Far from being just a scholar, Ismail Raji al-Faruqi was also a visionary who sought to revive and modernize Islamic intellectual tradition. His endeavors span teaching, writing, and activism, leaving an indelible mark on Islamic scholarship.
Comprehensive Definition
Ismail Raji al-Faruqi (1921-1986) was a Palestinian Islamic scholar, writer, and activist. He is known for his work in integrating the classical Islamic concept of tawhid (the oneness of God) with modern intellectual frameworks through the process of ijtihad (independent reasoning).
Etymology and Meaning
Etymology:
- Ismail: Derived from the Hebrew name “Yishmael” (יִשְׁמָעֵאל), meaning “God has heard.”
- Raji: An Arabic name meaning “hopeful.”
- al-Faruqi: A nisba (attributive name) indicating descent or association with the Faruqi tribe.
Background and Historical Facts
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Early Life and Education: Born in 1921 in Jaffa, Palestine, Faruqi was educated in philosophy and theology, earning a bachelor’s degree from the American University of Beirut and further degrees from Indiana University and Harvard University.
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Governorship: Between 1945 and 1948, he served as the Governor of Galilee in the British Mandate of Palestine.
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Academic Career: Faruqi held academic positions at universities across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and South and Southeast Asia, ultimately contributing significantly to Islamic Studies programs worldwide.
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International Institute for Islamic Thought: In 1981, he co-established this institution in the United States, aiming to revitalize Islamic scholarship and bring it in dialogue with modern sciences and humanities.
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Philosophical Contributions: Through works such as his ‘Al-Tawhid: Its Implications for Thought and Life,’ Faruqi advocated a comprehensive vision of Islam as compatible with modern science and rationality.
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Untimely Death: Tragically, Ismail Raji al-Faruqi was murdered in 1986 alongside his wife, Lamya, a formidable academic in her own right.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Faruqi’s emphasis on ijtihad and the modernization of Islamic scholarship resonates differently across the Muslim world:
- Arab World: Revered for integrating classical Islamic thought with contemporary issues.
- South Asia: Seen as an intellectual bridge between traditional Madrasahs and modern educational institutions.
- Southeast Asia: Influence on the curriculum changes in Islamic universities to include secular sciences.
Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms:
- Islamic Scholar
- Modernist Thinker
- Intellectual Revivalist
Antonyms:
- Traditionalist Scholar (with an emphasis solely on classical interpretations)
- Conservative Thinker (resistant to modernization of Islamic thought)
Related Terms With Definitions
- Tawhid: The fundamental Islamic principle of the oneness of God.
- Ijtihad: The process of making a legal decision by independent interpretation of the Quran and Hadith.
- Mujtahid: A scholar competent to perform ijtihad.
- Islamization of Knowledge: The process of integrating Islamic perspectives with contemporary social, natural, and human sciences.
Exciting Facts
- Faruqi was a pioneering voice in establishing dialogue between Muslims, Christians, and Jews, advocating peaceful coexistence.
- He emphasized the importance of Muslim identity and a unified world vision through education and cultural understanding.
Quotations
“The cure to the malaise of the Islamic world is the compulsory study of Islamic civilization and the Islamization of modern knowledge.” - Faruqi, Ismail Raji al-
Suggested Literature and Sources for Further Studies
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Books by Ismail Raji al-Faruqi
- Al-Tawhid: Its Implications for Thought and Life
- Islam and Other Faiths
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Books about Ismail Raji al-Faruqi
- Ismail Raji Al-Faruqi: A Man of Devotion and Dedication by Imtiaz Ahmad, Aslam Abdullah, and Omar Afzal
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Journals and Articles
- Journal of Islamic Studies
- American Journal of Islamic Social Sciences
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Other Sources
- Lectures and sermons available in online Islamic archives
- Academic conferences discussing his legacy
Quizzes
As we reflect on the life of Ismail Raji al-Faruqi, let his vision for an integrated, rational, and progressive interpretation of Islam inspire our intellectual journeys in the modern world.
Bilal Hasan October 3, 2023
