The Need for Rigorous, Conceptual Approaches in Islamic Scholarship
By Adis Duderija, New
Age Islam
16 August
2024
By Adopting A More
Conceptual, Analytical Approach To Islamic Jurisprudence, Scholars Can Begin To
Re-Examine The Underlying Principles And Philosophical Foundations Of The Law,
Identifying Areas Where The Traditional Interpretations Are Out Of Step With
Contemporary Understandings Of Justice, Human Rights, And Social Progress.
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As the
Muslim world grapples with a multitude of challenges in the modern era, it has
become increasingly clear that a shift in the nature and direction of Islamic
scholarship is desperately needed. While the study of descriptive Islamic
“salvation history” has its place, the overreliance on this lowest level of
academic inquiry has left the global Islamic community mired in a perpetual
cycle of unresolved
contradictions and lingering issues. What Islam requires now more than ever are
theoretically rigorous, conceptual and analytical approaches that can move the
needle on the critical intellectual and ideological questions facing the faith.
Far too
often, the discourse within Islamic circles has been dominated by dogmatic
traditionalists who seem content to remain stuck in a historical, apologetic
mode. These individuals are quick to proclaim the virtues of the past,
extolling the glories of bygone eras without much in the way of critical
examination or constructive proposals for the present. They cling to a
romanticised vision of Islamic history, selectively highlighting the moments of
triumph and grandeur while conveniently ignoring the
thorny complexities and unresolved tensions that have plagued the community for centuries.
This
fixation on the descriptive traditional
historical narrative has
done little to address the pressing issues facing Muslims today. Whether it is
grappling with the role of women in society, reconciling traditional jurisprudence
with modern realities, or charting a course for socio-political advancement,
the dogmatic traditionalists often find themselves trapped in a defensive
crouch, reflexively resorting to tired tropes and hollow appeals to the
authority of the past. Their unwillingness to engage in rigorous, conceptual
analysis has stifled intellectual progress and left the Muslim world
ill-equipped to navigate the challenges of the 21st century.
What is
needed, then, is a fundamental shift in the approach to Islamic scholarship -
one that prioritizes analytical rigor, theoretical sophistication, and a
willingness to confront the tough questions head-on. Instead of merely reciting
historical narratives or rehashing well-worn apologetics, Islamic thinkers must
be willing to delve into the conceptual underpinnings of the faith, examining
its core tenets, principles, and philosophical foundations with a critical eye.
This is not
to say that the study of traditional Islamic salvation history is without
value; on the contrary, a deep understanding of the past is essential for
contextualizing the present and charting a course for the future. However, the
tendency to treat historical accounts as sacrosanct and beyond scrutiny has
stifled the kind of creative, intellectually robust discourse that is so
desperately needed.
One area
where this conceptual approach could yield particularly fruitful results is in
the realm of Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh)
and ethics (Akhlaq). For too long,
the field of Islamic law has been dominated by a rigid adherence to traditional
interpretations and a reluctance to engage with the changing realities of the
modern world. This has led to a growing disconnect between the normative
framework of the faith and the lived experiences of Muslims, fuelling resentment,
confusion, and a sense of alienation among many believers.
By adopting
a more conceptual, analytical approach to Islamic jurisprudence, scholars can
begin to re-examine the underlying principles and philosophical foundations of
the law, identifying areas where the traditional interpretations are out of
step with contemporary understandings of justice, human rights, and social
progress. This could pave the way for a more flexible, contextual application
of Islamic law that is better equipped to address the unique challenges of the
modern era.
Similarly,
in the realm of Islamic theology and philosophy, a conceptual approach could
help to untangle the knotty doctrinal disputes and sectarian divisions that
have long plagued the community. By delving into the core tenets of the faith,
exploring the nuances of its metaphysical and epistemological foundations, and
engaging in rigorous, comparative analysis informed by contemporary discussions
in philosophy of religion and epistemology in particular, Islamic scholars can
work to build a more coherent, intellectually robust theological framework that
is more appropriate for the 21st century.
The time
has come for a new generation of Islamic scholars to step forward, armed with
the tools of rigorous, conceptual analysis and a burning desire to tackle the
most pressing issues of our time. By doing so, they can help to catalyse a
renaissance in Islamic thought, one that can inspire and empower Muslims around
the world to forge a brighter, more prosperous future for themselves and for
all of humanity.
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Checkout Dr. Adis Duderija’s personal website
at: https://dradisduderija.com/
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A decades old patron of New Age Islam, Dr Adis Duderija is a Senior
Lecturer in the Study of Islam and Society, School of Humanities, Languages and
Social Science; Senior Fellow Centre for Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue,
Griffith University | Nathan | Queensland | Australia. His forthcoming books
are (co-edited)- Shame, Modesty, and
Honora in Islam and Interfaith
Engagement Beyond the Divide (Springer)
New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism