Jurnal Usuluddin

Muhammad Uthman El Muhammady’s Response to the Threat of Religious Pluralism in Malaysia

2025-04-22T09:25:01+08:00

This article examines Muhammad Uthman El Muhammady’s response to the spread of religious pluralism in Malaysia, which is perceived as a threat to the Islamic creed. The objective of this study is to analyze his views and critiques of figures and movements promoting pluralism, particularly the influence of John Hick and local scholars such as Mohamad Hashim Kamali. The study adopts a qualitative approach through content analysis of his major works, including books, papers, scholarly articles, and lectures. The findings reveal that Muhammad Uthman El Muhammady strongly rejects religious pluralism and emphasizes the importance of returning to the principles of Ahli Sunah Waljamaah as a safeguard for Islamic faith. The significance of this study lies in clarifying the role of local Muslim thinkers in defending orthodoxy amidst the globalization of ideas. Its implications highlight the need to develop a systematic Islamic intellectual narrative through structured creed education, exposure to Sunni epistemology, and strengthening Islamic identity within integrated educational policies. This article recommends reinforcing mainstream Islamic discourse to effectively address the challenges of religious pluralism, alongside further research on the effectiveness of these approaches in a plural society and within the context of globalized thought.

Critical Thinking According to Islam and the West: An Analytical Review

2025-11-13T00:52:13+08:00

The topic of critical thinking is often perceived as a complex subject with little need for in-depth discussion. Therefore, this article aims to examine the aspects of debates frequently addressed by previous scholars within the framework of critical thinking, while also identifying gaps in past studies. The data for this study were collected using a qualitative research method. These data were analyzed through both inductive and deductive methods to organize them based on appropriate themes and characteristics. The findings reveal that critical thinking is a skill required across all fields of knowledge. However, this skill cannot be effectively practiced without understanding the key elements involved in ensuring that the thinking process being conducted is indeed a critical one. Among the main elements are setting clear objectives, broadening perspectives, obtaining accurate information from authoritative and trusted sources, respecting differences, and acknowledging the truth. Various research approaches exist within the topic of critical thinking, including studies focusing solely on critical thinking, research that combines critical thinking with the Qur’an, studies merging critical thinking with hadith, and research that integrates critical thinking with religious aspects. Each of these research approaches contains gaps that can be filled with recent conceptual studies, offering new insights and perspectives compared to past trends in writing. This literature review also demonstrates significant differences between the concept of critical thinking in the West and Islam, particularly in the aspect of setting a purpose for engaging in critical thinking activities.

The Leadership of al-Azhar Alumni in Managing Religious and Ethnic Conflicts in Malaysia

2025-12-18T06:00:20+08:00

Malaysia is a country renowned for one of its unique characteristics, a pluralistic society. The long course of history has been a major factor contributing to the existence of various differences among the Malaysian population in many aspects. These differences, which add to the distinctiveness of the nation, require proper management, as the failure to handle them appropriately could lead to worrying conflicts, potentially resulting in hostility and division that may threaten national peace. Accordingly, this writing was conducted to examine the actions taken by selected alumni of al-Azhar University who have served as leaders in addressing conflicts. This article employs qualitative methods, particularly library research, by reviewing previous studies to identify interreligious and interethnic issues and analyzing the actions of selected al-Azhar alumni, with special attention to the approaches they adopted in managing conflicts. The selected alumni include Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Mahmood Zuhdi Abdul Majid, Dato’ Ustaz Haji Fadzil Mohd Noor, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Tuan Guru Haji Abdul Hadi Awang, Tan Sri Dr. Abdul Hamid Othman, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Abdullah Md Zin, Datuk Seri Dr. Mujahid Yusof Rawa, and Dato' Syeikh Haji Mohd Murtadza Ahmad. The findings indicate that the leadership of the al-Azhar alumni applied diplomatic approaches, engaging in wise and harmonious negotiations among the parties involved and religious approaches, by providing clear and courteous explanations and guidance.

The Concepts of al-Fana’ and al-Baqa’ in Hasan Hanafi’s Thought and Their Implications in Contemporary Life

2025-12-18T05:49:20+08:00

This study explores Hasan Hanafi’s reconstruction of ‘Ulum al-Tasawwuf through the paradigm of ‘Min al-Fana’ ila al-Baqa’’ and examines its implications for contemporary life. Hasan Hanafi criticizes forms of tasawwuf that excessively emphasize inward spirituality while neglecting practical and social engagement, arguing that such tendencies hinder the productivity and creativity of the Muslim community. In response, he proposes a transformative model of tasawwuf that shifts from passive and ritualistic spirituality toward an active, dynamic, and socially responsible discipline. Central to this reconstruction is the concept of objective consciousness (wa‘y maudhu‘iy), which reorients faith from a submissive and static condition into a form of revolutionary morality (akhlaq al-thawriy). This moral framework is grounded in the paradigm of al-baqa’ on earth, prioritizing the actualization of human khilafah (vicegerency) over the mere pursuit of individual sainthood (wilayah). Hasan Hanafi argues that true sainthood emerges only through the successful realization of humanity’s role as God’s vicegerent on earth. Furthermore, this study highlights Hasan Hanafi’s insistence on orienting tasawwuf as an individual spiritual experience (tajribah fardiyah) rather than a collective or institutionalized practice, which he considers potentially harmful when transformed into mass movements. Methodologically, this research employs qualitative library research with a descriptive-analytical approach, focusing primarily on Hasan Hanafi’s Min al-Fana’ ila al-Baqa’ as the main source. The findings demonstrate that Hasan Hanafi’s project aims to revitalize tasawwuf as a productive, humanistic, and civilization-oriented discipline capable of contributing meaningfully to modern social life, education, and cultural development.

The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Islamic Studies: An Analysis of Students’ Perceptions and the Need for Guidance Based on Islamic Values

2025-10-15T06:57:40+08:00

Artificial Intelligence (AI) represents an advanced technology capable of performing cognitive functions such as learning, problem-solving, and decision-making. Its integration into education, particularly through chatbots and natural language processing (NLP) technologies, has opened new avenues for more rapid and interactive learning processes. Nevertheless, concerns arise regarding the appropriateness of AI within Islamic Studies, a field that places great emphasis on the authenticity of knowledge and the continuity of scholarly transmission (sanad). Overreliance on generative AI without critical verification poses potential risks to the integrity of Islamic knowledge. This article aims to assess the perceptions and extent of AI usage among students specializing in Islamic Studies. A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving online surveys and semi-structured interviews. The findings reveal that most students actively use AI tools, particularly ChatGPT (58.64%), to support their learning activities. While respondents generally expressed positive perceptions towards AI, they also stressed the necessity for ethical guidelines and the incorporation of Islamic moral values in its use. In conclusion, AI holds significant potential as a supportive tool in Islamic Studies education. However, its application must be guided by ethical frameworks and aligned with the epistemological principles of Islamic scholarship. Such guidelines are essential to ensure that technology is utilized responsibly, without compromising the authenticity of knowledge transmission and the preservation of Islamic ethical values.

Did Abu Hurairah Mudalis?: A Critique of Mahmud Abu Rayya’s View of Thoughts

2025-11-12T02:44:27+08:00

This article discusses Mahmud Abu Rayya's thoughts regarding his criticism of Abu Hurairah. He argues that Abu Hurairah is not a Sahabah (Companion of the Prophet) whose Hadiths can be accepted without question because, in his view, Companions could make mistakes in narrating Hadiths. Therefore, the authors analyze these thoughts using a critical approach to obtain valid data for evaluating his perspective. In conclusion, the authors found several enlightening findings that shed light on the accusations made by Abu Rayya against Abu Hurairah. He misunderstood the terminology used in scholarly discussions and confused the concepts of tadlis and mursal sahabi. It is important to distinguish between these two terms because mursal narrations from reliable Sahabah are considered valid and accepted in the field of Hadith scholarship. Therefore, the accusation against Abu Hurairah can not be justified for several reasons. Firstly, Abu Hurairah is a Companion, and all scholars unanimously agree on the trustworthiness of the Prophet’s Companions. Secondly, he misunderstood the term ‘tadlis,’ leading to an incorrect conclusion about Abu Hurairah’s actions.

Intra-Religious Rivalry on Hadith Exposition in Ilorin Emirate, Nigeria

2025-12-05T03:45:31+08:00

Divergent views on Hadith exposition had been in existence since the Prophetic era. However, the Prophet resolved a myriad of theological and juristic differences among his Companions. The later generation experienced accretions due to strange ideology and sectarianism. Ilorin emirate Muslims had a similar experience of factionalism arising from divergent approaches to Hadith corpuses. The study explores the stages of Hadith development in Ilorin, consequences of intra-religious rivalry among Muslims and approach of the Ilorin Muslim factions to Hadith interpretation. The article appraises four selected Hadiths relating to theological and juristic polemics to curtail sectarian intolerance arising from the emirate. The article adopts an analytical method to unravel the polemics and relies on archive materials and oral interview for data collection and discussion. The article reveals that indoctrination of young scholars in Ilorin emirate had significantly influenced their Hadith exposition. Experts in the field of Hadith and Muslim preachers are enjoined to avoid sentiments in Hadith analysis.

The Question of Takfir from the Sunni Perspective: A Theological and Jurisprudential Inquiry

2025-12-10T08:16:40+08:00

This study examines the theological and jurisprudential dimensions of takfir the act of declaring a fellow Muslim a disbeliever from the perspective of mainstream Sunni. Drawing on classical sources, particularly the works of al-Ghazali, it delineates the definitional boundaries of kufr and the conditions under which takfir may be legitimately applied. Qualitative in nature, the analysis emphasizes the Sunni tradition’s insistence on ‘restraint’ from takfir; the presumption of Islam, and the dangers of misapplication of takfir in contexts of interpretive disagreement (taʾwil). Central to the discussion is al-Ghazali’s framework, including his five levels of existence and his requirement of definitive proof (qat‘i), which collectively underscore that takfir must rest on an explicit denial (takzib) of prophetic teachings and incontrovertible rejection of what is known by necessity in religion (ma‘lum min al-din bi al-darurah). The paper argues that sectarian polemics and interpretive errors (ta’wil) cannot serve as grounds for takfir. By situating takfir within the methodology of the salaf, the study demonstrates that Sunni thought categorically rejects indiscriminate takfir and upholds the sanctity of Muslim unity and doctrinal tolerance, provided that such tolerance does not contravene the essential definition of kufr.

Feminist Religious Guidance and Its Contemporary Applications: An Objective Qur’anic Study

2025-12-19T01:01:15+08:00

This study seeks to highlight the importance of women’s religious guidance within educational institutions through a Qur’anic methodology. It aims to identify Qur’anic verses that affirm the role of Muslim women in Da‘wah and to clarify key contemporary methods of religious guidance. The research problem is reflected in the increasing prevalence of deviant behaviors among female students in educational institutions, resulting from weak religious awareness, the marginalization of Muslim women’s role in guidance, and the absence of a systematic vision for activating religious guidance. The study adopts an inductive approach to survey relevant texts, a descriptive-analytical method to examine Qur’anic verses emphasizing women’s role in Da‘wah, and an applied approach based on interviews with female religious guides. The findings confirm that Muslim women’s participation in Da‘wah is authentic and firmly rooted in the Holy Qur’an, and that religious guidance is a continuous responsibility across all times and places. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that activating a systematic model of women’s religious guidance contributes to building faith-based and critically aware generations capable of confronting intellectual deviation, protecting society, and strengthening it in accordance with the Qur’anic methodology.