Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons^™

Christian And Islamic Perspectives On The Ethical Dilemma Of In Vitro Fertilization (Ivf), Stephanie Sariles

Dialogue & Nexus

After defining IVF procedures and the associated biomedical ethics with each, I will compare and contrast Christian and Islamic perspectives on IVF. Christianity in general does not accept IVF, because it is an unnatural method of reproduction that can affect Christian traditions such as parenthood and marriage. Despite this view, Protestants, in particular, have opened up to IVF as a method for treating infertility. Islam fully accepts IVF provided the married couple follows Islamic law. Sunni Muslims do not accept gamete donation, but Shi’ite Muslims are more flexible with gamete donation and surrogacy.

Al-Ghazali's Integral Epistemology: A Critical Analysis Of The Jewels Of The Quran, Amani Elshimi

Theses and Dissertations

The Jewels of the Quran by renowned Islamic scholar Abu Hamid al-Ghazali has usually been published as a two-volume publication, consisting of al-Ghazali’s hierarchy of sciences, followed by a thematic classification of verses from the Quran. A recent edition of the book includes a third chapter which is often published alone as The Book of Forty Religious Principles, but which al-Ghazali makes reference to in his introduction. A thorough, contextualized, critical analysis of the 3-chapter publication reveals al-Ghazali’s more comprehensive integral framework of knowledge – one which stems from and is held by a core experience of the Divine, and …

Spirituality: Take Me To A Higher Place, Kane Stanglin, Alexandra Mendez, Laura A. Eads, Kyle Crosslin

Collin College Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Student Research Conference

Panel Chair: Marta Moore

Papers Presented:

"The Acceptance of Fate from a Man of God" by Alexandra Mendez

"Acceptance Is Peace" by Kane Stanglin

"Hindu Beliefs in Bhagavad-Gita" by Laura A Eads

"Analysis of 'The Sovereignty of Goodness of God'" by Kyle Crosslin

Rulers, Religion, And Riches: Why The West Got Rich And The Middle East Did Not, Jared Rubin

Economics Faculty Books and Book Chapters

For centuries following the spread of Islam, the Middle East was far ahead of Europe. Yet, the modern economy was born in Europe. Why was it not born in the Middle East? In this book Jared Rubin examines the role that Islam played in this reversal of fortunes. It argues that the religion itself is not to blame; the importance of religious legitimacy in Middle Eastern politics was the primary culprit. Muslim religious authorities were given an important seat at the political bargaining table, which they used to block important advancements such as the printing press and lending at interest. …

Synergy: Game Design + Qur'an Memorization, Sultana Jesmine Moulana

Theses and Dissertations

The rise of digital technology has transformed nearly every part of our daily lives, including the way we learn and memorize. Such transformations raise interesting questions for one of the most long-standing and demanding memorization tasks in the world: the memorization of the Islamic holy book, The Qur’an. For Muslims, The Qur’an is a timeless, sacred text, cradling within its covers many profound images, stories, and parables. Despite rigorous research in the fields of game design and memorization techniques, very little work has been done in combining these two areas of research to create a game-based memorization experience of The …

Are Christian College Students Equipped To Share Their Faith With Their Muslim Friends?: A Plan Of Action, Tim Orr

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

According to Pew Research Center, the U.S. Muslim population will double by 2030. Training the church to reach this group of people is vital. This project proposes that the Christian college is the best resource to train students to reach their Muslim friends and neighbors for Christ because these institutions have at their disposal a rich reservoir of resources that are vital to providing the biblical, theological, missiological, sociological, and cross-cultural knowledge that is necessary to be effective witnesses for Christ. The project also identifies four important components to successful ministry to Muslims. The four components include spiritual vitality, cultural …

Refractions Through The Secular: Islam, Human Rights And Universality, Zara Khan

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Universal human rights (HR) are often theorized as philosophically neutral. Because they do not espouse any particular theory of the human being, it is argued, they can be reasonably appropriated by all. In this thesis, I explore HR’s universality claim, by focusing on the discourse’s secular foundation. In the universal human right to freedom of religion, I find a distinctly modern grammar of ‘religion,’ one that separates ‘religion’ from politics and power, law from morality, and the public and private realms. The modern concept of religion also espouses a secular theory of the human, insofar as the human is defined …

Conflict Resolution In Islam: Document Review Of The Early Sources, Flamur Vehapi

Dissertations and Theses

Islam is the world's fastest growing religion. It is known to have an abundant and very rich amount of knowledge found in the Qur'an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, and as such, this religion has tremendously contributed not only to Muslim societies but also to the West. One aspect of this contribution explicated in this thesis is its contribution to the field of Conflict Resolution.

The primary purpose of this study is to unearth the tradition of peace and conflict resolution that comes out of the religion of Islam, which is unknown to many Muslims today. In this study, …

Neighbor-Love As A Keystone To Christian-Muslim Dialogue, Brian Stiltner

Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies Faculty Publications

Chapter by Brian Stiltner from a collection of essays edited by Marinus C. Iwuchukwu and Brian Stiltner.

"This is a collection of essays that address inter-faith dialogue between Muslims and Christians in America and Africa. It addresses the issues dealing with how some Christians depict America as founded on Christian principles, and how this might deter dialogue across different religions. The goal is to get people to converse, not as formulaic Muslims or Christians, but as people with complex, plural, and ever-changing identities that defuse religious antagonism"--Publisher website.

Fluid Boundaries And The Assertion Of Difference In Low-Caste Religious Identity, Nancy M. Martin

Religious Studies Faculty Books and Book Chapters

"The boundaries of religious traditions are being actively contested in India today, though in practice their internal and external structures are fl uid and open. Each religion takes a wide array of forms, refl ecting the diversity of the communities and adherents who fi nd relevance and meaning within it, and symbols and practices fl ow readily across what prove to be very permeable and overlapping boundaries between religious traditions. However, religion has been used by the powerful to assert and maintain dominance and in national and regional communal politics, at times fanning the fl ames of extreme violence. Fundamentalists …

Human Rights And The Search For Common Ground: A Comparative Study Of Islamic And Christian Thought, Joseph Prud'homme

Human Rights & Human Welfare

A review of:

Common Ground: Islam, Christianity, and Religious Pluralism. By Paul Heck. Washington, DC: Georgetown University Press. 2009.

Maslahah Sebagai Satu Justifikasi Terhadap Keharusan Sambutan Maulidur Rasul Di Malaysia., Azri Bhari

Student Works (2010-2019)

The celebration of maulidur rasul has long been practised by Muslims in Malaysia although it is not associated with acts of His companions, tabi‘in and muslim scholars in the past. However, some groups claim that celebrating the maulidur rasul is related to bid‘ah and this caused a prolonged emergence of polemic among Muslims up till now. Each of them has respectively used his own arguments based on the understanding brought by a particular group. This scenario requires a specific research involving the use of special instruments contained in the usul al-fiqh, that is, maslahah, as the real justification in assessing …

Metodologi Pentafsiran Sheikh Muhammad Idris Al-Marbawi Dalam Kitab Tafsir Quran Marbawi., Nor Azlida Aziz

Student Works (2010-2019)

The Exegesis Methodology of Sheikh Muhammad Idris Al-Marbawi in his Tafsir Quran Marbawi. This research is concerned with Qur’anic exegesis of Sheikh Muhammad Idris Al-Marbawi’s books. In Malaysia he was almost recognized scholar in Arabic Language and hadith then Qur’anic exegesis and Malay Community through his valuable dictionary, Kamus al-Marbawi. Through this research, the writer will introduce the author to the public and Malay world that he is a scholar in Qura’anic exegesis and available to write a book in those field. The writer attempts to study al-Marbawi’s skills in various methods in order to develop his own methodology of …

Konflik Di Antara Kaum Muda Dan Kaum Tua Di Kelantan : Rujukan Kepada Kitab Tazkiah Al-Anzar Dan Al-Qawl Al-Mufid., Md Ashih Yaakub

Student Works (2010-2019)

This dissertation is an analysis of controversial issues of fiqh among Kaum Tua and Kaum Muda in Kelantan based on kitab Tazkiyat al-Anzar of Tengku Mahmud Zuhdi Bin Tengku Abdul Rahman al-Fatani and al-Qawl al-Mufid of Hj. Mohammad Bin Idris al-Kalantani. The study tries to analyze and investigate the fiqhiyyah’s issues which had been debated by them since the era of Mufti Hj. Wan Musa until nowadays. It also to introduce both books to the Muslim community. In getting the data, documentation’s method had been used in reviewing relevant documents like books, articles, and journals especially kitab Tazkiyat al-Anzar and …

Marwiyat Jabir Bin Zayd Wa-Al-Hasan Al-Basri Fi Al-Tafsir : Dirasah Wa-Tahlil., Hajir 'Amr Khalifah Al-Nami

Student Works (2010-2019)

This study focuses on gathering the narratives of Jabir Ibn Zayd and al-Hasan al-Basri on interpretation of the Holy Quran, this operation will be done through browsing these two books: Jami’ Al-Bayan by al-Tabari and Al-Jami’ li ‘Ahkami al-Qur’an by al-Qurtubi. The study also aims to examine these narratives in order to discover their methodology, the originality of their thought and the areas of their opinions in understanding the Quranic text, thus inferring the sources and tools they used in their understanding which requires knowing their personality characteristics and their status in the sight of the scholars specialized in this …

'Ulama' Al-Shari'ah Wa-'Alaqatuhum Bi-Al-Siyasah Al-'Izz Ibn 'Abd Al-Salam Namudhajan (660h) = Shariah Scholars And Their Relationship With Politics : A Case Study Of Al-'Iz Ibn 'Abd Al-Salam (660h)., Bara Barakat Hamad Al-Gharibeh

Student Works (2010-2019)

In his thesis, "Shariah Scholars And Their Relationship With Politics: A Case Study of Al-'Iz Ibn 'Abd Al-Salam", the researcher reviewed the involvement of Shariah scholars in politics and their role in power and its elements, and concluded that there is nothing to prevent the Shariah scholars from practicing politics, forming and joining political parties and legislative councils. The researcher explained the concept of politics, and the emergence of political thought and its development in Islam, where Prophet Mohammad-peace be upon him- and his successors explicitly exercised political work. Then, the researcher demonstrated the legal and historical foundation of the …

Konsep Mimpi Menurut Perspektif Pemikiran Islam., Mohammad Saifuddin Talib

Student Works (2010-2019)

This research is to unveil the question of dream which is on the agenda of discussion and a popular issue among the public at large. It is a common experience to each and every human being throughout the world in accordance to their existence on earth. This dissertation aims to escertain the extent of peoples’ belief about dream they experienced. Apart from that, the research has the objective of viewing and identifying how far the influence of dream in the livelihood of the public at all level, the status and position which ultimately creating social polemic particularly the belief of …

Budaya Berfikir Kritis: Kajian Di Era Pemerintahan Khalifah ‘Umar Bin ‘Abd-‘Al-Aziz (99-101h)., Norafifah Abd Hamid

Student Works (2010-2019)

The citical thinking culture is not an accustomed method of thinking in fact Islamic teachings do stress in critical thinking aspect. Al-Quran and Al-Sunnah also emphasize on critical thinking. Moreover, the critical thinking culture has been practiced during the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w’s, Khulafa’ al-Rasyidin’s and tabi’in’s era. This research sift through the instilation of critical thinking culture in the Caliph ‘Umar bin Abd al-‘Aziz’s administration era. Generally this research carried out to examine how far Caliph ‘Umar bin ‘Abd al-‘Aziz has been trained to practice this culture before he mastered it. Besides, this research also examine how far this critical …

Tafsiran Ayat-Ayat Sifat : Perbandingan Antara Fakhr Al-Din Al-Razi Dan Ibn Taymiyyah., Ahmad Nazri Zainol

Student Works (2010-2019)

The Interpretation Of Verses On “sifat”: A Comparative Study Between Fakhr al-Din al-Razi And Ibn Taymiyyah al-Harrani. The study attempts to analyse the methods of interpretation and understanding of the verses between the two renowned Islamic scholars, Fakhr al-Din al-Razi (544H/601H-1149M/1210M) and Ibn Taymiyyah al-Harrani (661H- 728H/1263M-1328M) based on their respective works Tafsir Mafatih al- Ghayb and al-Tafsir al-Kabir. To gather the required data the researcher uses the historical and documentation method while inductive, deductive and comparative approaches in analyzing the data. The study finds that Fakhr al-Din al-Razi representing the Khalaf school interpreted the verses by the combination and …

Praktik Yoga Di Pusat Yoga Malaysian Association Of Yoga Instructors (Mayi) : Satu Kajian Dari Perspektif Pemikiran Islam., Azimah Awang Teh

Student Works (2010-2019)

Yoga, a practice encompassing physical and mental exercises was conceived in India thousands of years ago, as a way for the Hindus to liberate themselves from the cycle of reincarnation and to unite oneself with god.  It has however, crossed the borders of its original birth place and can no longer be exclusively claimed by the Hindus.  It has become a popular form of exercise to achieve physical and mental health.  This research is aimed at ascertaining the true nature of the physical aspect of yoga exercises.  It is also a reaction to the confusion amongst the Muslims in Malaysia …

Tarajim Al-Abwab Di Dalam Sahih Al-Bukhari : Kajian Terhadap Manuskrip Sharh Tarjamah Al-Bab Oleh Mawlana Tok Khurasan., Mohd Asmawi Muhamad

Student Works (2010-2019)

This study is to discuss one of the most important aspects in Sahih al-Bukhari, tarjamah al-bab or giving name of the chapter with focus of the manuscript Sharh Tarjamah al- Bab by Mawlana Tok Kurasan. Its main purpose is to highlight the general role and contribution of local scholar directly study of hadith and the public will realize the existence of this manuscript further assess suitability to serve as a source of reference. Information and results obtained with the findings of this study apply the research library and field research. Study of the manuscript was done in two forms, namely …

Isu-Isu Akidah Terpilih Dalam Tafsir 'Abr Al-Athir Karya Ahmad Sonhadji., Norlaila Sulaiman

Student Works (2010-2019)

This dissertation hopes to explain methodology of Belief though the perspective of a reknown translation expert; Ahmad Sonhadji. His expertise is made known in his studies of the translation of selected Belief issues. His proficiency in Al-Quran translation was shown through his masterpiece; „Abr al-Athir which highlights the translation of Belief related verses and also highlighting Ahmad Sonhadji‟s life story. Ahmad Sonhadji is an ulama‟ who strives to explain his belief‟s manhaj through verses that are related to the attributes of Allah which are Af‟al al-Ibad and Qada‟ and Qadar which often perceived differently among muslims. This dissertation also put …

Peranan Wanita Dalam Dakwah Mengikut Perspektif Al-Qur'an : Kajian Surah Ali 'Imran., Nor Hanani Mohd Noor

Student Works (2010-2019)

abstract

Al-Athar Al-Waridah Fi Al-Buyu' Al-Ribawiyah Fi Musannaf 'Abd Al-Razzaq : Takhrij Wa-Ta'liq., Bahaeeddine Mohamed Nidious

Student Works (2010-2019)

This is the summary of the thesis submitted to the depa11tnent of al-Quran and al­Hadith in Academy Islam in University of Malaya for the Master Degree of Usuluddin. The researcher divided his research into 4 chapters stating in the first one the research problem, objectives, methodology, structure and previous studies, the researcher talked in the second chapter about Abd al-Razzaq and his book Al­Mussanaf, then the researcher defined in the third chapter al-Bay', al-Riha and their rules in Islam. Whereas the researcher examined in the fourth chapter the authenticity of al-Buyu' al-Ribawiyyah in the Book of Mussanaf Abd al-Razzaq, which …

Manhaj Tad'if Al-Hadith Ibn Hajar Al-'Asqalani Dalam Talkhis Al-Habir., Mohammad Hilmi Abdul Rahim

Student Works (2010-2019)

This study is an effort to clarify the discipline needed in valuing the recitation of a hadith.  Prime focus is directed specially towards those hadiths of which their trustworthiness has been repudiated and whose origin traceable to the Prophet p.b.u.h has been rejected.  In addition, this study will also clarify all related terminologies used as a yard-stick to provide reasons why the recitation of a hadith is considered weak and unacceptable.  The writer uses the “library-research”method when compiling informations and then analysing those informations by giving his support or criticising on any views being presented.  Focus exposition and explanation on …

Pendekatan Hermeneutik : Kajian Terhadap Pemikiran Muhammad Syahrur Dalam Buku Al-Kitab Wa Al-Qur'an Qira'ah Muasirah., Ahmad Zaki Mubarok

Student Works (2010-2019)

Hermeneutic is originally derived from Greek term Hermeneuein, this term was Hermeneutikos which contains three basic meanings, which are, revelation, explanation and interpretation. These meanings came to existence as hermeneutic is applied in studying the Koran in the 19th century, but then tensions arise between Muslim scholars as to which definition is deemed appropriate. This study aims to expose the hermeneutic approach observed and applied by a Middle-East scholar, Muhammad Syahrur in his literature of al-Kitab wa al-Qur’an Qira’ah Mu‘asirah as well as to verify hermeneutic position as one of the theoretical commentary when discussing the Holy Koran. This study …

Update - March 2008, Loma Linda University Center For Christian Bioethics

Update

In this issue:

-- Editorial: Sectarian Self Engaging the Other
-- The Necessity of Interfaith Dialogue
-- A Comparative Approach to Islam and Democracy
-- Fethullah Gülen and the 'People of the Book': A Voice from Turkey for Interfaith Dialogue (Reprint)
-- News from the Center

Love, Nancy M. Martin, Joseph Runzo

Religious Studies Faculty Books and Book Chapters

No abstract provided.

Contemporary Attempts At Overcoming Decadence And Revitalizing Qur’Anic Thought, Muhammad Ata Al-Sid

Business Review

After the Prophet’s death, difficult internal problems arose and they needed quick answers. Muslims were killing one another in the struggle for the Caliphate between ‘Ali and Mu’awiyah, then between the Umawis and the ‘Abbasis, the death of Hasan and Husayn, the massacre of the umawise, the withdrawal of the Khawarji from a community which they regarded as hopelessly involved in sin, the breach between Sunnis and Shi’is were all crises which vigorously tested the Muslims’ understanding of the word of God.

If Your God Has Really Spoken To You… Then All The World Must Hear It: The Discourses Of Revelation And Satire In Salman Rushdie’S The Satanic Verses, Conrad William

Reconstruction: Studies in Contemporary Culture

In his essay, “Is Nothing Sacred?”, Salman Rushdie lays out a place for literature as an arena in which various perspectives may interact. He thereby provides a context for the controversy regarding his books, most particularly The Satanic Verses. Despite his claims, however, literature, as Rushdie conceives it, operates not simply as an arena for discourse but similarly as a rule-maker, controlling the discourse which operates within its bounds. The Satanic Verses, in particular, suggests that revelation as it passes through unstable and hybrid human language loses its authority and power to speak purely or dogmatically. In so …