MAQOLAT: Journal of Islamic Studies

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

Bahador Mehraki — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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

Mubin Raji — Sat, 22 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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

Khalid Hussain Mir, Md. Rafique Anjum — Sat, 22 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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.

An Islamic Pesrspective Of Superstitious Practices Related To Death Among Yoruba Muslims Of Ogun State

SURAJU Saheed Badmus, BADRUDEEN Musa Adebayo — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Superstition as a belief or tale is generally interesting to most people all over the world in general and the Yorubas in particular. It is a practice that cuts across all aspects of the human’s life; religion, social, moral, and economic. The Muslims’ involvement in these practices calls for attention of Muslim scholars and researchers. The Muslims in Ogun State are not excluded among the Yoruba Muslims from these practices. Thus, this paper aims at exposing the level of involvement of some Yoruba Muslims in the practice of khurāfāt (superstitions) related to death among other practices. The paper examines the Islamic perspectives of the practices with a view to determining their consonance or otherwise with the fundamental principles of Islam. So, through the use of historical, descriptive and analytical research methods; this paper accounts for the historical background of Ogun State; explains the superstition practices related to death in Ogun State and analyses the practices using the Qur’ān, Sunnah and views of the Islamic scholars. The research findings reveal that negligence of the Muslims is the foremost reason for the involvement in the practice as well as ignorance of the Islamic rules of funeral rites leading to giving preference to Yoruba cultural superstitious practices over Islamic practices. The paper, therefore, recommends that the Muslim leaders, parents, guardians, Islamic Studies teachers and religious organizations should pay adequate attention to Islamic faith-based teachings that are devoid of superstitious practices and other fetish beliefs in order to have well informed and reformed Muslims.

Implementation of Ijab Qabul with One Breath Perspectives of the Imams of the Mazhab and Sheikh Muhammad Arsyad Al-Banjari in Kitab An-Nikah (Case Study of Ijab Qabul in the Marriage Contract Procession Rizky Febian and Mahalini)

Dewi Fauziah Nuraini, Ana Nor Laily, Muhammad Hifzi — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study explains how the real truth of ijab qabul in the midst of the controversy of the many claims for the execution of the ijab with a single breath which happened at Rizky Febian and Mahalini’s marriage contract. This research is a qualitative research method with descriptive analysis by describing the data obtained through words rather than in the form of numbers. Using library research as a source of data that the author then uses to determine the relevant legal provisions and the actual principles of the reality that occurs so that it can present legal answers to the problem digged. The results of the study showed that when analysed with the opinion according to the Sheikh Muhammad Arsyad Al-Banjari in the Book of An-Nikah, as well as the opinions of the priests of Mazhab, there is no provision explicitly regulating and also absolute on the claim to façade the ijab qabul in a breath and there are no provisions prohibiting it. Thus, it can be said that the execution of ijab qabul with one breath and must be connected with the law is jaiz, that is, can be done and can be left as long as it does not violate the existing provisions and this is also not an absolute condition in the implementation of ijab qabul, so affecting to touch the validity of an obstacle.

Reimagining Global Governance: An Islamic Paradigm for Justice, Peace, and Ethical Diplomacy

AbdulWahed Jalal Nori, Lee Pei May, Zhilwan Tahir — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This article argues that the world needs an alternative framework to international relations (IR) that is more inclusive, just and peaceful. The key principles of Islamic IR provide a comprehensive framework that emphasises justice, cooperation, consultation, and peace, forming a potential basis for global governance and the conduct of ethical diplomacy. It also showcases how Islamic principles challenge the dominant paradigms in IR, reinterprets traditional concepts like Dar al-Islam and Dar al-Harb by framing them within the context of ethical engagement and dialogue, and highlights the similarities between dominant IR theories and Islamic teachings. Finally, this article argues for the establishment of Islamic global governance in these challenging times in order to promote a more peaceful, just and equitable global order.

The Islamic Concept of Environmental Conservation: Insights from Bangladesh

Shakil Ahmed, Md. Mostafizur Rahman — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Aims: The study was carried out to identify the importance of environmental conservation, the role of Islamic law in protecting the environment, investigate whether it is possible to protect the environment by following Islamic rules.
Study design: This study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Bangladesh, with data collection primarily taking place from 01 January 2023 to 31 October 2024.
Results: Out of 300 participants, 150 environmentalists and 150 Islamic thinkers were surveyed. Among environmentalists, 77% believed Islamic principles significantly aid environmental protection, with a chi-square test confirming a strong association (p < 0.05). Islamic thinkers unanimously supported the role of Islam in conservation, emphasizing awareness campaigns. Regarding waste management, 75% favored recycling, 66.75% reduction, 58.3% reuse, and 33.3% recovery, highlighting the 4r strategy's importance. These findings underline the relevance of Islamic teachings in promoting sustainable practices and addressing environmental challenges in Bangladesh.
Conclusion: In conclusion integrating Islamic principles into environmental conservation can reduce resource misuse, mitigate environmental degradation, and promote sustainable practices, aligning with both ecological and ethical objectives. While the study highlights the potential of Islamic teachings in environmental protection, further research is needed to validate and optimize their practical application in modern environmental management.

The Methodology of Sheikh Yūsuf al-Qaraḍāwī in Renewal and Revival: Principles, Pillars, and Peculiarities

Mohamed Arkam Mohamed Rasak, Abdullah Latreche — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims to examine the methodology of Sheikh Yūsuf al-Qaraḍāwī as a reformist pioneer in the contemporary era who established a modern renewal school distinguished by uniqueness and moderation. This made him widely accepted and appreciated among people, earning support and endorsement. This methodology did not focus solely on jurisprudential and spiritual aspects, but it went beyond that to reformist political jurisprudence, contributing to the revival of the Muslim Ummah within a renewed and pioneering civilisational transformation\cycle. In this study, we examine the core questions outlined as follows: What are the features of renewal and revival in Sheikh al-Qaraḍāwī's ijtihād? Has his school achieved the desired outcomes in the path of revival? And what are the manifestations of this successful renewal that have enriched contemporary Renaissance thought? The research employed an analytical approach of deduction, induction, and an analysis of the impact within the Sheikh’s reformist ijtihād. He examined globalisation and its intellectual tensions with Western thought through his engagement with fundamental civilisational issues. He also analysed the confrontation between secularism and Islam, affirming Islam’s capacity for governance and societal leadership. While further contributing to the renewal of religious discourse. One of his most innovative contributions was his redefinition of the concept of renewal, shifting it from the notion of an individual reformer to that of a renewing community or group. This unprecedented effort stands as a distinguished achievement to his credit. The study concluded by identifying the key features of al-Qaraḍāwī's approach to renewal and revival within the contemporary thought of a Muslim Umma aspiring toward its anticipated renaissance. It also highlighted the comprehensive and encyclopaedic diversity of his reformist intellectual contributions. Moreover, his ability to integrate theoretical and practical aspects endowed him with strength and leadership