Al-Mithaq ( Research Journal of Islamic Theology)
Al-Mīthāq (Research Journal of Islamic Theology) ISSN: 2791-0989 (P), 2791-0997 (E) is a tri-lingual (Urdu, English and Arabic), Double-Blind Peer-Reviewed, Open access, Quarterly Research Journal, is published by Hira Institute of Social Sciences Research & Development. In this journal different aspects of Islamic theology and their impact on Muslim world are discussed.
Hira Institute of Social Science Research & Development
The Contributions of Imām Abū Nuʿaym al-Iṣfahānī to Ḥadīth Studies: An Analytical Study
The science of Ḥadīth occupies a central position in Islamic scholarship, as the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) constitutes the second primary source of Islamic teachings after the Holy Qur’an. The preservation, authentication, and transmission of the Prophetic traditions have remained the foremost concern of Muslim scholars throughout history. Among the distinguished scholars who rendered remarkable services in this field was Imām Abū Nuʿaym al-Iṣfahānī (d. 430 AH), a renowned muhaddith, historian, biographer, and prolific author. This study aims to examine his scholarly contributions to the science of Ḥadīth through an analytical and descriptive approach. The research explores Imām Abu Nuʿaym’s biography, his academic stature, reliability (thiqāh), precision in narration (ḍabṭ), scholarly methodology, and his outstanding services to Ḥadīth literature. It also provides an overview of his major works, including Ḥilyat al-Awliyāʾ wa Ṭabaqāt al-Aṣfiyāʾ, Dalāʾil al-Nubuwwah, Maʿrifat al-Ṣaḥābah, Al-Musnad al-Mustakhraj ʿalā Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, and Tārīkh Iṣfahān, highlighting their significance in the fields of Ḥadīth, biographical evaluation (ʿIlm al-Rijāl), Sīrah, and Islamic historiography. The study concludes that Imām Abu Nuʿaym made enduring contributions to the preservation, transmission, authentication, and documentation of Ḥadīth, and that his works continue to serve as indispensable references for scholars and researchers in Ḥadīth studies.
The Distinctive Juristic Opinion of Imām Abū Yūsuf: A Specialized Study in the Context of Ḥanafī Jurisprudence
This study examines the juristic particularities (Tafarrudāt) of Imām Abū Yūsuf (d. 182 AH), one of the foremost disciples of Imām Abū Ḥanīfa and the first Qāḍī al-Quḍāt (Chief Justice) in Islamic history. Although the Ḥanafī school is fundamentally rooted in the legal thought of Imām Abū Ḥanīfa, its subsequent development, practical application, and systematic formulation were significantly influenced by the independent ijtihād of Imām Abū Yūsuf. The study seeks to identify and critically analyze the legal issues in which Imām Abū Yūsuf departed from the positions of Imām Abū Ḥanīfa or his contemporary, Imām Muḥammad al-Shaybānī, and arrived at an independent juristic opinion. Employing an analytical and comparative methodology, the research draws upon major primary sources of Ḥanafī jurisprudence, particularly Kitāb al-Kharāj and the Ẓāhir al-Riwāyah works. It explores the underlying factors that contributed to these juristic differences, including the availability of additional aḥādīth, differences in ʿurf (customary practices), and the practical experience gained by Imām Abū Yūsuf through his judicial and administrative responsibilities during the ʿAbbāsid period. The study further evaluates the influence of his distinctive juristic positions on the subsequent development of the Ḥanafī tradition, with particular attention to the adoption of several of his opinions as muftā bihi positions due to their practical relevance and applicability. Overall, the study highlights the intellectual diversity, methodological dynamism, and capacity for legal adaptation within the Ḥanafī school, demonstrating how juristic reasoning responded to changing judicial, administrative, social, and economic circumstances while remaining grounded in the principles of Islamic jurisprudence.
The Role of Khānqāh Sulemāniyah in the Moral and Spiritual Training of Common Muslims and Religious Scholars
This article examines the role of Khānqāh Sulemāniyah in the moral, spiritual, and practical training of both common Muslims and religious scholars. It highlights how the mashā’ikh of this tradition did not separate knowledge from action, but treated both as essential for true reform. Their teachings gave special attention to sincerity, love of God, adherence to Sharīʻah, humility, good character, and social responsibility. The study also shows that their efforts were not limited to individual piety. They addressed wider social problems such as sectarianism, bribery, arrogance, backbiting, moral decline, and disunity among Muslims. Through their sayings, instructions, and reformative practices, the scholars and saints of the Sulemāniyah tradition offered a model of guidance that joined spiritual purification with ethical and communal reform. The article argues that Khānqāh Sulemāniyah served not only as a center of spiritual growth, but also as an institution of religious education, character building, and social correction.
Knowing the Other as Religious Obligation: A Confessionally-Anchored Framework for Religious Literacy and Interfaith Education in Pakistan
Religious education in Pakistan is confessional by constitutional design: Islamiyat is compulsory for Muslim students, and Article 22(1) grants non-Muslims a right to opt out of instruction in another faith without obliging the state to provide anything in its place. The system therefore teaches students to be religious without teaching them anything reliable about the religious lives of their fellow citizens, an arrangement that produces sectarian as well as interfaith illiteracy. International religious-literacy scholarship offers a well-developed remedy, but one built for secular and plural settings and premised on a non-confessional stance that is neither constitutionally available nor politically viable in Pakistan, where teachers across the national and religious sectors already read global citizenship education as a threat to Islamic values. This article asks how religious literacy can be constructed on foundations that Pakistani educational institutions can accept. Methodologically it combines a documented conceptual review of 96 sources with qualitative documentary analysis of curriculum policy instruments and a thematic synthesis of eight published Pakistani empirical studies. Three findings emerge: the opt-out provision creates a curricular void rather than an alternative; teacher disposition rather than curriculum content is the binding constraint on reform; and the framing of religious literacy as an external norm is the primary obstacle to its adoption. The article’s contribution is the Confessionally-Anchored Religious Literacy (CARL) framework, which grounds the obligation to know the religious other in taʿāruf (Q. 49:13) and in the indigenous Islamic tradition of milal wa niḥal scholarship, above all al-Bīrūnī’s methodological commitment to reporting Indian religion as Indians themselves state it. CARL specifies three competencies across four educational sectors, with sector-differentiated implementation. Implications follow for curriculum policy, teacher education, madrasah reform, and the comparative study of religious literacy in Muslim-majority states.
Positive Social Values in the Qur'anic Narratives and Their Contemporary Significance: An Analytical Study
This article studies positive social behaviours in the Qur’anic narratives and explains their contemporary relevance. It argues that Qur’anic stories are not merely historical accounts; they are ethical, social, and reformative models. Through an analytical reading of selected narratives, Adam, Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Shuʿayb, David, Solomon, Luqman, Maryam, the People of the Cave, and earlier communities, the article identifies the core values that build healthy relations: forgiveness, compassion, kinship, respectful speech, patience, hospitality, modesty, honesty, knowledge, responsibility, and justice. It also shows that social collapse begins when these values are replaced by envy, arrogance, oppression, immorality, fraud, economic exploitation, and moral indifference. The study concludes that the Qur’anic narratives provide a living framework for family reform, educational training, public communication, economic justice, and institutional ethics in the contemporary Muslim society. Their guidance is rooted in revelation but remains practical for modern life because human social needs have not changed in essence: people still need trust, mercy, justice, dignity, and moral discipline.
An Analytical Study of the Tafsīr Contributions and Methodological Approaches of Deobandī Scholars (ʻUlamā) in District Swabi
This research paper presents a comprehensive and analytical study of the Tafsīr contributions and methodological approaches of the Deobandi scholars (ʻUlamā) of District Swabi. These scholars (ʻUlamā) have played a vital role in the teaching, interpretation, and dissemination of the Holy Qur’ān, Tafsīr, and have developed distinct approaches (manāhij) in Qur’ānic Tafsīr. District Swabi, has long been an important center of Islamic scholarship. Over different periods, its scholars (ʻUlamā) have made remarkable contributions through Qur’ānic teaching circles, Dars-e- Qur’ān sessions, Dars-e-Tafsīr programs, and religious institutions. Their exegetical approach is characterized by simplicity, clarity, and accessibility for the general public, ensuring that the message of the Qur’ān effectively reaches both scholars and general public. The study highlights that the scholars of Swabi emphasize thematic coherence of the Qur’ān (rabṭ bayn al-ayat wa al-suwar), linguistic and grammatical analysis, explanation of asbab al-nuzūl, derivation of juristic rulings, and a strong emphasis on Tawḥid. Furthermore, they have actively addressed contemporary intellectual and doctrinal challenges by refuting different ideologies and promoting authentic Islamic teachings. The research employs a qualitative and analytical methodology, reviewing the lives, works, and interpretive methods of various scholars associated with religious institutions in District Swabi. It analyzes how these scholars have applied both transmitted (mathūr) and rational (ʻaqli) approaches in their exegesis, while simultaneously addressing contemporary issues alongside classical interpretations. Based on qualitative and historical analysis of available literature, this study concludes that the scholars of Swabi adopted a balanced, accessible, and practical approach to Qur’ānic interpretation, emphasizing clarity, linguistic analysis, contextual relevance, and adherence to authentic sources such as Ḥadīth and classical Tafsīr. Their efforts have significantly contributed to religious education, intellectual development, and socio-moral reforms. The study further concludes that the collective exegetical legacy of Swabi reflects a dynamic synthesis of tradition and contemporary relevance, ensuring the continued vitality of Qur’ānic scholarship in the region.
Self-Purification between Islamic Knowledge and Psychological Counselling: A Prophetic Approach to Building a Balanced University Personality
This research aims to present an integrative perspective between modern psychological counselling and the Islamic concept of self-purification (Tazkiyat al-Nafs), drawing upon the Prophetic methodology in building a balanced personality. The study seeks to demonstrate how the concepts of self-purification, spiritual refinement, and moral development can contribute to addressing contemporary negative phenomena such as cyber extortion, hate speech, intellectual extremism, and drug abuse within an academic framework that engages university students. The research adopts an inductive and analytical approach to the study of Islamic texts, while comparing their principles with selected theories of modern psychological counselling. The findings reveal that self-purification represents an authentic and comprehensive civilizational framework that preceded modern psychology by centuries. Furthermore, activating its principles within university counselling units can effectively support initiatives aimed at strengthening authentic values in society and protecting young minds from intellectual and moral deviations.
The Juristic and Legal Status of Qawl Shādh (Anomalous Opinion): An Analytical Study of the Criteria for Its Identification and Ethical Boundaries
The concept of Qawl al-Shādh (an irregular or isolated juristic opinion) occupies a significant position in the discourse of Islamic jurisprudence, particularly in relation to legal authority, juristic methodology, and the preservation of consistency in Islamic legal rulings. Although Islamic law recognizes scholarly disagreement (ikhtilāf) as an inherent feature of juristic reasoning, not every opinion possesses equal legal weight or qualifies for fatwa and judicial application. The identification of Qawl al-Shādh has therefore remained a crucial concern among classical and contemporary jurists, as its misuse may lead to legal inconsistency, ethical deviation, and the distortion of Sharīʿah objectives.This study critically examines the juristic and legal status of Qawl al-Shādh by exploring the principles employed by classical jurists to distinguish it from valid juristic disagreement. It analyzes the major criteria adopted by the four Sunni schools of law, including conformity with the Qur'an and Sunnah, juristic consensus (ijmāʿ), established legal principles, and the objectives of Islamic law (Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah). The study further investigates the ethical boundaries governing the citation, adoption, and dissemination of irregular opinions, particularly in contemporary legal and social contexts where selective reliance on anomalous views may undermine legal certainty, public interest, and religious integrity.Adopting a qualitative and analytical methodology, this research is based on classical juristic literature, principles of uṣūl al-fiqh, and contemporary scholarly discussions. It argues that while Qawl al-Shādh retains academic value for comparative legal analysis and juristic development, it generally lacks normative authority for issuing fatwas or judicial rulings unless supported by compelling textual evidence or overriding public necessity recognized within the framework of Islamic legal theory.The study concludes that a sound understanding of the identification criteria and ethical limitations of Qawl al-Shādh is essential for preserving methodological integrity, promoting responsible legal reasoning, and preventing arbitrary or selective interpretations of Islamic law. The findings contribute to contemporary discussions on Islamic legal methodology by providing a balanced framework for evaluating minority juristic opinions while safeguarding the objectives and coherence of the Sharīʿah.
New Atheism and its Intellectual Foundations: An Analytical Study of the Polemics of Harris, Dawkins, Dennett and Hitchens
This article explores the ideas behind “New Atheism,” a movement that became well known in the early twenty first century. The study focuses on the main arguments and beliefs of the movement's four key figures, Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett and Christopher Hitchens, known as the “Four Horsemen.” By examining their important works and personal backgrounds, the article shows their reliance on scientific naturalism, evolutionary biology and a direct criticism of religious beliefs, especially Islam. Furthermore, the study includes a critical analysis at how new this movement is, referencing scholars like John F. Haught and William E. Kaufman. The findings suggest that, although New Atheism has energized the discussion on secularism with unmatched intensity and media attention, its intellectual claims are mostly rehashed versions of traditional atheistic ideas rather than new philosophical insights.
Manifestations of Muslim-Christian Interaction in the Prophetic Era
Muslim-Christian relations during the Prophetic era constitute an important dimension of early Islamic history and provide valuable insights into the nature of interreligious engagement in the formative period of Islam. This article examines the various manifestations of interaction between the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the early Muslim community, and Christian individuals and groups. Drawing upon classical Sīrah literature, Qur’ānic texts, and contemporary scholarly discussions, the study analyzes key episodes including the accounts of Baḥīrā the monk and Waraqah ibn Nawfal, the migration of Muslims to Abyssinia and their encounter with the Christian ruler al-Najāshī (the Negus), the visit of the Christian delegation of Najrān to Madinah, and the Prophet’s correspondence with Christian rulers. The article also investigates Qur’ānic portrayals of Christians and explores how these portrayals relate to the historical circumstances in which they were revealed.The study argues that Muslim-Christian relations in the Prophetic period were neither monolithic nor static; rather, they reflected a complex spectrum of religious dialogue, political engagement, diplomatic relations, theological debate, and peaceful coexistence. While the Qur’ān critiques certain Christian doctrines from an Islamic theological perspective, it also acknowledges the piety, humility, and moral integrity of many Christians. The analysis demonstrates that the Prophet’s interactions with Christians were generally characterized by justice, mutual respect, intellectual engagement, and the invitation to faith through dialogue rather than coercion. Furthermore, the article highlights the significance of contextualizing both historical reports and Qur’ānic passages in order to achieve a balanced understanding of early Muslim-Christian relations. The findings contribute to contemporary discussions on interfaith relations by illustrating how the Prophetic model provides important principles for religious coexistence, constructive dialogue, and mutual understanding in pluralistic societies.
The RAND Corporation: Institutional Evolution, Policy Influence and the Securitization of Knowledge in Post-9/11 America
This article examines the RAND Corporation's institutional evolution from its origins as a post-World War II military research project to its transformation into one of the most influential policy think tanks in American history. Tracing RAND's development through the Cold War era of nuclear deterrence and systems analysis to its post-September 11 role as a central node in the American counterterrorism establishment, the article analyses how the organization's institutional structure, funding mechanisms, and proximity to power have shaped the production of knowledge about the Muslim world. The article argues that RAND's operation of Federally Funded Research and Development Centres (FFRDCs), its reliance on government contracts, and the revolving door between RAND and government service have created structural incentives that privilege securitized framings of Islam over nuanced understanding. The 2004 report "The Muslim World After 9/11" is examined as a case study in how institutional constraints and client relationships shape policy analysis. The article concludes that understanding RAND's institutional positionality is essential for critically evaluating its research products and their influence on Western policy toward Muslim societies. This analysis contributes to broader scholarly discussions about the relationship between knowledge production, state power, and the securitization of religious identity in the post-9/11 era.
Interactive Qur’ānic Learning: Enhancing Youth Engagement, Qur’ānic Comprehension and Reflective Understanding
The Qur’ān occupies a central position in Muslim intellectual and spiritual life; however, many young Muslims today experience a growing disconnect between recitation-based learning and meaningful comprehension of the Qur’ānic message. Traditional pedagogical approaches, while successful in preserving textual transmission, often struggle to engage contemporary youth whose learning preferences are shaped by interactivity, participation, and contextual relevance. This study explores the potential of interactive learning as a pedagogical pathway for enhancing youth engagement and comprehension of the Qur’ān. Adopting a qualitative and conceptual research approach, the paper draws upon classical Qur’ānic pedagogy, contemporary educational theory, and selected models of interactive learning to examine how dialogical, experiential, and digitally mediated strategies can support a deeper understanding of the Qur’ānic text. The study argues that interactive learning is not a foreign imposition upon Islamic education but resonates with the Qur’ān’s own emphasis on reflection (tadabbur), inquiry, and moral reasoning. Forms of interaction such as discussion-based learning, collaborative study circles, multimedia tools, and guided reflective practices are examined as means to move learners beyond rote memorisation toward comprehension, ethical awareness, and lived application of Qur’ānic teachings. The paper also addresses critical challenges associated with interactive approaches, including the risk of oversimplification, loss of reverence, and epistemic authority in interpretation. It emphasises the necessity of scholarly oversight and ethically grounded frameworks to ensure that interactivity enhances rather than diminishes the sanctity of the Qur’ān. The study concludes by proposing an integrated model of interactive Qur’ānic learning that balances pedagogical innovation with the Islamic intellectual tradition, offering practical insights for educators, institutions, and communities seeking to reconnect the younger generation with the Qur’ān in meaningful and sustainable ways.
The Concept of Spiritual and Online Bai'at in Sufism: An Analysis of Major Sufi Orders
In the contemporary digital age, the traditional Ṣūfī concept of bayʿah (spiritual allegiance) faces new expressions and challenges through online platforms, virtual mentorship, and cyber communities۔ This study explores the interplay between Spiritual Allegiance rooted in the classical Ṣūfī understanding of direct master-disciple relationship, heart-to-heart transmission (transference of barakah), and disciplined spiritual training and Online Allegiance, which emerges in the form of virtual initiations, social media-based followings, and digital Ṣūfī networks۔ Drawing upon the teachings and practices of major Ṣūfī orders, Chishtī, Qādirī, Naqshbandī, Suhrawardī۔The research examines how each ṭariqah historically conceptualized allegiance, authority, and spiritual lineage (silsila)۔ The Chishti emphasis on love (ishq) and service, the Naqshbandī focus on silent remembrance (dhikr khafī) and inner discipline, the Qādirī stress on outward prophetic adherence۔ The paper argues that while digital tools have democratized access to Ṣūfī knowledge, shortened distances, and enabled global connectivity, they simultaneously risk diluting the transformative power of face-to-face companionship (ṣuḥba), accountability, and personalized guidance that constitute the core of authentic bayʿah۔ Issues such as superficial affiliation, absence of rigorous vetting of spiritual guides, commodification of sacred knowledge, and the illusion of progress without inner struggle are critically analyzed۔ It concludes that authentic spiritual allegiance remains deeply personal, hierarchical, and covenantal in nature, yet judicious and ethically grounded use of online mediums can serve as a supplementary bridge rather than a replacement for traditional Ṣūfī pedagogy۔ The research ultimately calls for a renewed fiqh al-zaman (jurisprudence of the age) within Ṣūfī orders to preserve the sanctity of the spiritual pact while embracing the realities of the digital era۔
Shaikh ʿAlī Hujwīrī and the Development of Islamic Mysticism in South Asia
Shaikh ʿAlī Hujwīrī, popularly known as Dātā Ganj Bakhsh, occupies a central position in the history of Islamic mysticism in South Asia. His famous work Kashf-ul-Mahjūb is regarded as one of the earliest and most influential Persian texts on Ṣūfīsm. This article examines the life, intellectual background, travels, teachings, and spiritual mission of Shaikh Hujwīrī within the socio-political and religious environment of the eleventh century. It highlights his role as a bridge between the early theoretical phase of Ṣūfīsm and the later development of organized Ṣūfī orders. The article further explores his efforts to harmonize Islamic law (Sharī‘at) and mysticism (Haqiqat), his views on knowledge, morality, sainthood, and spiritual discipline, and his contribution toward the moral and spiritual development of society. Special attention is given to his intellectual versatility, his engagement with different theological and philosophical schools, and his influence on later Ṣūfī traditions in South Asia. Through Kashf-ul-Mahjūb, Shaikh Hujwīrī presented Islamic mysticism in a clear, practical, and purely Islamic form rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah. His teachings greatly influenced later saints, especially within the Chishti tradition, and helped transform Ṣūfīsm into a broad spiritual and social movement in the Subcontinent.
An Introductory Review of Selected Prominent Urdu Fiqh-Based Books on the Prophetic Seerah (19th to 20th Hijri Century)
This study offers an analytical and introductory review of selected prominent Urdu works on the Prophetic Seerah that incorporate juristic (fiqh-based) discussions, produced during the 19th to 20th Hijri centuries. It explores how these writings move beyond mere historical narration to present the Seerah as a practical and normative source for legal reasoning, ethical guidance, and socio-religious organization. The paper examines the methodological approaches adopted by scholars in integrating jurisprudential discourse within the biographical framework of the Prophet ﷺ. It highlights the ways in which legal rulings, principles of fiqh, and applied aspects of Islamic law are derived from events of the Seerah, thereby demonstrating the dynamic relationship between historical narrative and legal theory. Special attention is given to how these works address contemporary challenges of their respective periods by contextualizing Prophetic guidance within evolving social and intellectual landscapes. Furthermore, the study evaluates the scholarly significance of these contributions in shaping modern Urdu Seerah literature, particularly in strengthening the applied dimension of Islamic jurisprudence. It argues that such fiqh-oriented Seerah writings play a vital role in bridging the gap between classical legal theory and lived realities, offering a coherent model for understanding the practical implementation of Islamic teachings.
Comprehensiveness of the Prophet’s Supplications
Duʿāʾ (supplication) constitutes a fundamental act of faith in Islam, serving as a direct and intimate means of communication between a believer and Allah Almighty. It nurtures a continuous spiritual connection, enabling individuals to seek divine guidance, mercy, and support in all aspects of life. Beyond its devotional nature, duʿāʾ functions as a powerful source of inner peace, resilience, and hope, fostering both spiritual elevation and emotional well-being. Each day presents a renewed opportunity for self-improvement, and in this journey, supplication remains a vital tool for maintaining humility and reliance upon Allah. The supplications of the Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ hold a distinctive status due to their comprehensiveness, eloquence, and depth of meaning. Characterized by concise yet all-encompassing expressions (jawāmiʿ al-kalim), Prophetic duʿās effectively integrate both worldly and otherworldly concerns, encompassing spiritual, moral, and physical dimensions of human life. These supplications frequently emphasize seeking all forms of good and protection from all forms of evil, reflecting a holistic approach to human well-being. This article explores the comprehensive nature of the Prophetic supplications, highlighting their thematic breadth and practical relevance. It aims to demonstrate how incorporating these duʿās into daily life can enrich a believer’s spiritual practice, strengthen their connection with Allah, and ensure a balanced and blessed life in both worldly and eternal contexts.
Diplomatic Management in the Military Strategy of the Prophet ﷺ
In history, war and diplomacy have always gone side by side. War is not only about force or weapons, but also about wisdom, planning, intelligence and clear thinking. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) shows a unique example of leadership, moral strength, and strategic skill. He connected it with psychology, emotions, and ethics. He always observed the enemy’s state of mind and weaknesses before making any strategy. This made the enemy lose confidence, while Muslims gained unity, trust, and discipline. A study of the Prophet’s campaigns shows that he always gave priority to peace, dialogue, and agreements before fighting. His strategy was wide and balanced. It included mental training, using clever tactics when needed, gathering information, planning carefully, consulting with companions, and respect for treaties. Diplomacy and military measures were part of one system, not separate fields. The main goal of his tactics was to save lives, protect communities, and spread the message of Allah in a peaceful manner. In modern era, misuse of power often brings conflict and threatens peace, the Prophet’s approach gives guidance. He showed that strength can be balanced with mercy, and diplomacy can stand beside strategy. His methods prove that justice, discipline, and respect are stronger tools than fear or violence. This paper explains how the Prophet (ﷺ) joined military planning with diplomacy, and how these lessons can still help in modern international relations to build peace, security justice and create stability without losing moral values.
Ethical Concerns Regarding Artificial Intelligence and Religious Guidance: A Critical and Analytical Study
Religion has long served as a foundational force in human history, shaping moral frameworks that define responsibility, justice, good and evil, and human dignity. Unlike purely secular systems, religious ethics extends beyond outward actions and places strong emphasis on intention, spiritual consciousness, and ultimate accountability. It evaluates human behavior through an inner moral lens in which sincerity, ethical awareness, and purpose determine the true value of actions. Major world religions, including Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism, consistently emphasize the sacred nature of human moral agency. In Islam, the concept of Khalīfat Allāh fī al-Arḍ portrays human beings as God’s representatives on earth, entrusted with moral responsibility, while the prophetic principle “Innamā al-a‘māl bi al-niyyāt” (“Actions are judged by intentions”) highlights the centrality of intention in ethical conduct. Similarly, Christianity’s doctrine of Imago Dei and Judaism’s concept of Tzelem Elohim affirm that human beings possess rationality as well as a profound moral and spiritual conscience. In Hinduism and Buddhism, concepts such as karma, consciousness, and ātman situate human actions within a broader spiritual and moral order in which awareness and intention are essential to ethical judgment. In contrast, artificial intelligence (AI) operates through data processing, algorithms, and computational logic, lacking consciousness, intentionality, and spiritual awareness qualities that are central to religious moral reasoning. Although AI systems can process vast amounts of information and generate efficient outcomes, their non-sentient and non-volitional nature raises important concerns regarding moral autonomy. This prompts critical questions: can decisions derived solely from data truly be regarded as moral? Can AI comprehend complex ethical distinctions such as justice and injustice, mercy and cruelty, or determine when compassion, flexibility, or strictness is ethically required? This study seeks to critically examine the relationship between religious ethical principles and artificial intelligence by exploring areas of tension, conflict, and potential harmony. Drawing upon core values shared across religious traditions, such as justice, mercy, intention, public welfare, and human dignity, it evaluates whether AI can operate within a religious ethical framework or whether its role must remain fundamentally limited. Through engagement with religious teachings, classical scholarship, and contemporary academic discourse, this paper also aims to encourage an interfaith dialogue capable of guiding the ethical development and application of AI in a manner consistent with enduring spiritual and human values.
Modern International Law: The Muslim Legacy (Contribution of Dr. M. Hamidullah)
International Law is a discipline whose foundational principles, as argued by several Muslim jurists, can be traced to early Islamic legal scholarship. Among the prominent scholars who systematically articulated this position was Muhammad Hamidullah (1908–2002), a distinguished Islamic jurist, historian, and researcher from the Indian subcontinent who later worked extensively in Europe, particularly in France. Trained in both traditional Islamic sciences and modern legal studies, Hamidullah made significant contributions to the study of Islamic international law (Siyar) by presenting it within the broader framework of contemporary international legal discourse. This paper argues that Hamidullah’s central contribution lies not merely in asserting the precedence of Islamic international law, but in systematically documenting, editing, translating, and critically analyzing classical sources of ‘Ilm al-Siyar to demonstrate its conceptual sophistication and historical depth. Through his numerous articles and books, Hamidullah highlighted the origins, principles, and development of ‘Ilm al-Siyar, explaining its legal doctrines concerning war, peace, treaties, diplomacy, and the rights of non-Muslims. He further examined its influence and relevance to modern international law. This study, therefore, examines Hamidullah’s intellectual project, evaluates his sources and methods, and assesses the significance of his work within the larger debate on the origins and development of international law. By placing Hamidullah’s scholarship in its proper academic and historical context, this paper demonstrates that his work represents a major attempt to reclaim the contribution of Islamic legal thought to the discipline of international law.
A Comparative Study of the Methodology and Style of Tafsīr Hidayat-ul-Qur’ān and Tafsīr Al-Qur’ān Al-Karīm
This study presents a comparative analysis of Tafsīr Hidayat-ul-Qur’ān and Tafsīr Al-Qur’ān Al-Karīm, focusing on their methodological approaches (manhaj) and interpretative styles (uslūb). Both tafsirs represent significant contributions to contemporary Qur’ānic exegesis, yet they differ in their intellectual orientation, sources of interpretation, and exegetical techniques. Tafsīr Hidayat-ul-Qur’ān is characterized by a reformative and socio-moral approach, emphasizing guidance, contemporary relevance, and thematic coherence. It tends to integrate modern issues with Qur’ānic teachings while maintaining a balance between traditional exegetical sources and rational reflection. Its style is relatively accessible, aiming to address both scholarly and general readership. In contrast, Tafsīr Al-Qur’ān Al-Karīm adopts a more classical and text-oriented methodology, with a stronger reliance on traditional sources such as Ḥadīth, earlier classical tafsirs, and linguistic analysis. Its interpretative style is more structured, detailed, and academically rigorous, often focusing on linguistic precision and juristic implications. The comparative analysis reveals that while both tafsirs aim to elucidate the divine message, they differ in their target audience, interpretive priorities, and methodological approach.
The Prophetic Methods of Utilizing Secret Information for the Protection of State
This study explores methodology of the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) about utilizing the secret information as the strategic and structured component of community protection and state-building in early Islam. The research highlights the ways of gathering the intelligence reports, controlling the information. The strategic secrecy which played a central role in ensuring the survival and expansion of the nascent Muslim community has also been explained. The study adopts a historical-analytical and qualitative approach. It draws upon classical Islamic sources to rebuild the patterns of security practices and information management. The findings reveal that the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) employed a perfect intelligence system which included various disclosures, among them coded communication, trustable informants, and decentralized information chains. Such measures were not only reactive but they formed a proactive security doctrine that aimed at preventing conflict, minimizing risk and enabling informed decision-making. The covert operations, migration strategies and diplomatic engagements further demonstrate a high level of situational awareness, planning, and adaptability. The study concludes that the Prophetic model elaborates a sophisticated framework of information utilization which integrates ethical considerations with strategic foresight. This model offers valuable insights for contemporary discussions on security, governance, and intelligence management within both religious and modern socio-political contexts.
The Role of Dialogue in Achieving Peace in Islam
This study examines the role of dialogue as a fundamental means of achieving peace and stability in Islam. It highlights those Islamic teachings establish a comprehensive and balanced approach that combines constructive dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence with firm measures against violence and corruption. The research analyses textual evidence from the Qur’ān, Prophetic traditions, and the practices of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), demonstrating that dialogue is not only a communicative tool but also a religious obligation in certain contexts. The study further explores how dialogue contributes to reducing conflicts, promoting mutual understanding, and building trust among individuals, communities, and nations. It emphasizes that Islam encourages engagement with others, including people of different religions based on shared values, respect, and justice. In contrast, the study also clarifies Islam’s strict prohibition of violence, extremism, and terrorism, presenting them as major threats to societal security. The findings reveal that the Islamic approach to peace is holistic, integrating prevention through dialogue and education, treatment through reform, and deterrence through legal measures. The study concludes that many contemporary conflicts and misconceptions about Islam stem from the absence of effective dialogue and the misrepresentation of Islamic teachings. Therefore, reviving the authentic Islamic model of dialogue is essential for fostering peace, stability, and global coexistence.
Negative Trends of Social Media in Pakistan, Judicial Evidence and Islamic Regulations: An Analytical Study
This research paper critically examines the increasing trend of indecent, frivolous, and purposeless content on social media platforms, with a special focus on TikTok, in the light of Quranic teachings. The study investigates how such platforms, while offering tools for creativity and communication have also become a source of moral decline, particularly among Muslim youth in Pakistan. Through a thematic analysis of selected popular TikTok videos and user behaviors, this paper evaluates the deviation from Islamic values such as modesty, purposefulness, and truthfulness. The research incorporates relevant verses of the Holy Qur’an to highlight the ethical principles that should govern public expression and digital content creation. This work aims to serve as a bridge between traditional Islamic morality and contemporary digital culture, guiding educators, parents, and youth towards a more purposeful and ethical presence online.
Algorithmic Ijtihād: Leveraging AI and Islamic Legal Theory to Mediate Conflict in a Multifaith Society
Pluralistic societies of the twenty-first century are faced with a twin challenge of protecting religious piety on the one hand and the nurturing of remote inter-communal relationship on the other. In this article, the Islamic process of independent legal reasoning called (ijtihād) is examined to determine how modern methods of artificial intelligence could enhance the process to produce artifacts of conflict mediation in context-sensing, transparent, and rapid tools that could be applied in the face of religious conflict involving different religions. Using the lessons of classical (uṣūl al- fiqh), we will begin by tracing the logic of decision making encountered historically by Muslim’s jurists as they attempted to pull into harmony the authority of the text and realities of action. Then we implement that reasoning in machine-readable ontologies and rule-based knowledge graphs, so that AI systems can interpolate that juristic multiplicity of opinion (ikhtilāf) and show areas of ethical accord with other religions and secular law groups. Most importantly, the article deals with possible pitfalls of data-bias, codification of dynamic interpretive practices as instance-of-how-it-was-then (as opposed to how-it-will-be-in-time), and the danger of de-legitimizing human scholars. In order to curb these anxieties, we recommend a mixed governance model under which outputs provided by AI would be in the style of advisory drafts open to scholarly review and community consultation (shūrā). In the end, it appears that algorithmic (ijtihād) is not a shortcut; rather, it is a practical-ethical course to a better nation spirit of amalgamation of religious faith and global peacebuilding.
An Analytical Study of the Role of Makhdoom Abdul Rashid Haqqani (d. 669 AH) in Promoting Spirituality, Islamic Culture and Values and Establishing Social Peace and Economic Balance in Multan
This research presents an analytical study of the pivotal role played by Hazrat Makhdoom Abdul Rashid Haqqani (d. 669 AH) in fostering spirituality, Islamic civilization, and values, as well as establishing social peace and economic balance in Multan. While Multan’s Islamic identity was initiated by Muḥammad bin Qāsim and later reinforced by Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi, the region faced persistent spiritual instability and the rise of heterodox movements like the Qarmatians. The study highlights the historical turning point in 602 AH when Makhdoom Haqqani, a descendant of a noble scholarly lineage and cousin of Sheikh Bahauddin Zakariya, migrated from Kot Karor to Multan to provide a permanent spiritual foundation. Over seven decades, through the Qadirī Ṣūfī tradition, he effectively engaged both urban and rural populations, deeply embedding Islamic ethical values across all social strata. This paper specifically analyzes the uniqueness of his contributions to two critical societal pillars: the maintenance of communal harmony (social peace) and the promotion of economic equilibrium through Sufi-led social welfare. By examining his multifaceted legacy, the research concludes that Makhdoom Haqqani’s influence was fundamental in transforming Multan into the "City of Saints" and a resilient fortress of Islamic civilization in the subcontinent.
The Principles and Methodological Criteria of Mursal, Mu‘allaq and Mu‘ḍal Ḥadīth According to Shaykh Nāṣir al-Dīn al-Albānī
In the preservation and critical understanding of the Prophetic Ḥadīth, the distinguished scholars of Ḥadīth engaged in extremely meticulous discussions regarding the continuity and discontinuity of chains of transmission. Based on the connection or disconnection within the chain (sanad), various categories of Ḥadīth were identified, among which mursal, mu‘allaq, and Mu‘ḍal narrations hold particular significance. Differences of opinion are found among the scholars of Ḥadīth regarding the acceptance or rejection of these types of reports. Shaykh Nāṣir al-Dīn al-Albānī (may Allah have mercy upon him), who is widely recognized in the contemporary era as a reviver of the science of Ḥadīth, also established principles and guidelines concerning these categories according to his distinctive methodology. In accepting or rejecting mursal, mu‘allaq, and Mu‘ḍal narrations, he partially differed from the majority of Ḥadīth scholars and, on several occasions, adopted independent positions. This discussion aims to clarify the standards of authenticity, evidentiary value, and legal inference of these categories of Ḥadīth according to Nāṣir al-Dīn al-Albānī, and to identify where his methodology aligns with the principles of the majority of scholars and where it diverges. In this chapter, we will attempt not only to understand Shaykh Nāṣir al-Dīn al-Albānī’s methodology in light of primary and secondary sources, but also to analyze his practical applications and examples so that a clear framework of his principles regarding mursal, mu‘allaq, and Mu‘ḍal narrations may emerge.
Western Constructions of Islam after the Fall of Al-Andalus: A Historical, Intellectual and Civilizational Analysis
This paper critically investigates the reconfiguration of Western perceptions of Islam in the aftermath of the decline of Al-Andalus, situating this transformation within a comprehensive historical, intellectual, and civilizational framework. During the centuries of Muslim rule in Iberia, Islamic civilization played a pivotal role in shaping Europe’s intellectual and cultural landscape through significant contributions in science, philosophy, medicine, and the arts. However, the collapse of Al-Andalus marked not merely a political transition but a profound epistemic shift in the nature of Muslim Western relations. The study argues that Western representations of Islam increasingly transitioned from modes of intellectual exchange and coexistence to ideologically constructed narratives shaped by religious polemics, ecclesiastical authority, and emerging aspirations of political and civilizational dominance. It examines how the institutional role of the Church, the legacy of the Crusades, and the gradual emergence of proto-orientalist thought contributed to the systematic reimagining of Islam as the “Other” a civilization portrayed as inferior, regressive, and antithetical to progress. Furthermore, the paper analyzes the selective appropriation and marginalization of Islamic intellectual heritage within Western historiography, highlighting how Andalusian contributions were often absorbed into European narratives while their origins were obscured. It also considers the internal fractures within Muslim political and social structures that facilitated the decline, thereby enabling the West to assert ideological supremacy. By offering a critical reassessment of these historical processes, this study challenges reductionist and Eurocentric interpretations and underscores the enduring yet underacknowledged impact of Islamic civilization on the making of modern Europe. It concludes that many dominant Western perceptions of Islam are deeply rooted in historically contingent power structures, cultural contestation, and inherited intellectual biases rather than objective scholarly inquiry.
Dr. Israr Ahmed's Political Thoughts in the Light of Islamic Provisions of the Constitution of Pakistan 1973
Dr. Israr Ahmed's political philosophy emphasizes transformation of a Qur’ān-based Islamic state in Pakistan, with a presidential system tracing back to the early Islamic Caliphate. He believed Pakistan was created to serve as a role model Islamic state, implementing Sharia law and governance. His vision of Khilafat is deeply rooted in Qur’ānic principles, with a Caliph elected through mutual consultation advocated for Pakistan to be an Islamic state, with Shariah law governing all aspects of life. Non-Muslims would have protected minority status, with freedom to practice their faith and participate in governance, except in policy-making roles. He opposed popular sovereignty, arguing it contradicts Islamic teachings. His ideas are aligned with Pakistan's current constitutional framework, which incorporates Islamic provisions but allows for democratic governance and equal rights for non-Muslims. His philosophy emphasizes the need for Pakistan to align its governance with Islamic principles. Islamic Provisions are mentioned here with for better understanding.
A Principled and Methodological Study of the Objectives of Shariah in Tafsīr al-Kashshāf: An Analytical Review
Qur'anic injunctions are not merely a collection of literal commands; rather, they encompass profound divine wisdom, underlying interests, and ultimate goals, which are academically termed as the "Objectives of Shari'ah" (Maqasid al-Shari'ah). Allama Abu al-Qasim Mahmud bin Umar al-Zamakhshari’s (d. 538 AH) renowned exegesis, Tafsir al-Kashaf, holds a distinguished and elevated position in the history of Qur'anic interpretation due to its linguistic eloquence, grammatical depth, and rational argumentation. However, his methodological approach towards the Objectives of Shari'ah remains an under-explored area of research. This analytical study evaluates the extent to which Al-Zamakhshari incorporated the "Five Essentials" (Al-Dharuriyat al-Khams: the preservation of religion, life, intellect, lineage, and property) in his comprehension of the Qur'an and the interpretation of divine injunctions. The research reveals that Zamakhshari's "concurrence" (اتفاق) with the objectives of Shari'ah is a direct outcome of his rationalist foundations and the Mu'tazilite principle of Divine Justice, where he successfully provides logical and societal justifications for Islamic laws. Conversely, manifestations of "avoidance" (اجتناب) or deviation from these objectives occur primarily when his overwhelming linguistic focus, deep grammatical immersion, or Mu'tazilite theological biases (such as debates on the createdness of the Qur'an or the denial of the Beatific Vision) overshadow the core legislative and moral intent of the text. Ultimately, this study offers a novel academic perspective for understanding the teleological approach (Maqasidi framework) within classical exegetical literature.
The Intellectual and Practical Position of Intention and Sincerity in the Seerah and the Formation of an Ideal Society in the Modern Era
The Seerah-e-Tayyeba represents a comprehensive intellectual and practical model of the life of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), offering timeless guidance for humanity in every era. The concept of Seerah is not limited to historical narration or biographical description; rather, it constitutes a complete system of life that shapes human thought, moral conduct, and social organization. Within this framework, intention (niyyah) and sincerity (ikhlāṣ) hold a central position, as intention forms the inner foundation of human action, while sincerity represents its spiritual essence. This study employs a descriptive research methodology to examine the intellectual and practical dimensions of intention and sincerity in the Seerah-e-Tayyaba, drawing upon Qur’ānic verses, Prophetic traditions (Aḥādīth), and authentic sīrah literature. The life of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was entirely grounded in sincerity and the pursuit of divine pleasure. Major aspects of his mission, including the migration to Madinah, religious preaching, acts of worship, and struggle in the path of God, were free from personal or worldly motives, establishing his character as an eternal model of moral excellence. In the modern era, marked by materialism, self-interest, and superficial display, the principles of intention and sincerity acquire renewed significance. Their cultivation not only nurtures spiritual and ethical maturity at the individual level but also contributes to the formation of an ideal society based on justice, sacrifice, brotherhood, and equality. The study concludes that true success lies not in outward actions but in sincere intention and purposeful commitment.