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

Yasir Qadhi on Islam in Scandinavia : A Critique of his "Halal Secret Weapon" Statement  Adis Duderija Scandinavia, a region known for its social democracies and high standards of living, presents a unique case study for the integration of Islam into Western societies. The arrival of Muslim communities in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, primarily within the last few decades, has brought about significant demographic and social changes, sparking both opportunities and tensions. The experiences of Muslims in these countries are shaped by their distinctive historical context, cultural norms, and political landscapes, demanding a nuanced understanding that moves beyond simplistic narratives. The Rise of Muslim Communities in Modern Scandinavia The modern Muslim presence in Scandinavia is largely a result of two waves of immigration and reflects broader tredns in western Europe.   The first wave, in the 1970s and 1980s, consisted primarily of manual laborers from countries like Paki...

  Unveiling the Shared Roots: Islamic State  Gender Policies and the Ahl al-Hadith Manhaj based on the following academic article The Islamic State's brutal treatment of women has shocked the world. Forced veiling, severe restrictions on movement, and the revival of sexual slavery are just some of the policies that have sparked outrage. While traditional Sunni scholars have condemned IS practices, this essay argues that a closer look reveals alarming similarities in how both groups interpret Islamic texts, particularly those related to gender. The Open Letter to Baghdadi , signed by over 100 traditional Sunni scholars, seeks to delegitimize the IS by highlighting its "deviant methodology." They argue: IS issues fatwas without the necessary scholarly qualifications. IS oversimplifies Sharia and ignores established Islamic sciences. IS fails to consider modern realities when deriving rulings. However, the letter also reveals fundamental points of agreement betwee...

  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...