A Contrastive Analysis of Yusuf Islam and Zakir Naik’s Styles of Religious Propagation (or Preaching)

Like Christianity, Islam promotes religious propagation to Muslims and non-Muslims alike. As such, Islam and Da’wah (promulgation) are words inseparable in the Muslim world. Propagation done through acts of kindness and beautiful preaching are highly recommended in the Qur’an and Sunnah. As a peace-loving religion, Islam calls for a resourceful methodology in disseminating the lofty ideas and ideals enshrined in its holy scripture. Moreover, the Prophet of Islam himself demonstrated to his followers on the rightful manner in which the religion should be promulgated, not only to the Muslims but also to non-Muslims. Taking precedent from the Prophet and his followers, this paper examines the styles and methodologies used by two renowned contemporary Muslim preachers; Yusuf Islam (1948-till present)[1] and Zakir Naik (1965-till present). In the Muslim world, both of them are merited for their intellectual competency in engaging their audience in any form of religious discourse, particularly pertaining to Islam and Christianity. Their personalities and contributions have drawn the interest of the researchers to conduct a contrastive analysis on both of these celebrated Islamic preachers. More specifically, this study will objectively look into the similarities and differences exhibited in their methodology, body language and styles of public speaking, etc. The Textual-Analysis method will be employed to interpret the relevant data related to this study that can be retrieved from their public lectures and written documents.

Tawakkul: Exemplary Deeds of the Mother And The Sister of Prophet Mūsā

Tawakkul or reliance on God has a strong relationship with ÊmÉn (faith) in Him. It also refers to taqwÉ or God consciousness. Al-Qur’Én for that matter has stipulated success depends on one’s complete reliance on Him, steadfast in obeying and fulfilling all the commandments postulated by Him. This would mean that tawakkul requires the essential steps needed to achieve the goals and so the act of striving for the goals is an act of submission while believing and reliant on God is faith in Him. This paper attempts to study Qur’Énic approach to tawakkul in connection with the uncertainties faced by the mother and sister of Prophet Mūsā to protect baby MËsÉ from evil deeds of Firʽaūn. It also discusses the good-natured actions applied by them to overcome their fears. This paper ends by explaining the relevancy of practicing the correct method of tawakkul and the impact on wellbeing of mind.

Existing Framework of Inter-Religious Dialogue in Malaysia

This paper attempts to examine the existing framework of inter-religious dialogue in Malaysia and its development from the very beginning. The goal of this study is to explore the framework of inter-religious dialogue in Malaysia, which promotes mutual respect and better understanding among the adherents of different religions in Malaysia. This research is very important. It presents the evolution of inter-religious dialogue in Malaysia’s multi-religious society. This study focuses on:(1) Factors behind the development of inter-religious dialogue in Malaysia; and(2) The role of selected governmental and non-governmental organizations as well as higher education institution in promoting peace and harmony through inter-religious dialoguein Malaysia. Descriptive and analytical methods are utilized in this paper. The findings will add new insights to the exiting literature on inter-religious dialogue.

Recapturing the Meaning of Akhlāq Islāmiyyah: An Analysis of the Article “Akhlak” in the Encyclopedia of Islam

This paper will analytically study the Islamic meaning of akhlaq as portrayed by two Western writers in the article entitled “Akhlak” published in the Encyclopedia of Islam. The author highlights the contribution of Western scholars especially Walzer and Gibb to the understanding of history of the development of Islamic thought and disciplines. By employing the qualitative methodology, the author uses textual analysis and comparative method on the writings of both thinkers and others. Findings indicate that there are several weaknesses in the writing that include limiting the scope of akhlaq to practical ethics of selected virtues, the lacking of clear detachment between akhlaq and ethical thought, and others. Key words: Ethics, Akhlaq, Philosophy, Islam, Encyclopedia of Islam.

Cash Waqf in Sustaining Of Indonesian Society “In Legal & Economic Perspective”

This article aims to make an overview on the rule and significance of cash waqf (waqf al-nuqūd) in Indonesia as a new social tool to alleviate poverty. The author highlights that Cash waqf is introduced as a new concept of waqf to solve many social problems in Muslim society of Indonesia. The qualitative methodology is employed to analyze the issues and development of cash waqf in Indonesia. Findings indicate that the cash waqf has been legalized by both Islamic scholar and national law of Indonesia so that Muslims have a chance to maximize the utilization of their waqf through a well-organized endowment and waqf organization. Keywords: Waqf, Endowment, Law, Economic, Indonesia

An Evaluation of The Implementation of Sharī‘ah Law of Malaysia in Protecting the Rights of a Child

This research is an observation of the implementation of Islamic law (Sharī‘ah) among the Malay Muslim in the Islamic courts (Mahkamah Syariah) of Malaysia. The author emphasizes on the roles of Islamic law that are related to the protection of the right of children especially those who were born out of wedlock among Malaysian Muslims. By employing the qualitative methodology, the author critically analyses some issues of right of children in Islam, comparing them with acts and provisions of laws and their relation to the implementation in Islamic court of Malaysia. Findings indicate that the right of children born out of wedlock is covered under the Islamic laws of Malaysia. However, the implementation of Islamic laws pertaining to rights of children in Malaysia draws criticisms from many groups that include local and international. Keywords: Sharī‘ah, Children Rights, Islamic courts, Muslim, Malaysia

تحليل مفهوم الحاكمية في فكر سيد قطب

This article analyzes the conceptual framework of ‘al-ḥākimiyyah' (the sovereignty) in Sayyed Quṭb’s discourse. It characterizes the definition of al-ḥākimiyyah, categories as well as examples of the notion in Quṭb’s point of view. The article also investigates views of scholars who support Quṭb as well as those who oppose him in regards to this notion. The study concludes that al-ḥākimiyyah in Quṭb’s viewpoint only acknowledges and legitimizes the sovereignty of God, and man has no right to claim the legitimacy. As part of God’s characteristics, the understanding of al-ḥākimiyyah will never compromise any mixture of īmān and refusal of Divine jurisdiction together. In relation to the concept, the article also clarifies that any attempts of associating takfīr (pronouncement someone as unbeliever) to Quṭb,can be accounted as baseless accusation and unsubstantiated. Keywords: Al-ḥākimiyyah, Sayyed Quṭb, supporters, oppositions, Divine Lordship

A Prelimanary Survey of Issues of Shiism in Malaysia with Special Reference to the State of Malacca

This paper offers an introductory discussion of Shiism as one of the sect in Muslim schism. It includes the historical development of Shiism in Muslim traditions whose influence can be traced in Malaysia, specifically in Malacca. The author emphasises the clear distinction between the Shiite and the Ahl al-Bayt, and some issues of Shiism that drew the attention of religious authority in Malacca. A qualitative methodology that includes the textual analysis and interview method were employed to analyse textual materials related to Shiism. Findings shows that Malay Shiites group existed in Malacca as most of them were inspired by the Iranian revolution on 1979. Keywords: Schism, Shiism, Sunnism, Malay, Melaka, Islamic History.

The Chinese Mahayana Buddhist Community in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor

This study offers an observation on contemporary Chinese Mahayana Buddhist community in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, Malaysia. The author focuses on the contemporary Chinese Mahayana Buddhist community in Malaysia as represented by the three selected Chinese Mahayana Buddhist temples in Jalan Kelang Lama of Kuala Lumpur, and Shah Alam and Ampang of Selangor. The methodology that is employed in this research is qualitative methodology that includes interviews and non-participant observation on the members of Malaysian Chinese Mahayana Buddhist temples and organizations in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. Although generalization cannot be made to other Buddhist associations outside Shah Alam and Kuala Lumpur, findings indicate that the Malaysian Chinese Mahayana Buddhist is an organized association and there are many programs and activities offered to its members. Keywords: Ethics, Mahayana Buddhism, Chinese, Philosophy, Malaysia

السلفية والسياسة: حالة ماليزية

“Political salafism” is among the unexpected phenomenon emerge as a result of Arab Spring. It is observable through active involvement of salafi groups in politics in certain countries affected by revolutions. However, salafī–political advocators seems emerged earlier in Malaysia, compare to their counterparts in Egypt. Malaysian Salafi joined themselves in UMNO party (the United Malays National Organization) in 2009, and justified their involvement in the party as following salafi method, based on the notion of “absolute obedience to the ruler,” ‘prohibition of secession from the ruler,” and “necessity renders prohibited things permissible” Such involvement in political life is considered as bringing mileage to the salafī as well as the political party itself, even though the involvement initially based on gaining certain political benefit. Using historical and descriptive methodology, this article attempts to characterize raison detré as well as religious motives underneath the framework of those salafī advocators. Keywords: Salafī, ‘Aqīdah, Politics, UMNO, Malaysia