of Islamic Law

Author: Ahmad Al-Raysuni

Publisher: International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT)

Published: 2005-01-01

Total Pages: 482

ISBN-13: 1565644123

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With the end of the early Islamic period, Muslim scholars came to sense that a rift had begun to emerge between the teachings and principles of Islam and Muslims’ daily reality and practices. The most important means by which scholars sought to restore the intimate contact between Muslims and the Qur’an was to study the objectives of Islam, the causes behind Islamic legal rulings and the intentions and goals underlying the Shari'ah, or Islamic Law. They made it clear that every legal ruling in Islam has a function which it performs, an aim which it realizes, a cause, be it explicit or implicit, and an intention which it seeks to fulfill, and all of this in order to realize benefit to human beings or to ward off harm or corruption. They showed how these intentions, and higher objectives might at times be contained explicitly in the texts of the Qur’an and the Sunnah, while at other times, scholars might bring them to light by means of independent reasoning based on their understanding of the Qur’an and the Sunnah within a framework of time and space. This book represents a pioneering contribution presenting a comprehensive theory of the objectives of Islamic law in its various aspects, as well as a painstaking study of objectives-based thought as pioneered by the father of objectives-based jurisprudence, Imam Abu Ishaq al-Shatibi; in addition, the author presents us with an important study of al-Shatibi himself which offers a wealth of new, beneficial information about the life, thought and method of this venerable man.


Book Synopsis Imam Al-Shatibi's Theory of the Higher Objectives and Intents of Islamic Law by : Ahmad Al-Raysuni

Download or read book Imam Al-Shatibi's Theory of the Higher Objectives and Intents of Islamic Law written by Ahmad Al-Raysuni and published by International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT). This book was released on 2005-01-01 with total page 482 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: With the end of the early Islamic period, Muslim scholars came to sense that a rift had begun to emerge between the teachings and principles of Islam and Muslims’ daily reality and practices. The most important means by which scholars sought to restore the intimate contact between Muslims and the Qur’an was to study the objectives of Islam, the causes behind Islamic legal rulings and the intentions and goals underlying the Shari'ah, or Islamic Law. They made it clear that every legal ruling in Islam has a function which it performs, an aim which it realizes, a cause, be it explicit or implicit, and an intention which it seeks to fulfill, and all of this in order to realize benefit to human beings or to ward off harm or corruption. They showed how these intentions, and higher objectives might at times be contained explicitly in the texts of the Qur’an and the Sunnah, while at other times, scholars might bring them to light by means of independent reasoning based on their understanding of the Qur’an and the Sunnah within a framework of time and space. This book represents a pioneering contribution presenting a comprehensive theory of the objectives of Islamic law in its various aspects, as well as a painstaking study of objectives-based thought as pioneered by the father of objectives-based jurisprudence, Imam Abu Ishaq al-Shatibi; in addition, the author presents us with an important study of al-Shatibi himself which offers a wealth of new, beneficial information about the life, thought and method of this venerable man.


Slavery and Islam

Slavery and Islam

Author: Jonathan A.C. Brown

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2020-03-05

Total Pages: 539

ISBN-13: 1786076365

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What happens when authorities you venerate condone something you know is wrong? Every major religion and philosophy once condoned or approved of slavery, but in modern times nothing is seen as more evil. Americans confront this crisis of authority when they erect statues of Founding Fathers who slept with their slaves. And Muslims faced it when ISIS revived sex slavery, justifying it with verses from the Quran and the practice of Muhammad. Exploring the moral and ultimately theological problem of slavery, Jonathan A.C. Brown traces how the Christian, Jewish and Islamic traditions have tried to reconcile modern moral certainties with the infallibility of God’s message. He lays out how Islam viewed slavery in theory, and the reality of how it was practiced across Islamic civilization. Finally, Brown carefully examines arguments put forward by Muslims for the abolition of slavery.


Book Synopsis Slavery and Islam by : Jonathan A.C. Brown

Download or read book Slavery and Islam written by Jonathan A.C. Brown and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2020-03-05 with total page 539 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What happens when authorities you venerate condone something you know is wrong? Every major religion and philosophy once condoned or approved of slavery, but in modern times nothing is seen as more evil. Americans confront this crisis of authority when they erect statues of Founding Fathers who slept with their slaves. And Muslims faced it when ISIS revived sex slavery, justifying it with verses from the Quran and the practice of Muhammad. Exploring the moral and ultimately theological problem of slavery, Jonathan A.C. Brown traces how the Christian, Jewish and Islamic traditions have tried to reconcile modern moral certainties with the infallibility of God’s message. He lays out how Islam viewed slavery in theory, and the reality of how it was practiced across Islamic civilization. Finally, Brown carefully examines arguments put forward by Muslims for the abolition of slavery.