Australian Journal of Islamic Studies

The Role of Reason in Establishing Civilization

Fadi Zatari — 2024-08-21

The role of reason in initiating and maintaining civilisation, as elucidated by Abū al-Ḥasan al-Māwardī (d. 1058), is pivotal, serving as the faculty for distinguishing good from bad and guiding behaviour. Al-Māwardī divides reason into two stages: natural and acquired. This understanding of reason is shared by other scholars, such as al-Muḥāsibī (d. 857) and Ibn abi al-Dunyā (d. 894). Hawá or desire is seen as antithesis to reason, serving as a manifestation of ethical corruption and instigating perpetual conflict. To build any society, reason takes a central role at individual and societal levels. This article argues that there are no possibilities for a civilisation to be constituted and maintained without a central role for reason. This article analyses al- Māwardi’s conception of reason in relation to civilisation. Al-Māwardī contends that reason not only serves as the cornerstone for societal development, but also facilitates understanding of religion, an essential aspect in his ideology. This article concludes that deep understanding of reason’s role in civilisation provides an appropriate direction for understanding civilisation and how reason can enhance and improve people’s decent conduct and manners.

Purpose-Driven Life in Islam and Emotional Stability

Salih Yucel — 2024-08-21

This article discusses the significance of a purpose-driven life in achieving emotional stability and wellbeing, particularly from the perspective of Said Nursi (d. 1960). The central focus is on Nursi’s belief that a purpose-driven life, rooted in religious and spiritual principles, is essential for emotional stability. This article first explores the relationship between emotional stability and a purpose- driven life by examining Nursi’s works, highlighting his unwavering emotional strength in adversity. Second, the article draws a connection between Nursi’s philosophy and Ibn Sina’s theory of pleasure. Nursi’s alignment with this theory suggests that intellectual pleasure is permanent and intrinsic to human nature, distinguishing it from sensual and inward pleasures. Nursi advocates engaging in spiritual practices as sources of solace and healing, offering structured ways to process emotions and gain emotional stability during challenging times. Finally, this article discusses Nursi’s comprehensive perspective on a purpose- driven life and emotional stability, guiding readers toward resilience, personal growth and a closer relationship with the Divine, ultimately leading to emotional stability and wellbeing. A purpose-driven life serves as a source of inspiration, fostering resilience and equipping individuals to face and overcome challenges. When life becomes purposeless, it becomes unliveable. Nursi suggests the human ego can lead to emotional stability if purified and used wisely. Overall, this article argues that Nursi’s philosophy on emotional stability is highly idealistic and can be practised by the spiritual elite. However, individuals can benefit from it according to their spiritual level.

Reshaping Minority Fiqh

Haidar Masyhur Fadhil — 2024-08-21

This article analyses the contribution of ‘Abd Allah ibn Bayyah’s approach in the development of minority fiqh, particularly within the context of reconstructing Islamic law for Muslim minorities in Western countries. Ibn Bayyah is recognised as a neo-traditionalist striving to reconstruct Islamic law with an innovative approach to meet the needs of these minority groups. This research adopts a descriptive- analytical approach to comprehend the concepts introduced by Ibn Bayyah. In his efforts, Ibn Bayyah employs several new approaches, including the utilisation of verification of the hinge (taḥqīq al-manāṭ) to understand reality, weighing weaker opinions (al-qawl al-ḍa’īf) while considering communal welfare (maṣlaḥa), connecting the objective of Sharia (maqāṣid al-sharī’a) with legal theory (uṣūl al-fiqh), and optimising the Islamic legal maxims (al-qawā’id al-fiqhiyya). The article delineates the significance of the new approaches introduced by Ibn Bayyah in the context of minority fiqh development and their impact on Islamic legal thought for Muslim minorities in Western countries. It is anticipated this analysis will provide profound insights into the new paradigm in addressing legal challenges faced by Muslim minorities within the social and legal context of the West.

The Necessary Connection between Laws of Physics and Metaphysics

Omer Atilla Ergi — 2024-08-21

This article examines the need for a comprehensive theory that explains the creation of the universe and the enigmatic behaviours observed in quantum particles. Recent advancements in quantum physics have revealed phenomena in the microscopic and macroscopic realms that challenge conventional explanations based solely on natural laws. This article introduces an argument centred on the concept of “presence of metaphysics in physics” as a means to provide a plausible account for the improbable existence of the universe and the mechanics of the space-time continuum. By incorporating ontological principles in classical physics and quantum mechanics, this proposed model sheds light on the origins of natural laws while also considering the mysterious balance and intricacies observed in micro and macrocosms. Moreover, this article argues that a mere succession of random events guided by mathematical probabilities cannot adequately establish and govern the natural laws that appear to have arisen with the aim of fostering life within the universe.

Natural Sciences in the Era of ‘Decline’

Muhammad Faris Ibrahim — 2024-08-21

This article critically examines the commonly held narrative of decline, in relation to the development of natural sciences in Islamic history. The period between the 16th and 19th centuries CE is often referred to as a time of decline for Islamic civilisation. Conversely, this period is also considered an important time for the European Renaissance and its modern age, including in terms of natural sciences. In this article, I argue that, while attempts to periodise Islamic history can facilitate better understanding of historical developments, they are often significantly influenced by underlying biases aimed at exerting dominance over the Muslim world. I have found the narrative of decline is closely connected to the linear movement theory of history. Furthermore, Egyptian modernists used the decline narrative to criticise al-Azhar without acknowledging its scholars’ support for progress. Lastly, the narrative of decline built by modernists against al-Azhar for not paying attention to the natural sciences needs to be critically reviewed, particularly by referring to manuscripts written by al-Azhar scholars related to natural sciences, such as medicine, algebra, astronomy and engineering from the 16th to 19th centuries as a counter- narrative of decline.