Riphah Journal of Islamic Thought and Civilization

Islamizing Economics: Khurshid Ahmad’s Case Against Capitalism in Pakistan

2025-06-11T11:15:52+00:00

In Pakistan, Khurshīd Ahmad (d. 2025) and Muhammad Taqī ʿUsmānī are two influential scholars who pioneered the movement of Islamizing economics in Pakistan. Both scholars significantly contributed to the development of modern Islamic economics, with their ideas deeply rooted in the teachings of the Quran, the Sunnah, and Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh-ul-Islami). Their intellectual work laid the foundation for a distinctive approach to economics, challenging conventional capitalist frameworks and proposing alternatives grounded in Islamic principles. This study seeks to explore Ahmad’s comprehensive response to capitalism, examining his concerns regarding the inequities and ethical shortcomings within capitalist systems. His acceptance in both Western and Islamic academic circles demonstrates his worldwide influence and highlights his important role in shaping discussions on Islamic economics. The paper is split into two parts: the first part investigates Ahmad’s views on Islam and capitalism, offering an in-depth analysis of his critique, while the second section delves into his proposed Islamic alternative, exploring the key elements of his vision for an Islamic economic system. Employing an analytical research methodology with a qualitative approach, this paper primarily relies on primary sources such as Ahmad’s writings and speeches, while secondary sources are incorporated to provide additional context and to support the analysis. A variety of resources, including books, research papers, and online materials, are utilized to critically examine the differing viewpoints and provide a comprehensive understanding of Ahmad’s economic philosophy.

APPLICATION OF ISLAMIZATION OF HUMAN KNOWLEDGE AND RELEVANTIZATION OF ISLAMIC SCIENCES

2025-05-29T08:52:56+00:00

The concept of the Islamization of Human Knowledge (IOHK) stands as one of the most promising yet contentious intellectual initiatives of Islamic revival, drawing considerable attention from both Muslim and non-Muslim thinkers in the modern era. The founders of IOHK have worked diligently to frame it as an epistemological and methodological response to the challenges facing the Muslim Ummah. Despite the sincere dedication and tireless efforts of scholars, this groundbreaking project has been marred by various misconceptions. Skepticism has led to fundamental misunderstandings regarding its scope, objectives, and methodology. Thus, this study explores the potential application of the term "relevantization" to Islamic sciences, referred to as Islamic Revealed Knowledge Disciplines (IRKDs) at International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). The study observes that, despite numerous challenges and criticisms, the IOHK project has made gradual progress in refining its framework, scope, objectives, and methodology since its inception. Its scope has broadened from producing textbooks and Islamizing disciplines to advancing Islamic thought and methodology. Although IOHK has contributed substantially to intellectual discourse and clarified its concepts, practical implementation remains a challenge. Achieving its goals demands more focused and collaborative efforts on a holistic level. The study underscores the obstacles that scholars must address to move the project forward.

An Analytical Study of Islamic Faith and Ethics in the Context of Environmental Sustainability

2025-06-11T11:15:24+00:00

In this article, Islamicate environmental ethics are presented as a religious articulation of response to the current ecological crisis. The article posits that Islamic guidance provides a non-sectarian and spiritually articulate vision of sustainability, grounded in fundamental principles such as Tawḥīd (unity with God), Khilāfah (stewardship), Mīzān (equilibrium), ʿAdālah (justice), and Ḥikmah (wisdom). These basic principles of Islamic philosophy are not only a moral directive but also a holistic conception of human relationships with the environment. The research employs a qualitative text-based approach, analyzing Qurʾanic passages, Prophetic traditions, and traditional Islamic legal literature, and situates these within contemporary environmental thought. Using thematic analysis, the study identifies the main ethical requirements in Islam, calling for moderation, conservation, and distribution of resources. The ethics of Khilāfah and ʿAdālah call for human responsibility as custodians of the Earth, insisting on responsible stewardship and social justice regarding environmental resources. Additionally, the paper delves into Islamic ethics calling for balance (Mīzān) in the use of natural resources and symbiotic coexistence with the Earth. The philosophical ethics provided seek space for enhanced respect for creation, looking towards actions that prioritize environmental balance, avoid excesses, and ensure the well-being of vulnerable people. The research concludes with the note that not only does Islam provide ecological wisdom but also invests environmentalism as an ethical and spiritual task, confirming that environmental care and religion and ethics in Muslim society cannot be separate.

سیدہ عائشہؓ کے نکاح سے متعلق اعتراضات کا مولانا مودودی کی آراء کی روشنی میں جائزہ An Analysis of the Objections Regarding the Marriage of Sayyidah Aisha (RA) in the Light of Maulana Mawdudi’s Views

2025-06-05T06:11:45+00:00

The mutual relationship between husband and wife is fundamental to the advancement of the human race, and Islam emphasizes the importance of a coherent family system. This institution, viewed as a personal matter, is often subject to external scrutiny. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) addressed the complexities of such relationships to guide the Ummah. However, Western thinkers have occasionally misinterpreted Islamic teachings, particularly regarding the Prophet’s family life. Syed Abul Ala Mawdudi extensively critiques these objections, providing scholarly and methodical responses to each challenge against the Prophet’s marriage to Hazrat Aisha (RA). This article presents an analysis of the objections raised by Western critics, offering a thorough examination of Maulana Mawdudi's insights and counterarguments. Through a research-driven and analytical approach, the findings reveal that many critiques stem from viewing the Prophet as an ordinary individual rather than recognizing his prophetic status. Maulana Mawdudi's comprehensive responses not only address the raised objections but also contextualize them within the framework of Islamic teachings, demonstrating the incompatibility of such criticisms with the true essence of the Prophet's life and mission. The article ultimately highlights the need for an informed understanding of these issues, reinforcing the significance of marriage in Islamic doctrine and countering the misconceptions propagated by detractors.

استدلال سے متعلق قواعد اصولیہ کے تناظر میں فقہ سیدہ عائشہ ؓ کا تجزیاتی مطالعہ An Analytical Study of Sayyidah Aisha’s Jurisprudential Approach in the Context of Usūl al-Fiqh Principles of Legal Reasoning

2025-05-14T07:55:16+00:00

Syedah ʿĀʾishah (RA) was a distinguished scholar whose jurisprudential insights and methodology of Istidlal (legal reasoning) significantly contributed to the development of Islamic law. The literal meaning of Istidlal is: "to demand evidence." In common usage, it means to establish evidence in general, whether it is evidence from the Quran and Hadith, Ijmaa and Qiyas, etc., or from any other Shariah evidence. However, among Usuliyyin, Istidlal means a special form of establishing evidence, and that is, establishing evidence through something other than the Quran, Sunnah, and Ijmaa and Qiyas is called Istidlal.This Article uses an analytical research method. To derive the principles of the rules, first the jurisprudential opinions of Hazrat ʿĀʾishah (RA) are quoted and summarized, and then possible principles of the rules are derived from them. For further explanation of the principles of the rules, their application aspect is also mentioned. This article examines her legal reasoning within the framework of Usul al-Fiqh, focusing on principles such as Istishab-e-haal, Istihsan, and Masalih-e-Mursalah. An analysis of Hazrat Aisha’s (RA) approach to istidlal reveals her deep understanding of Islamic Jurisprudence. This research highlights her jurisprudential verdicts and opinions based on Usul al-Fiqh principles and evaluates her methodological approach in the broader context of Islamic legal theory. Hazrat Aisha’s (RA) scholarly contributions serve as an exemplary model, not only for women in Islamic scholarship but also for the overall progression of Islamic jurisprudence

اقتصادی انصاف اور دولت کی منصفانہ تقسیم کے تناظر میں اسلام اور جدید معاشی نظاموں کا تقابلی مطالعہ A Comparative Study of Islam and Modern Economic Systems in the Context of Economic Justice and Equitable Distribution of Wealth

2025-06-11T11:16:29+00:00

Society, economy, and politics are the three fundamental pillars of national life, with the economy holding a central position. Economic prosperity not only positively impacts social and political systems but also paves the way for overall national development. Economic growth and prosperity are essential for the well-being of any society, but their true benefits can only be realized when justice and transparency are adopted as fundamental principles. Economic justice establishes a system that ensures the fair distribution of resources and eliminates the monopoly of a particular class. It creates an equitable economic environment for both the rich and the poor, preventing social and political inequalities. Islamic teachings emphasize economic justice as a fundamental element, aiming for the fair distribution and continuous circulation of wealth to prevent monopolies and exploitation. Under this system, wealth is not merely for personal interests but must also serve collective welfare. Principles such as Zakat, charity, and welfare initiatives reinforce this concept, forming a crucial part of the Islamic economic system. In the modern era, the global economy faces multiple challenges, including increasing inequality, wealth concentration, and economic imbalance. In such circumstances, the principles of Islamic economics offer a just and sustainable solution. This article examines the core concepts of economic justice, practical approaches to wealth distribution, and the principles of establishing a balanced economy to highlight the significance of Islamic teachings in contemporary economic systems