This paper delves into the connection between legitimate political authority and the concept of h... more This paper delves into the connection between legitimate political authority and the concept of humans being stewards of the Earth appointed by God. It explores how our relationship with God is expressed through justice and investigates the impact of politics, psychology, and spirituality on the manifestation of justice. The paper emphasizes how the collusion between Muslim countries and colonial powers has marginalized the importance of individual and collective liberation within Islamic spirituality. It also discusses how Western psychology and culture have downplayed the role of social justice in Islamic psychology and spirituality. The paper aims to bridge the gap between inner and outer liberation, offering a unique perspective from Islamic spirituality to empower individuals and communities. It highlights the need to challenge oppressive systems and promote social change in the context of politics, psychology, spirituality, and justice in Islam. The paper also underscores the moral obligation of power coupled with earth stewardship and justice, as mentioned in the Qur'an, and the concept of returning to a single unified community through justice and spirituality.
Since ancient times, taxation has been integral to every civilization's economic model with varyi... more Since ancient times, taxation has been integral to every civilization's economic model with varying degrees and purposes. Taxes are a compulsory contribution to state revenue and can be levied by governments on any person, corporate body, or social arena. The levying of taxes exists in many different forms, such as property taxes on goods and services, on activities and infrastructure, poll taxes, income taxes, and taxes that are based on social rankings 1. The state decides the boundaries and limitations to taxing its citizens. Unfortunately, coercion and exploitation are often weaved into the implementation of taxation. Islam's emergence sought to create a taxation system that was fair and equitable, while also being fixed.
This paper addresses traditional Quranic interpretations that position men as protectors of women... more This paper addresses traditional Quranic interpretations that position men as protectors of women in marriage, establishing a patriarchal structure with male authority over women, including divorce. It questions where female autonomy and personhood fit into this arrangement and whether it aligns with the true essence of marriage as a partnership. The paper argues that current social structures surrounding marriage and divorce create a power imbalance, akin to a slavery model, undermining the spiritual purpose of marriage. It explores how consent is key to a mutual agreement in marriage but doesn't extend to divorce, perpetuating a lack of women's empowerment. The absence of Islamic fiqh integration into North American contractual law adds ambiguity to marriage and divorce, affecting Muslim family systems. While the Quran promotes marital equality, Islamic fiqh sustains an imbalance, ultimately failing humanity's covenant with God.
Despite the advancement of many developmental theories, which have enhanced the understanding of ... more Despite the advancement of many developmental theories, which have enhanced the understanding of human psychology, there remains an increase in depression, anxiety, suicide, and other mental issues that have raised significant concerns within society. This essay examines Alfred Adler's criticism of Socrates' call to "Know thyself" as a starting point and explores the Islamic dimension of Sufism, offering a more comprehensive path to self-awareness and understanding of God. The essay advocates for a synthesis of Western developmental psychology theories and the concept of "fitra" in Islamic psychology, suggesting that this union can lead to a more holistic understanding of human nature. It posits that the future of psychology lies in integrating spirituality and Western paradigms, emphasizing the innate human connection to God and a more profound comprehension of human nature for a holistic approach to human consciousness and well-being.
Longstanding Islamic traditions have actively worked to oppress women and prevent the Muslim woma... more Longstanding Islamic traditions have actively worked to oppress women and prevent the Muslim woman from accessing the liberatory egalitarian nature of Islam. This is due to the lack of spiritual love towards women in the Islamic tradition, which causes a disconnection from the essence of Islam. Further, the canonization of religion by traditionalist interpretations has resulted in the erasure of egalitarian female perspectives. Lastly, the influence of religious institutions on social policy in Muslim communities prevents women from accessing their fundamental rights and freedoms. These factors work together to bury and silence women, preventing them from experiencing human wholeness and the foundational God-human relationship that lies within the purpose of Islam. The purpose of this essay is to provide a larger framework to understand the true reality of the Muslim woman’s experience when justice is not at the forefront of Islamic practice.
This essay will highlight the vibrant intellectual history of Islamic education and its impact ac... more This essay will highlight the vibrant intellectual history of Islamic education and its impact across the world, as there is a significant lack of historical research on Islamic educational traditions. First, through an analysis of the foundational theories and virtues of the attainment of knowledge, the cosmopolitan character of early Islamic knowledge and its holistic pedagogies become evident. Further, the critical evaluation of the role and impact of Islamic Lastly, examining the interaction between Islamic education systems and non-Islamic education systems sheds light on the contemporary challenges to Islamic approaches that threaten its continuance.
This paper delves into the connection between legitimate political authority and the concept of h... more This paper delves into the connection between legitimate political authority and the concept of humans being stewards of the Earth appointed by God. It explores how our relationship with God is expressed through justice and investigates the impact of politics, psychology, and spirituality on the manifestation of justice. The paper emphasizes how the collusion between Muslim countries and colonial powers has marginalized the importance of individual and collective liberation within Islamic spirituality. It also discusses how Western psychology and culture have downplayed the role of social justice in Islamic psychology and spirituality. The paper aims to bridge the gap between inner and outer liberation, offering a unique perspective from Islamic spirituality to empower individuals and communities. It highlights the need to challenge oppressive systems and promote social change in the context of politics, psychology, spirituality, and justice in Islam. The paper also underscores the moral obligation of power coupled with earth stewardship and justice, as mentioned in the Qur'an, and the concept of returning to a single unified community through justice and spirituality.
Since ancient times, taxation has been integral to every civilization's economic model with varyi... more Since ancient times, taxation has been integral to every civilization's economic model with varying degrees and purposes. Taxes are a compulsory contribution to state revenue and can be levied by governments on any person, corporate body, or social arena. The levying of taxes exists in many different forms, such as property taxes on goods and services, on activities and infrastructure, poll taxes, income taxes, and taxes that are based on social rankings 1. The state decides the boundaries and limitations to taxing its citizens. Unfortunately, coercion and exploitation are often weaved into the implementation of taxation. Islam's emergence sought to create a taxation system that was fair and equitable, while also being fixed.
This paper addresses traditional Quranic interpretations that position men as protectors of women... more This paper addresses traditional Quranic interpretations that position men as protectors of women in marriage, establishing a patriarchal structure with male authority over women, including divorce. It questions where female autonomy and personhood fit into this arrangement and whether it aligns with the true essence of marriage as a partnership. The paper argues that current social structures surrounding marriage and divorce create a power imbalance, akin to a slavery model, undermining the spiritual purpose of marriage. It explores how consent is key to a mutual agreement in marriage but doesn't extend to divorce, perpetuating a lack of women's empowerment. The absence of Islamic fiqh integration into North American contractual law adds ambiguity to marriage and divorce, affecting Muslim family systems. While the Quran promotes marital equality, Islamic fiqh sustains an imbalance, ultimately failing humanity's covenant with God.
Despite the advancement of many developmental theories, which have enhanced the understanding of ... more Despite the advancement of many developmental theories, which have enhanced the understanding of human psychology, there remains an increase in depression, anxiety, suicide, and other mental issues that have raised significant concerns within society. This essay examines Alfred Adler's criticism of Socrates' call to "Know thyself" as a starting point and explores the Islamic dimension of Sufism, offering a more comprehensive path to self-awareness and understanding of God. The essay advocates for a synthesis of Western developmental psychology theories and the concept of "fitra" in Islamic psychology, suggesting that this union can lead to a more holistic understanding of human nature. It posits that the future of psychology lies in integrating spirituality and Western paradigms, emphasizing the innate human connection to God and a more profound comprehension of human nature for a holistic approach to human consciousness and well-being.
Longstanding Islamic traditions have actively worked to oppress women and prevent the Muslim woma... more Longstanding Islamic traditions have actively worked to oppress women and prevent the Muslim woman from accessing the liberatory egalitarian nature of Islam. This is due to the lack of spiritual love towards women in the Islamic tradition, which causes a disconnection from the essence of Islam. Further, the canonization of religion by traditionalist interpretations has resulted in the erasure of egalitarian female perspectives. Lastly, the influence of religious institutions on social policy in Muslim communities prevents women from accessing their fundamental rights and freedoms. These factors work together to bury and silence women, preventing them from experiencing human wholeness and the foundational God-human relationship that lies within the purpose of Islam. The purpose of this essay is to provide a larger framework to understand the true reality of the Muslim woman’s experience when justice is not at the forefront of Islamic practice.
This essay will highlight the vibrant intellectual history of Islamic education and its impact ac... more This essay will highlight the vibrant intellectual history of Islamic education and its impact across the world, as there is a significant lack of historical research on Islamic educational traditions. First, through an analysis of the foundational theories and virtues of the attainment of knowledge, the cosmopolitan character of early Islamic knowledge and its holistic pedagogies become evident. Further, the critical evaluation of the role and impact of Islamic Lastly, examining the interaction between Islamic education systems and non-Islamic education systems sheds light on the contemporary challenges to Islamic approaches that threaten its continuance.
Uploads
Drafts by Rada Abdo