Al-Milal: Journal of Religion and Thought

التابع عند غاياتري سبيفاك / نحو تصوّر جديد لما بعد الكولونيالية

Saida Toumi — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Post-colonial theory that reveals and addresses colonial discourse from the colonizer's point of view is a re-reading of events and history from a very different angle decided by the subordinate or colonizer The relationship between the East and the West is analyzed in cultural accountability by a few researchers who have managed to reach Western thought and teach at its universities and present a different vision than what the colonizer has provided to correct the human path and establish national identity. One such Indian critic was Gayatri Spivak, who sought to dismantle colonial discourse. Her book, Can the Subaltern Speak؟” was the result of a major effort in which she defended Eastern women, defended the immigrant, internal and external affiliates, and was also interested in literature, culture and confronting Western masculinity. Indian critic Gayatri Spivak is one of the poles of post-colonial theory and an actor in the dismantling of colonial central discourse, especially patriarchal masculine discourse (internal subordinate), which has dominated for years so long that women live under the coercion of the male voice multiplier on the one hand and the colonial power on the other (external subordinate).

بقائے باہمی کے فروغ میں صوفیہ کا کردار

Dr. Saeed Ahmad Saeedi, Hafiz Ghulam Yasin — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The inherent assortment and beauty in nature are a testament to divine wisdom. Sufism is enrooted in the spiritual and moral teachings of Islam, particularly the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who advocates for humility, tolerance, love, and peace. These principles are not just theoretical but are evident in the lives and teachings of the Sufis, who embodied simplicity, sincerity, and humility. This Research article explores the profound influence of Sufism on fostering social harmony, coexistence, and interfaith understanding. The significance of the article lies in the fact that it elaborates on how Sufis promoted social welfare and eradicated societal evils through their humanistic approach. Moreover, the article presents examples from the subcontinent that illustrate the conduct of the Sufis that bridged the gaps between different communities and castes through their message of love and morality. The Sufis played a crucial role in establishing a harmonious society in a region characterized by strict caste divisions and religious plurality. Thus, the Sufi teachings can provide a framework for addressing modern challenges by promoting inclusivity, peace, and a broader understanding of humanity.

Guidelines for Interfaith Dialogue: Prophet Muḥammad’s Correspondence, Dialogues and Covenants with Non-Muslims

Muhammad Islam — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The need for interfaith dialogue has become an undeniable reality of modern life, thanks to the technological advancement that has brought people and communities of different religions closer to each other than ever. Religion still plays a vital role in formulating its followers’ attitudes towards and relations with the people of other faiths. Islam is one of the world’s major religions. Its followers commonly live in multi-cultural and multi-religious societies. The sayings and practices of Prophet Muḥammad hold a much-respected place among Muslims. The Prophet’s life presents a very successful model of dialogue with the people of other faiths. He frequently signed agreements with different tribal and religious communities and wrote letters to religious and political leaders of his time. These covenants, dialogues, and epistles, both in their content and form, are unexplored mines for what guidance they provide for dialogue with the people of other faiths. The paper begins with a brief history of the interfaith dialogue during the twentieth century, especially after 1970. Then it proceeds to introduce the covenants, dialogues, and correspondence of the Prophet with his contemporary non-Muslims. The paper concludes that sīrah of the Prophet provides detailed guidelines for the dialogue with other religions and that the interfaith dialogue can prove an effective means of da‘wah in the contemporary period in which traditional methods are gradually losing their influence. This study recommends that Muslims engaged in dialogue with other religions must carefully study the Prophet’s sīrah to seek guidance.

Tradition and Innovation A Study of D. T. Suzuki’s Innovations in Zen Buddhism

Ammar Ahmed — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This research paper explores the significant concept of innovation within the evolving traditions, with a particular focus on the innovative ideas introduced by D. T. Suzuki, the pioneering figure in Zen Buddhism who established or propagated Zen Buddhism in America. D. T. Suzuki’s journey to America, guided by the directive of his mentor Soen, aimed to propagate Buddhism to the Western world. This paper aims to analyze comprehensively D. T. Suzuki’s role in introducing the novel ideas that expanded beyond the traditional scope of the guidelines preached by Zen’s spiritual masters. Central to this exploration is the inquiry into whether those innovative ideas align with the continuum of already established teachings of the tradition or represent a deviation from it. By dissecting these various ideas and beliefs which D. T. Suzuki introduced, this paper seeks to provide insights into their implications for the ongoing trajectory of the tradition.

Furthermore, the paper acknowledges the pivotal role of Suzuki’s strategic initiatives and leadership that played a crucial role in propagating Zen Buddhism to the West, emphasizing his advocacy for inner spiritual experience over intellectual comprehension. Suzuki's efforts reshaped Zen as a dynamic, experiential tradition that resonated with Western audiences, aligning with trends towards individualism and personal spirituality. His comparative analyses, notably with Christianity, positioned Zen as offering a more immediate path to spiritual understanding through direct mystical experience. Furthermore, Suzuki’s perspectives on science and religion underscore his belief in their complementary roles in human inquiry. He argued for a harmonious coexistence between scientific empirical methods and Zen's introspective spiritual practices, advocating for a holistic approach to existential questions. Suzuki’s nuanced views on pantheism expand this framework, proposing a comprehensive worldview that integrates philosophical, religious, and moral dimensions to enrich human understanding of reality and existence.

Overall, Suzuki’s contributions to Zen Buddhism and his philosophical explorations continue to influence contemporary interpretations of Eastern spirituality, fostering dialogue across cultural and intellectual boundaries.

Otherness and the Question of Identity in Mohammad Moufleh's Novel "The Ghost of the Caldonian"

Belkacem Baaziz — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This research aims to explore the interplay of history and identity in Mohammad Moufleh's novel "The Ghost of the Caldonian," focusing on how personal and collective histories influence the formation of identity. The narrative centers around protagonist Mohammad Chaaban, who confronts his family legacy as the descendant of Sheikh Mohammad the Exiled, banished to Caledonia during colonial rule. The novel's intricate structure juxtaposes Chaaban’s modern-day identity crisis with historical reflections, revealing how past injustices continue to shape present experiences and perceptions. Through a detailed analysis of the protagonist's journey and the societal implications of his discoveries, this study examines the broader themes of memory, historical silence, and the ongoing impact of colonialism. The research highlights the novel's critique of historical erasure and its portrayal of identity as a dynamic construct, influenced by both historical events and contemporary global forces.