Journal of the Contemporary Study of Islam

Religious Identity from the Perspective of the Holy Qur’an

Reyhaneh Sadat Reis Alsadati — 2024-08-22

Tracing the Links Between Islamophobia and Neoliberalism

Arsya Amarlaily Arbiyanti — 2024-08-22

The unreasonable feeling of fear of Islam and its adherents has harmed human rights. Many civilians experienced discrimination and were shackled to their freedom because of this and even lost their lives. This paper aims to reveal the reasons why this phenomenon persists to this day. This research is a literature study with a critical analysis method through Content Analysis. The results of this study indicate that the phenomenon of irrational fear of Islam and its adherents or known as Islamophobia can persist because it is supported by the ideology of neoliberalism. In the view of neoliberalism, Islamic teachings are a threat to it. For this reason, neoliberalism carries out a strategy called cultural cleansing. In practice, this strategy is implemented in two steps: (i) unifying culture and (ii) depletion of intelligence. Based on these two steps, the civilizing mission is realized, in which citizens will be classified into two: good and bad. In this context, a good Muslim will be considered bad by neoliberalism ideology and a bad Muslim will be considered good. Furthermore, this research can be a reference for policymakers and public education efforts related to the issue of Islamophobia.

Social Fragility in Muslim Societies, Fitnah, and Said Nursi’s Attitude against Fitnah

Sadettin Orhan — 2024-08-22

Fragility refers to the situation between the balance/harmony and conflict/fragmentation of society. The types, causes, and consequences of fragility have been among the main topics of sociology for a long time. While a quarter of the world’s population lives in countries that are considered fragile, Muslim societies constitute the majority of this population. This situation requires examining the relationship between fitnah, which is a concept of Islamic thought, and fragility. In our study, this relationship was examined through Said Nursi’s attitude against fitnah. The period in which Nursi lived, the geography, the events he faced, and his works make him a unique model in such a study. In this respect, we hope that our study will contribute to the discussions in the literature on the subject.

The Islamic Perspective on Qualities Required for Effective Leadership

Shamma Al Naqbi — 2024-08-22

This article presents a comprehensive exploration of the Islamic perspective on leadership, elucidating its profound significance within the Muslim community. Rooted in meticulous research and drawing upon authoritative Islamic teachings and historical precedents, this study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the qualities expected of an Islamic leader and the fundamental principles that underpin their effectiveness. Through a rigorous examination, this research delves into the moral values that serve as the bedrock of Islamic leadership, emphasizing their pivotal role in shaping character and informing decision-making processes. It explores the indispensable role of knowledge as a catalyst for enlightenment, humility as a unifying force, justice as an ethical compass, and accountability as a means of fostering trust and fostering integrity. Furthermore, this article systematically explores diverse leadership styles within Islamic thought, unraveling the intricate nuances of consultative leadership (shūrā), servant leadership (khidmah), and transformational leadership (tazkiyyah). It probes their conceptual frameworks, historical manifestations, and contemporary relevance, shedding light on the enduring

Understanding Islamic Fundamentalism

Nazar Ul Islam Wani — 2024-08-22

The term “religious fundamentalism” has attracted attention all over the world because of its adherents being involved in conflicts and violence. The phenomenon has been perceived twofold: one is returning to the core teachings of religion without accepting any modern changes and second is the palpable desire to establish a cosmic order (religious law) on canonic law in order to establish a just system which fundamentalists believe secular law has failed to establish. This paper endeavors to understand the nature, dimensions, and prospects of Islamic Fundamentalism under these two dimensions. It also aims at understanding the contestations and clashes it has with secular law, which makes it pass through the clout of clash of civilizations. It is a descriptive/exploratory research and the data has been collected through content analysis of secondary sources to reach the objective.

Methods, Methodologies, and Perspectives in the Humanities and Social Sciences with Particular Reference to Islamic Studies: A Critical Rationalist Interpretation by Ali Paya

Emad Bazzi — 2024-08-22