Operative theories of the Islamic Movement

One of the problems the Islamic Movement is facing, especially in the West, is the rigidity and over-zealousness of some activists. They are trying to apply the exact carbon-copy methods, ways and tools, which were introduced by its founders for their particular context and realities.

The consequences of this is that the Movement loses its dynamic, pragmatism and the spirit upon which it was established and instituted. This approach may produce some immediate benefits, however in the long term productivity will be lost and its principles and values will be diluted by factors beyond its domain.

Superman and the Islamic Movement

Around 10 years ago, I asked Dr Tariq Ramadan for help with an essay on Nietzsche, the German philosopher. I knew he was a lecturer in philosophy, so who better to help with one of the most difficult texts (political thought) for undergraduates?

Admired by his supporters, dismissed by his critics - I can confirm and declare that Tariq Ramadan is no Übermensch (superman).

Journey of a Lifetime

The great debate: Abu Hanifa v Imam Baqir

On his second visit to Madina Abu Hanifa met Imam Baqir, when he was introduced to Imam Baqir, the latter addressed him in the following words: “So it is you who contradicts the traditions of my grandfather on the basis of Qiyas”. Abu Hanifa said: “May Allah forbid, who dare contradict the Ahadith? After you sit down, Sayyidi, I shall explain my position.”

Intellectual Foundations of Islamic Political thought

Q. Dear Abdullah thank you for the articles. I have another request, could you briefly explain to me the intellectual foundations of Islamic politics? Thank you.

Muhammad: the counsellor

It is well known among the scholars that the Prophet in his various capacities instituted and established certain norms, commands and prohibitions; some in his capacity as a Prophet, some in his capacity as a judge, some in his capacity as a political leader, etc.

Al-Qaraḍāwī: Niqāb is Neither an Obligation Nor an Innovation

In his fatwa about the niqāb, between the claim of its obligation or innovation, the esteemed scholar Dr. Yūsuf al-Qaraḍāwī states: “I know that the argumentation surrounding these controversial issues will not end with a composed article, research work, or authored book. For, as long as the causes for ikhtilāf (disagreement) remain, the ikhtilāf among people will not disappear – even if they are religious, sincere Muslims.”

On Niqab and Culture: Shaykh Abdullah Adhami

What I believe

In ‘What I Believe’, Dr Tariq Ramadan’s latest book, he endeavours to clarify some of the misunderstood positions he holds. It is aimed at ordinary people, journalists, politicians, social workers, teachers and others, who do not have the time or perhaps sometimes the capacity to grasp the academic and philosophical language he employs in his writings. This book sets out to clarify the basic ideas which he has been advocating for more than twenty years.

Tying the Knot: Intensive weekend marriage course with Sh Fahimul Anam

Cultural mixing and the Qur’anic Generation: By Sidi Abu Muhammad

During a visit to the local historical attractions, while a student in Amman (Jordan), a classmate made a remark which started an enthralling discussion on religion, culture and revival.

While admiring the remains and colosseums the Romans left behind, which still dominate parts of the Jordanian capital, my classmate commented, ‘when the Islamic revival or the Islamic state is established, these and other similar buildings should be destroyed – firstly because they remind us of the tragic history and the suffering of the Muslims, and secondly, these are un-Islamic and therefore, they ought be removed from Muslim lands’.

Contextualising Islam in Britain: Exploratory Perspectives

Da’wa, Diversity and Empathy

A thorough reading of the Prophet’s Seerah (biography) teaches us the best model to adopt in order to engender individual and collective repose and harmony in the inward, outward, and also in the physical and spiritual dimensions of human existence. He embodied and exhibited the quintessential characteristics of a successful human being.