Educational institutions have, throughout history, stood as milestones in the advancement of human civilisation. Whether established in the lands of the East or nurtured in the intellectual climates of the West, their foundations have always rested upon principles that foster intellectual freedom, critical insight, and a commitment to research. Such institutions are not beholden to… Continue reading The Autonomy of Educational Institutions and the Breadth of Thought
The Meaning of “And He taught Adam all the names”
In verses 31-33 from surah Al-Baqarah, Allah declares: “And He taught Adam all the names, then He presented them to the angels and said, ‘Tell Me the names of these, if you are truthful.’ They said, ‘Glory be to You! We have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Indeed, it is You who… Continue reading The Meaning of “And He taught Adam all the names”
Academic Language and Our Negligence
Academic language is the invisible foundation upon which the entire edifice of modern education rests. It is not merely a collection of words and technical terms, but a structured method of understanding, analysis, reasoning, critique, research, and the expression of knowledge. It paves the way for the intellectual development of the student. This language not… Continue reading Academic Language and Our Negligence
Rejecting the Hadith Tradition Wholesale: An Epistemological Fallacy
To dismiss the entire hadith tradition due to the presence of fabricated or weak narrations is an epistemological fallacy. It is akin to rejecting all historical records because some are unreliable, or to discrediting scientific development due to the presence of flawed studies. The proper scholarly response is not wholesale rejection, but critical refinement through… Continue reading Rejecting the Hadith Tradition Wholesale: An Epistemological Fallacy
Commendation
All praise is due to Allah, who elevated the rank of knowledge and its bearers, made them the heirs of the prophets, and granted them a tremendous virtue and lofty station, as He said: “Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge by degrees.” He made them lamps… Continue reading Commendation
Under the Shadow of the Hūmā
I have written a number of articles about Mawlāna Shahbāz, may Allah have mercy on him, and intend to write more. The present article, titled as above, is part of that series. While my other writings detail what I learned in his company, here my purpose is to narrate the nature of my relationship with… Continue reading Under the Shadow of the Hūmā
Choice of Words: Taste, Subtlety and Responsibility
A word… a small, simple, yet extraordinarily powerful entity… is not merely a vocal symbol, but rather a crystallised thought, a reflection of feeling, and a glimpse of human civilisation. It is a mirror in which a person’s inner self—his intention, upbringing, character, and intellectual depth—becomes fully visible. When the speaker possesses a heart, what… Continue reading Choice of Words: Taste, Subtlety and Responsibility
The Harm of Non-Arabs Dominating the Islamic and Arabic Sciences
The prominence of certain non-Arabs—despite their brilliant intellects, evident talents, and creative contributions in the fields of knowledge and thought—in the disciplines of Islam and the Arabic language has had serious consequences on the trajectory and development of these sciences. These effects are manifest in deep intellectual and methodological shifts. However sincere and diligent these… Continue reading The Harm of Non-Arabs Dominating the Islamic and Arabic Sciences
Shibli Nu’mani: A Legacy of Scholarship and Reform
In the intellectual and cultural history of South Asia, few names stand out with the brilliance and lasting influence of Shibli Nu’mani (d. 1914). A towering figure among Islamic scholars and historians, Nu’mani’s life and work represents a bridge between the classical traditions of Islamic scholarship and the urgent reformist currents of colonial India. His… Continue reading Shibli Nu’mani: A Legacy of Scholarship and Reform
Adab for the Sake of Adab
When a government constructs a road, its quality is determined by its technical design, engineering principles, and construction standards. It is not evaluated according to whether people use it to travel to a mosque or a temple, a casino or a bar. Similarly, bridges, trains, buses, and other public amenities are judged by their own… Continue reading Adab for the Sake of Adab