[Life:103] : Knowledge & Reason in Islam 102 (the community 24): The intellectual between East & West [10]

This thought-provoking video, part of an ongoing series on the role of intellectuals, examines how leading Muslim thinkers have reimagined the purpose of knowledge and activism in the face of colonialism, modernity, and cultural transformation. It explores Malcolm X on identity and resistance through lived experience, Fazlur Rahman on ethical Quranic reinterpretation and modern education reform, Muhammad Arkoun on breaking dogma with pluralistic, critical thought, Nasr Hamid Abu Zayd on modern hermeneutics and challenging clerical monopoly, and Tariq Ramadan on integrating Islamic tradition, avoiding cultural ghettos with civic engagement in the West. These voices illuminate a dynamic struggle to bridge heritage with contemporary realities. Together, these thinkers reveal the intellectual struggle to revive a fallen civilization while balancing tradition and modern challenges. Whether you're a student of Islamic studies, history, or modern thought, this episode is essential for understanding how Islamic intellectuals have grappled with the crisis of civilization and the path forward.

This is part of the "Life: The Islamic Answer" series, which explores the Islamic principles of living in today's complex world. It focuses on the need to rebuild ourselves Islamically, as individuals and communities who contribute positively to society and the world, by understanding our relationships with ourselves, with others, with nature and with God, based on the original teachings of Islam through its primary sources. It serves as an Islamic life coaching program.

Delivered September 2024

by Dr. Sayid Jafar al Hasany

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

[Life:102] : Knowledge & Reason in Islam 101 (the community 23): The intellectual between East & West [ 9]

Join us as we explore the revival of Islamic intellectual tradition in the modern era through the lens of influential Muslim and Arab thinkers—each offering a unique response to the crises of identity, modernity, and inherited norms. We examine Muhammad Abbid al-Jabiri on the need to replace metaphor with rationalism, George Tarabishi on freedom of expression and the critique of cultural conformity, Adonis on secularism and the call to break from inherited ideologies, Ali Harb on elitism and the ethical responsibilities of intellectuals, Abdel Wahab El-Messiri on Islamic modernity and resistance to Western materialism, Hassan Hanafi on decolonizing knowledge through occidentalism, and Edward Said on Orientalism and the power of representation. Together, their ideas form a rich and urgent conversation about reclaiming intellectual agency in the Islamic world. Perfect for viewers interested in contemporary Islamic thought, decolonial theory, and the intersection of tradition and reform.

This is part of the "Life: The Islamic Answer" series, which explores the Islamic principles of living in today's complex world. It focuses on the need to rebuild ourselves Islamically, as individuals and communities who contribute positively to society and the world, by understanding our relationships with ourselves, with others, with nature and with God, based on the original teachings of Islam through its primary sources. It serves as an Islamic life coaching program.

Delivered September 2024

by Dr. Sayid Jafar al Hasany

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The intellectual between East & West 8

In this lecture we continue providing an overview of how some of the major Islamic thinkers addressed the issue of Islam and modernity. We briefly reminded of the sociopolitical context of Nahda, Nakba and Naksa in shaping the reactions of these thinkers. Some of the mechanisms and approaches they proposed are explained including unity, the Arabic language, and educational reform.

We address the proposals of Rifa'ah al-Tahtawi, Jalal al-Deen al Afhgani, Muhammad Abduh, Sayyid Qutb, Mohammad Iqbal and Malek Bennab.

This is part of the Life series, which explores the Islamic principles of living in today's complex world. It focuses on the need to rebuild ourselves Islamically, as individuals and communities who contribute positively to society and the world, by understanding our relationships with ourselves, with others, with nature and with God, based on the original teachings of Islam through its primary sources. It serves as an Islamic life coaching program.

Do not hesitate to comment or ask questions in the comments section below.

Delivered December 2024

by Dr. Sayid Jafar al Hasany

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.