Faith Intensive at Miftah Institute | 07/26/2025
Islamic scholarship is a profound and intricate field, rooted in the study of revelation, interpretation, and jurisprudence. The Faith Intensive presentation by Shaykh Amin Kholwadia offers a deep dive into the foundational principles of Islamic hermeneutics, exploring how the Qur’an and Hadith shape the intellectual and spiritual framework of Islam. This blog post will unpack key themes from the presentation, shedding light on the methodologies and implications of interpreting sacred texts.
Revelation: The Foundation of Islamic Knowledge
Revelation in Islam is categorized into two types: Waḥy Matlū (recited revelation, i.e., the Qur’an) and Waḥy Ghayr Matlū (non-recited revelation, i.e., Hadith). The Qur’an is definitive in its transmission (qatʿī al-subūt), preserved through mass-transmission (mutawātir), and serves as the ultimate source of guidance. In contrast, (most) Hadiths are probabilistic (zannī al-thubūt), authenticated through rigorous chains of narration (isnād).
Understanding these distinctions is crucial for appreciating the Qur’an’s role as the Word of Allah and the Hadith’s function as a complementary source of guidance. For example, while the Qur’an is universally accepted in its entirety, Hadith requires scholarly evaluation to determine its authenticity and applicability.
Hermeneutics: The Science of Interpretation
Islamic hermeneutics, or Uṣūl al-Tafsīr, is the methodology for interpreting the Qur’an. Three major approaches guide this process:
- Haqīqah Lughawiyyah: Literal linguistic meaning, focusing on the Qur’an’s verbal expression (lafẓ).
- Haqīqah Sharʿiyyah: Legal meanings defined by Sharīʿah, where terms like “ṣalāh” evolve from general meanings (duʿāʾ) to specific ritual acts.
- Tafsīr al-Qurʾān bi’l-Qurʾān: The Qur’an interpreting itself, where one verse clarifies another.
These approaches ensure that interpretation remains rooted in the text’s linguistic, legal, and contextual dimensions. For instance, the principle of majāz (figurative language) allows for metaphorical readings, such as “Ask the village,” which implies asking its people.
Fiqh: The Practical Application of Revelation
Fiqh, or Islamic jurisprudence, translates divine guidance into actionable rulings. Unlike ‘Aqidah (creed), which deals with absolutes, Fiqh embraces diversity and pluralism. This flexibility is evident in the Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) acknowledgment of differing interpretations among his Companions, affirming that both were correct.
Fiqh operates on structured ambiguity (zanniyyāt), balancing certainty (qaṭʿī) and probability. For example, rulings are categorized into levels such as fard (obligatory), sunnah (recommended), and makruh (discouraged), reflecting the dynamic nature of human understanding and practice.
Aqidah: The Core of Belief
Aqidah, derived from the root “aqd” (to bind), represents firm belief in Allah, His attributes, and the unseen. It emphasizes monotheism (tawḥīd) while rejecting polytheism (shirk) and atheism. The balance between tashbīh (assimilating) and tanzīh (transcendence) ensures that Allah is understood as unique and incomparable, as stated in the verse, “There is nothing like unto Him” (Qur’an 42:11).
Implications for Modern Islamic Thought
The presentation highlights the global impact of revelation, advocating for the production of scholars who can address contemporary challenges. By integrating classical texts with modern research, Islamic scholarship can influence social policy and foster unity within the Ummah.
Conclusion
Islamic hermeneutics, Fiqh, and Aqidah form the backbone of Islamic scholarship, offering a structured approach to understanding and practicing faith. Shaykh Amin Kholwadia’s insights remind us that while revelation is divine, its interpretation and application are human endeavors, requiring both intellectual rigor and spiritual sincerity.
https://darulqasim.org/who-is-an-alim/
