Modern Challenges to Muslim Thought and the Path to Reform

Modern Intellectual Challenges and the Responsibilities of Muslim Thought
By: Ammar Khan Nasir

❖ The Evolution of Western Thought​

The foundation of Western intellectualism was laid through a rebellion against medieval Christian theology.
During the Renaissance, a movement emerged that separated human reason, philosophy, and empirical observation from religion, paving the way to answer life’s fundamental questions without reference to divine revelation.

◈ The Concept of Natural Religion​

• Initially, traditional religions were rejected, and in their place, the idea of a “natural religion” based on human nature was promoted.
• In the 18th century, the Enlightenment movement went a step further, completely discarding religious doctrines and labeling religion as a relic of ignorance.
• Religion was replaced with secular ideologies aimed at interpreting the universe, society, and the human condition, all founded upon non-religious principles.

❖ The Intellectual Challenge to Islam​

This new Western framework developed into a comprehensive system influencing every sphere of life.
Religion was no longer seen as a source of understanding life and the universe, but rather as a subject of critique and skepticism.
Such developments posed a significant intellectual challenge for Islam.

◈ ʿIlm al-Kalām (Islamic Theology) and Its Role​

❖ Definition of ʿIlm al-Kalām:​

It refers to theological discourse that uses rational and dialectical arguments to establish the truth of Islamic beliefs and to refute deviant ideologies.

❖ Modern Requirements:​

In addition to classical theological themes, there is a need to formulate new principles that:


① Engage minds influenced by atheistic or secular ideologies.
② Address people’s psychological and intellectual tendencies for genuine reform.

◈ Influence of Modern Western Thought and Its Refutation​

✦ The Experience of Mawlānā Abdul Mājid Daryābādī​

• Influence of Literature:
  He remarked on the book Elements of Social Science—though seemingly unrelated to religion, it subtly attacked moral values and religious principles.
  (Āp Bītī, pp. 234–236)
• Toxic Psychology:
  Books by authors like Dr. Maudsley, under the guise of psychological analysis, indirectly targeted revelation and faith.
  (Āp Bītī, p. 240)
• The Journey Back to Faith:
  Mawlānā traversed Buddhism, Hindu philosophy, and Theosophy, gradually sensing the truth of Islam.
  This process shattered his belief in materialistic ideologies. (Āp Bītī, pp. 247–248)
• Impact of Qur’an and Sīrah:
  Sīrat al-Nabī ﷺ by Shiblī Nuʿmānī helped remove the negative impressions created by Orientalist thought regarding the Prophet ﷺ. (Āp Bītī, p. 248)
• Sufism and Spirituality:
  Works like Mathnawī of Mawlānā Rūmī and the Maktūbāt of Imām Rabbānī connected him to Sharīʿah and Sufism, eliminating the influence of materialism.
  (Āp Bītī, p. 257)

◈ Principles of Reform and Daʿwah​

❖ Limits of Rational and Theological Debates:​

While dialectical debates may benefit certain individuals, such approaches often backfire on the general public.
Hence, reform must be sincere and psychologically grounded, using wisdom and empathy.

❖ Role of Influential Personalities:​

• Akbar Ilahābādī:
  Used humor and satire to gently correct Daryābādī’s views.
• Mawlānā Muhammad ʿAlī Jauhar:
  Preached with sincerity and emotional passion, leaving a deep impact.
  (Āp Bītī, pp. 249–250)

✿ Conclusion:​

To address the effects of modern secular thought and to establish the truth of Islam, we must employ both intellectual and psychological methodologies.
The journey of Mawlānā Daryābādī serves as a valuable case study, demonstrating that diverse strategies and thoughtful engagement can pave the way for meaningful reform.