This episode of the podcast addresses a complex and sensitive topic related to indicators of religiosity and how to understand religion in different contexts. The discussion begins by talking about how to classify religiosity through external appearances, where these appearances are used as a primary criterion to determine who is “religious” and who is “non-religious.” The guests criticize the community’s transformation into preachers, and how this rhetoric can lead to a distortion of the true understanding of religion.
The discussion also covers the importance of critique in religious discourse, pointing out how psychological and social factors can influence scholars and ijthadists. It highlights the contradictions in the fatwas and rulings issued by scholars, and how engagement with Sharia requires a deep understanding of religious texts away from superficial interpretations.
The discussion also touches on Dr. Abdullah Al-Sufiani’s writings on religious discourse, emphasizing the significance of critique in developing this discourse. The guests address the sensitivity of certain Islamic movements towards criticism, and they call for the necessity of separating religion as a subject granted by God from religiosity as a human product that can be criticized and analyzed.
Through the dialogue, the issues related to the understanding of religion become clear, and how critique can play a role in improving and developing religious discourse, with an emphasis on the importance of having space for discussion and reflection on religious ideas. This is what makes this episode of the podcast rich in information and concepts that encourage critical thinking and broaden understanding horizons.
The Problem of the Indicator of Religiosity
The problem of the indicator of religiosity is one of the complex issues that addresses how society judges individuals in terms of their religiosity. In many communities, external appearances, such as the style of clothing, a man’s beard, or a woman’s hijab, are relied upon to determine the piety of a person. This method is no longer sufficient, as true religiosity transcends appearances and depends on internal values and personal faith. For example, a person who appears religious may not be committed in their behaviors, while another person with an ordinary appearance may practice religious values sincerely.
Reliance on appearances leads to a kind of social hypocrisy, where individuals become more concerned with maintaining their external image rather than focusing on the essence of religion and its ethics. This can lead to the transformation of society into a community of preachers who speak about religion in the best possible light, but may lack the depth of understanding and practical application of religion.
The problem here stems from a misunderstanding of the nature of religion, where a mix-up occurs between religion as a divine truth and religiosity as a human product. This requires reevaluating how we understand and discuss religion without fear of critique or condemnation. Of course, we must be careful in how we critique religiosity; criticism should not be understood as an attack on religion itself, but rather on the human practices associated with it.
Religious Discourse and Its Impact on Society
Religious discourse has a significant impact on society, and its nature has changed over time. In the past, religious discourse reflected the core values of religion and promoted social cohesion. However, over time, the discourse has become susceptible to being exploited by certain groups for political or social purposes, leading to criticisms from academic observers and scholars.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Sufiani is considered one of the researchers who deeply addressed this subject, pointing out how religious discourse is influenced by political movements and various ideologies. The discourse that was originally aimed at promoting spiritual and moral values has transformed into a tool for entrenching power and influence. This has led to increased sensitivity towards criticism, where any critique of religious discourse is considered an attack on the essence of religion itself.
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The history of religious discourse has gone through different stages, starting from a simple understanding of religion to the complexities of contemporary times. This has led to the emergence of various currents within society, which requires research and addressing the existing contradictions. For example, we find that some groups believe in the necessity of preserving certain traditions, while others seek renewal and development.
Critique of Religious Practice and Personal Understanding of Religion
The process of critiquing religious practice is an essential part of the evolution of societies; however, it is not without challenges. Often, there is confusion between critiquing religion itself and critiquing religious practice as a human phenomenon. Many believe that criticism of religious practice equates to an attack on religion, but in reality, critique can be a tool for improving understanding and developing religious practices.
Personal understanding of religion appears as an influencing factor in how individuals deal with religious issues. Each person has a conception that differs from others about what it means to be religious. This may lead to disagreements and debates, as some cling to traditional views and reject any form of critique or renewal. This can manifest in conflicts between different sects, where each sect seeks to prove the validity of its position.
The contradictory understanding of religion among individuals and communities poses a significant challenge, requiring scholars and researchers to clarify these concepts and promote constructive dialogue between different directions. Critique should be understood as a means of development and public good, rather than a tool for destruction or subversion. Thus, engaging with critique becomes a necessity for fostering a deeper understanding of religion and its practices.
Sensitivity to Critique and Change in Religious Discourse
Sensitivity to critique is considered one of the negative phenomena that hinder societal progress. Many individuals and groups perceive critique as a threat to their foundations and beliefs, which makes them more prone to irrationally defend their positions. This may lead to the reinforcement of intellectual extremism, where individuals reject any new opinions or ideas.
When discussing religious discourse, we find that some groups promote specific ideas and consider them absolutely correct, thereby reducing the opportunities for dialogue and understanding. This requires scholars and thinkers to work on presenting new insights and discussing current discourses in an objective and open manner. In general, critique should be encouraged as a means of development and improvement, not as a tool for undermining or dismantling.
The importance of directing religious discourse toward a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of religion is evident, as it should include spiritual, psychological, and social dimensions. This requires greater involvement of scholars and thinkers in discussing issues related to religion, enhancing the community’s ability to deal with contemporary challenges more effectively.
Critique as a Tool for Development and Improving Religious Discourse
Critique is an essential part of development in any field, and religion is no exception. Constructive critique helps enhance understanding and develop religious practices, enabling individuals and communities to adapt to rapid changes in the modern world. The ability to critique requires courage, awareness, and an understanding of the potential impacts of proposed changes.
Discussion surrounding religious discourse is necessary, as it reflects developments in the understanding of religion and its practices. When critique is handled as part of fruitful dialogue, it can lead to positive outcomes. This requires everyone, including religious leaders, researchers, and practitioners, to understand that critique is not an attack on religion, but an attempt for deeper understanding and progress.
Fostering a culture of critique within religious communities contributes to building a more balanced and aware society. Despite the challenges facing critique, the ability to overcome sensitivity and engage with different ideas positively can establish a healthy religious environment that promotes moral and spiritual values within the community. This requires a collective effort from all segments of society, including individuals and religious groups, to enhance mutual understanding and constructive critique.
Understanding
The Intellectual Heritage of Ibn Taymiyyah
Ibn Taymiyyah is one of the most prominent figures in Islamic history, and his ideas and opinions have significantly influenced many schools of thought and intellectual directions. The writings and studies about Ibn Taymiyyah are diverse, as some researchers see a philosophical depth in his ideas, while others consider his focus to be heavily on legal and sharia aspects. Part of this difference in understanding Ibn Taymiyyah comes from the varying temporal and spatial contexts in which he lived.
There are many studies that have addressed Ibn Taymiyyah, but not all of them have been beneficial or new. Sometimes, old ideas are repeated without adding any new value. This repetition reflects a lack of a new vision that takes into account the different contexts in which Ibn Taymiyyah lived. Therefore, the way his ideas are studied should go beyond merely reproducing old sayings; it should seek to understand the logic behind those ideas.
For example, it is essential to study how Ibn Taymiyyah was able to build a comprehensive intellectual system and how he developed his ideas about sharia and reason, and how he managed to benefit from the historical and social contexts that surrounded him. These studies can include an analysis of the mental processes that helped him reach his conclusions and how he critiqued the prevailing concepts of his time.
The Influence of Ibn Taymiyyah on Contemporary Thought
The influence of Ibn Taymiyyah is not limited to his time but extends to modern eras. Many thinkers and researchers today are inspired by his ideas, whether in the fields of jurisprudence, religion, or political thought. However, there is an ongoing debate about the validity of this inspiration, and whether his ideas are being used correctly or exploited for specific political or social purposes.
It is noted that there are contemporary movements that consider Ibn Taymiyyah a reference point for them, whether these movements are Salafi or otherwise. However, we must be cautious about how his ideas are used, as understanding Ibn Taymiyyah outside of his context may lead to deviations in thought or application. Hence, it becomes crucial to re-read and interpret his ideas in light of current circumstances.
For instance, we can see how some modernist thinkers adopt some of Ibn Taymiyyah’s ideas, attempting to integrate them with contemporary intellectual trends. This integration may lead to the production of new ideas that may align better with contemporary challenges. Therefore, studying Ibn Taymiyyah in this context could open new horizons for contemporary Islamic thought.
Understanding Mental Processes in Islamic Thought
The processes of thinking and understanding play a pivotal role in how religious texts are comprehended. Scholars across various fields of knowledge address these processes and how they impact legal and sharia comprehension. Thus, the importance of mental processes is not limited to the legal aspect only but extends to how an individual interacts with religious texts within their community.
When we talk about Islamic jurisprudence, we find a considerable diversity in opinions among scholars, largely due to how they understand texts and their grasp of religious sciences. One important aspect here is how social and cultural environments affect scholars’ understanding of texts. This is closely related to their linguistic and jurisprudential knowledge, as this knowledge reflects their ability to deeply understand texts.
Therefore, it is important to recognize that jurisprudence is not merely rigid rules, but a science that interacts with different contexts. Thus, we should work to enhance this understanding through multidimensional studies that highlight how social and cultural contexts influence religious understanding.
Differences
Legal Differences and Their Causes
Legal differences are a natural phenomenon in Islamic history, stemming from several factors, including variations in temporal and spatial contexts, as well as differences in understanding the texts. One of the main reasons for this difference is the way religious texts are interpreted, as many scholars differ on whether the texts are general or specific, or unrestricted or restricted.
When we look at other causes of disagreement, we find two main factors: the first is the dispute over the authenticity of the texts, as sometimes there is debate regarding the validity of a specific hadith or legal text. The second is the disagreement over how to understand the texts, where a specific text can be interpreted differently according to the recipient’s context and knowledge.
Therefore, it is important to promote a culture that accepts differences and regards them as a natural part of the faith. We should foster dialogue among scholars and researchers in this context, which contributes to a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of Islamic law. This understanding can serve as a foundation for developing new methods to address contemporary issues facing the Muslim community.
Disputed Issues and the Importance of Ijtihad
The controversial issues in Islamic jurisprudence are topics that require deep ijtihad to understand and interpret. It is often cited that the truth in these matters is known only to God, but that does not prevent each scholar or mujtahid from striving to reach the closest understanding of the truth. Ijtihad is a mental and psychological process that requires the individual to rely on their knowledge and personal experience. For example, one person may disagree on a particular issue based on their own ijtihad, just as another person may adopt a conflicting opinion for similar reasons, leading to a range of differing opinions on the same matter. This variation in opinions is considered natural within the scope of Islamic jurisprudence, as it enriches the juristic discourse and reflects the multiplicity of views and ijtihadat that correspond to diverse environments and customs.
Islamic jurisprudential books, such as Al-Mughni, show that disagreement is not prohibited. On the contrary, it reflects a spirit of acceptance and acknowledgment of diverse viewpoints. When one reads these books, they find that previous jurists exchanged opinions freely without resorting to mockery or demeaning others. Thus, disagreement is not an indicator of weakness or incompetence, but rather a natural result of human understanding diversity.
When we reflect on the history of Islamic jurisprudence, we find that different eras have witnessed varying degrees of sectarian intolerance. During some periods, intense disputes arose between different schools of thought, while in other periods, there was greater acceptance of differences, indicating the importance of the historical and social context in shaping intellectual attitudes.
The Impact of Customs and Understanding on Jurisprudence
Customs and traditions are an integral part of social life and have a significant impact on how individuals understand and apply Islam in their daily lives. Customs can play a role in guiding scholars’ understanding and legal discussions. For example, certain customs in Iraq accepted wine as part of their culture, while in other regions, such as Hijaz, music and singing were acceptable. This diversity indicates how fatwas can differ according to social and cultural context.
It is important to understand that scholars, such as Al-Shafi’i and Ahmad, were influenced by their social environments, but at the same time, they were aware of the importance of a deep understanding of religious texts. Therefore, the impact of customs cannot be the sole factor in shaping scholars’ opinions; rather, this influence must be viewed from a comprehensive perspective that takes into account religious knowledge, ethics, and intellectual trends.
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In this context, understanding is a pivotal element. For example, some may think that social customs pushed Al-Shafi’i to adopt a certain opinion, but it is important to emphasize that Al-Shafi’i possessed the religious devotion and knowledge that qualified him to make carefully considered jurisprudential decisions. This means that the interaction between customs and religious texts can lead to different interpretations, but understanding remains the constant that guides these interpretations.
The Importance of Journeying in Pursuit of Knowledge
The journey in pursuit of knowledge is considered one of the major values in the history of jurists. Scholars played a vital role in exchanging ideas and experiences, contributing to the enrichment and development of Islamic jurisprudence. The journey was seen as a means to acquire knowledge from various sources, where scholars interact with each other and gain insights from their experiences. Such journeys were considered an essential part of education, as a jurist who did not travel was viewed as having not attained complete knowledge.
Thanks to these journeys, scholars had the opportunity to meet each other, which allowed them to become acquainted with various opinions and jurisprudential orientations. For example, Abd al-Rahman traveled to Hijaz, Iraq, Syria, and Egypt to collect hadith and lessons from scholars. This diversity in learning contributed to changing the perspectives of many scholars, as they gained new insights and a deeper understanding of the topics they were discussing.
It is also important to note that these journeys were not merely geographical relocations, but experiences that reflected scholars’ interactions with the social, political, and cultural realities they lived in. A jurist who is in an environment different from his original environment will have the opportunity to see how people deal with jurisprudential issues in different contexts. This, in turn, can enrich his understanding and enhance his ability to issue fatwas that align with the needs of the community.
The Influence of the Public on Jurists
Many studies show that the influence of the public on scholars’ jurisprudential opinions is significant. Some jurists may feel great pressure from their audiences when they take positions that may conflict with prevailing opinions. Sometimes, a jurist may prefer to refrain from expressing an opinion that differs from a certain group of people for fear of their negative reactions. This can lead to a kind of hesitation in issuing fatwas that might be correct from a religious standpoint but socially unacceptable.
When jurists speak about their opinions, they often have an awareness of how much impact their words can have. Such public pressures may lead some jurists to retract certain opinions or even change them to meet the expectations of the audience. Sometimes, this is indeed alarming, as it can marginalize jurists who hold unpopular professional opinions or those that may be rejected by the public.
This public pressure can be seen as a part of the social dynamics that significantly affect scholars. On one hand, a jurist must be honest with himself and his community, and on the other hand, he must be aware of the impact of his opinions on people. This requires a delicate balance between adherence to truth and maintaining social relationships. The challenge here is for the jurist to maintain his scientific credibility without being overly affected by prevailing social trends.
Psychological Factors in Jurisprudential Decision Making
Psycho-social factors are fundamental elements that influence the decision-making process in jurisprudence. These factors manifest in the way jurists think, act, and interact with jurisprudential texts. For example, some jurists may have psychological inclinations that lead them to be strict, while others may be more flexible. These psychological dynamics reflect the human dimensions of the jurist, as every individual is influenced by their experiences, personality, and life circumstances.
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the psychoanalytic theory established by Freud, the human psyche can be divided into three parts: the id, the self, and the superego. Each part interacts with the surrounding environment, affecting how decisions are made. For example, a scholar experiencing high psychological pressure may be more prone to making rigid decisions due to fear of failure or criticism.
When confronted with a situation that requires a jurisprudential decision, the scholar undergoes a complex process that involves evaluating legal texts, understanding social contexts, and the community’s acceptance of this decision. This process also includes fear of public reaction, putting the scholar in a difficult position where he fluctuates between what he sees as right and what he expects people to prefer.
The Necessity of Interaction Between Jurisprudence and Social Reality
There is an urgent need for scholars to engage with social reality, as scholars often lack a deep understanding of social sciences, leading to a disconnect between the fatwas they issue and the actual problems of society. In this context, this disconnect is considered one of the main issues facing contemporary Islamic discourse. Scholars should view issues from a social perspective and engage with the changes occurring in society, rather than relying solely on traditional texts without considering varying circumstances.
For example, changes in cultural and social values can influence how scholars respond to contemporary challenges such as women’s rights, equality, and social justice. If we look at the state of the family in Islamic societies, we find significant changes in social roles and expectations, necessitating that scholars reconsider some traditional fatwas that may no longer align with current realities.
Standards of Piety and Their Impact on Islamic Societies
Defining standards of piety is one of the complex issues facing Islamic societies. Standards of piety vary from one community to another, making it difficult to accurately classify individuals as pious or non-pious. In some communities, a person is considered pious if they are committed to religious rites, while in others, merely believing in the existence of God might be sufficient for classification as pious. These differences lead to conflicts and tensions within communities, as some view others through the lens of their own standards.
Moreover, these standards can impact how individuals interact with one another, where strictness in some standards may marginalize or exclude those who differ in opinions or practices. Therefore, it is important to have an open dialogue about the meaning of piety and how to understand it in multiple contexts, so that communities can coexist peacefully and accept differences.
The Importance of Social Studies in Understanding Piety
Social studies are a vital tool for understanding religion and its effects on society. The lack of sufficient studies in the field of the sociology of religion in the Arab world reflects a deficiency in the deep understanding of piety as a social phenomenon. These studies need to be comprehensive and include various angles, including the cultural, political, and economic contexts that play a role in shaping piety.
Some studies, such as those conducted by centers like “Misbahr,” have highlighted the piety of communities and how this piety has evolved over time, reflecting the influences of various factors such as colonialism and social transformations. For instance, economic or political crises may lead to strong religious reactions or changes in religious practices, demonstrating the need for a deeper understanding of the connection between religion and society.
Religious Discourse Between Preaching and Jurisprudence
Religious discourse occupies a central place in shaping values and practices within Islamic communities. There are two main types of discourse: jurisprudential discourse, which establishes and provides information, and preaching discourse, which focuses on reminders and warnings. Often, preaching discourse is the most widespread and impactful, as preachers can attract and influence the audience directly.
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This may lead to neglecting the jurisprudential discourse that requires deep analysis and relies on strong religious foundations. Therefore, it is important to strike a balance between these two types of discourse, as society needs reminders of religious values, but also a deep understanding of texts and jurisprudence. The evolution of religious discourse must be accompanied by a comprehensive understanding of the contemporary challenges facing society.
Challenges Facing Scientific Research in the Arab World
Scientific research in the Arab world represents one of the greatest challenges. While large budgets are available for support, many universities and research centers do not invest these resources effectively. Research often relies on traditional methods and does not reflect the innovations or new developments taking place in the world. Researchers need to rethink their methods and approaches, looking at new studies that go beyond traditional boundaries.
It is also essential to direct research towards topics related to pressing social and religious issues, such as studying the impact of developments in the digital age on religiosity, or how the religious identity of youth in contemporary societies is shaped. This requires greater collaboration between universities and research centers, as well as the development of new research strategies that focus on social realities and their challenges.
The Importance of Preaching Discourse and Its Impact on Audiences
Preaching discourse represents a powerful tool in influencing audiences, especially in Arab and Gulf communities. This discourse relies on emotional appeals, as people feel the need for guidance and inspiration. Preaching discourse is not limited to providing information but aims to stimulate souls through emotional impact. For example, a preacher may use exciting stories and anecdotes that involve exaggerations to capture the listeners’ attention and pique their curiosity. This type of discourse attracts large audiences and reflects people’s preference for life stories and exaggerations over abstract facts, leading to the distortion of some religious concepts and their simplification.
Studies indicate that this type of discourse has contributed to the creation of large religious crowds, as people turn to preachers in critical times in search of spiritual support and advice. However, it should be noted that some preachers lack deep knowledge and the ability to provide accurate and reliable content, leading to the spread of misleading or incorrect information. Additionally, the existence of this type of discourse may lead to the phenomenon of “false consciousness,” where individuals adopt opinions and concepts based on their emotions rather than accurate knowledge.
Exaggerations and Lies in Religious Discourse
Exaggerations and lies are an integral part of some forms of preaching discourse, where fantastical stories or Israiliyat are relied upon to attract the audience’s attention. These exaggerations can be highly influential, but they often lead to the distortion of religious facts. For example, discourse that describes heaven or hell in exaggerated terms may make listeners feel excessive fear or hope. Such methods may be effective in capturing attention, but they also raise questions about the credibility of the religious message.
This phenomenon is evident in the presence of preachers who provide religious advice not based on correct scientific or religious foundations, which exacerbates the problem of misinformation. This leads to a lack of trust in certain religious discourses, as people begin to question the credibility of the information provided by preachers. Therefore, it is crucial to work on raising public awareness about the importance of verifying information and not being swayed by exaggerations or lies.
The Impact of Fear-based Discourse on Individuals and Society
Fear-based discourse is part of Islamic preaching rhetoric, as some preachers seek to warn people of dangers and sins through a method of intimidation. This method is based on the idea that fear of divine punishment or the negative consequences of wrong actions can be a strong motivation for people to adhere to the morals and values of society. However, this type of discourse may sometimes lead to negative effects on the human psyche, such as anxiety and tension.
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It is noteworthy that although the effectiveness of scare tactics in some cases, recipients need a balance between fear and hope. When fear dominates the preaching discourse, it can lead to the contraction of souls and the loss of hope for mercy and forgiveness. Therefore, it is better to present a discourse that combines love, hope, and fear in a balanced way, which helps people feel comfortable and secure in their relationship with God.
The Necessity of Balance in Preaching Discourse
The need for balance in preaching discourse is clearly demonstrated in the discussions about how to present the religious message. The preaching discourse should embody the provision of comfort and hope, alongside warnings against sins and transgressions. The balance between fear and hope helps build a healthy relationship between people and their religion, making them more willing to adhere to religious values.
This vision also requires preachers to be aware of the responsibility that lies upon them, as religious information must be presented scientifically and reliably, away from exaggerations or lies. They must be able to distinguish between matters of personal judgment and matters of consensus, which helps correct misconceptions that may spread in society.
Social Transformations and Their Role in Shaping Preaching Discourse
Today, Arab societies are witnessing a significant transformation in how religious knowledge is received, as people have become more aware and critical of traditional discourses. This transformation reflects the need for a preaching discourse that aligns with the requirements of the era and the needs of individuals. People are looking for deep and realistic knowledge, away from discourses based on fear and intimidation.
This new awareness indicates the necessity of updating preaching discourse to keep pace with social changes and new values emerging in society. Preachers must be aware of the importance of turning towards deep knowledge and seeking truths, rather than relying on traditional methods that may not meet the needs of individuals today. This requires preachers to be more open to constructive dialogue and discussion, which contributes to enhancing people’s trust in religious discourse.
The Importance of Denouncement in Islamic Societies
Denouncing wrongdoings is considered one of the fundamental concepts in Islam, as it is one of the religious and social duties that urge individuals to resist negative behaviors and wrong practices. Denouncement is distributed over multiple levels, including knowledge, social norms, and commonly accepted practices among people. Wrongdoings are represented in matters that society agrees to reject, such as immorality and corruption, which have been mentioned in several verses of the Quran. Scholars consider that denouncement in well-known and agreed-upon matters is an obligation, while there is no denouncement in matters of personal judgment, as the space is left for differing opinions and perspectives.
This approach shows the importance of balance between maintaining religious and social values and recognizing intellectual diversity and differences. Scholars also determine that denouncement should be restricted to matters of consensus, reflecting the need for more flexibility and a broader vision in addressing different issues, rather than being confined to one opinion or interpretation.
Consensus as Authority in Jurisprudential Discourse
The concept of consensus is considered one of the pivotal issues in Islamic jurisprudence, representing a marker of acceptance or rejection of jurisprudential opinions. However, the issue of consensus can sometimes transform into an authority that restricts freedom of discussion and interpretation, as it is used as a means to silence dissenting opinions. This phenomenon leads to a restriction of free thought and opens the door to problems in jurisprudential discourse, where there is a reduction in areas of disagreement.
By analyzing the history of jurisprudence, we find clear examples of this, such as the case of divorce where Ibn Taymiyyah opposed the prevailing consensus among scholars. Nevertheless, his interpretations proved to be correct and became accepted in many Islamic countries. These examples reflect how consensus can negatively impact the development of Islamic thought if used as a means of control.
Change
In Religious Discourse and Contemporary Reality
In recent years, we have witnessed significant changes in religious discourse, where there is a clear vacuum in the religious arena. This is reflected in the inability to keep pace with the rapid social and cultural developments occurring in societies. It is important to understand that religious discourse cannot be separated from the social context; therefore, societal changes require parallel changes in religious discourse.
In Saudi Arabia, for example, there is a new vision that requires religious institutions to interact more positively with current developments. These changes must include activating young bodies and personalities who have a greater ability to communicate with the new generation. There should be a rethinking of how to present religious discourse in a way that embodies tolerance and coexistence, without fear of dissolution or extremism.
Coexistence with Differences and Diverse Opinions
The issue of coexistence with differences in opinions and ideas is one of the great challenges in contemporary societies. Everyone should understand that diversity is not a punishment; it can be a source of intellectual and cultural richness. A culture of dialogue and listening can contribute to creating a positive environment that allows for intellectual diversity and differing opinions.
It is important for individuals to express their opinions freely, even if those opinions contradict what is dominant or accepted. This does not mean that everyone will agree on everything, but the goal is to build a society that accepts and coexists with others. In this context, it requires preachers and scholars to adopt more compassionate and gentle methods in presenting their opinions, away from closure or absolute bias.
Religious Discourse and Its Role in Shaping Social Culture
Religious discourse represents one of the essential components in shaping social culture. It transcends being merely religious guidance to become an influential element in forming the identities of individuals and communities. Therefore, it is essential that religious messages align with social needs and the challenges facing societies. Religious discourse must become more flexible to meet social and cultural changes.
Opening religious discourse to dialogue with other cultures and religions can contribute to enhancing higher human and community values. This allows societies to transcend conflicts and futile disagreements and develop a comprehensive perspective that accepts the other. Historically, Islamic civilization has benefited from the diversity of cultures and ideas, and this is the path that Islamic societies should follow today.
The episode was summarized using artificial intelligence ezycontent
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