Reclaiming the Islamic Political Tradition: Reflections after ISIS
One of the greatest political challenges Islam faces is the relationship between religion and state, a political construct that dominates and tolerates no rival. The rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria highlighted this crisis, as the Muslim world continues to produce political bankruptcy through failed states, authoritarianism, and the ugly miscegenation of state and religion. Muslim scholars and civil society unanimously condemned … Continue reading Reclaiming the Islamic Political Tradition: Reflections after ISIS
The Case of Alfie Evans: Why Scientism Shouldn’t Inform Medical Ethics
The ongoing debate regarding the case of Alfie Evans has brought medical ethics once again under the spotlight, with particular scrutiny on the relationship between medical ethics and scientism. Science is undoubtedly entwined with medical practice; it is scientific research that has and will continue to allow modern improvement in medical care. Nevertheless, a discussion of shortcomings of scientism in directing ethical medical care is required, … Continue reading The Case of Alfie Evans: Why Scientism Shouldn’t Inform Medical Ethics
Acknowledging The Role of Scholarship
Beyond a collection of facts, knowledge transcends the tangible and quantifiable. It is both production and consumption, providing structure, methodology, and substance: the sum of generations of thinkers, teachers, and students. The authority to transmit knowledge is reserved to those who have extensively studied and practiced it. Expertise within a field is a rare blessing and the onus is on laymen to take knowledge from … Continue reading Acknowledging The Role of Scholarship
Why Culture Matters to the Islamic Revival
It is often said that the antidote to the Muslim world’s malaise is the establishing of an all-embracing Caliphate: all territories populated by Muslims bound under a centralised institution whose dictates would govern every corner of the empire, bolstered through communications technology and greater levels of coercion that the modern state has access to. Common perceptions of the Caliphate and how it could materialize are … Continue reading Why Culture Matters to the Islamic Revival
Deconstructing the “Scientific Miracles in the Quran” Argument
Going to a masjid and finding pamphlets with the title “Scientific Miracles in the Quran” is common. Dawah companies continue to propagate such material in a vain attempt to show why Islam is “true,” strangely continuing to do so even after the constant contradictions such an approach creates. Critical examination reveals how such an approach not only disassociates from our own tradition, but also adopts … Continue reading Deconstructing the “Scientific Miracles in the Quran” Argument
Modern Myth: Overpopulation
Modern Myths is a new series of articles that will deconstruct popular myths that are informed by modernity. This series will first present the myth, analyze and dismantle it from a lens of tradition, and ultimately, offer alternatives in viewing or ameliorating the legitimate challenges associated with the myth. We hope the “Modern Myths” series will enable you to not only question your understanding of … Continue reading Modern Myth: Overpopulation
