Afkar: Jurnal Akidah dan Pemikiran Islam

Development of Palliative Care Holistic Manual Guidelines Based on Islamic Psychospirituality

Hasimah Chik — 2025-06-30

Palliative care is an approach that aims to improve the quality of life for patients and their families facing problems related to life-threatening illnesses. This article aims to study the expert consensus on the necessary elements that should form part of the manual guideline of care for palliative patients from an Islamic perspective. A discussion is outlined on the application of Islamic psychospiritual knowledge in building patient resilience to improve their quality of life. The methodology applied in this research was a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches, utilising the design and development research (DDR) approach by Richey and Klein. Literature study was used to develop the Islamic Psychospiritual manual for holistic care. The research began with the first phase, known as need analysis, which involved administering a questionnaire to assess the need for this manual among patients and caregivers. The second phase involved manual development through expert discussion, and a set of questionnaires was subsequently administered to experts to test the usability of the manual for the third phase of DDR. The results of the study were analysed using the Fuzzy Delphi Method. The findings demonstrate that all items listed as elements of healthcare needs-namely, physical, psychological, spiritual, emotional, social, and logistical-are accepted and essential for improving patient endurance. The results of this study provide relevant information and guidelines in the manual for health service providers and parties involved in caregiving, aiming to optimise aspects of care for patients. In addition, the results of this study can provide information to non-governmental organisations in the provision of social volunteer services to help patients deal with the difficulties of health challenges. This study highlights the importance of holistic care in enhancing the quality of life for patients. The manual guidelines that have been developed can be used by all categories of caregivers to improve the quality of life. This manual was included with the guidelines highlighted by Islam regarding faith, worship, and akhlaq during times of pain and struggle to achieve well-being in life.

Investigating the Phenomenological Scientific Methodology in the Comparative Study of Religion: An Islamic Perspective

Mohamed Ashath Mohamed Shafeen — 2025-06-30

This paper aims to investigate the phenomenological scientific methodology in the study of religion, to ascertain its origin, development, and application from an Islamic perspective. Its goal is to identify the methods used in the study of religion by phenomenologists and then analyse them in the light of Islam, its sources, and the writings of selected Muslim scholars. The study employs both descriptive and analytical methods. The focus of discussion is on (1) the phenomenology of religion, its genesis and meaning; (2) the key characteristics of phenomenological scientific methodology in the study of religion; and (3) analyzing its two key concepts, i.e., the epoché and the eidetic vision from the Islamic point of view. It is argued that studying phenomenological techniques from an Islamic perspective enables researchers to recognise both the negative and positive aspects of the methodology and to understand this area of study more effectively when conducting religious studies. This paper concludes that, although there are strong refutations against the phenomenological scientific methodology of comparative religious studies from an Islamic perspective, it also has an acceptable level.

Reinterpreting the Islamic Sufi Calendar: The Science of Letters in the Hijri Calendar between Ṭarīqah Qādiriyah and Ṭarīqah Qādiriyah Naqshbandiyah

Waryani Fajar Riyanto — 2025-06-30

There are twelve names of the months in the Islamic Hijrī Calendar, i.e., Muḥarram, Ṣafar, Rabī‘ al-Awwal, Rabī‘ al-Ākhir, Jumād al-Ūlā, Jumād al-Ākhir, Rajab, Sha‘bān, Ramaḍān, Syawwāl, Dhū al-Qai’dah, and Dhū al-Ḥijjah. Although this is an exhaustively discussed topic, it is quite rare to analyze it using the perspective of the Science of Letters (‘Ilm al-Ḥurūfī). Two reputable Sufi ṭarīqah that interpreted the meanings in Sufism of every letter composing the names of the Hijrī months are Ṭarīqah Qādiriyah (TQ) and Ṭarīqah Qādiriyah Naqshbandiyah (TQN), respectively represented by Shaykh ‘Abd al-Qādir al-Jīlānī (Jīlānī) and Muḥammad ‘Abd al-Gaos Sayfullāh Maslūl (Gaos). In light of this, the current paper discusses the comparison between TQ and TQN by exploring Jīlānī and Gaos’ thoughts on the Science of Letters in the Hijrī Calendar. This article employed a qualitative approach and utilised original data sources from the treatises of Jīlānī, titled al-Ghunyah, and from Gaos, titled Faḍā’il al-Shuhūr. This study is distinctive as four methods were used in its analyses, i.e., comparison, the Science of Letters (‘Ilm al-Ḥurūfī), mystical trio relations (Allāh-Muḥammad-Mu’min/Rajab-Sha‘bān-Ramaḍān), and triangulation of experts in Sufi thoughts. This article proposes an Islamic Sufi Calendar based on the Science of Letters in the Hijrī Calendar. The findings of this study have implications for a deeper understanding of the Sufi meanings behind the names of Hijrī months.

Historical and Spiritual Manifestations of Mawlud Celebrations in The Republic of Kosovo

Islam Hasani — 2025-06-30

The spiritual heritage and ethno-cultural richness of Kosovo are both deep and diverse, manifested through various layers of tradition and practice. Among these is the long-standing tradition of celebrating Mawlud, the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This practice, which has been present in the region for generations, is distinguished by unique characteristics and cultural expressions that hold significant value for the spiritual life of the Muslim community in Kosovo. The historical development, features, and specific forms of Mawlud celebrations, such as the recitation of poetry and singing about the life of the Prophet (PBUH), have played a vital role in preserving Islamic identity and transmitting religious teachings, particularly during the communist period when religious expression was restricted. This article analyses how Mawlud has been organised and celebrated, highlighting its importance in sustaining Islamic culture and community life. The research methodology is primarily based on empirical fieldwork and library research. Interviews were conducted with imams and elder community members who have witnessed or participated in Mawlud traditions. In addition to oral sources, the study draws upon published literature by reputable scholars and examines original vakifnames (or waqfiyyahs), some of the oldest surviving manuscript documents from the 16th century.

The Integration of Science and Religion: Analysing Research Paradigms in Indonesian State Islamic Universities through a Lakatosian Lens

Mohammad Muslih — 2025-06-30

Practical questions may arise regarding the feasibility of conducting research using the Islamic paradigm. However, within Indonesian State Islamic universities (UIN), particularly those established by the government, numerous questions have already been answered. The fundamental concept of the ‘integration of science and religion’ has been successfully implemented for several years in numerous UINs. Several scholarly works have emerged from this conventional paradigm. This article aims to improve the comprehension of research articles published by the UIN Bandung, known as UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung. The qualitative study focuses on select works that employ this paradigm as subjects of analysis. The study design employs a literary-survey methodology, including classified lecture articles, which are subsequently examined from a Lakatosian philosophical perspective on scientific paradigms. The findings reveal that some research articles can be categorised based on their methodological coherence, aligning with the Islamic paradigm, which is denominated as the integration of science and religion. Regardless of the strict correspondence percentage with the Lakatosian paradigm, the results can be classified as follows: 1) auxiliary hypotheses, 2) justification and 3) quasi-scientific integration. Further insights indicate that the Wahyu Memandu Ilmu (WMI), hereinafter called ‘Revelation Guiding Science’ paradigm, is an evolution of the integration–interconnection concept initiated by M. Amin Abdullah.

The Role of Emotion and Spirituality in Counselling Sessions: The Islamic Perspective

Nurshahira Ibrahim — 2025-06-30

Emotional intelligence and spiritual intelligence are a combination of constructs that are important in conducting counselling sessions. However, this implementation receives less attention from counsellors and clients. This study was conducted to assess the relationship between emotional intelligence (self-awareness, emotional regulation, self-motivation, social awareness, social skills, and emotional receptivity) and spiritual intelligence at one of the counselling agencies in Malaysia. A total of 200 counselling clients responded to the questionnaire, and SmartPLS analysis was employed to test the study's hypothesis. The results revealed some significant findings. First, a positive but insignificant relationship exists between self-awareness and spiritual intelligence. Second, a positive and significant relationship exists between emotional regulation and spiritual intelligence. Third, a positive and significant relationship exists between self-motivation and spiritual intelligence. Fourth, a positive and significant relationship exists between social awareness and spiritual intelligence. Fifth, a positive but insignificant relationship exists between social skills and spiritual intelligence. Sixth, a positive and significant relationship exists between emotional receptivity and spiritual intelligence. This study confirms that emotional intelligence is a crucial factor in the development of spiritual intelligence. The findings of this study can assist practitioners in understanding the diverse perspectives on the construction of emotional intelligence, guiding counselling sessions to help achieve and maintain the emotional well-being of clients. Nevertheless, for future research recommendations, scholars are encouraged to conduct a more comprehensive assessment of spiritual elements in relation to emotional intelligence within counselling sessions.

The Qur’anic Concept of Mīthāq in the Critique of Modernity: A Comparative Study of Al-Attas and Taha Abdurrahman

Ihwan Agustono — 2025-06-30

Modernity is a fundamental issue in contemporary Islamic thought, particularly due to its secular and rationalist nature that stands in contrast to the metaphysical foundations of Islam. Originating from Western post-Renaissance civilisation, modernity introduces a worldview that marginalises transcendent values and promotes the separation between religion and public life. This article aims to comparatively analyse the critical responses of two prominent Muslim thinkers, Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas and Taha Abdurrahman, to Western modernity, with particular emphasis on the concept of mīthāq (primordial covenant) as an ontological and ethical foundation for Islamic civilisation. Employing a qualitative method and discourse analysis of their primary texts, this study finds that although both scholars agree on the metaphysical disorientation of modernity and its consequences for moral and epistemological crises, they differ in their approaches. Abdurrahman proposes an ethical paradigm rooted in qalb, while al-Attas advocates for the Islamisation of knowledge based on revelation. Both thinkers ground their critiques in the awareness of mīthāq as a spiritual bond between human beings and God, which forms the basis for ethics, knowledge, and social order in Islam. Thus, their critiques of modernity are not merely socio-political but constitute a metaphysical reconstruction that reorients human responsibility toward the divine order.

Reassessing The Translation of Anthropomorphic Verses in The Quran by N. J. Dawood: A Critical and Comparative Analysis

Mohd Zulfahmi Mohamad — 2025-06-30

This study critically examines the translation of anthropomorphic verses in the Quran by N. J. Dawood, a Jewish Orientalist whose widely distributed English version, The Koran, has attracted attention for its theological implications. Grounded in the Islamic doctrine of tanzīh, which emphasises the absolute transcendence and incomparability of God, the study analyses 31 Quranic verses that contain anthropomorphic expressions. Through comparative textual analysis, Dawood’s interpretations are evaluated against those of two Muslim translators, namely, The Noble Quran by Muhammad Taqi al-Din al-Hilali and Muhsin Khan, representing the Salaf tradition, and The Quran: A New Translation by M. A. S. Abdel Haleem, which aligns with Ashʿarite theology. The findings reveal that Dawood’s renderings often lack theological consistency, with lexical substitutions, inconsistent capitalisation of divine references, and interpretive choices that introduce anthropomorphic imagery. In several instances, his translations are further influenced by Judeo-Christian narrative parallels, leading to doctrinal misrepresentations. The study argues that Dawood’s omission of classical Islamic sources such as tafsīr and ḥadīth literature results in theological distortions. It concludes that translations of Quranic verses involving divine attributes must be grounded in traditional Islamic hermeneutics to ensure linguistic integrity and preserve the foundational tenets of Islamic theology.

Religious Pluralism in Indonesia: A Critical Analysis of Indonesian Muslim Interpretations

Muhammad — 2025-06-30

Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world and is home to a rich diversity of cultures and religions. The country, as stated in its constitution, recognises five religions and one belief system. Consequently, themes of tolerance, moderation, and religious pluralism are of great interest not only to Indonesian scholars but also to those from abroad. Indonesian Muslim scholars hold diverse perspectives on the concept of religious pluralism. Some interpret it as an expression of tolerance and peaceful coexistence. In contrast, others adopt a more controversial view, asserting that all religions are equally valid and that no single truth is absolute. Proponents of this latter interpretation often cite Quranic verses that they claim recognise the legitimacy of all religions, not solely Islam, as conveyed through the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This article critically examines the arguments presented by proponents of religious pluralism in Indonesia, with a focus on the Quranic verses they frequently cite. Employing a method of descriptive criticism, the analysis reveals that these interpretations are often based on misunderstandings and misreadings of the verses in question. It further suggests that their readings are frequently shaped by external influences such as political agendas, personal interests, the pursuit of public recognition, and alignment with large-scale ideological projects. A key issue lies in their predominantly textual and Western-influenced approach, which lacks methodological innovation and fails to engage deeply with the exegetical tradition. Additionally, significant errors are found in their use of supporting concepts, such as their invocation of sunnatullāh to explain human diversity, and their interpretation of the term al-Islām in the Qur’an.

Integrating Emotional and Spiritual Quotient (ESQ) with Prophetic Values in Human Resource Development

Afiful Ikhwan — 2025-06-30

This study aims to analyse the application of prophetic values in human resource development based on Emotional and Spiritual Quotient (ESQ), with the goal of fostering a culture of integrity within Indonesian Islamic educational institutions. Employing an interpretive paradigm and a qualitative case study approach, the research was conducted purposively at a madrasah ‘āliyah (Islamic senior high school). Data were collected through in-depth interviews to explore the conceptualisation and implementation of prophetic values in the context of human resource development. The findings reveal four key processes: (1) understanding and internalising the ethical principles of educators; (2) human resource development through the assessment of social needs, structured coaching programs, expert-led workshops, ESQ evaluation, and performance enhancement of team members; (3) cultivating a culture of commitment, values, and integrity to support a productive and value-based work environment; and (4) conducting training and coaching to enhance competencies, transform paradigms, and promote a worship-oriented (mu‘āmalah) approach to professional duties, aimed at building resilient educational institutions capable of responding to global challenges. This study contributes to the development of prophetic-based human resource strategies by emphasising innovation in coaching practices grounded in fairness, transparency, faith, and accountability.

The Question of Intelligence in the Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence

Khalif Muammar A. Harris — 2025-06-30

For more than seven decades, the question of whether it is possible to create intelligent machines has become the central debate in the philosophy of Artificial Intelligence. Many AI researchers, such as Simon and Newell (1958), McCarthy (1978), believe that it is possible to create thinking machines. This view apparently is the mainstream in today’s discourse of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). This study extends the criticisms put forward by Dreyfus (1965), Searle (1980) and Chomsky (2012), who rejected the possibility of creating thinking and conscious machines. The main questions about the definition of intelligence and intellect are expounded especially from the perspective of Islamic tradition. The limitations of modern Western knowledge on the intellect and the reductionist tendency of Western scientists who limit the human mind to physical neurons have brought about confusion on the possibility of modern technology to create machines that are smarter than the smartest human being. To deliberate on this matter, the author refers to the works of scholars in the fields of philosophy and religion who have dealt with the question of human intelligence, culminating in an in-depth account by Muslim philosophers such as al-Ghazali (1058-1111) and al-Attas (born 1931) regarding the nature of human intellect and of knowledge.

Panduan Kunjungan ke Rumah Ibadat Bukan Islam oleh Masyarakat Muslim di Malaysia: Tinjauan Perspektif Akidah-Perbandingan Agama, Fiqh dan Undang-Undang

Khadijah Mohd Khambali @ Hambali — 2025-06-30

This paper examines the issue of Muslim visits to non-Muslim places of worship within the context of Malaysia’s pluralistic society. While the academic discipline of Comparative Religion plays a significant role in promoting interfaith understanding, the implementation of such visits must be carefully scrutinized from various angles, including Islamic creed (ʿaqīdah), religious study, jurisprudence (fiqh), legal considerations and local cultural sensitivities. The paper underscores the importance of applying the principle of sadd al-dharā’iʿ (blocking the means to potential harm) to avoid doctrinal confusion and the risk of tashabbuh (imitation of non-Islamic religious rituals), especially when the visits involve members of the public or students who may lack adequate guidance. In this regard, the presence of qualified experts in ʿaqīdah, fiqh, and Comparative Religion is essential to ensure that Islamic legal boundaries are respected and that the intended message of harmony is conveyed accurately. Furthermore, the paper proposes clear guidelines for visits to churches, Hindu temples, Buddhist and Taoist temples and gurdwaras, as a preliminary step towards more cautious and structured implementation. It concludes by urging state religious authorities to take proactive measures by initiating dialogues with relevant stakeholders to develop a comprehensive framework that preserves the integrity of Islamic belief while fostering interfaith understanding and coexistence in Malaysia.

Penerapan Nilai dan Adab dalam Manuskrip Melayu-Islam: Suatu Analisis Terhadap MSS 4291(A) Tahdhir Al-Walad

Mohd Anuar Mamat — 2025-06-30

During the era of manuscript writing in the Malay Archipelago from the 16th to the 19th century, various texts were produced by Malay scholars. This is evidenced by the discovery of various Malay manuscripts in all aspects of knowledge. Among the unique features of the works produced, particularly the manuscripts in sastera kitab genre, the writings that are based on values and aim to instil good manners (adab) to the readers. The production of works like this is extensive, not only in prose form but also in other forms, such as poetry, syair (traditional Malay poetry), and nazam (a type of poetic recitation). Therefore, this article will discuss the implementation of values and manners in one of the Malay-Islamic manuscripts from the National Library of Malaysia's collection, MSS 4291(A), entitled Taḥdhīr al-Walad. This manuscript is written in the form of poetry that contains explanations about the core values and manners that should be instilled in students and society. It is written using the Arabic language and accompanied by interlinear translations to facilitate understanding for new students and readers. This article applied manuscript studies methods, including codicological analysis to examine the physical aspects and historical background of the manuscript, as well as philological analysis to transliterate the text from Arabic and Jawi script to Roman script. Content analysis is then used to explore the key values and the application of manners in the poetic text of Taḥdhīr al-Walad. Through the study of the manuscript and textual analysis, the aim is to highlight the values and manners embodied in Malay-Islamic manuscripts, specifically in the form of poetry and syair, and to make these values accessible and applicable to contemporary society.

Jadhr al-Aṣam Menurut al-Khafrī: Terjemahan Risālah ‘Ibrah al-Fuḍalā’ fī Ḥall Shubhah Jadhr al-Aṣam dan Analisis Kritikannya Terhadap al-Dawwānī

Muhammad Amzar Hanif Mohd Zaidi — 2025-06-30

Jadhr al-Aṣam (Liar Paradox) is not a foreign issue among Islamic scholars, particularly the mutakallimūn and manāṭiqah of the past, who examined this paradox in depth, not only by exploring its formulations and implications but also by proposing solutions and evaluating their impact on the discourse of kalām and logic. One such scholar, Shams al-Dīn Muḥammad al-Khafrī, a logician and polymath, addressed this centuries-old paradox in his writings. His rejection of the solutions proposed by Jalāl al-Dīn al-Dawwānī warrants further investigation to derive insights from both thinkers, particularly for developing a new framework for understanding logic (manṭiq) and critical thinking in the Malaysian context. This study aims to identify al-Dawwānī’s proposed solutions, summarise al-Khafrī’s critiques, and analyse the arguments presented by both scholars. It also includes a translation and brief analysis of Risālah ʿIbrah al-Fuḍalāʾ fī Ḥall Shubhah Jadhr al-Aṣam by Shams al-Dīn al-Khafrī. In this treatise, al-Khafrī questions the ontological status of Jadhr al-Aṣam, examines the nature of self-referential statements, and asserts that the paradox remains a khabar (declarative statement) rather than an inshāʾ (performative utterance). The methodology employed involves collecting data and conducting content analysis of the relevant classical texts.

أهمية العامل الروحي ودوره في المشروع الحضاري للمفكر مالك بن نبي

Anmar al-Hashimi — 2025-06-30

The Islamic thinker Malek Bennabi (1905–1973) proposed a comprehensive civilizational project for the Islamic Ummah, aiming to halt its decline, revive its vitality, and elevate it from its setbacks, ultimately paving the way for its renaissance and reestablishing its position among advanced nations. A key pillar of this project was the concept of the effective civilizational individual, with Bennabi emphasising education, self-reform, and moral development as essential paths to cultivating such individuals. To complete his vision, Bennabi underscored the importance of the spiritual factor in both the genesis and sustainability of civilisations, considering it a foundational element alongside the intellectual factor. He observed that the spiritual factor had unified the desert Arabs and forged the cohesion of the Islamic Ummah. In contrast, the decline of this spiritual dimension was, in his view, a significant cause of the Ummah’s stagnation and regression. However, despite his strong emphasis on the spiritual factor within the collective civilizational framework, Bennabi did not devote equal attention to the spiritual development of the individual. Accordingly, this study seeks to illuminate the role of the spiritual factor in Bennabi’s civilizational thought, investigate the reasons for his limited focus on the individual’s spiritual reformation, and explore the foundational concepts and methodologies for addressing this dimension.