MAQOLAT: Journal of Islamic Studies

A Contemplation on Avicenna’s Arguments on Immateriality of the Soul

2024-11-01T13:22:43+00:00

Abstract

Total intellectual immateriality of rational soul is one of the major subjects in philosophy and anthropology among Muslims, especially Avicenna. Avicenna has provided several arguments to prove the intellectual immateriality of rational soul, using the position and insensibility of intelligible forms, the unlimited power of the soul in the perception of intelligible forms, and rational soul being needless of physical tools in some of its perceptions. In the present study, the mentioned arguments are explored and criticized, demonstrating that they cannot prove the total intellectual immateriality of the rational soul, that is, its complete lack of matter and the properties of matter (volume and mass). Therefore, other points of view about the rational soul - for example, those of Mulla Sadra Shirazi -which state the materiality of the soul at the time of its creation and its subsequent immateriality as a result of substantial motion- should be recruited.

Faith and Fracture: Exploring the Imamship Scuffle in Ojo Town, Lagos State, Nigeria

2024-11-01T13:25:33+00:00

This paper delves into the intricate dynamics of faith and conflict as it pertains to the Imamship discord in Ojo, Lagos State, Nigeria. By examining the historical, socio-economic and political contexts surrounding the leadership of the mosque, this study illuminates the underlying factors contributing to the fractious nature of religious authority in the community. Through qualitative method approach, combining indepth interviews, community dialogues, archival research and participant observations, the study investigates the underlying causes, consequences and implications of the leadership crisis within the Muslim community. Findings reveal that the dispute not only reflects theological disagreements but also exposes underlying socio-economic tensions and power struggles. The study identifies competing interpretations of Islamic leadership, generational divides and external influences as critical factors contributing to the scuffle. The paper argues that addressing these fractures requires a thorough understanding of the cultural and historical context, emphasizing the need for dialogue and reconciliation within the community. The study proposes recommendations for resolving the Imamship scuffle, emphasizing: inclusive leadership selection processes, knowledge transfer and contextualized Islamic education. Ultimately, this study seeks to foster a deeper understanding of how faith intersects with social challenges, offering insights that are crucial for conflict resolution and community cohesion in Ojo and similar contexts in Nigeria.

The Role of Translation in the Development of Scientific Knowledge in the Premodern Islamic World

2024-11-01T13:29:32+00:00

This paper examines the profound impact of the translation movement on the development of scientific knowledge in the premodern Islamic world, focusing on the Abbasid Caliphate (8th to 10th centuries). The establishment of the "Bayt al-Hikmah" (House of Wisdom) in Baghdad under Caliph Al-Ma'mun (d. 933) played a crucial role in transferring scientific and philosophical knowledge from Greek, Persian, and Indian sources into Arabic. These translations went beyond mere replication; Islamic scholars engaged critically with the source material, adding commentaries and introducing refinements. This dynamic intellectual activity led to significant advancements in key scientific disciplines, including astronomy, medicine, and mathematics.

In astronomy, the translation of Ptolemy’s "Almagest" helped shape Islamic astronomical thought, leading to advancements by scholars such as Al-Battani (d. 929) and Ibn al-Haytham (d. 1040). In medicine, the translation of the "Corpus Hippocraticum" and Galen's works provided the foundation for a comprehensive Islamic medical tradition, with Ibn Sina’s (d. 1037) "The Canon of Medicine" becoming a seminal text for centuries. In mathematics, the translation of Brahmagupta’s "Brahmasphuta Siddhanta" by Al-Khwarizmi (d. 850) revolutionized algebra and influenced global mathematical thought. The translation movement catalyzed intellectual growth, fostering cross-cultural exchanges that shaped both Islamic and global intellectual traditions. This paper highlights the essential role of multilingualism and translation in preserving, expanding, and disseminating scientific knowledge across cultures.