Critical-Progressive Muslims: On Islamic hermeneutics, Gender and Interreligious Dialogue

  Gender (Non)-Egalitarian Interpretations of the Qur'an and Sunna Adis Duderija This article will explore gender egalitarian interpretations of the Qur'an and Sunna, drawing upon some of my earleir academic work. The article will examine the definition of gender egalitarian interpretations, the historical context of gender cosmologies in classical Islam, and the interpretative mechanisms employed in gender egalitarian approaches. Defining Gender Egalitarian Interpretations Gender egalitarian interpretations of the Qur'an and Sunna aim to develop Islamic ethical and legal theories that are responsive to the social realities faced by Muslim women and men, ensuring that gender-based inequalities do not create structural disadvantages for either sex. These interpretations advocate for gender-just and symmetrical legal rights for Muslim women within the framework of Islamic interpretation and methodology. They systematically derive and justify these rights based on specific ...

  Adis Duderija    The discourse surrounding free will has long been a focal point of philosophical and theological inquiry. Traditionally, this discussion has been heavily influenced by classical theism and mechanistic views of the universe, which portray reality as a deterministic machine governed by fixed laws. However, Professor Dupré's process ontology introduces a transformative framework that not only redefines our understanding of free will but also challenges the foundational tenets of classical theism. By aligning with process relational theology, Dupré's approach emphasizes the dynamic, relational nature of existence, thereby undermining static notions of divine omnipotence and human agency.   The Traditional Framework: Classical Theism and Determinism   Classical theism posits a God who is omniscient, omnipotent, and immutable. This conception significantly influences the understanding of human agency and free will. In a deterministic...

  In today’s world, where political polarisation and conflict seem to deepen by the day, the intersection of religion and politics has become a critical battleground. The manipulation of religious texts for political gain is not a new phenomenon; it has been a tool used throughout history to justify wars, oppression, and discrimination. However, in contemporary society, the stakes have never been higher. The use of religious texts to create essentialising views on political affairs is not only irresponsible but downright dangerous. In this essay I will explore why we must challenge those who distort religious texts for political ends, and why accountability is essential in this discourse.   The Authority of Religious Texts   Religious texts hold profound significance for billions of people around the world. They are often seen as divine revelations that provide moral guidance, a sense of identity, and a framework for understanding the universe. However, the au...

The Fragility of Trust in Democracy-Insights from Y.N Harari's book Nexus Adis Duderija ( with help fo Chat GTP) "In a well-functioning democracy, citizens trust the results of elections, the decisions of courts, the reports of media outlets, and the findings of scientific disciplines because citizens believe these institutions are committed to the truth. Once people think that power is the only reality, they lose trust in all these institutions, democracy collapses, and the strongmen can seize total power." Y N.Harari. Nexus When it comes to the viability of a democracy, trust serves as the fundamental thread that holds the fabric together. When citizens believe in the integrity and reliability of elections, the judiciary, media, and scientific research, they empower the democratic process, fostering a society where diverse voices contribute to a shared vision for the future. However, as historian Yuval Noah Harari warns in his new book Nexus ( refer to quote above) , on...

  The Cycle of Supremacy and Opperssion and How to Overcome it     Adis Duderija  In the annals of human history, the struggle against oppression has often taken center stage. From medieval forms of imperialism to (neo)- colonialism, various movements have arisen, championing the rights of the marginalized and the disenfranchised. However, a disconcerting pattern emerges when we observe that those who vehemently oppose one form of imperialistic or supremacist ideology often seek to supplant it with another. This paradox raises significant moral questions about the nature of resistance and the ethics of power dynamics. Are we merely trading one form of domination for another? Or is there a deeper understanding of justice and equity at play?     Imperialism, in its various forms, has historically been characterized by domination whether through military force, economic exploitation, or cultural hegemony. It often involves a powerful entity as...

The Many Faces of Totalitarian Rigidity Adis Duderija ( with help of Chat GTP) "Indeed! Totalitarian rigidity has many expressions: intellectual, imaginative, spiritual, social, and political. People can be rigidly totalitarian and so can governments. Their rigidity is rooted in a fear of novelty, of adventure. They seek full control of the world by any means necessary, sometimes through the barrel of a gun and often through intimidation". - Prof. Jay McDaniel, leading process thinker Totalitarianism, a term often evoking images of oppressive regimes, extends far beyond the confines of government action. It permeates intellectual discourse, stifles imaginative expression, constrains spiritual beliefs, and imposes social norms. At its core, totalitarian rigidity is a manifestation of a profound fear of novelty and change. This essay explores how this rigidity takes shape in various aspects of human life and highlights the dangers it poses to freedom, creativity, and ultimately...