Research & Articles
The emergence of Islam in the 7th century CE with a distinct, democratically oriented, consultative governmental structure
Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Shah, Even though the central pivot of all New Testament writings is Jesus Christ and crucial information...
Gaza City, home to over 2.2 million residents, has become a ghostly emblem of devastation and violence
Gaza City, a sprawling city of over 2.2 million people is now a spectral vestige of horrors
The Holy Bible, a sacred text revered by Jews and Christians alike, has undergone centuries of acceptance as the verbatim Word of God
Tamar, the only daughter of King David was raped by her half-brother. King David was at a loss to protect or give her much-needed justice. This is a biblical tale of complex turns and twists and leave
There is no conflict between reason and revelation in Islam.
The Bible is considered holy by many and X-rated by others. It is a mixture of facts and fiction, some of them quite sexually violent and promiscuous. The irony is that these hedonistic passages are p
The concept of reason in the Qur’anic perspective is a multifaceted one, incorporating elements from various philosophical and historical traditions. It is a comprehensive concept that merges elemen
Voltaire, whose real name was François-Marie Arouet (1694-1778), was a French philosopher, writer, and thinker who made significant contributions to the Enlightenment.
Zulfiqar Ali Shah's book is an extensive undertaking that is encyclopedic in its scope and ambitious in its aims.
The history of the French Revolution and its ideological aftermath has often been framed within the juxtaposition of the Enlightenment and the religio-political underpinnings of medieval Christianity.
The history of the French Revolution and its ideological aftermath has often been framed within the juxtaposition of the Enlightenment and the religio-political underpinnings of medieval Christianity.
The French Revolution, with its profound universal vision and far-reaching consequences, was intricately linked with the preceding intellectual movement of the French Enlightenment.
The Qur’an, the holy book of Islam, places a strong emphasis on the importance of human reason, critical thinking, logical argumentation, and common sense. It values the use of our intellect to unde
The concept of reason is a versatile term that takes on different meanings depending on one’s perspective and cultural background.
Understanding the profound shift in religious and political thought from the 4th to the 18th century requires exploring the foundations of divine right monarchy, the Church’s theological history, an
The 17th and 18th centuries saw profound shifts in England’s socio-economic, religious, scientific, and political realms, rooted in the revolutionary fervor of the 1640s. These changes stemmed from
The 16th-century Protestant Reformation sought to challenge the Catholic Church’s dominance. However, it introduced its own set of problems and resulted in various internal conflicts among Protestan
The 16th century marked a pivotal point in Christian history, with the Reformation movement challenging the dominance of the Catholic Church. This movement, however, was not as radical as some may thi
Giordano Bruno, a multifaceted figure from the Renaissance era, was not just a Dominican friar, but also an accomplished mathematician, philosopher, cosmologist, and Hermetic occultist.
The tale of Protestantism’s rise in Hungary during the sixteenth century is not merely a story of religious reform, but a narrative deeply intertwined with the political and strategic moves of the
The Protestant Reformation of the 16th century was a transformative period in Christian history.
The Renaissance, a period of great cultural and artistic rejuvenation in Europe, was not just an isolated European phenomenon.
The Renaissance, commonly understood as a European cultural revival, also had a strong undercurrent of influence from the Islamic world.
Europe during the Renaissance was a complex geopolitical chessboard, with various powers vying for dominance.
The Italian Renaissance, often celebrated as a “rebirth” of classical knowledge and aesthetics, was deeply connected to the Arab and Muslim world.
The intellectual evolution of Western Europe owes a significant debt to the Islamic world, which served as a conduit for the flow of Greco-Roman knowledge.
During the early ages, Muslims became the torchbearers of scientific and philosophical traditions that originated from the Greeks and were largely forgotten in the West.
Civilizations don’t emerge out of nowhere. They evolve, borrowing and learning from those that came before.
In the Western world today, Islam and Islamic civilization face significant scrutiny and misunderstandings.
The intricate dynamics between the Ottoman Turks and various European entities throughout the centuries have left an indelible mark on the development of European political thought, national identitie
Historians often draw parallels between the origins of the Declaration and the Bill of Rights in the American colonies.
The essence and causality of the French Revolution have been points of contention amongst historians.
The French Revolution remains a topic of extensive debate among modern historians, who are divided over its root causes.
The Enlightenment era marked a seismic shift in the philosophical and political landscape of Europe.
Paul Henri d’Holbach, a prominent Philosopher of his time, was vociferous in his criticism of the Christian faith.
The fervor of the French Revolution, marked by its intense exploration of political and religious structures, led to a surprising affinity between revolutionary French thinkers and Islamic ideals.
During the tumultuous period of the French Revolution, while many nations offered reflections and paradigms to the revolutionary intelligentsia, one of the most surprising influences came from North A
During the era of the French Revolution, Islam became a significant touchstone for both revolutionaries and their adversaries.
During the Enlightenment era, certain French thinkers, known as the Philosophes, turned their gaze to Islam, a faith geographically and ideologically distant from their own Christian milieu.
The Ottoman Empire, during the 15th to 18th centuries, emerged not only as a significant political power but also as an influential benchmark for socio-religious progress in the eyes of many French gr
The rich tapestry of French culture and society during the late 17th and early 18th centuries is inextricably intertwined with its prolonged engagements with the Ottoman Turks.
The intricate relationship between Islam, the Turks, and various French factions provides a fascinating lens into the socio-religious evolution of France, particularly in its maneuverings within Chris
The intricate interplay between French Enlightenment thinkers and their experiences with the Muslim East significantly shaped intellectual, religious, and socio-economic perspectives in France.
The early modern period, characterized by vast geopolitical realignments, also witnessed extensive cultural and societal exchanges between empires.
In this intricate web of European politics and religion, the Ottoman Empire asserted its presence powerfully. With vast swathes of Eastern Europe under its control, the Empire naturally found itself j
The late Renaissance and early modern Europe was a crucible of religious upheaval, political strife, and societal transformation.
The history of the French Revolution and its ideological aftermath has often been framed within the juxtaposition of the Enlightenment and the religio-political underpinnings of medieval Christianity.
The Enlightenment period was a transformative epoch in European history, marked by a widespread critique of traditional authority structures and the ushering in of new ideals focused on reason, indivi
The French Revolution, one of history’s most pivotal upheavals, had an array of multifaceted causes.
The French Revolution, with its profound universal vision and far-reaching consequences, was intricately linked with the preceding intellectual movement of the French Enlightenment.
The Christian faith is unlike any other belief system in the world.
George Bethune English, a prominent figure in early 19th-century America, led a remarkable life that traversed the realms of religion, diplomacy, and adventure.
The relationship between Islam, Muslims, and Islamic civilization and their impact on Western societies, particularly in the context of early modern England, is a topic of significant historical impor
The term “enlightenment” is a multifaceted one. In a broad sense, it embodies the spirit of questioning established norms and valuing individual freedom.
In this revealing book, I delve deep into my complex spiritual and intellectual journey, which has been shaped and reshaped over the years by conflicting forces of tradition, faith, freedom, and moder
The determination of the start of the Islamic month of Ramadan has been a matter of debate and controversy among Muslims for years.
In August 2006, the Fiqh Council of North America made a groundbreaking announcement regarding the commencement of Ramadan.
In accordance with Islamic tradition, it is essential to understand that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) never endorsed the practice of relocating deceased individuals from one place to anoth
The Western world has held diverse views regarding the person and mission of Rasulullah (SAW), Prophet Muhammad of Islam.
he early jurists of the Hanafi, Maliki, Hanbali, and some Sha'fai' schools of Islamic jurisprudence held a firm belief in the concept of a unified horizon (global sighting or wahdat al mata’lia’).
Muslims in both the United States and other parts of the world hold divergent viewpoints regarding the observance of Eid al-Adha.
I am very glad to write a forward to this quite brilliant study of Anthropomorphism and Transcendence in the Bible and Qu’ran.
Have you ever wondered how the foundation of American civilization was influenced by Islamic teachings?
Salvation is a concept that plays a significant role in both Christianity and Islam, two of the world's major religions.
Statements like "Islam hates us" from figures such as former President Trump, combined with claims from Evangelists that America's foundations are deeply rooted in orthodox Christian beliefs, have fue
Anthony Janszoon van Salee, commonly known as Anthony the Turk, was a Dutch and Moroccan Muslim who played a significant role in the early history of New York.
Islam can be understood as a religion that emphasizes submission to God.
In the Arabic language, the term "Al-Hilal" carries various meanings that extend beyond its customary association with the new Moon's first appearance in the early days of a month.
The determination of the beginning of the month of Ramadan, the holiest month in Islam, has been a subject of debate and contention among Muslims for centuries.
In this scholarly analysis, we examine the approach taken by early jurists in their interpretations of Prophetic Ahadith, particularly their selective insistence on certain aspects.
well-established calendar is indeed a crucial component of any civilization.
The Qur'an fundamentally opposes several key Christian beliefs, including the Trinity, the notion of Jesus as the Son of God and a divine figure within the Trinity, and related concepts such as origin
In Islamic tradition, Prophets hold a revered status, being regarded as individuals of impeccable moral character, righteousness, and unwavering devotion to God.
هل تساءلت يومًا عن كيفية تأثير التعاليم الإسلامية على تأسيس الحضارة الأمريكية؟
في هذا الكتاب الهام، أنغمس بعمق في رحلتي الروحية والفكرية المعقدة
Cem Sultan, also known as Jem Sultan (1459–1495), was a prominent figure in Ottoman history.
Even though Jacob, known as Yaakov in Hebrew, holds great significance in Judaism as one of the early patriarchs of the Israelite people, he is often referred to as a cunning trickster in the Bible du
In Islamic tradition, it's generally accepted that Muslims can wish Christians "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Christmas."
The Gospels are more emphatic about Jesus’ humanity, prophet-hood and servitude to God Almighty than his divinity.
The Gospels were changed and modified to respond to the situations at hand.
The composition, authorship, and historical authenticity of the New Testament present an intriguing aspect of early Christian history, especially considering that Jesus Christ himself did not direct a
Beyond the indirect and cryptic arguments from the Gospels regarding Jesus' divinity, modern evangelists often attempt to substantiate this claim through the events of the crucifixion and resurrection
With an unparalleled reach, the Quran is not only one of the most extensively read books worldwide but also serves as a fundamental source for Arabic education and learning.
The Qur'an, the holy scripture of Islam, has long been revered by Muslims for its miraculous nature.
In Western scholarship, various perspectives have emerged over time regarding the origin, nature, style, language, and composition of the Qur'an.
The Holy Qur'an, the sacred scripture of Islam, stands unique among Semitic scriptures for several reasons that highlight its distinct sanctity and significance from the very beginning.
John Wansbrough, who served as a Reader in Arabic at the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London until his passing in 2002, authored two contentious works critically examini
The Qur’an is held to be revealed in seven variants of recitation or qira’ah.
here has been a tendency among several contemporary Muslim scholars to conceive of a human aspect with regards to Qur’anic revelation by emphasizing the part played by the person of the Prophet in r
Among the world's religions, Islam stands out as a staunch advocate of pure, strict, and morally simple monotheism. While Judaism claims to be the progenitor of monotheistic traditions, it does not co
Ayat al-Kursi (Surah Al-Baqarah (Chapter 2), verse 255) is perhaps the most recited verse of the Holy Quran. It is considered one of the most powerful and significant verses in the Quran, and it holds
Surah Al-Ikhlas is the 112th chapter of the Quran, and it holds great significance in Islamic tradition due to its concise and profound message and multiple virtues.
Islam emerged against the backdrop of the Christian Byzantine Empire and the dominant, authoritarian Catholic Church. It posed a challenge to the Christian imperial dominance by undermining the Christ
Among modern Muslim scholars, Shibli Nu’amani observes that “this story is evidently an absurd myth that deserves no comment.”
In the theological discourse of Judaism and Christianity, there is an evident progression towards monotheism, an evolving concept of divine transcendence, and a trend towards universalism.
The understanding of God distinctive to the Hebrew Bible and hence to Judaic tradition is an amalgamation of anthropomorphic (manlike) and transcendental (otherworldly) tendencies.
Islam emphasizes a meticulous preservation of the concept of divinity, distinct from the interpretations found in Jewish and Christian traditions.
The divine appellations of God are categorically divided into three primary groups.
The quintessential principles of al-Tawhid encompass five sophisticated concepts.
In response to the creation story found in the Bible someone once quipped, “God created humans in his image and then humans turned around and returned the favor.”
“IS GOD DEAD?” asked Time magazine in its April 8, 1966 issue. Yes, “God is dead,” responded three American theologians.
God is nothing but a rarified, esoteric, and exalted version of man.
Nineteenth-century evolutionary theories of religion primarily sought to understand the origin, development, and function of religion in human societies rather than in the heavens.
Renowned British Sociologist Earnest Gellner argues that “there is one very real, dramatic and conspicuous exception to all this: Islam. To say that secularization prevails in Islam is not contentio
إن الموضوع الذي نحن بصدده في هذا البحث وهو الإعتماد على الحسابات الفلكية في تحديد الشهور الإسلامية هو موضوع م
إن تاريخنا الإسلامي والفقهي زاخر بالكثير من هذه الأمثلة التي تَغير فيها الحكم بتغير العلة
كذلك الأمر بالنسبة لوحدة المطالع أو اختلافها
إن عدم الأخذ بالحسابات الفلكية لتحديد شهر رمضان هو الرأي المرجح عند جمهور العلماء في كل المدارس الفقهية
إن من الأسباب الرئيسية التي دفعت هؤلاء الفقهاء إلى رفض إثبات الشهر عن طريق الحسابات الفلكية رفضاً تاماً هو ال
إن المانع الرئيسي عند هؤلاء الفقهاء من اتخاذ الحسابات الفلكية مصدراً موثوقاً لتحديد الشهور الإسلامية هو ما س
إن الآية القرآنية الآتية تفسَّر عادة على أنها تعني الرؤية البصرية بالعين المجردة
ذهب الجصاص مثلا إلى أن الآية القرآنية التالية تعلق حكم الصيام برؤية الأهلة
أولاً إن الأحاديث الشريفة قد طالبت بوضوح باستخدام الرؤية البصرية للهلال الجديد على أنها وسيلة لتحري الدقة، و
إكمال عدة الشهر ثلاثين يوماً في الطقس الغائم متفق عليه عند غالبيالأمةة العلماء. ولكن مرة أخرى: هذا ليس هو المو
نعود إلى موضوع الإكمال؛ إكمال عدة شعبان ثلاثين يوماً أو إكمال عدة رمضان ثلاثين في حالة الطقس الغائم أو في حالة
على الرغم من هذا الإدعاء بوجود الإجماع فإن هناك بعض الأصوات المعارضة والمنتسبة إلى المدارس الفقهية الثلاثة م
إن من الأسباب الرئيسية لرفض إثبات وقبول التقويم الإسلامي عن طريق الحسابات الفلكية في رأي العديد من فقهاء المس
هذه المجموعة من العلماء حاجّت عن رأيها بأن الحسابات الفلكية هي الطريقة الدقيقة والحاسمة لمعرفة حركة الأجرام
أما إذا عدنا ثانية إلى المعنى اللغوي لعبارة (فاقدوا له) نجد أن هذه العبارة ذاتها وردت في حديث الرسول الذي يتحدث
وفي البيان الختامي للدورة العادية السابعة عشرة للمجلس الأوروبي للإفتاء والبحوث المنعقدة بمدينة سراييفو
أولاً: القول بأن هناك إجماع بين الفقهاء على رفض الحسابات الفلكية وعدم الثقة بصحتها في كل طرقها وأساليبها سواء
فإن من أهم مقاصد الشريعة للشعائر الدينية أن تكون وسيلة لتوحيد الأمة في شعائرها وتأليف قلوبهم عليها
فقد سعدت بالتعرف على الدكتور السيد/ ذي الفقار علي شاه في الجامعة الإسلامية العالمية بإسلام آباد، لسنوات عدة
تشير دراسات كثيرة في التاريخ الإنساني إلى أنّ المظاهر الأولى لتديّن
هذا الكتاب عرضٌ تفصيلي لقضايا تجسيم الخالق وتجسيده
أربكت العلمانيةُ والماديةُ الفلسفيةُ واللاأدرية والإلحادُ الصارخ
إن التجسُّد هو شكل من أشكال تشبيه الله بالبشر
ناك جدلية ثابتة بين الفقه والثقافة فالفقه سواء أكان على مستوى كتاب يكتب أو فتوى يفتى بها أو رأي يطرح أو مذهب يق
اطلعت على البحث القيم الذي كتبه تلميذنا الدكتور ذوالفقار علي شاه
This Unitarian republican perspective bore a much stronger resemblance to Islamic Unitarian theology than to the Christian Trinitarian worldview.
إن التصور التوراتي لله، ومن ثمّ التصور اليهودي لله، عبارة عن خليط من الاتجاهات التجسيدية والمتعالية
تكمن أصول التجسيد التوراتي لله في سِفر التكوين
دفع الفكرُ الهيليني اليوناني مجموعة من العلماء اليهود إلى القيام بتأويل التعبيرات التجسيدية تأويلاً مجازي
The Talmud holds a pivotal role in Rabbinic Judaism, ranking just after the Torah in its significance within Jewish tradition. Essentially, the Torah's comprehension, interpretation, and application i
The rabbinic authorities, with rare exception, emboldened the physical depictions of God and made it so graphic that the Talmudic God became nothing short of a complete human being with excessive huma
The Christian Trinitarian, incarnational, and man-God theology clearly has its origins in Jewish traditions.
The strict, ethical monotheism is an Islamic gift to the Jewish people and civilization rather than vice versa.
The influence of Muslim culture on medieval Jewish civilization was significant and multifaceted, reflecting the close interactions between these communities, especially in regions like the Iberian Pe
Medieval Jewish philosophy was indeed heavily influenced by Islamic philosophy, and it can be seen as an extension or continuation of the intellectual tradition that was flourishing in the Islamic wor
Maimonides' life and work were deeply influenced by the Islamic world, and his background was shaped by the cultural and intellectual milieu of the Islamic Golden Age.
Medieval Muslim theologians, philosophers, and polemics took the Jewish scholarship to task for Jewish primitive, irrational, contradictory, and manlike (anthropomorphic) concepts of God, supremacist
Along with the Qur’an, the Bible is perhaps ranked one of the most read, distributed and discussed books in the world.
The Torah is the most important and authoritative book in the Jewish faith.
Though significant results were achieved by the as mentioned scholars of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, nobody attempted to differentiate clearly between various parts of the Pentateuch.
In reality, the original Christian Bible, which was supposedly used by Jesus and his followers, was the Hebrew Bible of the Jewish community.
‘Get rid of the Old Testament’ was the solution typified by Marcion.
Men like Roman philosophers Celsus, Porphyry, and others did point out the existence of immoralities, contradictions, inconsistencies as well as anthropomorphisms contained in the Old Testament, ident
The liberal writers observed that the Old Testament had over time evolved from primitive to more developed forms and had gone through a fundamental change during this developmental process.
The student would have to study the New Testament to explore Christian views on these fundamental areas because the New Testament alone is the claimed primary authority for most Christians. In this ca
Numerous academics contend that a significant portion of the statements in the Gospels attributed to Jesus may not actually be his words, but rather post-resurrection declarations from his disciples o
St. Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274) is considered one of the most important figures in Western philosophy and theology, particularly within the Christian tradition. Aquinas is best known for his theologi
St. Thomas aimed his writings primarily at Muslims, seeking to convert them through his philosophical theology. Jews, Christians, and pagans were considered secondary audiences.
In the landscape of European politics, Popes and secular rulers were locked in a struggle for supremacy, influence, and wealth.
The Franciscan and Dominican orders, two renowned medieval Catholic religious communities, were founded in response to challenges facing Christian faith and doctrine from both outside and within.
Within 116 miles of Aquino, the birthplace of St. Thomas Aquinas, there was a significant Muslim presence.
Julie Taylor notes that “the transfer of the Sicilian Muslims resulted in the dislocation and decline of the Christian population at Lucera and in the surrounding area.
Thomas’ father Landulf was a minor knight. His mother Donna Theodora D’Aquino was from Naples and a very remote cousin of Fredrick II.
At Naples (1239-1244) Thomas witnessed Muslim philosophical tradition in the garb of Aristotle’s philosophy and Greek logic.
Muslim Sicily, also known as the Emirate of Sicily, was a significant cultural and intellectual hub during its period of Islamic rule from the 9th to the 11th centuries.
It is argued that Frederick’s overall kind treatment of Muslims was a product of his diplomatic political disposition.
At Paris and Cologne (1245-1259) St. Thomas studied with Albert the Great.
The Franciscan and Dominican Friars who dedicated themselves to learning Arabic and delving into Islamic teachings for missionary purposes played a crucial role as mediators in translating Arabic text
رداً على قصة الخلق الموجودة في الكتاب المقدس، سخر أحدهم ذات مرة قائلاً: "لقد خلق الله البشر على صورته ثم استدار
يسعدني جدًا أن أكتب مقدمة لهذه الدراسة الرائعة لـ"التشبيه والتعالي في الكتاب المقدس والقرآن الكريم". لقد تشرف
غزة، مدينة يقطنها أكثر من 2.2 مليون نسمة، تحولت إلى رمز مخيف للدمار والعنف.
تصريحات مثل "الإسلام يكرهنا" من شخصيات مثل الرئيس السابق ترامب، إلى جانب ادعاءات الإنجيليين بأن الأسس الأمريك
عصر النهضة، فترة من الإنعاش الثقافي والفني الكبير في أوروبا، لم يكن مجرد ظاهرة أوروبية معزولة. كان متأثرًا أي
جيوردانو برونو، الشخصية المتعددة الأوجه من عصر النهضة، لم يكن مجرد راهب دومينيكاني، بل كان أيضًا رياضيًا ماه
يختلف الإيمان المسيحي عن أي نظام عقائدي آخر في العالم. فهو يركز على شخصية تاريخية تُدعى يسوع، يُعتقد أنه إله ك
القرن السادس عشر شهد نقطة تحولية في تاريخ المسيحية، حيث قامت حركة الإصلاح بتحدي سطوة الكنيسة الكاثوليكية