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ViewA Brief Introduction To Quranic Exegesis
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Generating precise comprehension of the Quran and the true meaning of its verses is arguably the essence of the most important of the Islamic sciences, Qur’anic exegesis or tafsir. Since the passing of the Prophet many scholars have worked hard to bring a proper understanding of the meaning of the Qur’an to Muslims, and indeed to the world at large, as fully as possible, in an attempt to widen knowledge of the guidance contained therein, and how to live life in accordance with its principles. The result has been a wealth of historical Muslim literature on the subject which has...
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ViewA Thematic Commentary on the Qur’an
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Muslims are enjoined, along with the rest of humanity, to “read” the two great Books of Revelation and Creation, i.e. the Qur’an and the natural world. Reading one without the other will result in an imbalance detrimental to the existence (and prosperity) of humankind on earth, indeed to the divine purpose in the cosmos. A Thematic Commentary by the late Shaykh alGhazali is a significant contribution to the first reading, i.e. that of the Qur’an the repository of divine truth and enlightenment. Already of course there is a wealth, an abundance, of exegetical work on the Qur’an. But while early...
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ViewAn Educators’ Guide to Teaching Islamic Studies Grades 10 –11 Based on Cambridge O-Level Islamic Studies 2068 Syllabus PART 1
$12A Guide for O-Level Islamic Studies for Educators and Students is a guide written to assist educators to teach the Islamic Studies subject to students of Grades 10-11 who are following the Cambridge O-Level Islamic Studies 2068 Syllabus.
This Guide presents the key topics to be covered in Paper 1 and Paper 2 under each of the following three sections, respectively:
Paper 1 History and Scriptures- Section A: Arabia in the Pre-Islamic Period
- Section B: Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
- Section C: Texts from the Holy Qur’an and Hadith
Paper 2 Development, Sources, Beliefs and Observances
- Section A: The Caliphate Period/The Four Pious Caliphs
- Section B: The History and Importance of the Qur’an and Hadith
- Section C: Beliefs, Practices and Rituals
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ViewAn Educators’ Guide to Teaching Islamic Studies Grades 10 –11 Based on Cambridge O-Level Islamic Studies 2068 Syllabus PART 2:
$12Part 2 of An Educators’ Guide to Teaching Islamic Studies covers Paper 2 Development, Sources, Beliefs and Observances which is examined under the Cambridge O-Level Islamic Studies 2068 Syllabus. Similar to the approach adopted under Part 1 of An Educators’ Guide to Teaching Islamic Studies which covered Paper 1 History and Scriptures, Part 2 also presents the learning outcomes, content and references which have been developed for the following three sections and their key areas of study which are examinable under Paper 2 of the Cambridge O-Level Islamic Studies 2068 Syllabus The learning outcomes developed under the Guide reflect the key aspects...
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ViewAnthropomorphic Depictions of God: The Concept of God in Judaic, Christian, and Islamic Traditions
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This monumental study examines issues of anthropomorphism in the three Abrahamic Faiths, as viewed through the texts of the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament and the Qur’an. Throughout history Christianity and Judaism have tried to make sense of God. While juxtaposing the Islamic position against this, the author addresses the JudeoChristian worldview and how each has chosen to framework its encounter with God, to what extent this has been the result of actual scripture and to what extent the product of theological debate, or church decrees of later centuries and absorption of Hellenistic philosophy. Shah also examines Islam’s heavily antianthropomorphic...
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ViewApostasy in Islam: A Historical and Scriptural Analysis
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What is the legally prescribed penalty, if any, for apostasy (alriddah), and how does this relate to the demand for religious tolerance as stipulated in verse 2:256 of the Qur’an “There shall be no compulsion in matters of faith”? It is an established fact that the Prophet never, in his entire life, put an apostate to death. Yet, the issue remains one of the most controversial to have afflicted the Muslim world down the centuries. It is also the source of much damaging media coverage today as Islamic jurisprudence stands accused of a flagrant disregard for human rights and freedom...
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ViewApostates, Islam & Freedom of Faith
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In this new and important analysis of apostasy (alRiddah), the author examines fundamental teachings of the Qur’an, the Sunnah of the Prophet, as well as historical as opposed to scriptural postulates, to uncover the origins of the debate and refute misconception. Mainstream media and critics of Islam delight in pointing to the death penalty as evidence of Islam’s draconian tenets, moral flaws and flagrant disregard for human rights. This demonstrates a complete misunderstanding of the correct Islamic position, what apostasy signifies in Islam, ignorance of Islamic principles of justice, as well as failure to comprehend the manipulation of religion for...
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ViewApproaching the Sunnah: Comprehension and Controversy
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The Sunnah still provides the stable moral framework the grammar that enables Muslims, by formal rules and inward sense, to know right from wrong. However, separation from the mainstream of life puts the Sunnah in danger of becoming rigid an archaism. Addressing that danger, this book explains how the Sunnah can function as the grammar of a living, adaptive language, capable of guiding (and not shying from) the mainstream. The first chapter sets out the qualities that characterize authentic application of the Sunnah: universality, coherence (so that different spheres of human responsibility are not split), compassionate realism, moderation, and humility....
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ViewAuthentication of Hadith: Redefining the Criteria
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In today’s complex and volatile world the consequences of relying on fraudulent and counterfeit Hadith to legitimize extremist behavior, issue violent fatwas, and justify blatant abuse, particularly of women, is not only far too easy but in fact dangerous. Israr Khan addresses the sensitive topic of Hadith authentication, focusing on the criteria adopted by classical scholars to maintain that concentration on the continuity and accuracy of the chain of narrators, rather than the textual content of Hadith, has led to particular Hadith being included which either contradict other Hadith directly, project the Prophet (SAAS) in an uncharacteristic light, or do...
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ViewContemporary Approaches to the Quran and Sunnah
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The Qur’an and Sunnah are the two primary sources of Muslim faith, life, law and morality. The Qur’an is for Muslims the foundation of their faith and the Sunnah is the framework of their morality. Together they constitute the two sources of the law (Shari’ah) of God, a guide to prosperity and happiness in this life and to the bliss of the hereafter. Although the Qur’an and Sunnah are materially and formally two independent sources, they are inextricably bound in a dynamic relationship. The rulings and precepts (ahkam) of the Qur’an constitute the law (shar’) of God. They are supplemented...
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ViewEpistemological Bias in the Physical and Social Sciences
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The question of bias in methodology and terminology is a problem that faces researchers east, west, north and south; however, it faces Third World intellectuals with special keenness. For although they write in a cultural environment that has its own specific conceptual and cultural paradigms, they nevertheless encounter a foreign paradigm which attempts to impose itself upon their society and upon their very imagination and thoughts. When the term “developmental psychology” for instance is used in the West Arab scholars also say “developmental psychology”, when “applied psychology” is mentioned they hurry to use the same term etc. Why not establish...
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ViewEpistemological Integration: Essentials of an Islamic Methodology
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The book is a program which seeks to construct an intellectual framework for Islamic methodology with a view to realizing practical training in the thoughtful investigation of issues related to knowledge in various fields. The book’s title affirms the distinctive types of integration that characterize Islamic methodology, including integration of sources, means, and schools of thought, as well as existing realities with desired ideals etc. This is fully consistent with human nature, as variety is fundamental to the functions people perform and skills they master. The work essentially makes the case that fundamental to any Muslim recovery is laying the...
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