Al-Qasemi Journal of Islamic Studies

The intellectual and social sources of the Shi'ite movement in Iraq

Maya Cohen — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

When the prophet Mohammad died in Medina in 632, no one had been named as his successor. This failure led to fierce clashes, and various leadership models were proposed. Three criteria were laid out for selecting a Caliph: (a) sabiqa (precedence), (b) karaba (a close family relationship to the prophet), and (c) ria’asa (patrilineage). Abū Bakr (reigned 642‒634) was chosen in line with these principles; he became the first of the first four Caliphs (rashidun).

The emergence of Shi’ism is closely linked to the events surrounding Mohammad’s death and the appointment of his heir. Many Muslims supported ʿAlī ibn Abi Talib on the grounds that, as well as belonging to the same bloodline (ʿAlī was Mohammad’s cousion and son-in-law) he had been a companion to the prophet since his youth, his father having adopted Mohammad when he was orphaned. After the deaths of Abū Bakr and ʿUmar, ʿUthmān was appointed Caliph, and the rivalry between ʿAlī’s faction and their opponents intensified. ʿUthmān awarded his Meccan relatives key positions, the most controversial of which was that of Mu'awiya, one of Mohammad’s fiercest opponents during his rise to prominence. Throughout the rashidun period, supporters of the ʿAlī faction complained of discrimination and suppression. While this became a common feature of the movement, Shi’ism was founded only after the death of ʿAlī, who had vast numbers of supporters in Iraq.

Raj’a and Its Applications between Jurisprudence and Sharia Judiciary in Palestinian Territories

Rafat Abed al Sattar Awida — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the concept and applications of 'raj’a' (retraction) in Islamic jurisprudence and its implementation in Palestinian Sharia courts. It reviews various juristic opinions and analyzes practical applications in Sharia courts, focusing on the definition, legitimacy, and rationale of 'raj’a', as well as the judicial regulations governing it. The research examines the methods of effecting 'raj’a', whether through verbal statements or actions, and the necessary conditions for its validity, along with juristic disagreements on these matters.

Employing descriptive and analytical methodologies, the study clarifies the concept of 'raj’a' in Islamic jurisprudence and analyzes related judicial applications. A comparative approach contrasts the views of different jurists and their applications in Palestinian Sharia courts.

The findings reveal that 'raj’a' represents the continuation and extension of marriage. It can be affected through explicit verbal statements or actions such as sexual intercourse without the need for intention, whereas ambiguous statements and sexual preliminaries require specific intention. The study emphasizes the importance of informing the wife about the 'raj’a' and recommends witnessing it, although it is not mandatory. Additionally, the study calls for updating legal provisions to keep pace with modern communication methods and to clearly address issues related to the 'iddah (waiting period).

Jamal al-Din al-Afghani: His Reformist Ideas between India and Egypt

Issa Baraijia — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In the mid-19th century, the Islamic nation faced significant challenges marked by the decline of the Ottoman Empire and the growing influence of colonial powers in the Muslim world. These powers sought to dismantle the unity of the Islamic nation, spread ignorance and stagnation, and suppress the spirit of progress that forms the foundation of civilizations. Amidst these circumstances, Jamal al-Din al-Afghani emerged as one of the most prominent reform leaders. He dedicated his life to awakening the Islamic nation, resisting colonialism, and confronting oppressive local regimes. His mission was to revive the spirit of progress in the East and to cultivate a generation of leaders and intellectuals who worked to educate society and elevate it within the available means.

Jamal al-Din al-Afghani is considered a pioneer of the modern reform movement and one of the most prominent advocates for the unity of the Islamic nation. His vision was based on liberating the nation from colonialism, exploitation, and negligence while promoting a new awareness that enhances its civilizational standing. Through his ideas and efforts, he laid the groundwork for a political and intellectual framework that became the foundation for subsequent reform movements.

This research examines the life of Jamal al-Din al-Afghani and his reformative influence in the Islamic world. It is divided into three chapters: the first explores his biography, including his birth, origin, upbringing, and death. The second chapter focuses on the influence of his family, his education, and the political circumstances of his time. The third chapter delves into his reformative efforts, particularly his role in Egypt, addressing the political and economic conditions of the period, his views on resisting colonialism, and his perception of governance.

The study relied on a range of primary sources and references, notably The Complete Works of Jamal al-Din al-Afghani edited by Muhammad Amara, Al-Urwah al-Wuthqa by Jamal al-Din al-Afghani and Muhammad Abduh, and The Truth About Jamal al-Din al-Afghani by Mirza Lotfollah Khan Asad Abadi. During the preparation of this research, challenges arose in interpreting the original texts, which were sometimes characterized by ambiguity, as well as discrepancies among sources regarding his origin and homeland, which made it difficult to establish a definitive birthplace.

This study aims to provide a comprehensive view of Jamal al-Din al-Afghani's character, his reformative efforts, and his profound influence on modern Islamic thought, serving as a model for addressing contemporary intellectual and political challenges.

Sufi transcendence: from the inert human being to the perfect human: Part 2

Wafa Ahmed Al-Sawafta — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

After addressing, in the A first part, the educational, cognitive, worship, and mystical frameworks that Sheikh Ali Nur al-Din al-Yashruti linked to the pillars of his path to achieve human elevation from the inactive human to the Perfect Human, the researcher continues in the second part of the research to study the constants and variables in the educational function within the Sufi path. He begins by discussing the constant of creed, identifying its impact on Sufi variables such as human traditions and customs, as well as the practices and diverse rituals that the path imparts to the disciples, tailored to their individual differences and states of consciousness.

"In conclusion, the researcher studies the educational tools employed by Al-Sheikh Al-Yashruti to achieve his mystical and educational philosophy. The most significant tools include: The Sheikh (who assumes the role of an educator or mentor); surpassing the educational role to provide divine (transcendent) knowledge; then the Sufi path (which emulates the role of family, school, or academy in its individual impact and represents the guild or party in its societal influence). Additionally, the researcher does not overlook the importance of individual effort or personal motivation, which plays a crucial role in the disciples' upbringing. Finally, the researcher sheds light on the role of challenges posed by external decriers (the others) in Sufi thought."

In the end, the paper concludes that the Sufi path faced numerous challenges, the most significant of which were: bridging the gap between the ancient and the modern in dealing with the contemporary human; the necessity of establishing a modern and effective educational approach that balances between reason and emotion, the ancient and the modern, the senses and the spirit, and between Sharia and truth. Finally, it sheds light on the individual following Al-Yashrutiyya path, illustrating their role in contemporary society as a practical model for the theoretical framework embraced by the path.

Colloquial dialects and their impact on classical Arabic

Mahmoud Hussen, Abdullah Hout — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This article explores the impact of colloquial dialects on Modern Standard Arabic from historical, social, and cultural perspectives. It begins by highlighting the significance of as the language of religion, culture, and science since the unification of the Arab nation under Islam. It also discusses how colloquial dialects emerged as a result of geographic and social diversity within the Arab world, blending elements of with vocabulary from other languages such as Persian, Syriac, Coptic, and Amazigh.

It further addresses the manifestations of the impact of colloquial dialects on in fields such as education, media, and literature. The article highlights how the use of colloquial dialects in education and media has weakened students' proficiency in and how social media has altered writing practices and the usage of the standard language.

The article concludes by proposing practical solutions to preserve MSA, such as improving educational curricula, increasing the use of in media, and supporting the efforts of linguistic academies to modernize the language in line with contemporary cultural and scientific developments. It emphasizes the need to balance recognizing the role of colloquial dialects in reflecting cultural diversity and maintaining as a vital part of Arab identity.

عرض ونقد لكتاب "طريقة القاسمي الخلوتيّة الجامعة، دورها التّربويّ والاجتماعيّ في الحقبة ما بين 1300ه-1435ه"

khalid Mahmoud — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

تعتبر طريقة القاسمي الخلوتيّة الجامعة من الطّرق الصّوفيّة السُنيّة وهي طريقة علم وعمل، وقد قال الشّيخ الدّردير: "طريقتنا طريقة علم، بقدر ما تكون عالما تكون مجتهدا بالطريق".

وقد أخذت هذه الطريقة الإسلام بمفهومه الشّامل فالتصوّف روح الإسلام ولبّه، وهو مرتبة الإحسان الواردة في حديث جبريل، أي أنّه ليس دعوة إلى الانعزال وترك الحياة، أو نوع من السِّحر والدّجل والشّعوذة، وإنّما هو التزام بآداب العبوديّة واقتداء بهدي النبيّ محمد (ص).

لهذا فإنّ لهذه الطّريقة بصمتها في جوانب الحياة المختلفة، فتجدها سبّاقة في مجال نشر العلم والمعرفة والدعوة الى الله تعالى من خلال مؤسّساتها التربوية، والجولات الدعويّة في طول البلاد وعرضها، إضافة إلى اهتمامها بالمجال الاجتماعي، والحرص على خدمة النّاس والتواصل معهم ابتغاء وجه الله، وتتنوّع نشاطات هذه الطّريقة لتشمل جميع مناحي الحياة أخذا بمفهوم الإسلام الشّامل للعبادة وهو كلّ عمل تبتغي به وجه الله تعالى