Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Dawah (Islam)'

Originally presented as the author's Thesis (master's)--Jāmiʻat al-Amīr ʻAbd al-Qādir lil-ʻUlūm al-Islāmīyah, Qusanṭīnah, al-Jazāʼir, 1992.
Series on cover: Silsalat qaḍāyā al-fikr al-Islāmī (17). Includes bibliographical references (p. 477-489) and indexes.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Kullīyat al-Imām al-Awzāʻī lil-Dirāsāt al-Islāmīyah, 1989.
eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (v. 2, p. 1089-1123) and indexes.

This thesis is an inquiry into Muh&dotbelow;ammad al-Ghazali's (1917-1996) model of da'wah. It uses Ghazali works as well those of his critics to build up a coherent model of da'wah for contemporary societies. The research first delves into Ghazali's life, learning, and career. It examines his association with the Muslim Brotherhood as well as his intellectual and professional contributions to da'wah and society. This examination provides us with a better understanding of the socio-cultural and intellectual background of Ghazali. The research also explores Ghazali's personality in order to find out the reasons underlying his harsh language or simply the stylistic problems that earned him much criticism. This examination shows that Ghazali was a traditional scholar who profoundly understood the dynamics and implications and of the Islamic development, with a modern approach to the question of religion and society. More importantly, it demonstrates his critical sense, in light of his reviews of contemporary of da'wah .
This study also examines Ghazali's conceptual framework of da'wah. This highlights his understanding of major concepts, definitions and characteristics including da'wah in the Quran and the models of da'wah as illustrated by prophets. It also addresses some essential questions, such as innate human nature, People of the Interval ('Ahl al-Fatrah) and the universality of da'wah. It provides a closer look at the effects of society, culture and freedom on da'wah, and demonstrates Ghazali's perspective on the requirements for undertaking modern da'wah. This section provides us with a clear understanding of how Ghazali understood da'wah in light of revelation and with a serious consideration of the socio-cultural, economic and political context of Muslim societies.
The above framework led Ghazali to the catalyst of da'wah, the da'i. In light of his conceptual framework of da'wah, Ghazali addresses the various spiritual, moral and educational requirements of da'is . This is made in reference to his ambitious search to quickly and comprehensively fill the serious gap between Muslim life and Islamic ideals, which caused him to produce an ideal image of da'wah. This was not easily achievable, given the many problems and deficiencies affecting contemporary Islamic learning, society and culture, which Ghazali repeatedly raised throughout his analysis. In his discussion of da'wah and da'is, Ghazali used a highly vigorous and critical approach, one that unfortunately employed harsh tones and sometimes demeaning language in his extensive discussion of da'is' undertakings and contributions.
This research also considers Ghazali's methodology, including the da'is' approach to da'wah and, most importantly, his fiqh al-da'wah (legal methodology of da'wah), where he attempt to rebuild the priorities of contemporary da'wah in light of his own understanding of the best interest of da'wah (mas&dotbelow;lah&dotbelow;at al-da'wah). Often, Ghazali justifies his criticism of legal interpretations about da'wah based on the mas&dotbelow;lah&dotbelow;a or his re-interpretation of religious texts, yet does not provide or elaborate a systematic methodology or even clear criteria, which would assure consistency and uniformity in his approach towards the problems and challenges of da'wah. At the core of his discussion of the legal methodology of da'wah, Ghazali consistently showed a concern about the opinions of Westerners and the question of what could yield a positive impression of Islam.
The various studies of Salafi scholars and da'is have intensely criticized his works as too general, literary, speculative and even destructive for the healthy development of Muslims. In contrast, his contribution was and still is viewed as strongly positive and authoritative by a considerably large number of Muslim scholars, da'is and Muslim activists. His ideas are continually drawn upon whenever modern da'wah and the relationship between East and West in particular are discussed. It is very likely that his contributions will gain increasing intellectual and academic attention, most precisely when developing a new modern model for da'wah in Muslim societies, when trying to analyze and solve the problems and challenges of Muslim societies, or when striving to present Islam and Muslims to the Western world.

This thesis is an in-depth study into two of the UK charity iERA's da'wah narratives: the Qura'nic embryology 'miracle' and the Kalam Cosmological Argument. While the embryo verses have received scholarly attention, there is little to no research in the da'wah context for both narratives. Berger and Luckmann's social constructionism was applied to both, which were problematic. It was found that iERA constructed its exegesis of the embryo verses by expanding on classical meanings to show harmony with modern science. Additionally, it developed the Cosmological Argument by adapting it to Salafi Islamic beliefs. The construction processes were found to be influenced by an online dialectic between iERA and its Muslim and atheist detractors, causing it to abandon the scientific miracles and modify the Cosmological Argument. Signs point to a weakening of faith among young people, including Muslims, as they have unprecedented access to unfiltered online information on religion and science. By employing the narratives, iERA aims to legitimate the fundamentals of Islam to Muslims and to attract converts by presenting it as a rational and modern faith. While iERA's da'wah template is practical, its errors are relevant to the wider discussions on Qur'anic exegesis and modern challenges to the religion.

Univ., Habil.-Schr. 2005 u.d.T.: Wrogemann, Henning: Daʻwa islāmīya - Der Ruf zum Islam--Heidelberg, 2005, eine Studie zu Begründung und Praxis des Aufrufes zum Islam im internationalen sunnitischen Diskurs.

Dawat-e-Islami. (DI) is a worldwide Islamic movement based in Karachi, Pakistan. Its mission statement, "I must strive to reform myself and people of the entire world", points to an emphasis on individual reform which can lead to a broader social reform. This reform is to be achieved through tableegh, eschewing what are considered to be 'contemporary forms of politics' and calling for a revival of core Islamic traditions of akhlaq, huqooq-ul-ibaad, and ilm-e-deen. Allamah Muhammad Ilyas Qadri, the ameer ofDI, cites Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (1856-1921), a preeminent Islamic scholar considered by many to be the mujaddid of his time, to be a singular source of guidance and inspiration in his mission. In this study, I will seek to understand how this connection manifests itself in the development of Dl's reformist mission. I argue that the work of Imam Ahmed Raza has been used to construct a discourse of social reform aimed at bringing to fruition an Islamic revival which DI understands to have been at the heart of the Imam's intellectual and spiritual legacy. Through an analysis of framing processes, I will examine how DI's mission of social reform has been shaped by the work ofImam Ahmed Raza, with a particular focus on how the religious discourse which constitutes the Imam's scholarly corpus has been used to develop collective action frames aimed at addressing social issues. Using written and multimedia texts, I will explore how these frames have been articulated and amplified in a social context and why these 'transformed' frames have resonated with audiences where conventional religious discourse has not.

M.A.
Coming to terms with the challenge of modernity has been a major concern for Muslim scholars. Faced with the reality of the global system of nation states, and the question that the challenges of secularism, democracy and religious pluralism pose for a traditional understanding of Islâm, many contemporary Muslim scholars have sought to develop new visions of their faith in order to engage seriously with these concerns. This dissertation looks at the writings of the Indian âlim, Sayyid Abul Hasan `Ali Nadwi, who has developed an incisive approach to the challenges of da`wah and dialogue Muslims globally and Indian Muslims particularly are faced with. This study examines how he as a member of the Muslim minority in India, has sought to present Islâm in terms that are intelligent to the modern mind, as well as making it possible for Muslims in India to attempt to create a balance as loyal citizens of the state, on the one hand, and as practising believers of their religion, on the other. Furthermore this vision is given a global dimension for Muslims living in the West where the challenges are not dissimilar from the Indian context.
Prof. J.F.J. van Rensburg

‘A da’wah movement in Mauritius: A study of the Jamaat-Ul-Muslimeen’ is based on qualitative research and its objective is to examine the socio-cultural factors that may hinder the processes of da’wah in Mauritius. The study is placed in the context of a well-known national Islamic organisation, the Jamaat-Ul-Muslimeen whose founder is Mr. Muhammad Cehl Fakeemeeah, a Member of the National Parliament. The movement is also associated with a political party, the FSM (Front Solidarité Mauricien) or the Mauritian Solidarity Front. The Jamaat-Ul-Muslimeen seeks to propose an alternative da’wah program in order to promote understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims and to accelerate the progression of conversion in Mauritius. The movement is involved in politics and mass media in order to reach the maximum number of people in the island. Emphasis is put on the urgent need for each individual to understand the concept of God as well as reading the Qur’an in order to avoid falling into the traps of traditional da’wah which has prevailed in Mauritius for decades.The present thesis analyses data provided in face to face interviews with a number of Mauritian converts as well as observation and discussions with other born Muslim members, all adherents of the said organisation. The Mauritian society is well-known for its multi-religious and multi-cultural background, influenced mainly by the majority, the Hindu community which consists of more than 50 % of the whole population. According to Soonita Kistamah 1, the percentage of Muslims is only 17, 3 % of the whole Mauritian population and this demonstrates a large gap concerning the work of da’wah in the island. Therefore the thesis will investigate factors that hinder da’wah by focusing on one particular movement – the Jamaat Ul Muslimeen. After having scanned the available literature, no specific study on da’wah in Mauritius was found. There is therefore a gap in the knowledge of da’wah especially issues such as socio-cultural factors that may affect da’wah progression within the Mauritian context. This thesis is a contribution to filling this gap. Since the thesis wishes to understand the socio-cultural factors which hinder the progress of da‘wah in Mauritius a qualitative approach was deemed most appropriate to explore this issue. The thesis begins providing my motivation for writing on the topic of da‘wah, a statement of the problem, research objectives, significance of the study, and the theory and methodology applied. Chapter II provides an overview of Mauritius and its history. Emphasis is given to the events of the 12th March 1968, that is, the civil war which occurred between Christians and Muslims which led to ethnic tensions. Another communal crisis which occurred in February1999 between Black Creole and the Hindu community is also examined. Chapter III will provide a biography of Cehl Meeah, the founder of Jamaat-Ul-Muslimeen, his broader religious and political outlook and the history and da‘wah methodology of his organization. Chapter IV examines this methodology in the light of certain theoretical considerations with regard to da‘wah. Chapter V discusses and interprets the results and findings that emerge from interviews and discussions with converts belonging to the Jamaat-Ul-Muslimeen. Chapter VI concludes the dissertation and lists recommendations with regard to da‘wah methodology in Mauritius.
Religious Studies & Arabic
M.A. (Islamic Studies)

This dissertation, "Muslim Women's contribution to the reconstruction of the South African Society through entrepreneurial and religious efforts", is to place on the South African agenda an understanding and appreciation of unsung heroines. Changes at grassroots level by a marginalised group always have profound impact on society. What is it to be a woman, committed to a way of life, engaged in transmitting a set of values related thereto, empowering other women and living as a minority in a patriarchal society that is undergoing rapid socio-political transformation and being an integral part of it? As Muslim women, the ummah (Muslim community) is directed by male interpretations of the Islamic text. What are women's responses to a worldview imposed on them? All these are different challenges, each in itself a marginalized component. The aim is to identify Muslim women and their contribution through da'wah to the reconstruction of the South African society within these challenges. The research participants are not Islamic scholars; their methodologies are not traditional and narrow but embedded in the humanistic ideals and ethics of the Qur'an and the authentic Sunnah. Their da'wah work includes instilling self worth, spiritual and family values, socio-economic intervention and economic empowerment. Their contributions have been significant and profound in a nascent democracy. To get a "glimpse" into their lives and arduous activities it was necessary to hear their voices; to let them speak. Qualitative research methodology through narratives and life history in context was used. Allah did not create one voice for humankind but many voices for one humankind and through diversity expects people to exercise their freedom to live in unity. One can see, feel and verify this as it resonates through the work of each daiyah.
Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2006.

Tens of thousands of migrant domestic workers, women working and residing within Kuwaiti households, have taken shehadeh, the Islamic testament of faith over the past decade. Drawing on 21 months of ethnographic fieldwork in Kuwait, and 2 months of research in Nepal, this dissertation analyzes the processes through which South Asian domestic workers develop newfound Islamic pieties, processes that underscore the importance of the household as a site of intersection between transnational migration and globalizing Islamic movements, and that point to the limitation of conventional understandings of wage labour and religious conversion.

Dissertation