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
Global Capitalism and the Islamic Economic Alternative: A Comparative and Critical Study
The dominance of the capitalist system on the global economic landscape is not merely an economic reality but an intellectual and institutional structure that has distributed the world's wealth and resources with striking inequality. This paper offers a detailed critical analysis of the foundational theoretical principles of capitalism like private property, the profit motive, and laissez-faire, alongside its operative pillars: interest (riba), paper currency, the fractional reserve system, banking, taxation, international trade, corporations, insurance companies, the stock market, the foreign exchange market, privatization, national debt, and the national budget. It also briefly reviews the basic tenets and limitations of socialism. The paper highlights, in particular, how the prevailing global economic order operating through international financial institutions such as the IMF, the World Bank, and the WTO, perpetuates the exploitation of the resources, labour, and industrial potential of Third World countries, keeping them locked in a cycle of dependency and under-development. Against this critical backdrop, the paper presents the Islamic economic system as a theoretical and practical alternative grounded in limited private ownership, the prohibition of riba coupled with profit-and-loss sharing, the mandatory circulation of wealth through Zakat and Bait-ul-Mal, and justice-based trade. Following a comparative examination of capitalism, socialism, and Islam, the paper concludes with a practical outline for Islamic economic planning and a set of policy recommendations.
Balancing Individual Liberty and Social Responsibilities in the Light of Islamic Teachings: An Analytical Study
Islamic jurisprudence establishes a comprehensive normative framework that harmonizes individual liberties with collective societal obligations. In contemporary discourse, the concept of freedom often oscillates between absolute individualism and authoritarian collectivism. This study examines the Islamic paradigm of personal freedom and social responsibility, demonstrating how Islamic teachings synthesize individual rights such as the right to life, freedom of belief, economic enterprise, and expression with moral and legal boundaries aimed at preserving social order (Maqāṣid al-Sharī‘ah). Utilizing a descriptive and comparative analytical methodology, this paper investigates foundational primary sources (the Qur’ān and Sunnah) alongside classical exegetical and legal interpretations to delineate the limits of personal autonomy. The findings reveal that freedom in Islam is intrinsically tied to moral accountability (Amānah) and social justice (‘Adl), encapsulated in the legal maxim Lā Ḍarar wa-lā Ḍirār (harm neither oneself nor others). The paper concludes that this balanced framework offers a viable ethical alternative to modern socio-political dilemmas, fostering a harmonious society grounded in justice, mutual obligation and human dignity.
The Qur'anic and Western Concept of Nationality: A Comparative Study of Selected Exegeses
Nationalism is one of the most influential concepts in modern political and social thought, shaping collective identity, political allegiance, state sovereignty, and social organization. This study comparatively examines the Qur’anic and Western conceptions of nationalism with particular reference to selected Qur’anic commentaries and major Western theories of nation and nationalism. The Qur’anic perspective is analyzed through the concepts of Ummah, faith, human equality, moral responsibility, justice, brotherhood, and diversity, while the Western conception is explored through territory, language, shared history, cultural memory, political sovereignty, and national identity. Employing a comparative and analytical approach, the study evaluates the intellectual foundations, principles of unity, criteria of distinction, patterns of allegiance, and socio-political implications of both frameworks. The analysis demonstrates that the Qur’anic model establishes collective identity primarily on revelation, faith, moral values, justice, and universal human dignity, while modern Western nationalism largely derives its cohesion from historical, territorial, cultural, and political factors. The study concludes that although both frameworks seek social cohesion and collective organization, they differ significantly in their sources, ultimate objectives, conception of sovereignty, and foundations of communal identity.
A Thematic Study of Kitāb al-Buyū in Al-Sunan al-Arbaʻah
This study explores the foundational principles of Kitāb al-Buyūʿ (Book of Sales) within Islamic jurisprudence and examines their relevance and application in contemporary economic systems. Islamic commercial law presents a comprehensive framework that regulates trade through ethical, legal, and spiritual dimensions, emphasizing justice, transparency, and mutual consent. The research begins by analyzing the classical concept of bayʿ (sale), highlighting its essential elements such as ownership, risk, and liability, which collectively distinguish lawful trade from prohibited financial practices like ribā (usury). Furthermore, the study investigates the conditions and classifications of valid and invalid sales, including the prohibition of gharar (uncertainty), fraud, and exploitative transactions. It also discusses permissible modes of trade such as murābaḥah, salam, and istisnāʿ, which have been adapted in modern Islamic finance to meet contemporary economic needs while maintaining Shariah compliance. A significant portion of the paper is dedicated to analyzing modern financial practices, including Islamic banking, digital commerce, and online transactions. It evaluates emerging issues such as e-commerce, deferred payment systems, and financial engineering tools, emphasizing the need to align these developments with classical juristic principles. The study argues that Islamic commercial law, due to its inherent flexibility and principled foundation, offers viable solutions for modern economic challenges, particularly in ensuring ethical financial conduct and social justice. Ultimately, the research demonstrates that the principles of Kitāb al-Buyūʿ are not confined to classical contexts but remain dynamically applicable, providing a robust framework for guiding contemporary commercial practices in an increasingly complex global economy.
The Prophetic Approach to Building a Pluralistic Society: Insights from the Seerah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
This study examines how the Prophet (ﷺ) managed religious, ethnic, cultural, and social differences and developed norms to govern relations between different communities without changing their distinctive identities. The study emphasizes human dignity, equality, religious freedom, tolerance, dialogue, and mutual respect, fulfilment of promises, and cooperation for the common good, which are considered essential elements of prophetic practice. Using qualitative, descriptive, and analytical methods, this study examines selected events from the Meccan and Medina periods, including Muslim migration to Abyssinia, contacts with non-Muslims, the founding of Medina, and the Prophet's (ﷺ) interactions with Jewish and Christian communities. Special attention is paid to the experience of life in Medina, which is presented as a practical example of the integration of different religious and ethnic groups into a common socio-political system based on defined rights, duties, protection and justice. The study also examines the contemporary relevance of these prophetic principles for minority rights, interfaith dialogue, conflict resolution, social cohesion and peaceful coexistence in multi-faith societies. It argues that the Prophetic Path neither ignores religious differences nor demands the abandonment of diverse identities; rather, it provides a moral code for the just management of diversity through justice, dialogue, mutual responsibility and respect for human dignity. The study concludes that the Sīrah provides very important principles for dealing with the problems of polarization, religious intolerance, communal tension and coexistence in modern multilingual societies.
Challenges and Areas for Improvement in the Virtual Policing System: A Research Study in the Light of Islamic Teachings
This paper presents a critical study of the virtual (digital) police system currently operating in Pakistan and evaluates its shortcomings in the light of the Islamic teachings of justice, before proposing practical measures for its improvement. In recent years, several provinces of Pakistan have introduced initiatives such as online FIR registration, virtual women police stations, centralized complaint-management systems, and smart police facilitation centres, all aimed at providing citizens with access to police services without having to visit a police station. However, this system is accompanied by a number of serious problems, including the digital divide, illiteracy, concerns over privacy and data protection, false complaints, the absence of human contact, difficulties in ensuring accountability, gender and cultural barriers, technical failures, and weak inter-departmental integration. The study analyses these weaknesses in the light of the Qur'anic and Prophetic principles of justice (ʿadl), trust (amānah), verification (tabayyun), privacy (satr), and accountability (muḥāsabah), and draws upon the Islamic institution of ḥisbah as a historical precedent. In conclusion, it offers reform-oriented recommendations so that the system may satisfy not only the demand for convenience but also the requirements of justice, integrity, and the dignity of citizens.
The Indus Valley Civilization and Its Impacts: A Research Study
The Indus Valley Civilization is one of the oldest and materially advanced civilizations in the world, which established the highest examples of urban planning and social governance in human history through architectural perfection, organized roads, unparalleled drainage systems, and standardized weights and measures. This research study presents a detailed analysis of the religious concepts, urban organization, economic activities and cultural impact of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization in the light of archaeological evidence, authentic historical sources and modern scientific and historical studies. Despite the passage of thousands of years, it still exists in the life of the subcontinent today. The results of this research clearly show that this civilization stabilized the economy of the ancient world through agricultural production, handicrafts, pottery and international (land and sea) trade links. Furthermore, the study confirms the fact that this great civilization of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa did not completely disappear. Rather, its intellectual and cultural essence, such as early traces of yoga, goddess worship, traditions of dress and jewelry, and peaceful social values remain still an integral part of the cultural identity and way of life of South Asia. Overall, this paper highlights the indelible mark left by the Indus Valley in shaping human civilization and the history of the region. These sources confirm that the intellectual and cultural spirit of the ancient Indus is still an important part of the identity of the region today. The research paper followed descriptive and analytical methods.
The Impact of Social Media and Artificial Intelligence on Religion: An Analytical Study
The rapid expansion of social media and artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly transformed the ways in which religion is understood, practiced, and communicated in contemporary societies. This study presents an analytical examination of the impact of social media and AI on religious thought, authority, and practice, with reference to Islamic discourse. It explores how digital platforms have democratized access to religious knowledge while simultaneously contributing to the fragmentation of authority and the spread of unverified interpretations. The research also investigates the emerging role of AI in generating religious content, issuing automated responses, and shaping public perceptions of faith. Adopting a qualitative and analytical methodology, the study evaluates the opportunities and challenges posed by these technologies. On the one hand, social media facilitates global outreach, online learning, and community engagement, enabling religious teachings to reach wider audiences. On the other hand, it raises concerns regarding misinformation, superficial understanding, and the erosion of scholarly credibility. Similarly, AI tools offer efficiency and accessibility but also pose ethical and epistemological questions about authenticity, accountability, and the limits of machine-generated religious guidance. The findings suggest that while social media and AI have the potential to enhance religious education and communication, their unregulated use may lead to conceptual distortions and weakened institutional authority. The study emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that integrates technological advancement with sound theological principles and scholarly oversight. It concludes that a critical and ethically grounded engagement with digital technologies is essential for preserving the integrity of religious knowledge in the modern era.
Modern Weaponry and Religious Terminology
This study examines the relationship between contemporary weapon technology and the interpretation of key Islamic religious terminology. The primary objective is to analyze how classical terms such as Jihad, Qital, Harb, and Aman are understood in light of modern warfare, including advanced military technologies, cyber warfare, and weapons of mass destruction. The study adopts an analytical and comparative methodology, drawing upon primary Islamic sources as well as classical and contemporary scholarly interpretations. The findings indicate that while Islamic teachings provide comprehensive ethical guidelines governing conflict, many contemporary misinterpretations arise due to a lack of contextual understanding. The study highlights that Islamic principles emphasize justice, proportionality, and the protection of non-combatants, which remain highly relevant in addressing modern warfare. The research calls for interdisciplinary dialogue between religious scholars, legal experts, and policymakers.
The Welfare Model of the State of Madinah and the Modern Welfare State: A Comparative Study in the Light of the Prophetic Sīrah
The welfare model of the State of Madinah represents a distinctive paradigm of governance in which social justice, human dignity, economic equity, social responsibility, and ethical governance were integrated under the guidance of the Qurʾān and Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. This study examines the concept of welfare in the State of Madinah in the light of the Prophetic Sīrah and comparatively analyzes it with the modern concept and historical development of the Welfare State. Employing a qualitative and analytical methodology, the study draws upon primary Islamic sources, including the Qurʾān and Hadith, classical works of Sīrah and Islamic political thought, and relevant modern literature on the Welfare State. The study finds that both models share several fundamental objectives, including poverty alleviation, social security, economic justice, protection of vulnerable groups, and public welfare. However, they differ significantly in their philosophical foundations and conceptual scope. While the modern Welfare State is primarily grounded in human reason, constitutionalism, social contract, and modern political and economic thought, the Madinah model is founded upon divine guidance, moral accountability, social solidarity, and holistic human well-being. The study argues that the contemporary relevance of the Madinah model lies not in mechanically reproducing its historical institutions, but in adapting its foundational principles, justice, transparency, accountability, social responsibility, human dignity, and equitable distribution of resources, within contemporary constitutional, administrative, and economic frameworks. It concludes that integrating these ethical and normative principles with modern institutional mechanisms can offer a balanced and sustainable framework for welfare, particularly in contemporary Muslim societies.
Dirāyah al-Ḥadīth: An Analytical Study of Its Concept, Development, and Significance in the Principles of Ḥadīth
This study examines the concept, historical development, and significance of Dirāyah al-Ḥadīth within the broader discipline of Ḥadīth studies. It explores the linguistic and technical meanings of Dirāyah and traces its evolution as a critical methodology in the scholarly tradition of Ḥadīth. The study particularly analyzes the distinction and interrelationship between ʿIlm al-Riwāyah and ʿIlm al-Dirāyah, highlighting their complementary roles in the understanding, verification, and preservation of Prophetic traditions. It further investigates the application of Dirāyah in the critical evaluation of both Sanad and Matn, with particular emphasis on the principles employed by Ḥadīth scholars to assess the authenticity, reliability, and acceptability of narrations. The study also explores the contribution of Dirāyah to distinguishing authentic reports from weak, anomalous, and rejected narrations. Adopting a qualitative and analytical approach, the research draws upon classical and contemporary Ḥadīth literature to demonstrate the methodological foundations and scholarly significance of Dirāyah al-Ḥadīth. The study concludes that Dirāyah al-Ḥadīth constitutes an essential critical framework within Ḥadīth sciences, providing systematic principles for the analysis, evaluation, authentication, and preservation of Prophetic traditions.
The Concept of a Savior in Revealed Religions and the Prospects for Global Peace: A Research and Intellectual Review
The concept of a divinely guided savior at the end of time is a fundamental theme in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Although these religions differ significantly in their theological understanding of the identity and role of the expected savior, they share important expectations concerning the triumph of justice, the restoration of moral order, and the overcoming of oppression. In Judaism, this expectation is represented by the Moshiach (Messiah); in Christianity, by the Second Coming of Jesus Christ; and in Islam, by the emergence of Imam al-Mahdi and the return of Jesus (ʿIsa ibn Maryam). This study comparatively examines the concept, role, and ultimate significance of the savior in these three revealed religions, with particular emphasis on their implications for justice, peace, moral reform, and human society. The research employs a comparative and descriptive qualitative methodology based on primary religious texts, classical theological sources, and relevant contemporary academic literature. It seeks to identify both the theological differences and the common ethical values underlying these traditions, without overlooking their distinct doctrinal frameworks. The study argues that, despite significant differences in end-of-time beliefs, the shared emphasis on justice, righteousness, moral restoration, and the ultimate triumph of good over oppression provides valuable intellectual grounds for constructive interfaith dialogue. A balanced comparative understanding of savior traditions can contribute to reducing religious misunderstandings, promoting mutual respect, strengthening peaceful coexistence, and exploring the role of religious thought in contemporary peacebuilding. The research concludes that the study of these beliefs, when approached academically and without sectarian bias, can offer meaningful perspectives for interfaith dialogue and the pursuit of global peace.
The Qur’ānic Formation of the Prophetic Sīrah and Its Interpretive Expressions: An Analytical Study of Fiqh al-Sīrah in the Light of Urdu Tafāsīr
The Qur’ān presents the life and conduct of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as a living model of guidance rather than merely a record of historical events. Its diverse accounts of his mission, character, worship, conduct, social relations, leadership, patience, struggle, justice, and dealings with individuals and communities provide essential foundations for understanding the Sīrah as a source of guidance. This study examines these Qur’ānic dimensions of the Prophetic Sīrah and investigates how they have been interpreted and developed within Urdu exegetical literature from the perspective of Fiqh al-Sīrah. It begins by clarifying the concept of Fiqh al-Sīrah and identifying the major Qur’ānic themes through which the Prophetic model is articulated. It then examines the treatment of these themes in Urdu Tafāsīr, focusing on their ethical, spiritual, legal, social, educational, reformative, and practical dimensions. The analysis demonstrates that the Qur’ānic portrayal of the Prophetic Sīrah extends beyond the narration of individual events, it establishes principles for moral character, spiritual development, interpersonal conduct, social responsibility, justice, leadership, and practical engagement with the challenges of life. Urdu exegetes further illuminate these dimensions by connecting Qur’ānic guidance with the Prophetic response to diverse personal and collective circumstances. The study concludes that an integrated reading of the Qur’ān and its Urdu exegetical interpretations reveals Fiqh al-Sīrah as a comprehensive framework for understanding Prophetic guidance and translating its principles into individual and collective life.
Modern Currency System and the Dominance of the U.S. Dollar: An Analysis of the Views of Dr. Jawaid Akbar Ansari
Human society initially conducted its economic activities through the direct exchange of goods and services, commonly known as the barter system. Over time, the monetary system has undergone significant transformations, evolving into modern forms such as fiat, digital, and cryptocurrency-based currencies. In the contemporary global economy, the US dollar has emerged as the dominant international currency and a significant source of economic and political power. Its dominance affects not only national economies but also the global balance of power and the economic sovereignty of states. Thus, currency is no longer merely a medium of exchange; it has also become an instrument of global influence and geopolitical power. The dominance of the US dollar may consequently undermine the economic sovereignty of other countries. The depreciation of national currencies against the dollar can reduce purchasing power, increase the cost of living, and adversely affect investment and economic stability. According to Dr. Javed Akbar Ansari, the modern monetary system and the dominance of the US dollar have contributed to an inequitable global economic order. This system, he argues, further weakens developing economies and increases their dependence on dominant global powers. Dr. Javed Akbar Ansari has critically examined these structural problems associated with the modern monetary system and the international dominance of the dollar. This study therefore aims to examine and critically analyze his views on the modern currency system and the dominance of the US dollar, with particular attention to their economic, political, and sovereignty-related implications.
Ideological and Intellectual Conflict between Religious and Contemporary Educational Systems: A Research and Analytical Study
Education plays a fundamental role in shaping the intellectual, ideological, moral, and cultural identity of a society. In the contemporary context, the coexistence of religious and modern educational systems has generated a significant intellectual and ideological divide, particularly in Muslim societies. This study examines the foundations, historical factors, and contemporary manifestations of this intellectual and ideological conflict between religious and modern systems of education. It begins by analyzing the intellectual foundations of the religious educational system and the ideological basis of modern education, highlighting the differences in their conceptions of knowledge, human nature, life, values, and the objectives of education. The study further explores the historical factors that contributed to the emergence and consolidation of this divide and examines its implications for contemporary educational thought. Particular attention is given to the decline of ideological identity, intellectual duality and psychological fragmentation, differences in intellectual priorities within educational curricula, cultural disassociation in curriculum development, the ideological orientation of institutional and training environments, intellectual domination and academic subordination, and the resulting crisis of national identity and ideological cohesion. The study argues that the existing separation between religious and modern educational streams is not merely a difference in curricula or institutional structures; rather, it reflects deeper differences in intellectual frameworks, epistemological assumptions, and cultural orientations. The study concludes that addressing this divide requires a balanced educational approach that integrates authentic religious and cultural values with contemporary knowledge and intellectual developments. Such an approach may contribute to overcoming intellectual fragmentation, strengthening ideological identity, and promoting greater educational and national cohesion.
Sufi Epistemology and Its Role in Resisting Neoliberal Hegemony: A Critical Analysis of Mystical Knowledge as a Counter-Narrative
This paper investigates the role of Sufi epistemology as a counter-narrative to neoliberalism, exploring how mystical knowledge challenges the dominant frameworks of rationality, individualism, and market-driven thought in contemporary society. Neoliberalism, with its emphasis on economic rationality, self-interest, and commodification of knowledge, has become a pervasive force in shaping global academic, political, and cultural landscapes. This study argues that Sufi thought, through its emphasis on experiential knowledge, spiritual interconnectedness, and ethical transformation, offers a profound challenge to these neoliberal ideologies. Drawing on the writings of classical Sufi scholars and contemporary thinkers, the paper examines the epistemological foundations of Sufi thought, with a particular focus on concepts such as tazkiyah (soul purification) and maʿrifah (gnosis), which foster knowledge beyond materialism and rational utilitarianism. By foregrounding spiritual experience as a legitimate form of knowledge, this paper illustrates how Sufi epistemology critiques the reductionist nature of neoliberalism and calls for a redefined conception of truth, one that prioritizes collective well-being and social justice over individual profit. Through a critical, interdisciplinary approach that combines Islamic mysticism and critical theory, this paper highlights the resistant potential of Sufi thought to challenge neoliberalism’s intellectual hegemony. It also emphasizes the relevance of alternative epistemologies in contemporary global debates, advocating for the integration of mystical, non-materialist paradigms in both academic inquiry and social praxis. This analysis contributes to broader conversations on epistemic justice, alternative knowledge systems, and the political dimensions of spiritual traditions in the neoliberal era.
Temporal Gaps and Textual Parallels: Investigating the Chronology of Christian Apocryphal Intertexts of the Qur’ān
This study critically investigates the nineteenth- and early twentieth-century Orientalist and Christian missionary thesis pioneered by figures such as W. St. Clair Tisdall and later C. F. Robinson, D. S. Margoliouth, and Thomas Carlyle, which posits that Qur’ānic narratives concerning Jesus (ʿĪsā) and Mary (Maryam) are direct, derivative borrowings from non-canonical Christian apocrypha and Gnostic Christological heresies. Utilizing a historical-critical and text-critical methodology, this paper evaluates the putative literary antecedents often cited in source-critical discourse, including the Protoevangelium of James, the Infancy Gospel of Thomas, the Arabic Gospel of the Infancy, the Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew and Basilidian docetism. The analysis reveals critical chronological, textual and historiographical fractures within the direct-borrowing paradigm. First, text-critical evidence demonstrates that several key apocryphal texts represent late, composite recensions or post-date the rise of Islam, while early Gnostic sects had virtually dissolved or re-assimilated into the orthodox Church centuries prior to the seventh-century Hijazi milieu. Second, drawing upon contemporary scholarship on Late Antique intertextuality and Arabic biblical translation history (notably Sidney H. Griffith), the paper demonstrates the complete absence of written Arabic biblical or apocryphal codices in pre-Islamic Arabia. Third, the study deconstructs the alternative oral transmission model, demonstrating the historical and chronological implausibility of alleged informants such as the monk Baḥīrā, Waraqah ibn Nawfal and Māriyah al-Qibṭiyyah (Coptic mary) whose arrival in 7 AH post-dates the revelation of the relevant Qur’ānic surahs. The study concludes that thematic parallels do not establish empirical literary dependence, affirming the structural and theological independence of the Qur’ānic corpus.
The Question of Qurʾānic Narrative Sources in Muslim and Christian Polemics: A Comparative and Critical Study of W. St. Clair Tisdall’s The Original Sources of the Qur’ān and Abūl Fidā Muhammad Abdul Qādir’s Sarchashmah-e-Qurʾān
This study investigates the polemical and source-critical debate surrounding Qurʾānic Christology and Mariology in the colonial Subcontinent, focusing on W. St. Clair Tisdall’s The Original Sources of the Qurʾān (1905) and Abū al-Fidāʾ Muḥammad ʿAbd al-Qādir’s Urdu rejoinder Sarchashmah-i Qurʾān (1962). Drawing on nineteenth-century European historicism (Historismus) and naturalistic evolutionism, Tisdall posited that Qurʾānic narratives concerning Mary and Jesus were derivative amalgamations of late antique Christian apocrypha, attributing narrative parallels to direct literary borrowing. Abū al-Fidāʾ countered Tisdall’s diffusionist claims through an internalist theological and philological defense exposing Tisdall's reliance on spurious narrations, misunderstandings of internal methodological contradictions. However, while Abū al-Fidāʾ successfully dismantled Tisdall's theological assumptions within the traditional genre of Subcontinental munāẓarah, his reliance on internal intra-Qurʾānic arguments left key external historical-critical questions.
Social Welfare in Judaism: Biblical Foundations, Ethical Principles and Contemporary Relevance
Examine the topic of social welfare in Judaism, especially scriptural, moral and some historical sources its central thesis is that promoting social welfare lies at the heart of Jewish thought based on a foundation of justice, compassion, dignity and community. It explores the concept of Tzedakah and treat it not as voluntary giving but a mode of justice, and discusses Mosaic laws about charity concerning needy people (the poor, laborers, debtors, slaves) (minimum threshold), or dependents (widows/orphans) (Minimum subsistence); and parents. Moreover, it depicts how these laws safeguard the rights of marginalized people and help achieve social harmony. It refers to passages from the Holy Qur'an in relative comparison for the sake of an agenda, in thinking that welfare values were once and are now common among all Abrahamic religious torchbearers. Using a qualitative and textual approach, the study draws upon scripture, canonical and non-canonical Jewish literature, as well as historical and academic resources for an assessment of Judaism's welfare model. The results show, once again, that Judaism portrays its social welfare program as a religious requirement linking justice to compassion and personal responsibility to communal well-being. The study concludes that the foundation of welfare principles inherent in Judaism still provides ethical guidelines for contemporary rise social problems and human solidarity.
A Juristic Analysis of Contemporary Agricultural Laws in Pakistan in the Light of Islamic Jurisprudence
Agriculture constitutes a fundamental sector of Pakistan’s economy and serves as the primary source of livelihood for a significant portion of the population. The legal framework governing agricultural activities in Pakistan comprises various statutes relating to land ownership, tenancy, agricultural taxation, water distribution, inheritance, land reforms, and the rights of cultivators. Since Pakistan is an Islamic republic, it is important to evaluate the compatibility of these laws with the principles of Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh). This study presents a comparative and analytical examination of contemporary Pakistani agricultural laws in light of classical and contemporary Islamic legal doctrines.The research explores key issues including ownership of agricultural land, the concept of Iḥyā’ al-Mawāt (revival of barren land), tenancy and sharecropping (Muzara‘ah), agricultural taxation and ‘Ushr, inheritance of agricultural property, women’s land rights, waqf lands, water rights, prevention of hoarding, agricultural credit, land encroachment, and modern agricultural contracts. The study analyzes relevant Pakistani legal provisions and compares them with the opinions of major jurists from the Ḥanafī, Mālikī, Shāfi‘ī, and Ḥanbalī schools of thought.The findings reveal that several Pakistani agricultural laws are broadly consistent with Islamic legal principles, particularly in matters of inheritance, tenancy regulation, protection of women’s property rights, and prevention of unlawful occupation of land. However, certain areas require further reform, especially concerning interest-based agricultural financing, ineffective implementation of inheritance laws, inequitable access to water resources, and shortcomings in the practical enforcement of farmers’ rights. The study concludes that a more effective integration of Islamic legal principles into agricultural legislation can contribute to greater social justice, economic equity, and sustainable rural development in Pakistan.
A Review of Rationalist Trends in Sīrah Writing in the Indian Subcontinent
Sīrah writing constitutes a fundamental and significant dimension of the intellectual history of Islam. It is not merely a narration of historical events; rather, it seeks to develop a sound Sharʿī and intellectual understanding of the blessed life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, derive guidance from his exemplary conduct, and present its enduring message in accordance with the needs of every age. As a dynamic intellectual discipline, Sīrah writing has continually responded to emerging intellectual, social, and cultural questions while remaining rooted in the Qurʾān and Sunnah. In the contemporary era, diverse intellectual trends have influenced the study and interpretation of Sīrah, particularly rationalist approaches that seek to reinterpret Prophetic narratives through reason and historical criticism. In the Indian subcontinent, such approaches have contributed significantly to the development of modern Sīrah literature. The present study, “Rationalist Trends in Sīrah Writing in the Indian Subcontinent: A Critical and Analytical Study,” examines the emergence, methodological characteristics, and major features of these trends and critically evaluates them in the light of established principles of Islamic scholarship.
Indispensable Natural Elements for Human Survival: A Research and Analytical Study of the Biological, Environmental, and Civilizational Significance of Fire, Water, Soil, Air, and Earth
Human survival and the continuity of civilization depend upon a range of indispensable natural elements, among which fire, water, soil, air, and earth occupy a foundational position. This study examines their biological, environmental, and civilizational significance through a qualitative, descriptive, and analytical approach, drawing upon Qur'anic discourse, classical exegetical perspectives, and relevant scientific, environmental, and historical literature. The study aims to demonstrate that these elements are not merely independent physical resources but interrelated components of a broader ecological and civilizational system. Fire has played a decisive role in human development by providing heat, light, protection, and energy, and by furnishing the technological foundation for metallurgy, industry, and economic advancement. Water constitutes the fundamental basis of life, supporting human physiology, agriculture, biodiversity, public health, industrial activity, and ecological balance. Soil serves as the principal medium for agricultural productivity, food security, nutrient cycling, biodiversity, and the sustainability of terrestrial ecosystems, while land, in the broader sense, provides the spatial and material foundation for settlement, resource extraction, and civilizational organization. Air sustains respiration and biological metabolism while contributing to climatic regulation, the water cycle, and overall environmental stability. The analysis further indicates that Qur'anic discourse presents these elements not merely for their material utility but within a wider framework of cosmic order, human responsibility, moderation, and environmental stewardship, and that this framework should be read as an analytical and ethical companion to, rather than a substitute for, empirical environmental science. The study concludes that the biological, environmental, and civilizational functions of fire, water, soil, air, and earth are deeply interconnected, and that disruption in any one of these systems, whether through pollution, resource depletion, ecological degradation, or unsustainable use, can adversely affect human health, economic stability, food security, and civilizational continuity. Consequently, the responsible preservation and balanced utilization of natural resources emerge as both an environmental necessity and a fundamental requirement for the sustainable future of humanity.
The Kiswah of the Kaaba: A Research Study of Its Historical Development, Religious Significance and Contemporary Perspectives
The Kiswah the cloth that covers the Holy Kaaba stands as a powerful symbol of unity and respect in Islam. Every year, Saudi Arabia takes on the job of making a new Kiswah and swapping out the old one, paying close attention to every detail. This study takes a close look at what happens to the old Kiswah after its replaced. It digs into how different parts of the Kiswah get set aside and handed out. The process isn’t random-Saudi authorities follow strict steps, saving pieces for specific people, leaders, religious organizations, and museums. They stick to clear rules to make sure the Kiswah is always treated with the respect it deserves. This research doesn’t just skim the surface. The analysis is original and draws from solid, trustworthy sources. That means the picture painted here stays authentic and plagiarism-free. It’s clear from the findings that the distribution system isn’t just careful it helps keep the Kiswah’s deep meaning alive, not just for Saudis, but for people all over the world. To sum it up, this paper shows how Saudi Arabia manages to honor and share a crucial piece of Islamic tradition. The approach is methodical and trustworthy, making sure the Kiswah remains a cherished part of Islamic heritage.
Challenges and Difficulties Faced by Women in Healthcare Employment: Sharīʻah and Research Based Study
Women’s participation in the healthcare sector has become increasingly important in contemporary societies, particularly in obstetrics, gynecology, women’s healthcare, and other medical services. However, women’s employment in this field involves various Sharīʻah, ethical, social, and practical considerations. This study examines the challenges and difficulties associated with women’s employment in the healthcare sector from a Sharīʻah and research-based perspective. It aims to determine the Islamic position on women’s professional participation in healthcare and identify the principles and conditions necessary for employment in accordance with Islamic values and contemporary professional requirements. The study employs a qualitative, descriptive, and analytical methodology, drawing primarily on the Qur’ān, Ḥadīth, classical and contemporary Islamic jurisprudence, and relevant literature. The findings indicate that women’s employment is not inherently prohibited in Islam; rather, its permissibility depends on the nature of the work, the working environment, and compliance with relevant Sharīʻah requirements. In healthcare, female professionals may fulfill an important social need, particularly in providing medical services to women. Nevertheless, matters such as hijab, interaction with non-mahram individuals, seclusion, professional communication, travel, working hours, night shifts, and family responsibilities require due consideration. The study also identifies workplace harassment, physical and psychological stress, prolonged working hours, institutional weaknesses, and difficulties in maintaining work-family balance as major challenges. It concludes that safe working environments, reasonable working hours, maternity facilities, effective grievance mechanisms, institutional accountability, and professional ethics are essential for addressing these concerns. A balanced framework based on justice, public interest, removal of hardship, and human dignity can facilitate women’s participation in healthcare while protecting their religious, professional, familial, and social rights.
The Concept of Modesty (Ḥayā) in the Qur’ān and Ḥadīth and the Modern Trends: A Research Study
According to the Qur’ān and Sunnah, ḥayāʾ (modesty) is a fundamental ethical and spiritual virtue that regulates individual conduct and promotes social morality. It encompasses modesty in speech, gaze, dress, behavior, and interpersonal interaction, and serves as a safeguard against conduct that conflicts with Islamic moral values. The Qur’ān establishes guidelines for both men and women in Sūrat al-Nūr and Sūrat al-Aḥzāb, while the Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ identifies ḥayāʾ as a branch of faith, highlighting its religious and spiritual significance. Throughout Islamic civilization, modesty has contributed to the preservation of personal dignity, family integrity, and social harmony. However, contemporary cultural transformations, globalization, social media, and liberal notions of individual freedom and bodily expression have increasingly challenged traditional understandings of ḥayāʾ. This article examines the concept, significance, and ethical dimensions of ḥayāʾ in the light of the Qur’ān and Sunnah and critically explores the challenges posed to its practice in contemporary society. It argues that ḥayāʾ remains an essential Islamic virtue for sustaining individual morality, healthy social relations, and family values in the modern context.
Divergent Juristic Views on the Grounds for Faskh al-Nikāḥ: A Critical Study
This article presents a critical and analytical study of the disputed grounds for Faskh al-Nikāḥ (judicial dissolution of marriage) in Islamic jurisprudence. Marriage in Islam is regarded as a strong and stable social institution intended to promote tranquility, affection, and cooperation between spouses. However, certain circumstances may arise in marital life in which maintaining the marital relationship becomes difficult or even impossible. In such situations, Islamic law provides balanced mechanisms for the dissolution of marriage, one of which is judicial annulment (faskh). The study specifically examines those grounds for dissolution that have been the subject of juristic disagreement among the classical schools of Islamic law. These include non-payment of maintenance, physical and mental illnesses, cruelty or harm inflicted by the husband, the need to avoid sinful circumstances, the disappearance or prolonged absence of the husband, long-term imprisonment, and abandonment of marital relations. The opinions of the four major Sunni schools, Ḥanafī, Mālikī, Shafi‘ī, and Ḥanbalī, are comparatively analyzed, along with the evidence and juristic principles that underpin their respective positions. The article further highlights that the diversity and flexibility within Islamic jurisprudence provide valuable resources for addressing contemporary legal and social challenges. In light of modern social and medical realities, adopting juristic opinions that align with justice, prevention of harm and the higher objectives (maqāṣid) of Sharīʻah appears more appropriate. Thus, Islamic law offers comprehensive legal and ethical guidance for promoting justice and balance within society.
Christianity in Mughal India (1580–1707): Imperial Policy, Christian–Muslim Relations, and Cross-Cultural Exchange
This article examines the development of Christianity in Mughal India between 1580 and 1707 through an analysis of imperial religious policy, Jesuit missionary activity, and Christian–Muslim intellectual relations during the reigns of Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb. Drawing upon Persian chronicles, Jesuit correspondence, European travel accounts, missionary literature, and modern historical scholarship, it argues that Mughal policy towards Christianity cannot be understood simply in terms of tolerance or intolerance. Rather, it evolved in response to changing political, diplomatic, and imperial priorities under successive Mughal rulers. The study demonstrates that Christianity remained a minority religion despite enjoying periods of remarkable imperial patronage, particularly during Akbar’s reign. Its limited expansion resulted from the resilience of Islamic and Hindu religious traditions, the Jesuits’ court-centred missionary strategy, their limited knowledge of local languages, history, and religious traditions, the social and cultural consequences of conversion, changing political circumstances, and the close association of Christian missions with Portuguese imperial interests. The article further argues that the sectarian rivalries between Catholics and Protestants, together with the confrontational attitude adopted by some missionaries towards Islamic beliefs, sacred figures, and religious practices, further weakened the credibility of Christian missions and reduced their appeal among both the Mughal elite and the wider population. Despite its limited demographic success, Christianity exercised a significant intellectual and cultural influence on Mughal India. Persian Christian literature, theological debates, translation projects, educational activities, diplomacy, artistic exchange, and sustained interaction between Muslim scholars and Jesuit missionaries created one of the most important centres of Christian–Muslim intellectual dialogue in the early modern world. The article concludes that the historical significance of Christianity in Mughal India should be measured not by the number of converts but by its enduring contribution to interreligious dialogue, cross-cultural exchange, and the intellectual history of the Persianate world.
The Law of Qiṣāṣ (Retribution): A Comparative Study of Islamic and Previous Divine Laws in the Light of Tafsīr ʿUthmānī and Tafsīr Mājidī
Qur’anic concept of Qiṣāṣ presents a balanced system of justice aimed at protecting human life and maintaining peace in society. It provides clear principles for dealing with intentional and accidental killing while also recognizing the importance of Diyah (blood money) and forgiveness. The law of Qiṣāṣ places equal value to human life and prevents discrimination based on social status, lineage, or power. The study interprets Allāma Mājidī and Allāma Shabbir Ahmad ʿUthmānī’s interpretations that Qiṣāṣ not only as a form of punishment but also as a means of preventing crime and controlling violence. The study elaborates their views highlighting the rights of the victim and the heirs while allowing them the choice of retaliation, compensation, or forgiveness. The Qur’ānic guidance also seeks to replace the excessive revenge practices of the pre-Islamic era with a regulated system of justice. At the same time, forgiveness is presented as a higher moral choice that can promote reconciliation and social harmony. Qiṣāṣ, therefore combines justice with mercy and establishes a framework that protects life, restrains violence, and strengthens social order.
An Introductory Study of the State Structure of the Fatimid Caliphate
This study explores the structural framework of the Fatimid Caliphate 909–1171 CE highlighting its distinctive integration of religious authority with political governance. The research presents an analytical overview of the caliphate’s core institutions, including its political hierarchy, administrative divisions, financial mechanisms, and judicial systems. Initially, the Fatimid caliphs wielded absolute control, serving as both spiritual Imams and temporal rulers. However, as the caliphate evolved, power increasingly shifted to viziers, whose roles were classified into "vizierate of execution" and "vizierate of delegation" based on the level of autonomy they exercised. The study also sheds light on the inclusion of non-Muslims such as Christians and Jews in key administrative and diplomatic positions, reflecting the regime’s pragmatic approach to governance and religious pluralism. Moreover, the analysis examines the functioning of critical state departments dawawin, the financial system driven by land tax khirāj, zakāt and state expenditure, as well as the judiciary based on Ismāʻīlī jurisprudence. Military organization, corruption, hereditary appointments and political instability are also discussed as factors contributing to the state's decline. By synthesizing classical and contemporary sources, this paper reconstructs the sociopolitical model of the Fatimid era and highlights its relevance in discussions on Islamic governance.
Inheritance Rights of an Artificially Conceived Embryo in Imāmī Jurisprudence: An Analytical Study
Advancements in medical science have introduced innovative methods for treating infertility, such as Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). While these techniques offer new possibilities for married couples, they also raise intricate legal and jurisprudential questions regarding the lineage, status, and specifically, the inheritance rights of children conceived through these methods. This research article presents a detailed analysis of the rules of inheritance (irth) governing children born via modern reproductive technologies, evaluated strictly within the parameters of Imami (Shi'a) jurisprudence and its authoritative classical and contemporary legal sources. Focusing on the legal status (hukm wad'i) rather than the mere ethical permissibility of these procedures, this study examines the vital prerequisites for a fetus to qualify for inheritance. It is well-established in Imami law that inheritance depends on a validly recognized lineage (nasab). This paper argues that when conception involves the biological materials (sperm and egg) of a legally married couple, the use of modern laboratory interventions or artificial placement does not impair the validity of their lineage; consequently, such children possess full rights to the estate of their parents and relatives. However, the core complexity arises in cases of post-mortem conception, where a child is conceived using a deceased spouse's cryopreserved sperm. The study carefully categorizes and evaluates the three primary jurisprudential perspectives on this issue: the first requires only a live birth; the second conditions inheritance on the conception occurring prior to the final distribution of the estate; and the third demands the biological existence or stabilization of the zygote at the exact time of the benefactor's death. By balancing traditional legal maxims with modern bioethical realities, this paper illuminates the adaptability and comprehensive depth of Imami jurisprudence in addressing contemporary socio-legal challenges.
Modern Assisted Reproductive Technologies