Justin Parrott | New York University Abu Dhabi (original) (raw)
Papers by Justin Parrott
Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, 2024
A robust and comprehensive research article about practicing Ramadan, from start to finish, with ... more A robust and comprehensive research article about practicing Ramadan, from start to finish, with reference to the primary sources.
The issues of slavery, concubinage, and the rape of women in warfare throughout history are subje... more The issues of slavery, concubinage, and the rape of women in warfare throughout history are subject to fierce intellectual, philosophical, and psychological discussion. They are issues that have led to painful doubts within many faith communities, including the Muslim community. This paper addresses the allegations that the early Muslims permitted and encouraged the rape of women in warfare and their exploitation as ‘sex slaves.’ These claims are based upon citing a set of historical facts and Islamic texts out of context, sometimes in the service of hardline anti-immigration politics intended to demonize and dehumanize Muslim immigrants on the whole as sexual predators. The legal status of sexual relationships within the historical institution of slavery (or more accurately in Islamic terms, the “custodianship of the right hand”) is explained in detail, and the firm prohibition of rape and sexual harm in early Islam is documented. It is also demonstrated that Islam, having inherited an historical system of economic slavery in Arabia, proceeded to humanize slaves and grant them rights and inherent dignity, with several indications in the law that logically resulted in universal emancipation. Finally, it will be proven that sexual consent, while difficult to define in law even today, was certainly a moral requirement as understood by the early Muslims and later scholars, including consent within the concubine relationship.
abuaminaelias.com, 2021
The text of Al-ʻAqīdah al-Ṭaḥāwīyah with references to the Quran, the Sunnah, and the statements ... more The text of Al-ʻAqīdah al-Ṭaḥāwīyah with references to the Quran, the Sunnah, and the statements of scholars for each point made by the Imam
Muslim Matters, 2020
Islam, as a world religion with over one billion followers, has an important role to play in faci... more Islam, as a world religion with over one billion followers, has an important role to play in facilitating dialogue and cooperation with other groups in the modern world. The golden rule in Islamic traditions has been explicitly invoked by numerous Muslim leaders and organizations towards this end. Recently, hundreds of Muslim scholars and leaders have signed the A Common Word interfaith letter, asserting that the Abrahamic faiths share “the twin golden commandments of the paramount importance of loving God and loving one’s neighbor.” The initiative grew into several publications and conferences, including the important and high-profile Marrakesh Declaration in early 2016, which cited A Common Word in its text as evidence of the compatibility between Islamic tradition and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
This paper presents an Islamic vision of racial equality as derived from the Quran and Sunnah. Th... more This paper presents an Islamic vision of racial equality as derived from the Quran and Sunnah. The theological vision is rooted in the Islamic concepts of the oneness of humanity, the common descent from Adam and Eve, love of neighbor, standards of universal or natural justice, and the arrogance of Satan (Iblis). The Sunnah's concept of 'tribalism' ('asabiyyah) is used as the paradigm to diagnose 'racism' as a spiritual disease existing across the spectrum of human experience but manifesting in particular ideologies in different social contexts. Non-violent action, including campaigns of education, political pressure, and protest, is prescribed as the primary method through which lasting and legitimate change can be achieved. Such non-violence is effective because it undermines the moral authority of the oppressor and generates sympathy for the oppressed, until a critical mass of the public no longer tolerates injustice. Finally, the end goal of Islamic anti-racism activism is shown to be a truly egalitarian society in which people are not judged by the color of their skin, but rather by the content of their character.
Academia Letters, 2021
The age of consent to sexual relations is not firmly established in classical Islamic law like it... more The age of consent to sexual relations is not firmly established in classical Islamic law like it is in many Muslim and non-Muslim countries today. The appropriate age of sexual relations was set in traditional pre-modern societies by either individual families or local custom, often linked to signs of physical puberty like menarche and pubic hair.[1] The lack of consistency in this area of law is because societies throughout time and place widely vary in their circumstances, resources, concerns, and priorities. There are many instances in history for which the age of consent and marriage is in apparent disagreement with modern norms and laws. The 12th century Decretum Gratiani, for instance, mandates consent at an undefined "age of discretion"[2] and acknowledges that sexual relations and marriage might occur as early as seven years.[3] Some Christian sources state that Mary was to be given in marriage to the ninety year-old St. Joseph when she was only twelve or fourteen.[4] As late as the mid-19th century, the United Kingdom's Offences against the Person Act legally allowed sexual relations with twelve year-olds.[5] Around the same time in the United States, each state determined its own criminal law with age of consent ranging from ten to twelve years of age. It is only at the beginning of the late 19th century, spurred on by the Industrial Revolution's rapid economic growth and technological development, that attitudes shifted toward setting the age higher and higher.[6] Therefore, it should not be surprising that the development of classical Islamic law into centralized state systems followed a similar trajectory as other societies. Why is this issue important today? Sexual relations are religiously unlawful in Islam in the absence of a contract of marriage or concubinage. Concubinage disappeared when the Muslim world martialed Islamic legal
Muslim World League Journal, 2018
Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, 2021
One of the greatest acts of devotion that we can perform in the blessed month of Ramadan, and at ... more One of the greatest acts of devotion that we can perform in the blessed month of Ramadan, and at any other time of the year for that matter, is supplication (duʿāʾ). The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “Supplication is (the essence) of worship.” Every act of worship carries an explicit duʿāʾ (such as prayer) or an implicit duʿāʾ by which we ask Allah to accept whatever good deed we are doing.
Sama O Basr, 2020
Whoever would love to be delivered from Hellfire and admitted into Paradise, let him meet his end... more Whoever would love to be delivered from Hellfire and admitted into Paradise, let him meet his end with faith in Allah and the Last Day, and let him treat people as he would love to be treated.
Australian Islamic Library, 2021
Abu Amina's holds MRes in Islamic Studies from University of Wales. His other qualifications incl... more Abu Amina's holds MRes in Islamic Studies from University of Wales. His other qualifications include BA in Physics, English from Otterbein University, and MLIS from Kent State University. He has travelled around the world and interacted with people from various backgrounds and faiths which provides him the depth of understanding that is an essential requirement for Islamic studies researchers. His main speciality is the translation of hadith and classical Islamic texts. He is currently serving as the Research Librarian for Middle East Studies at NYU in Abu Dhabi. In addition, he also serves as a research associate at Yaqeen Institute and has authored a number of inspiring articles and publications.
Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, 2020
A common question Muslims have when reading the Qur’an and Sunnah is whether or not the lessons f... more A common question Muslims have when reading the Qur’an and Sunnah is whether or not the lessons found therein apply to non-Muslims. Sometimes a text will refer to “Muslims” or “believers,” but does that mean it only applies to Muslims?
Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, 2020
Jihad in Islam, or warfare in defense of life and Muslim religious rights, is legally analogous t... more Jihad in Islam, or warfare in defense of life and Muslim religious rights, is legally analogous to modern just-war theory as enshrined in international law. Jihad itself is a much broader concept in Islam, including difficult acts of charity and spiritual struggle against Satan and the lower self. In terms of warfare, jihad in the Qur’an and Sunnah foreshadows many features of the modern just-war theory concepts of jus ad bellum (“justice to war”) as well as jus in bello (“justice in war”): non-aggression, proper declaration, right intention, war as a last resort, proportional retaliation, strict adherence to covenants, and protection of civilian lives and property. The primary goal of jihad is to protect the safety of the Muslim community and fulfill our obligation to practice Islam and share it with the world. It is not a tool of religious compulsion or forced conversion, nor is it a means of advancing purely political, ideological, or worldly goals. This article documents the principles of just war as they appear in Islamic source texts, and it places the classical Islamic legal framework on warfare in its proper historical context. The final section offers a detailed analysis and rebuttal of common “proof-texts” used to malign Islam as a politically aggressive, violently expansionist, or war-mongering religion.
Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, 2020
Most theistic religions, including Islam, affirm love as one of the divine attributes of God, our... more Most theistic religions, including Islam, affirm love as one of the divine attributes of God, our Creator. It is considered a virtue by many people to selflessly love others for God’s sake, or to love others as oneself. However, a common criticism we hear against Islam today is that Muslims allegedly worship an angry, vengeful, cold, distant, and unloving god who teaches them to hate all non-Muslims (we seek refuge in Allah from this misguided claim). In response to this accusation, we as Muslim believers must answer the following question: What is the proper understanding of Allah’s love in Islam? And how does Allah’s love inform the behavior of Muslim believers?
Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, 2020
Hardship is an inevitable experience in life. Each one of us will encounter pain, loss, fear, anx... more Hardship is an inevitable experience in life. Each one of us will encounter pain, loss, fear, anxiety, sadness, and grief at some point in our journey to the Hereafter. Islam equips us with the spiritual resources to be able to overcome any trial in this world, as long as we maintain trust in Allah’s plan and decree. It is important to draw on these resources whenever we face adversity, such that we respond with the type of ‘beautiful patience’ practiced by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the other prophets before him.
Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, 2019
This paper presents the three levels of religious practice in Islam as expressed in the famous ḥa... more This paper presents the three levels of religious practice in Islam as expressed in the famous ḥadith of Gabriel: 1) Islām (outward submission to the will of Allah), 2) Īmān (faith), and 3) Iḥsān (spiritual excellence). Texts from the Qur’an, Sunnah, and classical scholarly works are cited to distinguish these three levels of religion (dīn) from each other. The purpose of this knowledge is to lay out the big picture before the worshipper, the highest religious goals in Islam, what the author refers to as the “spiritual mountain.” This includes a broad awareness of the Islamic disciplines: Qur’an, Tafsīr, Tajwīd, Ḥadith, Sīrah, ʿAqīdah, Sharīʿah, Fiqh, and purification of the soul or spirituality. The prophetic method of self-improvement and habit formation will lastly be presented as the primary means to achieve stronger faith and spiritual excellence.
Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, 2019
This article addresses the misconception that religious worship is separate from moral character,... more This article addresses the misconception that religious worship is separate from moral character, or that someone can be a “good Muslim” but a “bad person.” Faith in Islam, as described in the Qur’an and Sunnah, consists of not only a theological creed but also a set of character dispositions. The five pillars of Islam, which are the religion’s core rituals of worship, all contain moral dimensions that inform both a believer’s relationship to their Creator and to other created beings. It is a categorical error, then, to claim someone can simultaneously be a “good Muslim” and a “bad person” because a good Muslim believer is, by definition, a good person.
Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, 2019
The ability to distinguish between right and wrong is an essential skill in the life of a Muslim.... more The ability to distinguish between right and wrong is an essential skill in the life of a Muslim. But what makes something good or evil may often come down to a very subtle distinction—the devil really is in the details, both literally and figuratively. Often such distinctions are rooted in the consciousness, or ‘soul,’ of a human being. Each person has an aspect of the Self, called nafs ammarah bi-su’, that instigates them to commit evil deeds and which is exploited by Satan and his devils in their battle against the believers and the forces of good. This article offers an analysis of this dark side of the Self. It conceptualizes the nafs ammarah bi-su’ and the resulting spiritual struggle, or jihad, against it. Then, commonly understood virtues are contrasted with their subtly corrupted counterparts: love of Allah vs. love for other than Allah, reverence vs. hypocrisy, inspiring gratitude vs. boasting, friendly competition vs. envy, authentic leadership vs. love of authority, reliance upon Allah vs. laziness, advising vs. condemning, and esteem vs. pride. The purpose of this research is to equip us with knowledge and tools we can use to help us succeed in the jihad within.
Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, 2018
Jesus Christ, the Messiah, is the central focus of Christianity, the largest religious group in t... more Jesus Christ, the Messiah, is the central focus of Christianity, the largest religious group in the world. Jesus عليه السلام (upon him be peace) is also considered a prophet in Islam and one of the great messengers of Allah. Common ground between Muslims and Christians can be built upon shared themes in the theological, moral, and narrative elements of Jesus’ life. This article outlines these significant elements: love for God and neighbor; the roles of Zechariah, John the Baptist, and the Virgin Mary عليهم السلام; the unique designation of Messiah; the final moments of Jesus’ life; and his return before the end of time. The aim is to give Muslims a knowledge base from which to dialogue effectively with Christians. At the same time, this article highlights important areas of disagreement between Islam and Christianity regarding doctrines of salvation and Jesus’ divinity.
Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, 2018
Abrogation in the Qur'an refers to the phenomenon of a later verse changing or altering a ruling ... more Abrogation in the Qur'an refers to the phenomenon of a later verse changing or altering a ruling established by a verse revealed earlier, either in whole or in part. Later scholars developed diverging technical definitions of abrogation that differed slightly from the linguistic usage of earlier generations, leading to significant disagreements over the nature of abrogation, how many verses were abrogated, and even whether abrogation is a legitimate interpretive mechanism. This article seeks to clarify the meaning of abrogation as it was intended by the righteous predecessors, who often used the word ‘abrogation’ to refer to making exceptions to an earlier rule rather than completely repealing it. The wisdom of abrogation is explored in relation to the gradual prohibition of alcohol consumption, as further evidence of the divine nature of the Qur'an. Finally, the claim that the peaceful verses of the Qur'an were invalidated by the ‘verse of the sword’ is challenged.
The ethics of reciprocity, known as the “golden rule,” is any moral dictum that encourages people... more The ethics of reciprocity, known as the “golden rule,” is any moral dictum that encourages people to treat others the way they would like to be treated. The principle exists in the sacred texts of the world’s religions as well as the writings of secular philosophers. Due to its ubiquity in many contexts, it has become an important focal point for interfaith dialogue and the development of international human rights norms. Islam, as a world religion with over one billion followers, has an important role to play in facilitating dialogue and cooperation with other groups in the modern world. The golden rule in Islamic traditions has been explicitly invoked by numerous Muslim leaders and organizations towards this end. This study examines the phenomenological appearance of the golden rule in Islamic texts and modern interfaith dialogue with Muslims. Sources include the Qur’ān, Ḥadīth traditions, exegetical commentaries, extracanonical or apocryphal literature, and contemporary works. Sections are organised by genre of literature and are loosely chronological. Key interpretive points from the classical period are related to modern interfaith initiatives and universal human rights, with a view of demonstrating the ways in which the classical heritage informs the experiences of Muslims today.
Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, 2024
A robust and comprehensive research article about practicing Ramadan, from start to finish, with ... more A robust and comprehensive research article about practicing Ramadan, from start to finish, with reference to the primary sources.
The issues of slavery, concubinage, and the rape of women in warfare throughout history are subje... more The issues of slavery, concubinage, and the rape of women in warfare throughout history are subject to fierce intellectual, philosophical, and psychological discussion. They are issues that have led to painful doubts within many faith communities, including the Muslim community. This paper addresses the allegations that the early Muslims permitted and encouraged the rape of women in warfare and their exploitation as ‘sex slaves.’ These claims are based upon citing a set of historical facts and Islamic texts out of context, sometimes in the service of hardline anti-immigration politics intended to demonize and dehumanize Muslim immigrants on the whole as sexual predators. The legal status of sexual relationships within the historical institution of slavery (or more accurately in Islamic terms, the “custodianship of the right hand”) is explained in detail, and the firm prohibition of rape and sexual harm in early Islam is documented. It is also demonstrated that Islam, having inherited an historical system of economic slavery in Arabia, proceeded to humanize slaves and grant them rights and inherent dignity, with several indications in the law that logically resulted in universal emancipation. Finally, it will be proven that sexual consent, while difficult to define in law even today, was certainly a moral requirement as understood by the early Muslims and later scholars, including consent within the concubine relationship.
abuaminaelias.com, 2021
The text of Al-ʻAqīdah al-Ṭaḥāwīyah with references to the Quran, the Sunnah, and the statements ... more The text of Al-ʻAqīdah al-Ṭaḥāwīyah with references to the Quran, the Sunnah, and the statements of scholars for each point made by the Imam
Muslim Matters, 2020
Islam, as a world religion with over one billion followers, has an important role to play in faci... more Islam, as a world religion with over one billion followers, has an important role to play in facilitating dialogue and cooperation with other groups in the modern world. The golden rule in Islamic traditions has been explicitly invoked by numerous Muslim leaders and organizations towards this end. Recently, hundreds of Muslim scholars and leaders have signed the A Common Word interfaith letter, asserting that the Abrahamic faiths share “the twin golden commandments of the paramount importance of loving God and loving one’s neighbor.” The initiative grew into several publications and conferences, including the important and high-profile Marrakesh Declaration in early 2016, which cited A Common Word in its text as evidence of the compatibility between Islamic tradition and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
This paper presents an Islamic vision of racial equality as derived from the Quran and Sunnah. Th... more This paper presents an Islamic vision of racial equality as derived from the Quran and Sunnah. The theological vision is rooted in the Islamic concepts of the oneness of humanity, the common descent from Adam and Eve, love of neighbor, standards of universal or natural justice, and the arrogance of Satan (Iblis). The Sunnah's concept of 'tribalism' ('asabiyyah) is used as the paradigm to diagnose 'racism' as a spiritual disease existing across the spectrum of human experience but manifesting in particular ideologies in different social contexts. Non-violent action, including campaigns of education, political pressure, and protest, is prescribed as the primary method through which lasting and legitimate change can be achieved. Such non-violence is effective because it undermines the moral authority of the oppressor and generates sympathy for the oppressed, until a critical mass of the public no longer tolerates injustice. Finally, the end goal of Islamic anti-racism activism is shown to be a truly egalitarian society in which people are not judged by the color of their skin, but rather by the content of their character.
Academia Letters, 2021
The age of consent to sexual relations is not firmly established in classical Islamic law like it... more The age of consent to sexual relations is not firmly established in classical Islamic law like it is in many Muslim and non-Muslim countries today. The appropriate age of sexual relations was set in traditional pre-modern societies by either individual families or local custom, often linked to signs of physical puberty like menarche and pubic hair.[1] The lack of consistency in this area of law is because societies throughout time and place widely vary in their circumstances, resources, concerns, and priorities. There are many instances in history for which the age of consent and marriage is in apparent disagreement with modern norms and laws. The 12th century Decretum Gratiani, for instance, mandates consent at an undefined "age of discretion"[2] and acknowledges that sexual relations and marriage might occur as early as seven years.[3] Some Christian sources state that Mary was to be given in marriage to the ninety year-old St. Joseph when she was only twelve or fourteen.[4] As late as the mid-19th century, the United Kingdom's Offences against the Person Act legally allowed sexual relations with twelve year-olds.[5] Around the same time in the United States, each state determined its own criminal law with age of consent ranging from ten to twelve years of age. It is only at the beginning of the late 19th century, spurred on by the Industrial Revolution's rapid economic growth and technological development, that attitudes shifted toward setting the age higher and higher.[6] Therefore, it should not be surprising that the development of classical Islamic law into centralized state systems followed a similar trajectory as other societies. Why is this issue important today? Sexual relations are religiously unlawful in Islam in the absence of a contract of marriage or concubinage. Concubinage disappeared when the Muslim world martialed Islamic legal
Muslim World League Journal, 2018
Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, 2021
One of the greatest acts of devotion that we can perform in the blessed month of Ramadan, and at ... more One of the greatest acts of devotion that we can perform in the blessed month of Ramadan, and at any other time of the year for that matter, is supplication (duʿāʾ). The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “Supplication is (the essence) of worship.” Every act of worship carries an explicit duʿāʾ (such as prayer) or an implicit duʿāʾ by which we ask Allah to accept whatever good deed we are doing.
Sama O Basr, 2020
Whoever would love to be delivered from Hellfire and admitted into Paradise, let him meet his end... more Whoever would love to be delivered from Hellfire and admitted into Paradise, let him meet his end with faith in Allah and the Last Day, and let him treat people as he would love to be treated.
Australian Islamic Library, 2021
Abu Amina's holds MRes in Islamic Studies from University of Wales. His other qualifications incl... more Abu Amina's holds MRes in Islamic Studies from University of Wales. His other qualifications include BA in Physics, English from Otterbein University, and MLIS from Kent State University. He has travelled around the world and interacted with people from various backgrounds and faiths which provides him the depth of understanding that is an essential requirement for Islamic studies researchers. His main speciality is the translation of hadith and classical Islamic texts. He is currently serving as the Research Librarian for Middle East Studies at NYU in Abu Dhabi. In addition, he also serves as a research associate at Yaqeen Institute and has authored a number of inspiring articles and publications.
Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, 2020
A common question Muslims have when reading the Qur’an and Sunnah is whether or not the lessons f... more A common question Muslims have when reading the Qur’an and Sunnah is whether or not the lessons found therein apply to non-Muslims. Sometimes a text will refer to “Muslims” or “believers,” but does that mean it only applies to Muslims?
Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, 2020
Jihad in Islam, or warfare in defense of life and Muslim religious rights, is legally analogous t... more Jihad in Islam, or warfare in defense of life and Muslim religious rights, is legally analogous to modern just-war theory as enshrined in international law. Jihad itself is a much broader concept in Islam, including difficult acts of charity and spiritual struggle against Satan and the lower self. In terms of warfare, jihad in the Qur’an and Sunnah foreshadows many features of the modern just-war theory concepts of jus ad bellum (“justice to war”) as well as jus in bello (“justice in war”): non-aggression, proper declaration, right intention, war as a last resort, proportional retaliation, strict adherence to covenants, and protection of civilian lives and property. The primary goal of jihad is to protect the safety of the Muslim community and fulfill our obligation to practice Islam and share it with the world. It is not a tool of religious compulsion or forced conversion, nor is it a means of advancing purely political, ideological, or worldly goals. This article documents the principles of just war as they appear in Islamic source texts, and it places the classical Islamic legal framework on warfare in its proper historical context. The final section offers a detailed analysis and rebuttal of common “proof-texts” used to malign Islam as a politically aggressive, violently expansionist, or war-mongering religion.
Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, 2020
Most theistic religions, including Islam, affirm love as one of the divine attributes of God, our... more Most theistic religions, including Islam, affirm love as one of the divine attributes of God, our Creator. It is considered a virtue by many people to selflessly love others for God’s sake, or to love others as oneself. However, a common criticism we hear against Islam today is that Muslims allegedly worship an angry, vengeful, cold, distant, and unloving god who teaches them to hate all non-Muslims (we seek refuge in Allah from this misguided claim). In response to this accusation, we as Muslim believers must answer the following question: What is the proper understanding of Allah’s love in Islam? And how does Allah’s love inform the behavior of Muslim believers?
Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, 2020
Hardship is an inevitable experience in life. Each one of us will encounter pain, loss, fear, anx... more Hardship is an inevitable experience in life. Each one of us will encounter pain, loss, fear, anxiety, sadness, and grief at some point in our journey to the Hereafter. Islam equips us with the spiritual resources to be able to overcome any trial in this world, as long as we maintain trust in Allah’s plan and decree. It is important to draw on these resources whenever we face adversity, such that we respond with the type of ‘beautiful patience’ practiced by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the other prophets before him.
Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, 2019
This paper presents the three levels of religious practice in Islam as expressed in the famous ḥa... more This paper presents the three levels of religious practice in Islam as expressed in the famous ḥadith of Gabriel: 1) Islām (outward submission to the will of Allah), 2) Īmān (faith), and 3) Iḥsān (spiritual excellence). Texts from the Qur’an, Sunnah, and classical scholarly works are cited to distinguish these three levels of religion (dīn) from each other. The purpose of this knowledge is to lay out the big picture before the worshipper, the highest religious goals in Islam, what the author refers to as the “spiritual mountain.” This includes a broad awareness of the Islamic disciplines: Qur’an, Tafsīr, Tajwīd, Ḥadith, Sīrah, ʿAqīdah, Sharīʿah, Fiqh, and purification of the soul or spirituality. The prophetic method of self-improvement and habit formation will lastly be presented as the primary means to achieve stronger faith and spiritual excellence.
Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, 2019
This article addresses the misconception that religious worship is separate from moral character,... more This article addresses the misconception that religious worship is separate from moral character, or that someone can be a “good Muslim” but a “bad person.” Faith in Islam, as described in the Qur’an and Sunnah, consists of not only a theological creed but also a set of character dispositions. The five pillars of Islam, which are the religion’s core rituals of worship, all contain moral dimensions that inform both a believer’s relationship to their Creator and to other created beings. It is a categorical error, then, to claim someone can simultaneously be a “good Muslim” and a “bad person” because a good Muslim believer is, by definition, a good person.
Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, 2019
The ability to distinguish between right and wrong is an essential skill in the life of a Muslim.... more The ability to distinguish between right and wrong is an essential skill in the life of a Muslim. But what makes something good or evil may often come down to a very subtle distinction—the devil really is in the details, both literally and figuratively. Often such distinctions are rooted in the consciousness, or ‘soul,’ of a human being. Each person has an aspect of the Self, called nafs ammarah bi-su’, that instigates them to commit evil deeds and which is exploited by Satan and his devils in their battle against the believers and the forces of good. This article offers an analysis of this dark side of the Self. It conceptualizes the nafs ammarah bi-su’ and the resulting spiritual struggle, or jihad, against it. Then, commonly understood virtues are contrasted with their subtly corrupted counterparts: love of Allah vs. love for other than Allah, reverence vs. hypocrisy, inspiring gratitude vs. boasting, friendly competition vs. envy, authentic leadership vs. love of authority, reliance upon Allah vs. laziness, advising vs. condemning, and esteem vs. pride. The purpose of this research is to equip us with knowledge and tools we can use to help us succeed in the jihad within.
Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, 2018
Jesus Christ, the Messiah, is the central focus of Christianity, the largest religious group in t... more Jesus Christ, the Messiah, is the central focus of Christianity, the largest religious group in the world. Jesus عليه السلام (upon him be peace) is also considered a prophet in Islam and one of the great messengers of Allah. Common ground between Muslims and Christians can be built upon shared themes in the theological, moral, and narrative elements of Jesus’ life. This article outlines these significant elements: love for God and neighbor; the roles of Zechariah, John the Baptist, and the Virgin Mary عليهم السلام; the unique designation of Messiah; the final moments of Jesus’ life; and his return before the end of time. The aim is to give Muslims a knowledge base from which to dialogue effectively with Christians. At the same time, this article highlights important areas of disagreement between Islam and Christianity regarding doctrines of salvation and Jesus’ divinity.
Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, 2018
Abrogation in the Qur'an refers to the phenomenon of a later verse changing or altering a ruling ... more Abrogation in the Qur'an refers to the phenomenon of a later verse changing or altering a ruling established by a verse revealed earlier, either in whole or in part. Later scholars developed diverging technical definitions of abrogation that differed slightly from the linguistic usage of earlier generations, leading to significant disagreements over the nature of abrogation, how many verses were abrogated, and even whether abrogation is a legitimate interpretive mechanism. This article seeks to clarify the meaning of abrogation as it was intended by the righteous predecessors, who often used the word ‘abrogation’ to refer to making exceptions to an earlier rule rather than completely repealing it. The wisdom of abrogation is explored in relation to the gradual prohibition of alcohol consumption, as further evidence of the divine nature of the Qur'an. Finally, the claim that the peaceful verses of the Qur'an were invalidated by the ‘verse of the sword’ is challenged.
The ethics of reciprocity, known as the “golden rule,” is any moral dictum that encourages people... more The ethics of reciprocity, known as the “golden rule,” is any moral dictum that encourages people to treat others the way they would like to be treated. The principle exists in the sacred texts of the world’s religions as well as the writings of secular philosophers. Due to its ubiquity in many contexts, it has become an important focal point for interfaith dialogue and the development of international human rights norms. Islam, as a world religion with over one billion followers, has an important role to play in facilitating dialogue and cooperation with other groups in the modern world. The golden rule in Islamic traditions has been explicitly invoked by numerous Muslim leaders and organizations towards this end. This study examines the phenomenological appearance of the golden rule in Islamic texts and modern interfaith dialogue with Muslims. Sources include the Qur’ān, Ḥadīth traditions, exegetical commentaries, extracanonical or apocryphal literature, and contemporary works. Sections are organised by genre of literature and are loosely chronological. Key interpretive points from the classical period are related to modern interfaith initiatives and universal human rights, with a view of demonstrating the ways in which the classical heritage informs the experiences of Muslims today.