BRIDGING TRADITION AND MODERNITY IN ISLAMIC SCHOLARSHIP

In an era where the intersection of tradition and modernity poses significant intellectual and social challenges, the articles featured in this edition of Journal AL-BURHAN reflect the depth, adaptability, and resilience of Islamic scholarship. The collection of works presented here not only explores foundational Islamic teachings but also examines their relevance in contemporary contexts, addressing issues ranging from apparent contradictions in Quranic verses to pedagogical frameworks, resilience, diversity, and legal interpretation. Reaffirming the Coherence of Quranic Teachings One of the perennial challenges in Quranic studies is addressing apparent contradictions between verses. Radwan J. Y. Elatrash and Noor Mohammad Osmani provide a methodological approach to resolving such seeming disparities, demonstrating that what may initially appear as inconsistencies are, in fact, harmonized through contextual analysis and interpretive frameworks. Their study reaffirms the Quran’s cohesive nature and the sophisticated methods scholars have historically employed to ensure textual clarity. Education and the Relevance of Islamic Knowledge Islamic education plays a critical role in shaping moral values and preserving the intellectual and ethical integrity of the Muslim ummah. Jalaldeen Jemeela and Dawood Al-Hidabi delve into Al-Ghazali’s pedagogical principles, emphasizing the fusion of knowledge, ethics, and spirituality. Their study highlights how moral development is integral to education, reflecting the timeless wisdom of classical scholars. Similarly, Saheed Abdullahi Busari, Oni Idris Ajani, and Luqman Zakariyyah assess the relevance of Islamic studies in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Through a SWOT analysis, they explore the challenges faced by Islamic education, particularly in regions where secularization and globalization threaten its traditional framework. Their work advocates for curricular reforms to enhance the practical impact of Islamic studies in the modern world. Historical and Legal Foundations in Islamic Rulings The study by Fajri Matahati Muhammadin and Felicia Andryanti offers an analytical perspective on the judgment of Sa‘ad ibn Mu‘ādh regarding Banū Qurayẓah. Their discussion situates the ruling within historical and legal contexts, addressing contemporary debates on whether Jewish legal principles influenced this verdict. This article underscores the need for rigorous historical scrutiny before making assumptions about the application of external legal systems in early Islamic governance. Islamic Perspectives on Resilience and Social Harmony The concept of resilience has gained significant attention in psychology, education, and social sciences, but its Islamic foundations remain underexplored. Dr. Mohammad Mohiuddin and Nadya Farisha Binti Radhilufti provide an insightful Quranic perspective on resilience, using the story of Prophet Yusuf (A.S.) as a case study. Their work highlights how resilience is deeply embedded within Islamic teachings and how it serves as a framework for personal and communal endurance. Meanwhile, the Prophet’s approach to diversity and inclusion is a timeless model for Muslim minorities, as examined by Ashker Aroos, Mohammed Ghous Mohammed Insaf, Mohamed Ashath, and Tuan Rishan Razeen. Their study draws upon key historical moments—such as the Medina Charter, the migration to Abyssinia, and the Treaty of Hudaybiyah—to illustrate how Muslims can coexist harmoniously within multicultural societies while upholding their religious identity. Addressing Contemporary Challenges: Food Security and Globalization Islamic teachings encompass holistic solutions to modern challenges, including food security and cultural preservation in the face of globalization. Dr. Mohammed Fathi Mohammed Abdul Jalil, Dr. Noor Liyana Binti Leman, and Khairun Naqibah Binti Haji Lazim present an analysis of Surah Yasin, demonstrating how Quranic principles guide sustainable food security policies. Their study reaffirms the Quran’s comprehensive approach to socioeconomic well-being. Similarly, Rahma Qassim Ali and Radwan Jamal Elatrash examine Islamic culture’s resilience in confronting the forces of globalization. Their work emphasizes how Islamic identity and values persist despite external pressures, showcasing the Quran’s role as an anchor for cultural and ethical continuity. The Prophetic Model for Leadership and Role-Modeling The formation of exemplary Muslim leadership has always been a cornerstone of Islamic civilization. Masrurah Sai’ Masi and Dr. Safiyyah Shamsuddin analyze the Prophetic methodology in cultivating role models, particularly among the Companions (Sahabah). Their research highlights how character-building, mentorship, and ethical training were central to the Prophet’s mission, shaping individuals who embodied the ideals of justice, wisdom, and humility. Preserving the Essence of Islamic Knowledge The diverse range of articles in this edition of Journal AL-BURHAN underscores the dynamic interplay between classical Islamic knowledge and contemporary challenges. Whether through Quranic exegesis, historical analysis, educational frameworks, or sociopolitical insights, the rich intellectual tradition of Islam continues to offer guidance, solutions, and resilience in an ever-changing world. As scholars and readers, we are reminded that Islamic knowledge is not static but evolving, adapting to new contexts while staying rooted in divine revelation and Prophetic wisdom. The task ahead is not just to preserve this knowledge, but to actively engage with it, refine it, and apply it to the challenges of our time. May this edition inspire deeper reflection, critical inquiry, and a renewed commitment to the pursuit of knowledge.     NOOR MOHAMMAD OSMANI Editor-in-chief February 2025