IJISH (International Journal of Islamic Studies and Humanities)

Kalam science and its urgency in the context of religious moderation (Islam Wasathiyah)

Eliza Eliza — 2024-04-30

The varying perspectives held by Indonesian society often lead to conflicts between religious groups, particularly when one group believes that safety and truth are exclusive to its membership. It is possible to address this issue by deeply studying Islam and adopting a moderation and tolerance mindset. The Islamic concept of moderation is known as rahmatan lil alamin. Islam's spiritual underpinnings ensure global peace, harmony, and fraternity among all peoples. A shallow understanding of religion causes people to act towards extremes, believing that they are right and others are wrong. The results of this research show that kalam science can be a means of contributing to a person's actions and behaviour in understanding and realising the sense of diversity that is khilafiah, and give birth to a moderate attitude so that Kalam Science can present a context and paradigm for religious moderation, and not be quick to place blame on others. This is because a person with a deeper understanding of religion (theology) is more knowledgeable of societal inequalities in both the religious and social domains.

From East to West: Carl W. Ernst's insight into sufism's impact on islamic studies in America

Fuad Hasyim — 2024-04-30

With its global expansion and incorporation of elements from other religions, Sufism presents an intriguing field of study for Western scholars interested in the mystical and societal influence of Islam. This article aims to explore the impact of Sufism on existing Islamic studies in America. The study adopts a qualitative approach, relying on library research to analyze the origin, development, and evolution of ideas through the works of Carl W. Ernst. The research findings demonstrate that Sufism has had a significant impact on the advancement of Islamic studies, particularly in fostering a deeper understanding and respect between American society and Muslims. By promoting love, compassion, and unity, Sufism plays a vital role in bridging misconceptions and facilitating peaceful coexistence.

From apocalypticism to eschatology: a comparative analysis of western “Utilitarianism” and Islamic “Maṣlaḥah”

Mohammad Abul Mufazzal — 2024-04-30

By employing Utility tools or moral conducts based on “the greatest good for the greatest number”, the Utilitarian mechanism maximizes the Utility for majority. This ethical theory is evidently grounded in human reason free from any transcendent revelation which is all the way expounded as a purely secular product of renaissance. While, in contrast to “Utilitarianism”, the Islamic “Maṣlaḥah” transcends the spatial structure and materiality to connect the life hereafter, hence the immediate good and bad of this world are but the function for the final good or bad pertaining to the Afterlife. Reviewing and analyzing relevant contents, this paper explores the key differences and similarities between Western “Utilitarianism” and Islamic “Maṣlaḥah”. Firstly, the paper identifies that both “Utilitarianism” and “Maṣlaḥah” aim to promote human welfare and happiness, but differ in their approach to defining and measuring the concept. Secondly, the paper examines the role of reason and revelation in shaping ethical decision-making in both traditions. Finally, it discusses the practical implications of “Utilitarianism” and “Maṣlaḥah” in contemporary societies. While “Utilitarianism” is often associated with individualistic and secular societies, Islamic “Maṣlaḥah” is deeply embedded in Islamic culture and tradition, which emphasizes community values and religious obligations.

Mapping the Bruneian and Acehnese reponses towards sharia law formalization and its implementation

Abdu Muizz Mohd Salleh — 2024-04-30

Brunei Darussalam and Aceh are the only two Southeast Asian regions that apply Islamic Sharia law. Both regions have applied Islamic Sharia law for more than ten years and yet have received many reactions from both internal and external regarding the application. This study aims to examine the formulation of sharia in Brunei and Aceh and how the people of Brunei and Aceh respond to its implementation. Based on the findings, Shari law in Aceh hudud tends to appear more liberal and moderate because the ideas are not connected to a school of fiqh. At the same time, Brunei demonstrates a distinct "thread" with traditional fiqh ideas, particularly the Shafi'i school. This article will also discuss groups who accept Islamic law willingly, those who completely reject it, and those who are forced to accept but still criticize it.

How do Islamic movements in the 19th and 20th centuries in Egypt help define Islamic modernity?

Summaiya Kashif Kashif — 2024-04-30

This research article explores the concept of multiple “modernities” as a counter to Western modernity, with a specific focus on the modernization of Islam. The paper provides a historical context to the modernization of Islam by examining 18th, 19th, and 20th-century Islamic reforms and their impact on the religion while staying true to its core principles. It also examines the influence of globalization on Islamic nations, using Egypt as an example. The article challenges the Western-centric narrative of modernity by emphasizing that modernity is not confined to Europe and can emerge under different conditions in diverse regions. The study highlights the Tajdid movement, the Muslim Brotherhood, and the Salafat movement as examples of Islamic modernization efforts. The research demonstrates how these movements aimed to reform Islam while addressing global political, social, and economic changes. The article concludes that Islamic modernity is a dynamic and multifaceted phenomenon that combines traditional Islamic teachings with contemporary contexts.