ISLAMIC INSIGHT

WESTERN SĪRAH LITERATURE FROM INCEPTION TO CONTEMPORARY DEVELOPMENTS: A HISTORICAL ANALYSIS

Irshad E V — 2024-12-01

This study investigates the varied approaches of Western scholars and writers toward the life and character of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) under the title, " Western Sīrah Literature from its Inception to Contemporary Developments: A Historical Analysis". It addresses the deep-rooted stereotypes and polemical narratives in Western discourse, which often depicted the Prophet negatively, framing him as a figure of opposition and "the Other." These portrayals persisted from medieval times through the European Renaissance, as seen in works by figures like Dante, Chaucer, and Milton. The research highlights the shift in these perspectives over time. Early Western polemics against Islam and the Prophet influenced Islamic discourse significantly, but by the 18th and 19th centuries, voices like George Sale challenged these entrenched biases. Sale's translation of the Qurʾān marked a significant break from medieval depictions of the Prophet as the “anti-Christ” . In modern times, many Western academics have adopted more nuanced approaches, critiqued Orientalism and contributed to a better understanding of Islamic culture and history. This article emphasizes the work of contemporary non-Muslim scholars such as Karen Armstrong, John Esposito, and Martin Lings, whose independently researched portrayals aim to present a balanced view of the Prophet Muhammad.

Behind The Story: Ethical Readings of Qur’ānic Narratives.

Mohammed Niyas P — 2024-12-01

Book Review

PRICE ANALYSIS OF ḤAJJ: COSTS, SUBSIDIES, INFLATION, AND SOCIAL INFLUENCES IN INDIA

Dr. Shujaat Ahmad Qureshi — 2024-12-01

The cost of the Ḥajj pilgrimage from India has seen a substantial rise from 2002 to 2024, primarily driven by economic factors like inflation, the introduction of Value-Added Tax (VAT) in Saudi Arabia, currency exchange rates, and the changing value of gold. Inflation has been a major factor, with rising prices and improvement of services like accommodation, transportation, and other essential services in Saudi Arabia, compounded by inflationary trends in India. Additionally, the weakening of the Indian Rupee (INR) against the Saudi Riyal (SAR) has significantly increased the cost of services, as pilgrims need to spend more INR for the same services in Saudi Arabia. While nominal costs have surged, when adjusted against the price of gold, the real value of the Ḥajj has somewhat stabilized, reflecting a lower burden when measured in gold equivalents.

ḤADĪTH OF SELF-KNOWING BETWEEN SUFIS AND ḤADĪTH SCHOLARS

Muhammad Gufran-ul-Haque — 2024-12-01

This paper examines the "Ḥadīth of Self-knowing," often quoted as “Whoever knows himself, knows his Lord,” a saying that has profoundly influenced Islamic thought, particularly within Sufi and Ḥadīth scholarship. Tracing its origins through Takhrīj methodology, the study evaluates its authenticity, revealing a divergence between Sufi mystics and Ḥadīth scholars. While Sufis authenticate the narration through kashf (spiritual disclosure), dreams, and ilhām (divine inspiration), Ḥadīth scholars challenge its legitimacy based on classical methodologies. Despite these differences, both groups recognize the spiritual and ethical significance of the saying. The research also deals the interpretative approaches, highlighting Sufis' metaphysical and mystical readings that emphasize self-awareness as a pathway to Allah, contrasted with Ḥadīth scholars’ focus on practical applications for broader Muslim society. This comparative analysis underscores the distinct methodologies and epistemologies shaping Islamic perspectives on self-knowledge and divine understanding.

مقدمات منهجية في المحاججة لإعجاز القرآن: عبد القاهر الجرجاني نموذجا

محمد عاشق الهدوي — 2024-12-01

يقوم القول بإعجاز القرآن على مقدمات منهجية، وهذه المقدمات أو الأصول تقرّر مفهوم الإعجاز ووجوهه عند القائلين بها، واستنباط هذه المقدمات النظرية من كلام العلماء يساعد لفهم الأرضية التي يقومون عليها عندما يقولون بإعجاز القرآن، ويعد الإمام عبد القاهر الجرجاني من أحد أهم المعتنين بقضية الإعجاز، وكتاباه "دلائل الإعجاز" و"الرسالة الشافية" يجمعان عبارات أو مقولات مهمة عن أصول الإعجاز ومناطه، وهي المقدمات التي يقوم عليها الجرجاني في إثبات إعجاز القرآن، وهذا البحث يحاول لوصف ونقد تلك المقدمات النظرية التي يقوم عليها الجرجاني في القول بالإعجاز ونظرية النظم، وهذا سيساعد في المحاججة عن إعجاز القرآن وتطوير البحث الكلامي عنه.

FACTORS OF CIVILISATIONAL ADVANCEMENT IN THE QURʾĀN: INSIGHTS FROM AL-BŪṬĪ

Muhammed Rashid AT — 2025-01-08

This study investigates the factors underlying civilizational advancement as outlined in the Qurʾān, focusing on the interpretations of Shaykh Muhammad Saʿīd Ramaḍān al-Būṭī. Recognized as a leading Islamic scholar; al-Būṭī emphasizes the Qurʾān's comprehensive framework that guides humanity toward moral, intellectual, and social progress. Through a detailed analysis of al-Būṭī’s works, this research identifies key Qurʾānic principles—such as the centrality of ethical conduct, the pursuit of knowledge and the cultivation of spiritual awareness—as foundational to building a flourishing civilization. The study also examines al-Būṭī’s methodology, which harmonizes traditional Qurʾānic exegesis with contemporary issues, providing a balanced approach to understanding and applying Islamic teachings in modern contexts. Al-Būṭī’s perspective highlights the interplay between individual responsibility and collective well-being, demonstrating how Qurʾānic principles address both personal development and societal advancement. The findings reveal that al-Būṭī’s insights present a holistic and practical blueprint for sustainable growth, emphasizing the integration of material prosperity with spiritual and ethical dimensions. This research concludes that the Qurʾānic model, as interpreted by al-Būṭī, offers timeless guidance for any society seeking to align progress with moral integrity and divine purpose.