IIUM Journal of Religion and Civilisational Studies

Editorial Note

2025-07-10T20:56:33+08:00

Religion and public administration: An introduction

2025-05-27T17:44:03+08:00

Copyright Page IJRCS Vol 8 No 1 2025

2025-07-10T20:49:51+08:00

Prostration (προσκυνέω) as a Definitive Sign of the Final Messenger in Jesus’ Conversation with the Samaritan Woman (John 4:19-26)

2025-04-19T07:48:04+08:00

This paper endeavors to show that Jesus’ words in John 4:19-26 are best understood and fulfilled by the ṣalāh (prayer) bestowed on Prophet Muḥammad and his followers. In the passage, Jesus explains to a Samaritan woman that the ritual act of prostration, e.g., Greek προσκυνέω (proskyneō), in the future will not be limited to certain sacred sites like Jerusalem or Mount Gerizim. Although the meaning of proskyneō in Greek is “to prostrate,” all Bibles that the authors consulted have translated the word into English as “worship.” When the word proskyneō is translated as “prostrate,” it becomes clear that it refers to the communal prayer of prostration, similar to the ṣalāh (prayer) practiced by Muslims. Qur’an 48:29 mentions that the similitude of the Muslim prayer of ṣalāh is mentioned in the Torah. The verse reads: “You see them bowing and prostrating [in ṣalāh], seeking bounty from God and [His] pleasure. Their sign is in their faces from the effect of prostration. That is their description in the Torah.” The focus of this paper is interpreting Jesus’ words (John 4:19-24) in light of Qur’an 48:29. We feel that the paper decisively demonstrates that the ṣalāh’s communal prostration is an unmistakable fulfillment of biblical expectations as expressed in the prophetic words of Jesus.

Religion, Nationalism, and Political Evolution: A Historical Analysis of Identity and Security in Bangladesh

2024-11-11T18:00:38+08:00

This study examines the contested evolution of nationalism and political identity in Bangladesh, focusing on the interplay of religion, politics, and security since 1971. The central issue revolves around tension between secular Bengali nationalism and Bangladeshi nationalism, complicating efforts to establish a cohesive national identity. Employing a historical and conceptual analysis, this study traces these ideological shifts from their colonial-era roots to their contemporary manifestations. The findings reveal that while secular Bengali nationalism sought cultural unity through linguistic and historical heritage, Bangladeshi nationalism introduced inclusivity by integrating broader cultural and religious identities. The study concludes that these ideological contestations have profound implications for Bangladesh’s political stability, societal cohesion, and national security.

Jamāl al-Dīn al-Afghānī: The Founder of Muslim Modern Reformist Thought

2025-04-12T08:36:45+08:00

This article discusses the pan-Islamic reformist thought of Jamāl al-Dīn al-Afghānī. The article’s approach is three-thronged, focusing on the meaning of Islamic unity and its relationship with pan-Islamism as a Western rendition of the former; how al-Afghānī tried to take on Western challenges methodically and scientifically, and sometimes even in the West’s own backyard; and how al-Afghānī’s ground-breaking ideological responses to the West necessitated a modernisation of the vocabulary of Islamic religious scholarship. The article concludes that al-Afghānī was an eminent political activist and scholar, and was a trailblazing modernist reformer. His influence was enormous. He was one of the pioneers of modernist movements in Islam that proliferated after his death. His tactic was neither reckless imitation nor irresponsible denigration, with regard to anything within the sphere of either Western civilisation or Islamic tradition.

Decolonising the History of Islam in the “Lands below the Wind”: The Orientalist vis-à-vis Revisionist Theories

2025-04-14T16:40:47+08:00

A debated topic in the history of Southeast Asia revolves around the coming, spread, and influence of Islam in the Malay-Indonesian Archipelago: whether Islam was brought to the region in the 13^th century or earlier; whether it came from India or directly from Arabia; whether it was propagated by traders, by itinerant Sufis, or by missionaries; and whether conversion to Islam washed over traditional society but has left its basic way of life intact, or transformed the society and changed its underlying structure and worldview. This article seeks to “decolonise” the historical writing about the arrival and impact of Islam in the Malay world by critically assessing the positions and arguments of the European Orientalists and their opponents, often called “Revisionist” historians, who have presented new data and fresh interpretations in an effort to challenge the dominant view and separate fact from fiction, as well put the matter to rest.

Mind, Morality, and Medicine: A Historical Inquiry into Mental Asylums in the Muslim World

2025-04-11T13:30:20+08:00

This paper explores the historical development of mental health care in the Muslim world, spanning from the early Islamic period to colonial disruption and the postcolonial era. Drawing on Islamic philosophy, medical ethics, and institutional history, it highlights how mental illness was historically understood and treated through a holistic approach integrating body, mind, and spirit. The study examines the intellectual contributions of scholars such as al-Rāzī, Ibn Sīnā, and al-Ghazālī, and analyses the role of bīmāristān—charity-funded hospitals that provided compassionate psychiatric care. Through detailed case studies of key institutions in Baghdad, Cairo, and Damascus, the paper uncovers the ethical, therapeutic, and architectural sophistication of Islamic mental healthcare. It further critiques the colonial marginalisation of these systems and argues for a decolonial framework that revives culturally rooted, integrative mental health models. Ultimately, this research challenges Eurocentric narratives and advocates for a more inclusive history of psychiatry that honours the intellectual and spiritual legacies of the Muslim world.

The Economic Life of Scholars in Rawandz 1813 - 1916

2025-02-12T16:40:10+08:00

This study seeks to examine the economic conditions and livelihood of scholars living in the city of Rawandz from 1813 to 1916, focusing on their income. During this period, scholars’ status remained intact, even enhanced, despite political changes. Since no previous study has covered this topic, this study delves into details of the economic life of scholars in Rawandz by using several untouched archives. Moreover, historical analysis, comparative methods, and scientific resources were applied in examining Ottoman documents as primary sources. The main finding of this study was that numerous Soran Emirate scholars engaged in agricultural and livestock farming instead of relying solely on their state salary. In addition, the scholars of Rawandz received a monthly salary from the Ottoman Empire, were awarded for publishing books or scientific works, and were often given seasonal food items.

Demystifying the Religionisation of Commercial Begging in Northern Nigeria: The Revival of Philanthropy among Muslims

2024-11-03T06:57:37+08:00

This paper explores the concept of ṣadaqah (voluntary charity) in Islam, emphasising its role in encouraging Muslims to fulfil their social responsibility by providing financial assistance to the poor and needy. Ṣadaqah not only benefits the recipients, but also offers spiritual rewards to the giver from Allah (SWT). Just as zakāh (obligatory almsgiving), ṣadaqah strengthens social bonds and reduces economic disparities. In Northern Nigeria, the practice of ṣadaqah has been intertwined with the phenomenon of commercial begging, particularly among young students of Islam (Almajirai). This study critically examines the misassociation of commercial street begging with ṣadaqah, presenting an authentic Islamic perspective to promote genuine philanthropy among Muslims. Utilising qualitative research methodology, the study analyses data to highlight the potential of waqf (religious endowments) and zakāh as sustainable solutions to societal needs. It advocates for empowering the youth through education, entrepreneurship, and vocational training to reduce begging and foster peace and prosperity in the region. By addressing these issues, this paper aims to bridge the gap between religious teachings and contemporary challenges, offering practical solutions rooted in Islamic principles.