The development of Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) and reasons for juristic disagreements among schools of law

Islamic Jurisprudence comprises of the laws that govern a Muslims daily life. The Prophet Muhammad explained and practically demonstrated these laws. The jurists studied the Quran and the Prophet's life and they adopted a refined methodology which they used to extract legal rulings and verdicts. This methodology is known as the Principles of Jurisprudence. The jurists expanded on this methodology with some differences among them on the usage and the application of some aspects as acceptable forms of evidence. Eventually, the Muslim world was left with four schools of jurisprudence that are present to this day. There are differences between these schools on some issues but these differences never caused conflict, instead it provided us with a wealth of knowledge. We need to study these schools and its principles together with the objectives and intent of the Shariah and utilize this to find solutions to all new issues that arise.Religious Studies and ArabicM. A. (Islamic Studies

Is Dhul Qarnayn, Alexander the Great? Reflecting on Muhammad Rāghib al-Ṭabbākh’s contribution on a translated manuscript discovered in Timbuktu on Dul Qarnayn

This article emanates from a manuscript found in Timbuktu and digitised. The digitised version was subsequently translated by a team of translators and published as a book: Qissat Dhul Qarnayn [Tale of the two-horned one]. The most important question raised in reading this manuscript was the identity of Dhul Qarnayn. Subsequently to this manuscript being published as a book, a book written by Muḥammad Rāghib al-Ṭabbākh in 1949 in Arabic was examined, and it detailed a comprehensive scholarly study of the different views among scholars at that time about Dhul Qarnayn and Alexander the Great. This article reflects on the views of Muḥammad Rāghib al-Ṭabbākh in his book together with the manuscript found in Timbuktu and brings together views that attempt to establish and understand who Dhul Qarnayn is or was and his adventures. INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : The article elaborates on a topic that has been discussed by historians and theologians of the Jewish, Christian and Islamic faiths. It forms part of the discussion on apocalyptic literature. Within the Islamic context, it is often discussed among scholars dealing with the exegesis of the Qur’an and the Hadith. Some Sufi scholars tend to discuss it as well. It has intrigued some archaeologists. It highlights some civilisational issues at the time.http://www.ve.org.zaam2018Science of Religion and Missiolog

Is Dhul Qarnayn, Alexander the Great? Reflecting on Muhammad Rāghib al–Ṭabbākh�s contribution on a translated manuscript discovered in Timbuktu on Dul Qarnayn

This article emanates from a manuscript found in Timbuktu and digitised. The digitised version was subsequently translated by a team of translators and published as a book: Qissat Dhul Qarnayn [Tale of the two-horned one]. The most important question raised in reading this manuscript was the identity of Dhul Qarnayn. Subsequently to this manuscript being published as a book, a book written by Muḥammad Rāghib al-Ṭabbākh in 1949 in Arabic was examined, and it detailed a comprehensive scholarly study of the different views among scholars at that time about Dhul Qarnayn and Alexander the Great. This article reflects on the views of Muḥammad Rāghib al-Ṭabbākh in his book together with the manuscript found in Timbuktu and brings together views that attempt to establish and understand who Dhul Qarnayn is or was and his adventures. INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : The article elaborates on a topic that has been discussed by historians and theologians of the Jewish, Christian and Islamic faiths. It forms part of the discussion on apocalyptic literature. Within the Islamic context, it is often discussed among scholars dealing with the exegesis of the Qur’an and the Hadith. Some Sufi scholars tend to discuss it as well. It has intrigued some archaeologists. It highlights some civilisational issues at the time.http://www.ve.org.zaam2018Science of Religion and Missiolog

Translating al-Mawwaq to be used as a primary source to address curriculum deficiencies in the South African Darul Ulooms

It is knowledge that ultimately changes the face of the world because it allows the individual to conduct himself in a dignified manner conscious of his Creator. The Darul Ulooms in South Africa ever since inception have played a very important role in guiding the Muslim community. However, when we trace the development of Islamic knowledge with specific reference to the early days of Islam with the presence of the Prophet Muhammad in Madinah, to the thriving Islamic scholarly ambience in Spain, to the transformation of the desert of Mauritania through the mahdarah into a vibrant land of scholarship until the establishment of Darul Uloom Deoband in India we observe that true scholarship results in greater tolerance and better coexistence between people. Islamic scholarship underwent different changes to adapt to different environments and circumstances. Likewise, the Darul Ulooms in South Africa need to embrace some changes and reforms to its curriculum to remain relevant and to continue to provide the desired guidance for the country. Al-Mawwaq, who was a Spanish Muslim scholar from Granada, authored a book wherein he discussed important concepts related to Islamic Jurisprudence and Sufism that could be incorporated under the broader topic known as the Objectives of the Shariah, which is common in the present discourse on Islam. The themes and topics in his book will be suggested as important inclusions to the Darul Uloom curriculum in order to address some deficiencies.Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2019.Practical TheologyPhDUnrestricte

Is Dhul Qarnayn, Alexander the Great? Reflecting on Muhammad Rāghib al–Ṭabbākh�s contribution on a translated manuscript discovered in Timbuktu on Dul Qarnayn

This article emanates from a manuscript found in Timbuktu and digitised. The digitised version was subsequently translated by a team of translators and published as a book: Qissat Dhul Qarnayn [Tale of the two-horned one]. The most important question raised in reading this manuscript was the identity of Dhul Qarnayn. Subsequently to this manuscript being published as a book, a book written by Mu&#7717;ammad R&#257;ghib al-&#7788;abb&#257;kh in 1949 in Arabic was examined, and it detailed a comprehensive scholarly study of the different views among scholars at that time about Dhul Qarnayn and Alexander the Great. This article reflects on the views of Mu&#7717;ammad R&#257;ghib al-&#7788;abb&#257;kh in his book together with the manuscript found in Timbuktu and brings together views that attempt to establish and understand who Dhul Qarnayn is or was and his adventures.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The article elaborates on a topic that has been discussed by historians and theologians of the Jewish, Christian and Islamic faiths. It forms part of the discussion on apocalyptic literature. Within the Islamic context, it is often discussed among scholars dealing with the exegesis of the Qur�an and the Hadith. Some Sufi scholars tend to discuss it as well. It has intrigued some archaeologists. It highlights some civilisational issues at the time.</p

Application of themes from Al-Mawwaq’s work in reforming the Deoband curriculum in Islamic education in the South African Darul Ulooms

Historically, most Darul Ulooms in South Africa have been modelled along the curriculum of Darul Uloom Deoband in India, which was established in 1866, and there is a need for reforming the curriculum in a world that has evolved over time. In recent years, the role of the Darul Uloom has become more crucial as more students, both nationally and internationally, are now studying at the South African Darul Ulooms. This research article aims to propose some reforms to the current Deoband curriculum adopted by some of these South African Darul Ulooms. CONTRIBUTION : This proposal suggests applying themes from Al-Mawwaq’s work to foster reforms to the curriculum, which will enhance and produce scholars who are more tolerant and able to deal with the changing circumstances, both nationally and internationally.http://www.hts.org.zaam2022Science of Religion and Missiolog