Many gendered myths and stereotypes relating to women have their origin in religion and literature. Since the notion of naqesul aqel has its provenance in a tradition attributed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), it needs to be addressed accordingly. Decontextualising the Hadith and arriving at a wrong and potentially dangerous conclusion is not in the in
Educational philosopher Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas (1931-) is Malaysia's gift to the world of knowledge and learning. Through the concept of Islamisation/dewesternization of knowledge that he articulates in his monumental book Islam and Secularism (1978), he participates in the debate on the problems of education and contributes to the disco
The precepts of hajj, rihlah, hijrah and hijab question the notion that the religion of Islam conditions women to be secluded and confined to private spheres. They invalidate any suggestion that it restricts women’s mobility and spatial freedom. If women choose to stay home in order to spend more time with their children rather than combining wor
It may be suggested that Marmaduke Pickthall’s political stance during WWI would not have ruined his literary reputation had the added factor of conversion to Islam not been present. Various anthologies have included selections from Pound’s poetry. We do not know when and if at all Pickthall would be immune to the politics of canon formation an
While in a Muslim educational setting the study of most western writers may trigger a “fragmented existence” among the learners, that of a poet like Hassan ibn Thabit will give them a strong sense of belonging. It is important to discuss the poet among Muslims not only because of his religion or because of his status as the “Poet of the Proph
In inferring rulings related to a particular spatiotemporal setting, classical Islamic jurists invariably emphasized a close correlation between the primary texts of Islam and local realities. Giving opinions or passing verdicts only based on the letter of the texts, without understanding the spirit and without considering circumstantial factors, c
Many people associate Islamic educational Institutions, including International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), with backwardness, rigidity and anti-modernity. Located in Kuala Lumpur, IIUM was established in 1983 to integrate Islam into mainstream education. It offers almost all subjects taught in conventional universities. However, mainly bec
In order to bring back the educational role of masjids, the imams and khatibs need to be more knowledgeable about various aspects of Islamic teachings. They should also know about other religious traditions as well as secular worldviews. They must be better trained in educating the community and interpreting Islam for a contemporary setting. Their
Covid-19 has affected human life and livelihoods around the world. The impact of it on people varies greatly depending on their circumstances and considering the symptoms they experience. Accordingly, their responses to the pandemic have been diverse and multifaceted. While most people have found themselves unprepared and floundering during the loc
