AL-BURHĀN: JOURNAL OF QURʾĀN AND SUNNAH STUDIES

Negating The Misguiding Effects of Social Proof on Human Psyche: A Quranic Perspective

Ili Dalila — 2024-08-31

It is the tendency of human being to act spontaneously. While many factors may lead to that, there is nothing more validating and reassuring than conforming to the behaviours of others while one is on the verge of decision-making. Social proof is one of the biggest factors that heavily take hold of our decisions in daily life, as it exerts forces that can change our behaviours and opinions to meet perceived group norms, and it also applies to the way people decide what represents correct behaviour. Even though social proof can be seen as something beneficial at times for positive purposes, the problem arises when people begin responding to it in a subliminal manner as such that they can be fooled by fake evidence, hence manipulated, and misguided. The effects of social proof are not limited to worldly matters, but they could affect the affairs which concern one’s practice of Islam, thus affecting one’s faith in a harmful way. This study aims to shed light on the approach of debilitating and negating the misguiding effects of social proof on the human psyche from the Qurānic perspective. The research adopts inductive and analytical approaches in presenting the discussion and concludes that the Qurān mentions some instances of how social proof takes place in affecting people’s inclination and behaviour in a damaging way which is clearly in opposition to the Islamic principles and natural inclination of human being. Considering the detrimental consequences of it, the remedies to negate the misguiding effects of social proof are prevalent throughout the Qurān as guidance for human being to safely navigate this worldly life for a better life in the hereafter. This research deduces that the practical ways suggested by the Qurān can be summed up into two significant points which are seeking knowledge and the practice of thinking and contemplating.

Keywords: Social proof, social influence, herd mentality, misguiding effects, Qurān.

Integrating the Sunnah Practice into the Operation of E-Commerce

Bashir Abdul-Raheem — 2024-08-31

One of the hallmarks of the 21st century is that every aspect of human life has been revolutionized by science, information, and technology (ICT). Perhaps, one may be tempted to call the contemporary society a digital human society because of the impact of science, information, and technology (ICT) in every human endeavour. Business activities would have suffered a great set back during the period of the pandemic but a recourse to e-commerce opened several business opportunities which people have not ever imagined. For the fact that Islam sanctions buying and selling hence e-commerce is lawful. Making e-commerce to conform with the Islamic principles requires integrating Sunnah practice in its operations. Exploratory and descriptive survey research methods were adopted. The instrument for data collection is Sunnah Practice and E-commerce Questionnaire (SPEQ). Frequency distribution and percentage were used as methods of data analysis. The purpose of this study therefore is to examine the principles of business transaction as practised by the Prophet to improve the operation of e-commerce. The findings of the study revealed that the operation of e-commerce gains huge patronage because it makes business transaction easy and pleasurable. It saved nations’ economies during the pandemic era. One of its disadvantages is that it encourages fraudulent practices just to mention but a few. Among the recommendations suggested by the study is that the contact address, phone number, and email of online companies or retailers be displayed online for the easy contact in case the customers have complaint to make. The study concluded that the e-commerce can be improved if the Sunnah practice is incorporated into its operation.

Matn Criticism in Indonesia: Reanalyzing Ali Mustafa Yaqub's Contributions to Ḥadith Studies

Shofiatul Jannah — 2024-08-31

This article aims to discuss the role and contribution of Ali Mustafa Yaqub's ḥadīth criticism in Indonesia as an effort to maintain the Islamic literary tradition (turāth). In response to the contemporary trend of ignoring or even avoiding ḥadīth criticism, Yaqub, as an Indonesian ḥadīth expert, paid great attention to this issue to ensure that hadīth is used as proof (ḥujjah) of Islamic teachings. By employing a descriptive method to analyze Yaqub's works on matn criticism, this article concludes that Yaqub has provided significant theoretical foundations and practical insights into understanding ḥadīth. His notable contributions to advancing ḥadīth studies while upholding classical turāth as a cornerstone in Islamic scholarship amidst the challenges of globalisation, establish him as a distinguished and influential figure in the field of ḥadīth studies in Indonesia. His work not only enriches the academic discourse but also ensures the continued relevance of traditional ḥadīth scholarship in contemporary contexts.

تفاعلات رشيد رضا المنهجية مع مقاصد القرآن: دراسة تحليلية

Radwan Jamal Elatrash — 2024-08-31

This study specifically focuses on Rashid Rida's approach to engaging with the objectives of the Holy Quran, where Rida emphasised that studying and engaging with the objectives of the Quran contributes to the development and education of individuals, elevating their status, integrating their faith, purifying themselves, and enhancing their intellectual, cognitive, and logical abilities. The research aims to demonstrate Rida's methodological approach in interacting with the Quranic objectives and how it contributes to removing traditional, hereditary, and harmful habits from people's minds while striving to instil positive values in their place, thus guiding individuals towards development and achieving human brotherhood.

On another note, this study sheds light on the inductive methodology to trace some of the specific objective ideas embraced by Rashid Rida in his valuable interpretation, adopting an analytical approach to discuss the main objective ideas he engaged with in his interpretation, which made his interpretation distinguished from others. One of the research findings is that Rashid Rida demonstrated through his engagement with the Quranic objectives that there is a contradiction between the objectives of the Quran and the narratives found in interpretation books, as he believes that these narratives distract the reader and obscure the genuine objectives of the Quran. Furthermore, Rashid Rida concluded that his engagement with the Quranic objectives resulted in discovering the unique methods of the Quran, which combine its various objectives, ensuring diversity in content through beliefs, rulings, admonitions, and worship regulations, to capture the attention of the recipient and renew their spirit and understanding.

عناية دولة قطر بالمطبوعات القرآنية وسبل تقويمها

Sulaiman Jamaan Alqahtani — 2024-08-31

The Islamic civilisation has been well known for its care for books and manuscripts. Since the early days of Islam, writings from the Prophet (PBUH)PBUbh to kings and princes, letters to Abu Bakr concerning charity, to Umar regarding Zakat shares, and to the people of Yemen on various aspects of jurisprudence were all documented. In addition, the scribes of revelation transcribed what was dictated to them. Yet, Islamic civilization did not stop there; it preserved these texts, whether in wording or meaning until they reached us. This underscores the value placed on books and libraries, which contributed to documenting Islamic history. For example, the book al-Misbāḥ al-Muḍi' fī kitāb al-Nabi al-Ummī wa Rusulih ila Mulūk al-Arḍ min ʿArabī wa ʿajamī (The Luminous Lamp in the Book of the Illiterate Prophet, and His Messengers to the Kings of the Earth from Arabs and Non-Arabs) by its author Muhammad bin Ali bin Hadida al-Ansari, who compiled the texts of the of the Prophet's addresses. Thus, Islamic libraries have been full of books and publications on various arts throughout the centuries. The importance of this research lies in introducing the State of Qatar and explaining its dedication to Qur’anic publications for over half a century. These publications were printed by the Department of Heritage Revival at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, al-Ummah Magazine, affiliated with the Sharia Courts, the Department of Islamic Affairs, and the Department of Islamic Research and Studies, affiliated with the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs. Additionally, the research presents evaluative solutions to enhance these Qur’anic publications in the State of Qatar. The research employed both inductive and analytical approaches to examine the terminology and sections of the study. It concluded with several findings, notably that all publications were distinguished by free publishing. Furthermore, recent publications of the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs stood out for their excellent edition, high-quality printing, and some other results.

موقف الإمام أبي حنيفة من حديث رسول الله وحجّيته

Noor Mohammad Osmani — 2024-08-31

Imam Abu Hanifa, may Allah have mercy on him, is one of the four great Imams followed by a vast number of Muslims around the world, and his followers outnumber the rest in the world. There is no doubt that the Imam adhered to the Holy Qur’an, the authentic Prophetic Sunnah, the consensus of the Companions, and sound analogical reasoning. These are the fundamental sources of Islamic jurisprudence in all schools of thought. Despite this, Imam Abu Hanifa has been opposed and criticized by many, with baseless accusations. Some claim that Abu Hanifa had little knowledge of the Prophetic Hadith. Others say he only knew 17 Hadiths, and some go further to assert that he knew only 130 Hadiths, of which he forgot or confused 120, either by altering the chain of transmission or changing the text unknowingly, leaving him with only 10 Hadiths in possession. Is it conceivable that someone with such limited knowledge of the Hadith of the Prophet, peace be upon him, could be among the greatest Imams of the Muslims, followed by the majority of Muslims across the world?

The opinions of scholars about him differ. Some were moderately fair, their piety preventing them from attacking him, while others exceeded all bounds, not fearing any punishment from Allah the Almighty, and thus narrated false accounts. We wish if these people had restrained their tongues out of fear of Allah! Did their piety not prevent them from sharing everything they heard or read with the masses about this great Imam, who met his Lord with a pure and sincere heart? Allah granted him blessings in this world, and in the Hereafter. He will be among the close ones to Allah, leaving behind a lasting legacy. Peace be upon Abu Hanifa al-Nuʿman.

This study addresses the accusations directed at al-Nuʿman—the Greatest Imam—using an inductive, analytical, and critical methodology to establish the truth. Of course, we do not claim that Imam Abu Hanifa was infallible, by Allah! no! No one has the right to make such a claim, not even about the Prophets, except that Allah forgave the Prophets for their past and future sins. This study does not aim to prove that Abu Hanifa, may Allah have mercy on him, was correct and truthful in everything he said, but rather to distinguish truth from falsehood, whether it was said by the Hanafi school, the scholars of Hadith, or other schools of thought. This is what we call upon all esteemed scholars to do, regardless of their affiliations, and without bias.

مشكلة الفقر في المجتمع الأفغاني: دراسة شرعية

Jamaluddin Hamidi — 2024-08-31

Afghanistan, despite its abundance of natural resources such as minerals, water, agricultural land, and human capital, is among the Islamic countries whose inhabitants suffer from severe and chronic poverty. This research aims to study the religious and ideological aspects of the poverty problem in Afghan society by identifying the factors related to religious beliefs and causing poverty and deprivation. As well as analysing the relationship between these factors and the exacerbation of the poverty problem in Afghan society, in addition to elucidating the effects of poverty and its danger on the spread of corrupt beliefs and deviant ideas in Afghanistan, based on the Holy Quran and the Sunnah. The research relies on the descriptive and inductive method to track and interpret the texts (nuṣūṣ) of the Quran and the Sunnah, as well as for tracing the manifestations of religious deviations in Afghan society, then the analytical approach for discussing these manifestations and their relationship to the poverty problem in the society. The key findings of the research are that there is a close relationship between intellectual and religious security and economic security, and the poverty problem in Afghan society has religious aspects that must be considered when making a policy to treat it, and the religious deviations and turning away from the path (manhaj) of Allah cause poverty. As well as the poverty problem has contributed to the spread of corrupt beliefs and intellectual deviations, which negatively affect the stability of Afghan society. Moreover, the influence of secularism and its spread in the recent two decades has led to the neglect of Islamic solutions and approaches to address the poverty problem in Afghanistan.

التعزيرات البدنية في التشريع الإسلامي: دراسة مقارنة

Dr. Mohammad Shafiullah Kutubi — 2024-08-31

Islam is widely recognized as a comprehensive religion with specific punishments (Hudood) outlined for certain crimes, while other offences are left to the discretion of judges regarding their penalties. In contemporary society, influenced by European trends, there is concern about the erosion of morals and increasing engagement in immoral behaviours among youth. This research aims to elucidate Islam’s broad perspective on discretionary punishments (Fiqh al-Ta'zir), which are not specified by Sharia but are determined by judicial discretion. The objective is to highlight these discretionary measures, emphasize their role in deterring immoral behaviour, and underscore the importance of studying them. This study employs descriptive and analytical methods to gather information, the inductive method to extract evidence and scholarly opinions, and the comparative method to examine varying views on physical Ta'zir. Key findings reveal that Ta'zir encompasses a range of punishments, including execution, flogging, imprisonment, or banishment, depending on the judge’s assessment of the crime’s severity. For example, severe and repeated crimes may warrant execution, while flogging serves as a deterrent without a fixed limit. Imprisonment, whose duration is not predefined, aligns with Sharia’s broader objectives. Banishment, encompassing both deportation and alienation, applies to imprisonment and exile. In modern contexts, women are not subjected to exile due to increased temptations; instead, imprisonment within their country is preferred.

التعايش السلمي مع غير المسلمين: دراسة تحليلية لآيات النسخ في القرآن الكريم

Mohammad Nurunnabi — 2024-08-31

This research aims to study some Quranic verses related to peaceful coexistence with non-Muslims, about which interpreters have different opinions regarding the abrogation or non-abrogation of these verses. The researchers adopted the analytical method in studying the subject by examining Quranic verses, authentic hadiths, and the statements of scholars, interpreters, and jurists; and then analysing them scientifically and objectively to reach precise conclusions. The researchers concluded that peaceful coexistence is a religious obligation on individual, social, and international levels. Islam encourages Muslims to promote a culture of peace and peaceful coexistence with non-Muslims. Most of the verses related to coexistence are not abrogated, contrary to the opinion of some interpreters, but rather, their rulings are fixed and applicable in every era and place.

EDITORIAL

NOOR MOHAMMAD OSMANI — 2024-08-31

EDITORIAL:

Al-Burhan issue of August 2024 covers a wide range of topics based on the Qur’an and Sunnah. It ranges from ‘social proof in Qur’an and Sunnah’, ‘e-commerce and sunnah’, ‘criticism of hadith text in Indonesia’, ‘Maqasidul Qur’an and Rashid Rida’, ‘Qur’anic manuscripts in Qatar’, ‘Abu Hanifah and the Sunnah of the Prophet’, ‘crisis of poverty in Afghanistan and Qur’anic solution’, ‘corporal punishments based on Qur’an and Sunnah’ and ‘peaceful coexistence and the verses of abrogation in the Qur’an’. Hence, the issue will cover different issues from various angles but derived from the Qur’an and Sunnah, the primary sources of Islam.

The first article is on ‘misguiding effects of social proof on human psyche: a Qur’anic perspective’. It stresses on social proof, its negative impact on society, and how al-Qur’an deals with it. The principle of social proof states that people tend to perceive what is correct and appropriate by discovering what others think is correct. In today’s world of social media and online reviews, social proof has gained new relevance as this platform easily allows ideas and opinions to be shared and spread widely. Human tendency is to follow other people in society blindly. Allah SWT has granted all humans a fresh mind, fitrah, and nature to observe, identify, evaluate, accept virtues, and reject vices. But the reality is the opposite. Follow society and friends. The Prophets were rejected by their own communities due to this. The messages are spread today via digital platforms without a second thought and evaluation, which is totally against the Qur’an and Sunnah. The preachers preach mostly based on false or at least weak narrations claiming that Allah’s Prophet has said it. What if the Prophet did not say it. Is it not lying in the name of the Prophet, which will confirm abode in the Hellfire!!?? Hence, humanity should see, observe, identify, evaluate and follow only when it is truly authentic. Otherwise, stay away from such reports.

The second article is on ‘integrating the sunnah practice into the operation of e-commerce’. Due to COVID-19, business activities suffered a significant setback, but recourse to e-commerce opened several business opportunities that people had never imagined. Because Islam sanctions buying and selling, e-commerce is lawful. Making e-commerce conform to Islamic principles requires integrating Sunnah practice into its operations. The Prophet (PBUH) sanctioned business dealings and specified terms and conditions. The research examines the principles of business transactions as practised by the Prophet PBUH to improve the operation of e-commerce. The study asserts that e-commerce gains huge patronage because it makes business transactions easy and pleasurable. It saved nations’ economies during the pandemic era. It may face fraudulent practices by some corrupt traders, which is forbidden in Islam. E-commerce can be improved if the Sunnah practice is incorporated into its operation.

The third article is on ‘Matn Criticism in Indonesia: reanalysing Ali Mustafa Yaqub’s Contributions to Hadith Studies’. It deals with Naqd Matn al-Hadith [criticism of hadith text] based on the writings of Ali Mustafa Yaqub. In response to the contemporary trend of ignoring or even avoiding ḥadīth criticism, Yaqub, an Indonesian ḥadīth expert, paid great attention to this issue to ensure that hadīth is used as proof (ḥujjah) of Islamic teachings. The article explores that Yaqub has provided significant theoretical foundations and practical insights into understanding ḥadīth. His notable contributions to advancing ḥadīth studies while upholding classical turāth as a cornerstone in Islamic scholarship amidst the challenges of globalisation establish him as a distinguished and influential figure in the field of ḥadīth studies in Indonesia. His work enriches the academic discourse and ensures the continued relevance of traditional ḥadīth scholarship in contemporary contexts.

The first Arabic article is on تفاعلات رشيد رضا المنهجية مع مقاصد القرآن: دراسة تحليلية, or ‘Rashid Rida's Approach in Interacting with the Objectives of the Holy Qur’an’. It stresses on the approach of Rashid Rida, a prominent scholar of the 14^th century in Egypt, in dealing with the Maqasid al-Qur’an or the objectives of the Qur’an al-Karim. Rida emphasised that studying and engaging with the objectives of the Quran contributes to the development and education of individuals, elevating their status, integrating their faith, purifying themselves, and enhancing their intellectual, cognitive, and logical abilities. The research demonstrates Rida's methodological approach in interacting with the Quranic objectives and how it contributes to removing traditional, hereditary, and harmful habits from people's minds while striving to instil positive values in their place, thus guiding individuals towards development and achieving human brotherhood. Rashid Rida demonstrated through his engagement with the Quranic objectives that there is a contradiction between the objectives of the Quran and the narratives found in tafsir literature, as he believes that these narratives distract the reader and obscure the genuine objectives of the Quran.

The second Arabic article is on عناية دولة قطر بالمطبوعات القرآنية وسبل تقويمها or ‘Contribution and care of the state of Qatar for Qur’anic publications and the means of evaluating them’. It deals with the contribution of the state of Qatar in publishing the Qur’anic manuscripts and the methods of evaluating them. Islamic manuscripts have been preserved right from the beginning of the letters of the Prophet to the kings, princesses, rulers, governors and ambassadors. The research introduces the contributions of the State of Qatar and explains its dedication to Qur’anic publications for over half a century. It stresses that all publications were distinguished by free publishing. Recent publications of the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs stood out for their excellent edition, high-quality printing, and reader-centric printing.

The third Arabic article is on موقف الإمام أبي حنيفة من حديث رسول الله وحجّيته, or ‘Imam Abu Hanifah on the Hadith of the Prophet and its authority’. It analyses the stand of Imam Abu Hanifah on the Sunnah of the Prophet and its authority. There were accusations against Abu Hanifah that he did not know much of the hadith of the Prophet, which led him to rely on the ‘Ra’i’ and ‘Qiyas’ [independent reasoning]. These accusations are baseless. His ahadith were compiled in a hadith volume covering about 800 pages. Imam Abu Hanifah was stringent in accepting ahadith. Before accepting any hadith, he analysed its sanad [chain] and matn [text] together. His strict methodology restrained him from accepting all reported ahadith of the Prophet. This might be the reason for making the pro-hadith scholars and ‘salafiyyin’ go against him.

The fourth Arabic article is on مشكلة الفقر في المجتمع الأفغاني: دراسة شرعية, or ‘the problem of poverty in Afghan society: a shari`ah-based study’. This research aims to study the religious and ideological aspects of the poverty problem in Afghan society by identifying the factors related to religious beliefs and causing poverty and deprivation. The research stresses that there is a close relationship between intellectual and spiritual security and economic security. The poverty problem in Afghan society has religious aspects that must be considered when making a policy to treat it, and religious deviations and turning away from the path (manhaj) of Allah cause poverty. As well as the poverty problem has contributed to the spread of corrupt beliefs and intellectual deviations, which negatively affect the stability of Afghan society. Moreover, the influence of secularism and its spread in the recent two decades has led to the neglect of Islamic solutions and approaches to address the poverty problem in Afghanistan.

The fifth Arabic article is on التعزيرات البدنية في التشريع الإسلامي: دراسة مقارنة, or ‘Corporal punishments in Islamic shari`ah: a comparative study’. The study elucidates Islam’s broad perspective on corporal punishments, which are not specified by Shari`ah but are determined by judicial discretion. The objective is to highlight these discretionary measures, emphasise their role in deterring immoral behaviour, and underscore the importance of studying them. The study reveals that Ta'zir encompasses a range of punishments, including execution, flogging, imprisonment, or banishment, depending on the judge’s assessment of the crime’s severity. For example, severe and repeated crimes may warrant execution, while flogging serves as a deterrent without a fixed limit. Imprisonment, whose duration is not predefined, aligns with Shari`ah’s broader objectives. Banishment, encompassing both deportation and alienation, applies to imprisonment and exile. In modern contexts, women are not subjected to exile due to increased temptations. Instead, imprisonment within their country is preferred.

The sixth Arabic article is on التعايش السلمي مع غير المسلمين: دراسة تحليلية لآيات النسخ في القرآن الكريم, or ‘Peaceful coexistence with non-Muslims: an analytical study of the verses of abrogation in the holy Qur’an’. The research explains some Quranic verses related to peaceful coexistence with non-Muslims, about which interpreters have different opinions regarding the abrogation or non-abrogation of these verses. The study stresses that peaceful coexistence is a religious obligation on individual, social, and international levels. Islam encourages Muslims to promote a culture of peace and peaceful coexistence with non-Muslims. Most of the verses related to coexistence are not abrogated. Though some traditional interpreters claimed they were abrogated, the reality is the opposite. Their rulings are fixed and applicable in every era and place.

NOOR MOHAMMAD OSMANI

Editor-in-chief

August 2024