Islamic Studies

Front Matter

2025-09-30

Islamic Ethics in Engagement with Education, Economics, and Politics

Muhammad Syafiq Borhannuddin — 2025-09-30

This article examines the ethical thought of Fazlur Rahman (1919–1988), focusing specifically on how his views on ethics in Islam are applied to the practical domains of education, economics, and politics. Although he is widely recognized for his role in Islamic modernist thought, his efforts to integrate ethical principles into these applied fields remain underexplored systematically and holistically. This study aims to fill that gap by unearthing, classifying, and analysing his writings, policy interventions, and theoretical contributions across these key sectors of Muslim public life. Methodologically, this article undertakes a critical textual analysis of Fazlur Rahman’s primary works, as well as his lesser-known articles, policy recommendations, and public addresses. These texts are analysed thematically to identify the normative ethical assumptions that undergird his intellectual agenda. The study also situates his ideas within the broader landscape of modern Islamic thought, including his dialectical engagement with both secular ideologies and traditionalist religious interpretations. The key argument advanced is that Fazlur Rahman’s project represents a deliberate and coherent attempt to operationalize Islamic ethics in concrete sociopolitical and institutional contexts. In education, he emphasizes the integration of religious and secular knowledge as a means of cultivating ethical character and social consciousness. In economics, he critiques both capitalist and socialist frameworks, advocating instead for a ṣadaqah-based system of cooperative justice grounded in the principles of tawḥīd and zakāh. In politics, he proposes a Qur’ānically inspired democratic ethos rooted in shūrā (consultation), moral leadership, and public accountability. Ultimately, the article aims to demonstrate that Fazlur Rahman’s ethical vision is not limited to theoretical moral reasoning but is deeply concerned with constructing a just and morally meaningful social order. His integrative approach offers a model for contemporary Muslim societies to rethink the role of ethics in addressing modern challenges.

Contextualized Idealism

Mohamed Fouz Mohamed Zacky — 2025-09-30

Mohammed Abusalih Mohammed Mansoor, commonly known as “Ustādh Mansoor” or “MAM Mansoor” by his followers and the general public, has emerged as a prominent advocate for Islamic reform in Sri Lanka over the last three decades. As a dedicated scholar of the modern evolution of Islam, Mansoor is a key figure within the reformist Islamic intellectual circles in the country. His ideas reflect the complexities and dynamics of Islamic reform within Sri Lanka’s religious landscape, which has often been overlooked compared to the broader context of Islam in the subcontinent. Relying on primary and secondary sources and employing thematic content analysis, this paper aims to address this oversight by exploring Mansoor’s reformist discourses and their implications for shaping the concept of contextualized idealism. Mansoor defines this concept as the process of adapting global developments in Islamic thought to local contexts. The paper argues that while Mansoor’s reformist ideas may not significantly contribute to the global discourse on Islamic reform in terms of originality, his uniqueness lies in his ability to relate global ideas to the local sociopolitical realities of the country. Finally, it concludes that Mansoor’s project has effectively positioned him as an alternative religious authority, challenging traditional theological and legal institutions in the country.

The Relevance of Ecological Teachings and Practices of Prophet Muḥammad to the Environmental Sustainability of Dhaka City

Md. Abu Sayem — 2025-09-30

The paper briefly discusses the eco-religious teachings and practices of Prophet Muḥammad (peace be on him) and then connects them with the environmental sustainability of Dhaka city. It also explains why the Prophetic ecological guidelines are relevant to the restoration of Dhaka city’s ecological sustainability and how a Muslim-majority city like Dhaka can really benefit from the Prophetic ecological teachings to solve its environmental problems. Based on the literature review and contextual analysis methods, the article correlates the Prophetic ecological teachings and practices with the environmental issues of the city. In so doing, the study presents an alternative approach to the solution of Dhaka city’s environmental problems in the light of the Prophetic traditions. By growing awareness of ecological essentiality and motivating the city dwellers and administrators to the city’s ecological sustainability, the paper contributes to the ecologically friendly development of the city and to the enrichment of the field of religion and ecology.

Food and Food Waste in the Qur’ān

Ali Asghar Lamuwala — 2025-09-30

Food waste is a pressing global issue with profound environmental, economic, and social consequences. The Qur’ān, which reveres food as a divine blessing, provides ethical and practical insights into addressing this challenge. This paper thematically examines the Qur’ānic view of food as a necessity of human beings and its provision by Allah. It also explores Qur’ānic guidance on food waste mitigation by identifying its drivers and proposing solutions rooted in the scripture. For instance, the abundance of food and overproduction have been identified as drivers of food waste by the Qur’ān. Other contributors include spoilage due to natural and anthropogenic factors, such as negligence in resource management. Moreover, the study examines Qur’ānic solutions for mitigation, emphasizing the role of moderate and mindful consumption, source reduction, charity, repurposing, and composting. Mindful consumption has also been promoted through many of the Qur’ānic injunctions and relevant strategies, such as preparing food by one’s own hands to foster a deeper appreciation for sustenance, thereby mitigating waste. The analysis of tafsīr literature reveals specific instances where sufficiency of food has been prioritized over excess, promoting sustainable food choices. Previous research has dealt with the Islamic perspectives of food waste, but a thorough study, especially based on scriptural insights, remains underexplored. This study addresses this gap by thematically examining the Qur’ānic verses that highlight a profound concern for food waste mitigation. The findings hold particular relevance for Muslim societies grappling with excessive food waste, emphasizing the growing importance of religious approaches in addressing this critical issue, especially in Muslim societies.

Bridging the Gap

Rai Muhammad Khan — 2025-09-30

This research examines Pakistan’s framework for paying compensation to crime victims, defined in Section 544-A of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1898. It brings to light an important flaw (i.e., the lack of an explicit mechanism for the quantification of compensation awards). A review of pertinent legal precedents shows glaring disparities and possible inequities arising from the lack of a standardized mechanism. To fill this gap, we look at the Islamic concept of diyah as a potential basis for an equal and efficient system. Our proposed model brings forth some of the essential features of diyah, such as emphasizing punishment for criminals, facilitating reconciliation and mediation among affected parties, and ensuring robust judicial checks and transparency. We aspire to improve on the inadequacies of the current system through these principles. However, we understand that the feasibility of bringing into operation a framework based on diyah remains uncertain. Challenges involve coping with the complexity of integrating Islamic and secular legal traditions, guaranteeing fairness and preventing discrimination, and attaining common acceptance by the parties. Ultimately, this research contends that incorporating diyah principles into Pakistan’s victim compensation framework offers a promising pathway towards greater fairness, consistency, and social cohesion within the criminal justice system. This, in turn, can enhance access to justice for victims and contribute to a more just and equitable society.

Back Matter

2025-09-30

Francis Robinson. The Muslim World in Modern South Asia: Power, Authority, Knowledge.

Tanvir Anjum — 2025-09-30

M. Kabir Hassan, Paolo Biancone, and Aishath Muneeza, eds. Islamic Finance in Eurasia: The Need for Strategic Change.

Shariq Nisar — 2025-09-30

Ramon Harvey and Daniel Tutt, eds. Justice in Islam: New Ethical Perspectives.

Maqbool Hassan — 2025-09-30