Ittesaal – Journal of Connecting Discourses
Ittesaal – Journal of Connecting Discourses is an open access,, English-language, bi-annual scholarly journal dedicated to advancing intellectual dialogues within the Social Sciences and Humanities. With a particular emphasis on religion—especially Islam—the journal explores how social, political, and cultural dynamics intersect with religious thought and practices. It provides a global platform for scholarship on diverse topics including Islamic civilization, sociology of religion, Muslim societies and cultures, religious pluralism, peace and conflict studies, postcolonial perspectives, and historical inquiries into Islam and religious communities. Upholding high ethical and academic standards, Ittesaal seeks to revive and enrich scholarly discourse on Islamic civilization by integrating multifaceted perspectives from both the Muslim world and the West.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work’s authorship and initial publication in this journal.
The Future of E-Learning in Global Education: Digital Equity or Digital Divide Through World Cultural Approaches
E-learning has emerged as a global trend that could unite nations and borders as a global culture under a single narrative of education. Online learning has both positive and negative impacts on the world’s education in particular and socio-economic systems in general. The study aims to chart the future of e-learning by examining a crucial question: Does e-learning promote digital equity, or does it exacerbate the digital divide? In this context, the current article will assess the validity of e-learning's claims to ensure digital equity—defined as universal access to digital resources, while also considering the impact of online learning on underdeveloped countries, which has contributed to the digital divide, characterized by unequal access to ICT worldwide. The study will incorporate World Culture Theory to further elucidate our claims, since globalization in culture takes keen interest in global education. Together they connect major sociological frameworks with digital education that illustrate how global modules of knowledge and institutions spread across countries. The first section of this research paper includes a brief history of e-learning and the rationale behind applying World Culture Theory, followed by for and against arguments from digital equity and digital divide. In its concluding section, the study aims to construct a comprehensive narrative that addresses the intersection of digital equity and the digital divide in education, with the potential to transform educational practices.
Copyright (c) 2026 Shama Naz https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Algorithmic Islam and the Transformation of Islamic Authority in the Digital Age
The rapid development of digital media ecosystems has significantly changed the composition, production, and scattering of the Islamic religious authority. Traditional power structures that rely on education, lineage, and mastery of classical work are increasingly merging with the algorithmic visibility, platform logic, and performance metrics of the digital age. This article aims to critically examine how Islamic authority is being reshaped in digital environments and the impact of social media platforms on religious legitimacy, interpretive authority, and community identity. The paper identifies the key structural transformations, including the emergence of micro-celebrity preachers, decentralization of judicial authority, monetization of religious information, and sorting the ummah by algorithms, which are based on a qualitative thematic analysis of the recent scholarly publications and selected examples of digital da’wah, distribution of fatwas online, and algorithmic mediation. The results suggest that religious discourse is not merely housed within digital infrastructures; rather, it is shaped and altered by them. This interaction leads to the emergence of new hybrid forms of authority, which arise from the fusion of theological and digital capital. Additionally, the article states that the modern Islamic power is becoming more and more bargained at the crossroads of knowledge, visibility, measure of engagement, and platform regulation, which continues to require the theory of the religious power to be reconstructed in the era of digital mediation.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dody Sulistio https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Humanitarian and Political Responses to the Rohingya Refugee Crisis and Their Effects on Bilateral Relations: A Comparative Study of Bangladesh and India
The current research examines the multifaceted Muslim Rohingya refugee crisis and its implications for Bangladesh and India relations. The crisis, originating from systemic persecution in Myanmar, has resulted in a significant influx of the Muslim minority that gave rise to the Rohingya refugees’ crisis Bangladesh, straining its resources and raising security concerns. Bangladesh's humanitarian response contrasts with India's more cautious approach, emphasizing national security and immigration control. Thus, this study analyzes the humanitarian, security, and political dimensions of both countries' responses, exploring their impact on bilateral relations. Additionally, this paper discusses cross-border challenges and the role of the international community and offers policy recommendations for improving refugee management and cooperation. The findings suggest that, while there are areas of cooperation between Bangladesh and India, significant challenges remain, necessitating ongoing diplomatic engagement and international support to foster regional political relations and achieve a sustainable resolution to the crisis.
Copyright (c) 2026 A.B.M.Nurul Absar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Islamic Theodicy Vs Existential Absurdity: A Literary-Discursive Study of Suffering and Divine Silence in Contemporary Fiction
The question of suffering and the divine silence has long been perceived as a central concern in both theological and modern literature. This study aims to explore the abiding connection of both Islamic theodicy, which highlights suffering within a divine moral order, and existential absurdity that views suffering as primary evidence of an indifferent universe. Thus, this research incorporates a literary-discursive approach to examine how contemporary fiction in modern literature negotiates with the contrasting paradigms of human suffering, silence, and faith. Furthermore, this article draws upon the Islamic theological perspectives of suffering, patience (sabr), and divine wisdom that juxtapose with existentialist interpretations and absurdity as the divine perceived intervention. Through close textual analysis of selected contemporary fiction, the research investigates how characters confront trauma, silence, suffering, and injustice while grappling with questions of divine justice and silence. The study further argues that modern literature is a discursive space where modern and theological frameworks intersect, presenting a mutually inclusive space for characters that reimagined divine justice and existential absurdity. They not only offered a nuanced insight into human research for meaning through suffering and hardships, but they also redefined faith, skepticism, and moral resilience.
Copyright (c) 2026 Aiman Kamran, Sami Al Kamel Mohammed Barkah, Mohd Aderi bin Che Noh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Islam in the Age of Globalization: Diaspora, Identity Formation, and Cultural Negotiation
The current research is a systematic review of how globalization has influenced the construction of religious, cultural, and social identities within Muslim diaspora communities. With a narrow scope of literature published in the past 10-25 years, the research is a synthesis of the evidence on the topic of transnationalism, hybridity, and identity negotiation in multicultural and secular host societies. It is seen that Muslim identities within the diaspora are dynamic and constantly negotiated, as there are two forces at work: to maintain the religious tradition and to conform to the secular standards. The study highlighted that some of the themes are contributively connected to transnational networks in preserving cultural continuity, especially amongst the younger generations, and the great difficulties of Islamophobia and political marginalization, considering the hybrid nature of identities. Additionally, the analysis showcased that identity development is not a passive process but an active, dynamic negotiation, which is based on religious adaptation, cultural conservation, and is a reaction to the external socio-political pressures. The review is relevant to the bigger debates about Islam and globalization by pointing to the ambiguities of the diasporic identity and the possible future research directions, such as comparing the experiences of second-generation Muslims and the ultimate impacts of discrimination on religious identity.
Copyright (c) 2026 Umer Abdullah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
From Interfaith Contact to Support for Coexistence: The Mediating Role of Islamic Pluralism Orientation
Religious diversity makes interfaith encounters routine in many societies, yet the mechanisms linking such contact to peace-supportive civic orientations remain unclear. This study examines whether the quantity and quality of interfaith contact are associated with peace building orientation/support for coexistence, indirectly through Islamic pluralism orientation, defined as an identity-compatible endorsement of equal civic respect and cooperative coexistence. Using survey data from 220 Muslim adults in Pakistan, confirmatory factor analysis supported the distinctiveness of key constructs. Structural equation modelling showed that both contact quantity and, more strongly, contact quality were positively associated with Islamic pluralism orientation, which in turn was positively associated with peace building orientation. Bootstrapped indirect effects indicated that pluralism orientation statistically accounted for the association between contact (quantity and quality) and peace building orientation. Findings are interpreted as indirect association patterns rather than causal mediation. Overall, results highlight an identity-compatible pluralism orientation as a theoretically grounded pathway through which everyday interfaith contact, especially high-quality contact, relates to civic support for coexistence.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sidra Farhan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Decoding Artificial Intelligence – Why You Should Know How AI Works, Book Review of Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT and the Race That Will Change the World
The journey of the conception, development and eventual takeover of AI by the world’s tech giants has been deeply researched and encapsulated in this riveting account of the most profound technological breakthrough in living memory. From the vision and ambition of Altman and Hassabis, the CEOS of OpenAI and DeepMind respectively, to the complexities of corporate power and success, “Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT and the Race That Will Change the World,” brings into focus how AI functions, and more importantly, how it has been incorporated into every aspect of our lives without a transparent analysis of the threats posed by its unethical use or built-in flaws such as those emanating from bias. This book is not meant for tech enthusiasts alone; it caters to any reader who is interested in understanding and being prepared for the changes shaping the world around us.
Copyright (c) 2026 Arjmand Zahra https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Path from Inner Transformation to Civilizational Rebirth: An Integrated Vision of Revival in the Thought of Muhammad Iqbal and Malek Bennabi
Muslim world are facing multifaceted challenges in the twenty-first century. Among these challenges of the modern era, the decline of Muslim civilization and loss of Muslim identity are of the primordial focus of contemporary Muslim intellectuals. Among the leading thinkers, Muhammad Iqbal (1877-1938) and Malek Bennabi (1905-1973) are two eminent scholars of 20th century who not only analyzed this problem, but also offered a solution to revive Muslim ummah. Although both thinkers emerged from different socio-political settings, they realized that the cause of Muslim decadence is not rooted in political subjugation alone rather the real cause lies in their spiritual, moral and intellectual demise. The current study will explore their approaches to civilizational revival in first two sections__ with Iqbal focusing on reconstructing religious thought and the concept of Selfhood (Khudi); and Bennabi focusing on the revival of ideas and the termination of colinizability. Whereas, the last two sections will be comprised of comparative analysis and concluding remarks to ascertain that both intellectuals (if put together) can help pave a path leading from inner transformation to civilizational rebirth in order to attain authentic Islamic renaissance. Their complementary paradigms integrate moral-spiritual regeneration and socio-intellectual reconstruction that is relevant for Muslim world in the current era.
Copyright (c) 2025 Chafika Saadi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Power of Artificial Intelligence in Education: A World of Possibilities and Potential Concerns under the Lens of Human Capital Theory
With the advent of industrialization and technological advances, the world could no longer be understood within country boundaries. The interconnectivity of ideals, cultures and religion that has emerged through the exchange of trade, commerce, communication and Enlightened ideals gave birth to globalization. The impact of globalization is multi-dimensional that can be felt over every domain and aspect of life ranging from socio-culture to economy, religion to ideologies etc. Individual lives and society is being reshaped or recreated by this wave of change. In order to comprehend the concept of globalization, scholars have contributed in developing theories and approaches that may enable society towards a global culture. Among myriads of these approaches, ‘globalization as competition’ garnered much research and debate. The current study is focused on the theoretical approach of Human Capital Theory (HCT); and its global trend ‘Artificial Intelligence’ (AI). The aim of this paper is to re-conceptualize globalization responsibly by emphasizing on the question whether AI is a hope for a benevolent future or is it a threat to education on global level. After critically analyzing the significance and impact of HCT on education, the next section of this paper will briefly introduce AI within educational context. Furthermore, it will explore the unlimited new possibilities for global education. The third section will relate AI to competitive global theory, drawing implications from HCT within the context of education. Based on the implications of previous two sections, the fourth section will examine the potential dangers of AI-driven-education in the near future. Lastly, we will conclude the study by speculating the multifaceted role of AI, its challenges and implications in education respectively.
Copyright (c) 2025 Bukhatawar Khan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Seerah Paradigm of Emotional Intelligence: Prophetic Ways of Knowing and Being
Emotional intelligence is the capacity to understand one’s emotions, skills, and thoughts. In psychology and organizational management, studying one’s own, others’, or groups’ emotions has become a cornerstone. This article examines emotional intelligence through a prophetic model guided by the teachings and practices of Seerah literature. To illustrate the core principles of emotional intelligence, the study is built on an integrated model that considers classical Islamic teachings of the Prophet Muhammad as Seerah, along with a contemporary emotional intelligence (EI) and leadership framework. By adopting a comparative approach, this study is guided by an interdisciplinary analysis that draws on Islamic studies, organisational behaviour and management, and psychology. The study identified self-awareness, self-regulation, and empathy as religiously governed skills that are deeply embedded in Islamic ethics and moral values. The findings present a comparative discourse analysis that discusses how the prophetic model is exemplified through effective leadership, emotional intelligence, and behavior. Contemporary applications of emotional intelligence (EI) are explored along with effective leadership to show compassionate leadership with an integrated model of emotional intelligence principles and Islamic teachings. The study intended to highlight five key components of EI: religious, psychological, ethical, leadership, and divine laws. In line with the Qur’ānic verses, it suggests that EI skills can be helpful to look at Seerah and the Prophetic model as a direction to achieve guidance in all aspects.
Copyright (c) 2025 Tajuddin Sanni https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Contribution of Jürgen Habermas in Contrast to the First Generation of Frankfurt School of Thought
Initial generation of Frankfurt School of Thought put forth social critique of modernity and capitalism and how they justify their supremacy over nations and people. Max Horkheimer, Herbert Marcuse, Theodor W. Adorno, Erich Fromm, and Walter Benjamin are chief proponents of this theory. It is noteworthy how this movement started in Germany during WWII and spreads around the world in 1930s. Conflict theorists interpreted various philosophers’ ideas, especially those of, Karl Marx, Hegel, and Sigmund Freud etc. They dismissed rationality because it can lead to violence and barbarianism if logically justified. The mythological battle of troy, the horrors of holocaust are all examples of how rationality is capable of mass destruction. By 1970s another generation, started by Jürgen Habermas, initiated the dialogue between continental and analytics tradition. Contrary to the first generation, he did not believe in pessimist understanding of reason and tried to re-establish it without falling in the pit of objectivism. The foremost section is based on a brief biography of Jürgen Habermas. The later section of the paper enumerates a comparative analysis to see how Habermas perspective on modernity and rationality are different from the first generation of Frankfurt school of thought. The third and fourth section was reserved for the detailed discussion and critique of his ideas. Lastly, the paper asserted as to whether Habermas relevance in the 21st century outweighs his predecessors or not.
Copyright (c) 2025 Khawaja Muhammad Umar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Tripartite Framework for Disciplining Children: Integrating Ibn Miskawaih, Al-Ghazālī and Modern Psychological Thought
In contemporary context of ever-increasing concerns like mental-health and moral confusion regarding how to upbring children; it is rather becoming difficult to provide a single solution. This is probably because of globalization, rapid change in educational systems, technological and digital era; new challenges are being faced by the millennials parents and mentors that were never faced prior to Gen Z, Gen. Alpha and Gen. Beta. In spite of several ethical debates on parenting style, I believe that a single approach won’t provide a feasible solution, so in this paper we are going to use tripartite framework. By integrating the rational ethics of Ibn Miskawaih, spiritual guidance of Al-Ghazālī and modern psychological theories we can develop a balanced model for disciplining children of both current and future generations. A model that respects children dignity, nurture their character; and prepares them for success in both this world and hereafter (i.e. meeting both its worldly and spiritual needs). The current paper is divided into 5 sections: (1) introduction to importance of disciplining children techniques for present and future generations in changing times; (2) and (3) shall focus on Ibn Miskawaih and Al-Ghazālī perspectives on children upbringing; section (4) will focus on modern psychological theories to discipline children and raise them to be responsible moral individuals. Lastly, the paper will analyse contemporary relevance of tripartite model and its role in the emotional regulation of children followed by concluding remarks.
Copyright (c) 2025 Monis Abdul Majid https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Maulavi Chiragh Ali on Islamic Law (Sharī‘ah) and War (Jihād): A Defensive Modernist Reformist Project
Maulavi Chiragh Ali was a leading sub-continent modernist reformist thinker of late 19th century. He was a contemporary of Sir Sayed Ahmad Khan and was associated with the Aligarh Movement in colonial India. His literary projects revolve around reinterpreting Islam in the light of rationality and modernity_ a much-needed endeavor at his time. This descriptive paper will shed light on two of his important discourses, i.e., on Islamic Law (Sharī‘ah) and Concept of war (Jihād). The paper applies a discourse analysis to examine the dynamics of Chiragh Ali major themes and arguments developed in accordance with the social, cultural, political, historical and intellectual contexts of the colonial rule eminent in South Asia. The methodology of this paper employs qualitative historical analysis, so the first section is prelude to the historical and political setting in which Chiragh Ali developed his thought. The next two sections are reserved for thorough discussion of his discourses on Islamic law and the concept of war. The fourth section of this paper will analyze the strength and weaknesses of his thought. The last section has been focused on modern-day relevance of Maulavi Chiragh Ali in 21st century for Muslims to combat Islamophobia and virtuous war against Islam on a global level.
Copyright (c) 2025 Farman Ali https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Prophethood in Translation Through an Occidental Lens: Rewriting Seerah as Seen in The West Across Centuries
The Islamic world has long been the subject of attention for Western scholars, often perpetuating stereotypes and misconceptions about the Islamic world. However, in the contemporary era, these scholars have tended to look at various perspectives and analytical frameworks to study Seerah. Western scholars have devoted considerable scholarly attention to the Prophet Muhammad, examining his profound presence in historical and theological contexts. Therefore, the current study addresses a critical gap by examining the polemical theological portrayals of Prophet Muhammad in the 17th and 18th centuries as a ‘false prophet, to the 19th century skepticism were Western scholars questioned the life and Seerah of Prophet Muhammad, which holds an enduring significance for the Muslim Ummah in the contemporary spiritual discourse. This research is established through a comprehensive historical analysis based on the shifting trends of Western scholars and their writings from the 16th century onwards. Additionally, various approaches, considering postcolonial, occidental, and theological perspectives and their methodological assumptions, were illustrated based on an extensive review of literature that indicates the Western depiction of polemical tracts and influential writing in modern scholarly works. Thus, the reliance on Western thought situates a framework for a better understanding of Western engagement with life and the Seerah of the Prophet Muhammad to see the occidental view of spiritual discourse in cross-cultural perception.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ashraf Jomah Mohammed Milad https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Impact of Religiosity and Belief in a Just World on the Life Satisfaction of Older People in Indonesia
The current study aims to investigate the relationship between religiosity, belief in a just world, and life satisfaction among older people living either with their families or independently within the region of Indonesia. It was hypothesized that there is a significant relationship between the study variables; furthermore, religiosity and belief in just world may predict life satisfaction in elderly people. Moreover, there is likely to be a significant gender difference in religiosity, belief in a just world (BJW), and life satisfaction (LS) among elderly people. A cross-sectional research design was employed for the study, and a purposive sampling technique was used to select participants living in intact families. Findings revealed that there was a significant positive relationship between personal and general belief in just world, personal belief in just world and life satisfaction; and between general belief in just world and life satisfaction. Furthermore, religiosity and personal belief in just world predicted life satisfaction in elderly people. A significant gender difference was found in personal beliefs in just world among older people. The study has provided meaningful insights to improve the quality of life of individuals in older age when there is almost no one to take care of them.
Copyright (c) 2025 Massuhartono https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Charles Taylor Narrative on Authentic Self Amidst Malaise of Modernity
This book review is of: Taylor, Charles. The Ethics of Authenticity. London, England: Harvard University Press, 2003. Charles Taylor’s The Ethics of Authenticity, is an excellent work till date that has analyzed the malaises of our modern world. His description is systematic and quite easy to follow. It rings with truth and he ensured that this bitter-truth would not sway us completely off the track of modernization. The book is of philosophical genre that can be read by philosophers, religious scholars; and teachers and students who harbor the interest in aforementioned subjects. This academic review includes a detailed chapter-wise summary of ten chapters, analysis, critique and recommendation of the book.
Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Integrating Islamic Teachings into School Counselling: Bridging Spiritual and Educational Guidance
The current study aims to examine the critical role of school counselling for students as an integrated approach that builds on Islamic teachings and Seerah. The study showcases a spiritual dimension of education that can help students develop noble qualities as their character traits. For this, a comprehensive classical perspective on emotional, behavioural, and moral guidance has been explored along with contemporary Western counselling theories. The study employed a qualitative approach drawn from a psychological perspective to present a comparative analysis of Islamic counselling principles. Correspondingly, several case studies, historical examples, and modern theories have been analysed in light of the Qur’ān and Sunnah to demonstrate the traditional and contemporary educational system that lacks practical application of faith and Islamic principles in counselling. Additionally, the findings underscored a strong congruence between Islamic principles and many evidence-based counselling practices, while also highlighting key differences that co-exist in society. The study highlighted that by implementing an integrated approach based on Islamic teachings, school counselling can be regulated through common cultural relevance and student engagement that can ultimately leads to moral development for Muslim students, Thus, it encompasses that such initiatives can be helpful for educationist, policymakers, and counsellors for Islamic curriculum development and institutionalized Islamic teaching.
Copyright (c) 2024 M. Zaki https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Collaboration of Mystic Trends: The Concept of Soul and Love in Platonism and Sufism
The concepts of soul and love have extended roots that date back to the history of mankind. This paper is an endeavor to collaborate two parallel concepts that approached the subject of love and soul from different worldviews: philosophical rationalism verses theological mysticism. In Plato, we find a rational study of metaphysics; while in Islamic mysticism (Sufism), we find an intuitive insight to metaphysics. Yet these parallels reached the same conclusion that love beholds a sacred power that can transform and purify self to seek knowledge or union with the Divine. The purpose of this paper is neither to depict errors or truth nor produce critique about these altering views; but to maintain a foundational belief for the existence of soul and love which were often rendered as meaningless, pseudo and irrational in contemporary thought. Although the nature of these concepts is complex, yet there is a high probability of their existence whether we name it as soul, essence, élan vital, etc. Through comparative analysis of both worldviews, we can prove that soul and love exists even from a rational perspective. The study will start with discussing the historical evidence of mystic trends across religions and cultures; and the origin of the concept of soul. In later sections, our study’s prime focus would be on the concept of soul and love in Platonism and Sufism respectively.
Copyright (c) 2024 Aqsa Abdul Muqeet Khan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Islamic Pluralism and Küng’s Global Ethical Discourse: Toward a “Global-Maqāṣid” Centered Paradigm
This study proposes an integrated framework of religious pluralism, termed as “Global-Maqāṣid Ethic,” that aims to bridge Islamic theological principles in line with Hans Küng’s vision of a Global Ethical discourse. Grounded in comprehensive literature and empirical trends, this study first reviews classical Islamic views on pluralism (e.g. the Medina Charter and jurisprudence on ahl al-kitāb) alongside contemporary Muslim scholars, namely Muhammad Abduh, Fazlur Rahman, and Tariq Ramadan’s vision of pluralism that is reinterpreted in light of modern norms. Additionally, the study builds on faith and its interconnectedness with perspective and interpretations, to which Kung considers a ‘reformation formula’. In parallel, the study develops the concept of interfaith ethical frameworks within Western thought, focusing on John Hick’s pluralistic theology and Küng’s “Declaration toward a Global Ethical discourse.” The study also adopts a comparative textual hermeneutics—examining Qurʾānic verses, Prophetic practices, and Küng’s writings by field analyses of pluralism models across diverse regions. The current findings revealed substantial convergence between Islamic maqāṣid al-sharīʿa (higher objectives of law) and Küng’s universal moral commitments, particularly regarding non-violence, justice, truthfulness, and human dignity. The proposed ‘Global-Maqāṣid’ presents a comprehensive, contextually attuned paradigm for pluralism that is both authentically rooted in Islamic ethics and globally resonant, maintaining an ethical discourse. By harmonising spiritual principles with empirical realities, this framework aims to inform policy, educational initiatives, and interfaith dialogue in pursuit of sustainable coexistence built on shared ethical ground.
Copyright (c) 2024 Mowafg Abrahem Masuwd (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Backlash and Challenges Faced by Pakistani Women who Harbor Interest in STEM Education
The rapid shift in technology after globalization left its impact on every domain including education. In such advanced times, the need to acquire STEM education has become more imperative due to its vast real-world applicability. STEM education refers to acquiring knowledge and learning in the subjects of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Although, STEM education is gaining traction world-wide through a blend of formal, informal, national, and private–sector; but there is still a visible gender disparity in attaining STEM education, specifically for girls. This disparity is even more pronounced in developing and under-developed countries. Due to limited scope of this paper we will narrow down our research to the region of Pakistan. This essay will unveil the challenges that women have to endure if they want to pursue STEM subjects. Secondly, it will examine the factors that contribute in gender disparity while choosing STEM subjects. In addition, the essay aims to seek possible solutions to bridge this gender gap by breaking the stereotypes. Lastly, we shall explore future prospects of STEM education in Pakistani region followed by closing arguments. This study will also enumerate Judith Butler’s theoretical contributions in the second and third sections in comprehending how gender roles are shaped by society and culture in Pakistan. Moreover, the essay will also critically evaluate Butler’s work on the grounds that whether her post-cultural theory is applicable to Pakistani educational System or not.
Copyright (c) 2024 Farhana Iqbal (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Pursuit of Reason and Certainty in Epistemology: A Comparative Study of Abū Ḥāmid al-Ghazālī, René Descartes and Karl Popper
Abū Ḥāmid al-Ghazālī, René Descartes and Karl Popper are towering figures though separated by centuries, traditions and cultures, – the similarities in their skeptical approaches have long intrigued scholars. The trio turned to the method of doubt in the pursuit of certainty in epistemology. Each thinker, faced with the prevalence of error and uncertainty in human beliefs, undertook a profound examination of knowledge, casting into doubt received opinions and the reliability of ordinary cognition. They aimed to secure an indubitable foundation for truth (with the exception of Karl Popper). Yet, the methods they employed, the ultimate resolutions they reached, and the philosophical implications of their skepticism diverge in important ways, reflecting their distinct historical contexts and philosophical goals. The introductory section of the current study will enumerate: 1) al-Ghazali’s journey from skepticism to mystical certainty; 2) Descartes skeptic journey that leads him to seek refuge in rationalist metaphysics. 3) Popper as a modern science philosopher to ascertain knowledge without certainty. The next sections will provide a detailed comparative reflection of Major epistemological themes of the trio. The paper shall conclude by analyzing which epistemological view among the three is most effective in 21st century onwards by contrasting their critiques on epistemology over time.
Transformative Leadership and Institutional Ethics: A Study of Umar’s Caliphate
Transformative leadership refers to a leadership model that not only inspires and motivates but also co-creates a world where every choice, action, and discussion encourages a reflection of how we strive for the shared future to achieve extraordinary outcomes. Likewise, institutional ethics refers to a set of ethical principles and certain moral standards that can be applied at the organizational level so that individuals can act with integrity, fairness, and social responsibility to ensure the institution’s credibility in all its operations. The applicability of these concepts are extensively in business, education, and social and religious leadership models. To investigate the leadership strategies in the early Islamic period, this study examined the Umar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb (RA) leadership strategies, who was the second caliph among the four rightly guided caliphs and whose administrative, governance reforms are studied across the world as leadership model.. His tenure was marked by his revolutionary reforms, strong administration, and other initiatives during his caliphate, especially his people-centred approach to governance. Based on Islamic principles and his utmost devotion to Allah, his leadership combined transformative leadership and institutional ethics, in addition to his strategic military expansion and personal piety. The Farooqian Leadership Model (FLM) suggests an integrated framework of governance that harmonizes aspects of modern statecraft with Islamic ethical standards. Thus, this study explores why FML continues to be considered one of the most powerful and influential figures in Islamic history. This study would explore deep into the period of Umar (RA) caliphate, where military administration and administrative reforms, social, judicial, and religious reforms are part and parcel of Umar’s (RA) caliphate. Moreover, it investigates how FML core principles can be translated into modern contexts. Additionally, this paper highlights the key points of divergence between modern leadership models and FML.
Copyright (c) 2024 Teguh Luhuringbudi (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Environmental Stewardship: A Synthetic Narrative of Western and Islamic Philosophies
Environmental ethic to safeguard environment for future generations is the primordial challenge and a much needed debate faced by humanity today. Generation alpha are born with environmental challenges such as: global warming, scarcity of resources, food chain disruptions and loss of biodiversity etc. It has been proven time and again that the current generation has to reserve resources and conserve environment for generations yet to come. This task is undertaken by both ethics and religion as well. A common debate among environmentalists is regarding environmental stewardship, i.e. whether human beings are stewards (or trustees) on this planet to conserve and nurture its resources. In this paper, we will tend to seek the answer from both Western and Islamic perspectives. The first two sections will focus on this. The aim of this paper is to explore what Islamic and western morality has to say about the ecosystem; and how it enables us to restore the ecological balance on Earth. The last section would analyze and compare both perspectives in the light of plausibility of implementation; it would also preview future prospect for protecting our environment.
Copyright (c) 2024 Munis (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Evolution of Societies: A Comparative Study of Ibn Khaldun and Herbert Spencer
Ibn Khaldun is renowned as a remarkable Islamic historiographer and a political philosopher, while Herbert Spencer is known as a Social Darwinist and a western positivist. Comparing both these legends would be fascinating due to the obvious differences between their cultural, temporal and philosophical foundations. However, both have significant contributions in the field of Sociology. In the philosophical understanding of history comprehending the science of society has been an age old concern. Both these eminent thinkers provided a key to understand social development and complex nature of societies. Since their ideas share a common vision to unearth universal laws governing social cohesion, state formation, and historical change. For a comprehensive understanding, this paper will analyze the legacy, theories, methodologies and goals of Ibn Khaldun and Herbert Spencer separately in Section 1 and section 2. Whereas, the focal point of section 3 will be to compare and contrast their works with respect to their contributions in the domain of Sociology. The current study aims to signify the importance and relevance of both these legends in the current era through comparative analysis. The paper shall conclude by highlighting the insights of both thinkers that have enable contemporary sociologists to develop an understanding of society in a holistic manner.
Copyright (c) 2024 Arjmand Zahra (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The cause behind spiritual problems that men faced today is the intense religious competitiveness. Every one conceives their own religion to be ultimate; and considers it their obligation to convert all human races to their own religion for salvation. The realization that the true God behind all the reflections (provided by religions) is incomprehensible entails that human beings can pursue the truth but they cannot possess it. However, existence of God cannot be denied. While philosophers fail in there logical argumentation of God’s non- Existence; likewise, theists failed to logically explain the Existence of God. By millennium, people believed that religion no longer serves the purpose it claims to achieve falling in the pit of extremism and religious wars. They refused to conform to any religion while still keeping intact their faith in a Supreme deity. Therefore, irreligiosity primarily refers to the act of being indifferent towards any particular religion yet not denying the existence of a Supreme Power. The current study aims to prove that the experience of faith in God is subjective; and it does not require any religion to keep it intact. Moreover, the underlying fear of heaven and hell has rendered man’s love for God to nothingness. Since love is the essential characteristic of Faith that connects human beings to God; this paper shall endeavor to experience love of God rather than His fear.
Copyright (c) 2025 Shahid Ali Khan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Unveiling the Colonial Impact While Forming An Independent Education System In Pakistan
The current study will dive into the impact of British ideology regarding education during its rule over the subcontinent, its effect on the current Pakistani curriculum; and how it has caused challenges in forming an independent Educational system particularly in the region of Pakistan (post-independence). The essay will be divided into three main sections. The first section deals with a brief over-view of the post-colonial period and the prevailing education system in Pakistan. The second section will highlights the problem that why the Pakistani Education System is still rooted in British Curriculum. The last section will look at the possible solutions to rectify the damage followed by concluding remarks. In the first section, we will see the educational curriculum of Pakistan through critical lens of post-colonial theory. Whereby, the second sections will take into account an Orientalist and decolonial approach by upholding the stance of Edward Said in particular. The last section will be an endeavor to develop my view point for forming an independent educational curriculum in Pakistan. In addition, this section will also explore future prospects and suggestions in formulating a separate educational system.
Copyright (c) 2024 Bukhatawar Khan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Conflict of Pursuing Peace in an Unjust World: A Comparative Study of Monotheistic Religions
The pursuit of peace amidst prevailing injustice stands as one of the greatest challenges in religious, political and philosophical history of humanity. Among the monotheistic tradition (Judaism, Christianity and Islam), peace is considered as a divine ideal; and a moral order intended by Almighty for human society. Nonetheless, it is an indisputable fact among these religions that the social world is stained by violence, oppression, corruption and inequalities that can undermine the ideal of attaining peace. This has created a distinct conflict raising imperative questions like: can we attain peace without justice? Or conversely does peace morally require conflict? Whether it is incumbent on believers to resist injustice at the cost of disturbing social order? The current study endeavors to maintain that monotheistic religions conceptualize peace as justice-oriented, morally substantive condition rather than mere absence of conflict. True peace requires an active pursuit of justice; and believers are morally compelled to confront injustice__ even if it resulted into a rift. The introductory section of this paper shall define the core conflict; and will provide theoretical framework for peace, justice and moral tension. The next three sections will analyze the perspective of war and peace in each monotheistic religion (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) separately. The fifth section will compare, analyze the shared theological similarities and distinct approaches present in each religion. The paper will be concluded by asserting that peace is considered as both an eschatological promise and eschatological hope that believers can attain if they stand firm to their religions respectively.
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhamad Zaenal Muttaqin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Negotiating Authority: Ulama and Family Law Reforms in Pakistan
The institution of family is regarded as a significant unit of society in Islam, so family laws are pivotal in the legal system of Pakistan. Pakistan has adopted Anglo- Muhammadan Law post-independence which is a combination of Islamic principles and colonial interpretations of the British. Since then, the State of Pakistan is attempting to reconcile Islamic tradition with modern legal needs through reforms and judicial activism through ijtihād (also termed as judicial ijtihad). The current study examines the evolution of Islamic family laws in Pakistan from their classical juristic foundation to contemporary initiatives in legal reform. Pakistani laws are primarily rooted in Islamic fiqh reflecting a complex interaction between Sharī‘ah, colonial legal legacies, constitutional mandates and modern socio-political demands. With an emphasis on how tradition and reform have coexisted, clashed, and changed the legal status of women in areas like marriage, divorce, and maintenance__ this paper examines the historical development, legal underpinnings, and socio-religious discussions surrounding Muslim family laws in Pakistan. By tracing the transition from traditional norms to reform-oriented legal mechanism, this paper attempts to seek answers to questions like why reforms in family laws of Pakistan are needed. Whether the family laws of Islam are secular and anti-Islamic? And whether the reluctance and resistance to accept laws in reform is of religious nature or a threat to patriarchal and authoritative behavior? Consequently, the paper argues that the reforms in Pakistan’s family laws are not departure from Islam, but a contextual reinterpretation aimed at addressing contemporary social realities.
Copyright (c) 2025 Aishath Khaleela Abdul Sattar, Farkhanda Yousaf https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Integrating SDG-6 and SDG-14 with an Islamic Perspective: A Case Study of Pakistan
Human life, fertility, cleanliness and purity all depends on water. Water is used for domestic purposes; and in agriculture and industrial sector. The United Nations adopted SDGs in 2015 (Transforming Our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development), with an aim to eradicate injustice, lack of sanitation, poverty, inequalities, hunger, global environmental crisis and economic crisis by 2030. The 17 Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs) model provides a blue print for a better world. Pakistan was among the nations who readily adopted this plan and aligned it with their vision 2025. SDG-6 (clean water and sanitation) and SDG-14 (life below water) are goals designed to protect the environment from depleting water resources. The current study aims to highlight that human survival depends on ecological balance. Our study will be based on qualitative textual methodology extracting and analyzing as to how SDGs from an Islamic outlook reflects on these principles; and how they coincide with the ethical considerations mentioned in the Qur’an and Sunnah. The purpose of this paper is to explore how Islamic values compliments SDG-6 and SDG-14 by providing spiritual foundation for environmental sustainability. The study also enumerates opportunities and challenges in Pakistan to implement the policies. After introduction our paper will focus on brief explanation of SDG-6 and SDG-14 goals. Later on, we will align these goals with Islamic perspective. Subsequently we will discuss efforts and challenges that Pakistan face to achieve these goals followed by conclusive remarks.
Copyright (c) 2025 Humaira Ahmad, Khaled Obaideen https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0