IIUM Journal of Religion and Civilisational Studies

Copyright Page

Fauziah Fathil — 2026-04-30

Charting the End Times: Imran N. Hosein and the Return of Islamic Eschatology

Gjergj Totozani — 2026-04-30

The Correct Response for Those Who Altered the Religion of Jesus

Akeem Olayinka Kazeem — 2026-04-30

Rethinking Tadabbur (Contemplation) al-Qur’ān through the Lens of Tajdīd (Renewal) Approach

Fatmir Shehu — 2026-04-30

This study seeks to examine the rethinking of tadabbur (contemplation) through the lens of the tajdīd (renewal) approach emphasising its appropriate implementation while dealing with Allah (ﷻ)’s Speech, al-Qur’ān, revealed to the Prophet (ﷺ) as a divine miracle for all times. Al-Qur’ān was not revealed for the mere recitation and memorisation; rather, its purpose was tadabbur of its text in a deep sense, including the application of the extracted rulings to various aspects of life. Its aim is to revisit the concept of tadabbur al-Qur’ān as practiced by the Prophet (ﷺ), his Ṣaḥābah, and Tābi‘īn, and how it later shifted toward a focus on recitation and memorisation, often at the expense of deeper reflection. Descriptive and analytical methods are used in the entire paper. This paper discusses tadabbur al-Qur’ān and other related terms, sharia ruling on it, and mufassirūn’s consensus on its necessity, importance, and purposes, including its effect on Ṣaḥābah and its practical impact on one’s īmān (conviction) and personality. The findings show that through the tajdīd (renewal) approach, tadabbur al-Qur’ān is apprehended as more than just a mere recitation or textual reading. It becomes a transformative instrument in which al-Qur’ān engages people’s hearts and intellects, enabling them to shape their attitudes, develop their personalities, mature their decisions, and understand their life direction.

Economic Life of the Jews of Koya, 1918-1951

Bzhar Othman Ahmed — 2026-04-30

This study aims to analyse the economic conditions of Jews in the city of Koya (Iraqi Kurdistan) from 1918 to 1951. From the outset of Jewish migration from Palestine to Iraq and Kurdistan, the Jews swiftly blended into Kurdish society and embraced its lifestyle. This led to the Jewish population distinguishing themselves from others, especially in economic activities. Their economic conditions differed, particularly in Koya. This research is essential as no studies have been conducted on the economic contributions of the Jewish community in Koya, despite their vital role in the economic development of the Kurdish population. This study employs a qualitative historical and textual analysis method, utilising an exploratory qualitative research design based on primary and secondary sources. The findings show that Koya's Jewish community dominated profitable areas such as jewellery, textiles, tailoring, spirits, and fragrances, which were essential to the economy. Their distinctive features were audacity and proficiency in business and professional endeavours.

The Cultural Identity of Finnish Muslim Converts: Challenges and Realities

Iman Ahmad — 2026-04-30

This study seeks to examine the cultural identity of Finnish Muslim converts, emphasising the challenges and realities faced by them. Its goal is to explore the challenges faced by the Finnish Muslim converts, not only because they need assistance in integrating into the Muslim ummah, but also because they are a pivotal bridge between native non-Muslims and the acceptance of Muslims with their Islamic identity as part of Finnish society. The Finnish Muslims are of diversity of ethnicities comprising mostly refugees, asylum-seekers, and their families, who have been throughout the wave of migration to Finland from the late 1980s and have been perceived negatively by the Finnish public. Furthermore, Islam is perceived as an immigrant religion, and as such “Otherisation” is the challenge experienced by Muslims, who are marginalised by the native Finnish community. Such treatment includes the native Finnish Muslims (converts), who have left their previous traditions and culture. This research is literature-based, to which descriptive, historical, and analytical methods are applied. The main challenges faced by Finnish-Muslim converts from the perspective of cultural identity are addressed in this study through a discussion on (1) the arrival of Tatars in Finland, (2) the second wave of Muslims, (3) perceptions of Islam and Muslims in Finland, (4) Lutheranism in Finland, (5) ethnicity within Finnish cultural identity, (6) challenges faced by Finnish Muslim converts, (7) realities, and (8) future outlook. It is concluded by this study that Finnish Muslim converts navigate a complex intersection of religion, culture, and national identity, often facing “Otherisation” and “marginalisation,” while striving to integrate Islamic teachings with Finnish values, emphasising the need for better religious understanding and stronger efforts to address Islamophobia, while maintaining their bridge to their Finnish identity. This could, in the future, also pave the way for interreligious dialogue.