Call for Papers Workshop: Islamic Reform and Modernity
Two-day workshop at Islamic University of Applied Sciences Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Organisers: Dr Hossam Mohamed (hamohammed@qfis.edu.qa) and Ertugrul Gokcekuyu (gokcekuyu@iur.nl).
This workshop will focus on Islamic Reform and Modernity. Participants are invited to share papers from their research as a basis for discussion of the possible insights to be gained by bringing critical approaches to the category ‘religion’ to bear on our study of Islam.
Islamic Reform and Modernity
With the rise of modernity in Europe and its spread to the other constituents of the world, Muslim scholars felt a dire need of Islamic reform and renewal although to a limited extent, which went on growing in the later times. The type of responses addressed toward modernity werevaried, some betrayed traditional attitude of rejection, while some others accepted the modernity with no scrutiny, and this group were mostly from elite class of society, somehow involved with political institutions who tried to conform Islamic institutions with western models. Not to mention, there a third group of religious scholars was seen to step forward towards all challenges with selective approach. However, it is noteworthy that Islamic scholars dedicated their efforts time to time with a view toreform their society from different angles notwithstanding of facing multitudes of problems from inside as well as outside of their society. The focus was not given merely to the analysis of traditions and adopting the changes of realities. Rather, immense dedications were put simultaneously to Islamize human sciences and to structure theories combine the unchangeable Islamic principles of creeds and jurisprudence, effective from old and the useful from new. (القديم الصالح و الجديد النافع)”
Importance:
It is very imperative as well as controversial question at the same time, do we need Islamic reform and renewal or not? This very question bred ample controversies in the later time among the scholarly circles. From a general understanding, it could be argued that reform simply is an integral part of human society and civilization. Islam is conceived in its broad understanding as a world view, as a complete code of life. It indicates undoubtedly to that Islam is compatible with modernity and is not against of accepting change and diversity. Hence, the dynamism of Islam stands directly in support of renewal. However, we need to bear in mind that, Islamic reform is not meant for the unchangeable (ثوابت) facts in Islam, rather, it always touches the changeable (متغيرات)secondary facts, and that is why there remains no contradiction of Islam with reform.
Questions:
1.What do we mean by Islamic reform (Islah) (إصلاح) and Renewal (Tajdid) (تجديد) in Islamic Thought?
2.Is Islamic reform mandatory or a choice? Is there a need of civilizational renascence for Muslims?
3.Why many of religious text and traditions need to be revisited or restudied and contextualized in terms of changeable realities?
4.What are the fields required to be reformed for Islamic Revival?
5.Is Islamic renaissance possible in 21st century? if yes, what are the primary prerequisites for Islamic Renaissance?
6.What are the gaps evident between the early renaissance and the required one?
7.What are the probable challenges Islamic Renaissance might face from Western civilization and modernity? And how we can solve the problems related to these challenges.
Travel and Accommodation
The IUR (Bergsingel 135 Rotterdam, The Netherlands) will be able to offer a room for accommodation for the two days at the IUR-dormitory. Breakfast and lunch will be included. Yet, we will not be able to fund travel costs to and from the venue in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Please do take these conditions into account.
For more information click "LINK TO ORIGINAL" below.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
https://www.iur.nl/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Call-for-Papers-Islamic-Reform-and-Modernity_FINAL.pdf