The boundaries of normative Islam are critically explored in this thesis, which presents a translation of the most important aspects of a modern study on bid‘ah (heretical innovation), by the late Egyptian Reformist Scholar, Shaykh Muhammad al-Ghazālī (1917 – 1996). The translator’s introduction contextualizes the life and work of the author and also briefly locates this particular study within the broader framework of classical and contemporary writings on the subject of bid‘ah. Only the book’s introduction, first three chapters (constituting the theoretical spine of the original work), and conclusion are translated. The first chapter is an introductory excursus into Islamic law, necessary to enable the reader to grasp the legal debate on bid‘ah. The second chapter casts a wider net, examining the influence of foreign elements upon Islamic thought, while the third chapter deals specifically with the topic of bid‘ah. The short conclusion reaffirms the importance of normative Islamic practice. / Religious Studies and Arabic / M.A. (Arabic)

The boundaries of normative Islam are critically explored in this thesis, which presents a translation of the most important aspects of a modern study on bid‘ah (heretical innovation), by the late Egyptian Reformist Scholar, Shaykh Muhammad al-Ghazālī (1917 – 1996). The translator’s introduction contextualizes the life and work of the author and also briefly locates this particular study within the broader framework of classical and contemporary writings on the subject of bid‘ah. Only the book’s introduction, first three chapters (constituting the theoretical spine of the original work), and conclusion are translated. The first chapter is an introductory excursus into Islamic law, necessary to enable the reader to grasp the legal debate on bid‘ah. The second chapter casts a wider net, examining the influence of foreign elements upon Islamic thought, while the third chapter deals specifically with the topic of bid‘ah. The short conclusion reaffirms the importance of normative Islamic practice. / Religious Studies and Arabic / M.A. (Arabic)

The issue of a Muslim woman‟s dress code has been debated for centuries. This is of great importance as it is widely used as a criterion to measure the extent of a woman‟s piety or devotion to Allah. A study of the religious texts on the issue is essential. Therefore, Qur‟anic text, Prophetic Traditions and Qur‟anic exegesis of both classical and modern scholars would have been used in determining the correct dress code for Muslim women. While all research indicates that women dress conservatively, in order not to attract the attention of the opposite sex. The extent to which a woman must be covered has not been agreed upon. Even if what has to be covered is established by scholars, the manner in which this is to be done and the type of colours and fabric to be used needs further clarification. The issue of the female dress code needs to be presented from a female perspective. / Religious Studies and Arabic / M.A. (Islamic Studies)

The issue of a Muslim woman‟s dress code has been debated for centuries. This is of great importance as it is widely used as a criterion to measure the extent of a woman‟s piety or devotion to Allah. A study of the religious texts on the issue is essential. Therefore, Qur‟anic text, Prophetic Traditions and Qur‟anic exegesis of both classical and modern scholars would have been used in determining the correct dress code for Muslim women. While all research indicates that women dress conservatively, in order not to attract the attention of the opposite sex. The extent to which a woman must be covered has not been agreed upon. Even if what has to be covered is established by scholars, the manner in which this is to be done and the type of colours and fabric to be used needs further clarification. The issue of the female dress code needs to be presented from a female perspective. / Religious Studies and Arabic / M.A. (Islamic Studies)

Depuis les attentats du 11 septembre 2001, le galvaudage intensif du concept d’« islamisme » par les sphères médiatiques et politiques a eu pour effet de catégoriser de manière simpliste et illusoire des phénomènes sociaux très différents de par le monde, dans le registre du terrorisme. Dans ce contexte, le Hezbollah libanais -pourtant chiite et farouchement opposé à Al-Qaïda- a acquis un statut particulier dans la mesure où le Secrétariat d’Etat américain l’a désigné comme la principale menace terroriste dès 2002. Nous proposons ici une recherche casuistique sur le « Parti de Dieu ». Etude longitudinale retraçant l’évolution de ce mouvement milicien devenu parti politique, notre travail vise à mieux cerner ce « fait social » et à situer celui-ci au sein du vaste spectre des islams politiques. Nous synthétisons ici les phases de maturation idéologique que celui-ci a connues depuis son émergence et retraçons l’évolution structurelle de ce parti politique avant tout caractérisé par son projet de « société résistante ». Chacun de ces deux volets (idéologique et structurel) laisse entrevoir les interactions bilatérales qui se sont créées, dans la diachronie, entre le religieux et le politique au sein du Hezbollah, mais illustre surtout la soumission polymorphe de l’un comme de l’autre à la cause inébranlable de la résistance face à Israël. L’élément fondamentalement nouveau que nous apportons à la littérature scientifique spécialisée est une grille d’interprétation du cheminement global d’une grande partie de la communauté chiite du Liban. Celle-ci a pour point de départ le concept -initialement psychologique- de « résilience », et propose la transposition de ce dernier dans le champ sociopolitique. L’analyse qui en découle met en perspective l’« idéologie résiliente » et la « structure résiliente » que le Hezbollah a progressivement développées dans une optique stratégique. / Doctorat en Sciences politiques et sociales / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

Text in English and Arabic / Bibliography: leaves 373-390 / The importance of this research on the life of Shaykh Yūsuf‟s life and legacy is eviden t from the depth of the reports on "Shaykh Yūsuf al-Maqassarī’s literary contribution with a special attention to his Maṭālib al-Sālikῑn [The Quests of the Spiritual Seekers].” We contend that without a comprehensive knowledge of it, some of the subtleties and nuances of the Shaykh as well as his treatises will remain concealed from us. I utilised the comprehensive religious historical and philological approaches following the methodology of Sultan, Nabilah Lubis, and Suleman Essop Dangor to complement al-Maqassarī‟s history, his literary contribution in general and to gain the essence of his Maṭālib al-Sālikῑn through commentaries. I also used hermeneutic‟s theory for interpreting some of the texts. Shaykh Yūsuf (1626-1699) is considered a national hero of Indonesia and South Africa. His movements from Gowa South Sulawesi to other countries including the Middle East were motivated by his wish to deepen his understanding of Islamic mysticism. This was supported by his local teachers and the needs of Gowa Kingdom for a qualified Islamic scholar to convert its animistic society into real and fervent Muslims. This responsibility fostered in him a sense of bravery and adventure, and he ended up wandering around the world in search of knowledge. In their purpose to rule the East Indian countries and remove his influence over his fellow citizens, the Dutch banished Shaykh Yūsuf initially to Ceylon and then to Cape of Good Hope, South Africa (1684-1699). He left behind a large body of literary contributions, many of them still preserved at UB Leiden and the National Library of Jakarta. His Maṭālib al-Sālikῑn holds a special place among his literary contributions. It discusses three important issues that are illustrated with parables which should be understood by spiritual seekers; namely tawḥῑd, ma‘rifa, and „ibāda {Divine Knowledge, Divine Recognition and Worship]. They constitute a tree with leaves, branches, and fruit. Its practitioners are directed to the Oneness of God and to none other. These teachings have become a foundation of his reformist ideas and a basis to build his Islamic community in South Africa and finally to be implemented in his own ṣūfī order, Ṭarīqat al-Yūsufiyya/Khalwatiyyat al-Yūsufiyya. / Religious Studies and Arabic / D. Litt. et Phil. (Islamic Studies)