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One method for disposing of old, damaged, or misprinted Qur’an pages is to burn them. Recently, there have been cases of al-Quran mushaf disposal management that do not comply with the maqasid of al-Quran text disposal as stipulated in established guidelines. Furthermore, the number of damaged al-Quran manuscripts is growing, making the collection site increasingly limited in capacity. To save money and space, it was discovered that some institutions in charge of disposal have delegated this task to unauthorized parties, such as non-Muslim parties, which disposed of al-Quran text at paper mills. Therefore, this article discusses the perspectives and evaluations of religious scholars on the methods used by Malaysian institutions to dispose of al-Quran text. Document analysis and interviews with the State Muftis of Selangor, Kelantan and Terengganu were used to collect data. It was done through semi-structured interviews and descriptive analysis. According to findings, the Malaysian government has implemented several methods. One method used is to burn it to ashes, bury it, and then wash it into the sea. Many authorised institutions carry out disposal in accordance with the established guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During Trump’s administration, the United States has introduced a peace plan in the Middle East known as the “Deal of the Century” (DOTC). The DOTC was a plan to propose a “solution” for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The plan has invited criticisms following Trump’s administration which recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and moved the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. What was the content of the peace plan and how will it be implemented? Why such a decision has been taken by Trump? Will Joe Biden, who is now replacing Trump as the US President, continue with the DOTC plan? To answer these questions, this paper aims to examine the content of the deal and analyze its impacts on the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and stability in the Middle East region. To achieve this objective, critical content analysis has been made on the DOTC peace plan as well as existing reports and studies related to DOTC. Basically, the content of the DOTC peace plan gave more advantage to Israel, which indicates the US’ pro-Israel attitude. The deal will further complicate the peace process between Israel and Palestine because it only benefits one side. In addition, the DOTC also has the potential to cause a remapping process of the Middle East and invite the involvement of regional powers. This paper argues DOTC as a failed project because it was unable to attract the stakeholders to the negotiation. The deal is expected not to be continued by Biden who is likely to come up with his own peace plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sheikh Sulaiman al-Rasuli was a well-known ulama (scholar) in education as well as an important political figure. This paper discusses the political activities of Sheikh Sulaiman al-Rasuli using a content analysis approach with historical methods. In addition, this paper also uses the creative minority theory developed by Toynbee that oppression always gives birth to a small group of creative minority. The findings in this study are that, Sheikh Sulaiman al-Rasuli as a politician, dealt with colonialism by taking a cooperative way which politically benefitted the Minangkabau community. During the Dutch colonial period, Sheikh Sulaiman al-Rasuli successfully established VIOS (Vereeniging Ittihadul Oelama Sumatra), the Tarbiah Islamiyah Association (PERTI), and stopped the Marriage Bill which was drafted by the Dutch colonialists from becoming law. During the Japanese occupation, Sheikh Sulaiman al-Rasuli formed the Minangkabau Islamic High Council (MITM), served as General Chair of the Assembly and successfully inspired youth to join the People’s Army. After independence, Sheikh Sulaiman al-Rasuli became chairman of the Constituent Assembly session in 1955 and was the highest advisor to the Tarbiyah Islamiyah Unity Party. He was also one of the founding figures of Lasykar Muslimin Indonesia (Lasymi), advisor to the Military Governor of Central Sumatra and Chairman of the MUSI Commission (All Indonesian Ulema Council) in Palembang in opposing communism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A teacher plays a vital role in shaping students’ character other than parents. The character of a teacher must be aligned with Islamic law in every aspect and portray Islam as a holistic way of life before educating students to become a comprehensive human being. This concept paper aims to study the characteristics that must be present within every Muslim teacher to become an excellent educator. Qualitative research method through content analysis research design was used. Data collected from books, articles in journals, proceedings, theses and dissertations were analyzed descriptively. The study discusses a teacher’s characteristics that were documented by Islamic scholars. Albeit lack of extensive study thus far, previous literature recorded that the effective characteristics of a Muslim teacher should be given attention. Based on Islamic scholars such as Imam al-Ghazali, Imam al-Nawawi, Imam al-Ajurri, Imam al-Mawardi and Imam al-Nahlawi, the characteristics of a Muslim teacher can be summarized into six main elements which are: stable faith, good character, skillful in teaching, constantly giving advice, possessing psychological knowledge, knowledgeable and practicing the knowledge. Educational organizations, especially every Muslim teacher must give the characteristics its due attention and take proper action so that as to increase the quality of teachers in Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extremism is a long-standing issue. When this ideology is linked to religion, it not only revolves around the implications of violence but also becomes the basis for the formation of heretical and deviant teachings from the flow of Sunah Waljamaah members. To eradicate it, the approach should be collective and require the cooperation of all parties. The basic concept of it should be true, authentic and convincing. It must come from a complete, systematic and consistent source and academic structure so that criticism and reflection on this ideology is seen to be organized, fair and easy to understand. Among the great figures of Islam who have evaluated and written systematically about this ideology is Yusuf al-Qaradawi, a Muslim scholar born in Egypt who resides in Doha, Qatar. He was one of the most influential Islamic scholars during his lifetime. He is also known as a simple but firm thinker. His views on simplicity have been widely commented, quoted and dissected by other Islamic scholars around the world. But despite this modesty, he is also known as a firm person who has a hard and consistent view on the ideology of extremism and religious extremism. Therefore, this paper will examine and discuss his views, criticisms and reflections on the ideology of extremism and religious extremism. This article is part of the findings of a study on Islam and extremism in Malaysia that uses a qualitative and quantitative approach as a data collection method. Content analysis which mostly involved materials from his writings was used in addition to semi-structured interviews which were used to get the views of religious figures, activists and local authorities related to this matter. Analysis of the results of the study found that Yusuf al-Qaradawi has covered this in many of his writings, either reflecting specifically on this ideology or mentioning the implications of this ideology through his writings in matters of life in general. His views are also central to most of the writings of other Islamic figures when writing and talking about extremism and religious extremism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anthropomorphism remains one of the most contested topics in current Sunni theological discourse between Ash’arites and the Salafis. The polemic is mainly based on how one should interpret anthropomorphic expressions found in certain religious texts. This paper aims at explicating al-Ghazālī’s method in dealing with the ambiguous hadiths on divine attributes (the ṣifāt hadiths) by examining his thought in various of his printed works. Library research with analytic methodology has been applied. The study finds that al-Ghazālī actively used ta’wīl (metaphorical interpretation) to appropriate the understanding of hadith message according to the principle of divine unity (tawḥīd) and transcendence (tanzīh). This attitude is a perpetuation of his moderate position toward absolute truth derived from both revelation and reason. Therefore, it is seen that al-Ghazālī’s advocation of ta’wīl is always accompanied by his criticism against Mu’tazilite’s rationalism and Hanbalite’s literalism. Despite his acceptance of ta’wīl, al-Ghazālī stipulates that the interpretation method should be used with moderation. It is not for everyone but is only for elite of religious scholars who has sharp mind and high level of spirituality that enables them to comprehend the prophetic message accurately. In contrast to popular opinion, al-Ghazālī maintains his positive reception of ta‘wil in his last theological work namely Iljām al-‘Awām ‘an‘ Ilm al-Kalām. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earthquakes are often viewed as negative phenomena as they threaten human beings and other life on earth. Although researchers scientifically explained this phenomenon, people still relate it to God’s role. Discussions from physical or scientific studies, as well as metaphysical and theological views, are essential to gain a deeper understanding. Geology examines earthquakes scientifically, including the causes, effects, and earthquake-prone places, while religion perceives it is caused by the power of God (Supreme Being) that determines everything. The purpose of this study is to emphasize the comparative analysis of earthquakes from both Islamic and Christian perspectives using a qualitative method concerning the Quran, tafsir al-Quran, Bible, biblical exegesis, and secondary literature relevant to both religions and geology. Although earthquakes are broadly studied in both faiths, researchers are less interested in doing in-depth comparative analysis of many features. This paper is a comparative study and reveals the similarities and differences of earthquakes in seven areas: earthquakes in the scriptures, religious views, historical earthquakes, current earthquakes, future earthquakes, religious coping, and earthquake geological facts in scriptures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generally, there is significant change in the Brunei education assessment system as the School Based Assessment for Learning (SBAfL) is introduced including for the subject of Islamic Education. This study is to exlpore whether the SBAfL has influenced the teaching styles among Islamic education teachers. This phenomenology study used qualitative approach which involved seven participants which was selected based purposive sampling method. The data were collected through i) deep interviews ii) direct non-participant observation in class rooms, and iii) documents-based evidence. The element of validity and reliability was carried out using triangulation process, continuous observation, participants’ agreement, peer group analysis, researcher position, expert validation, and expert validations to measure inter-rater reliability using Cohen Kappa analysis. In generating theme and sub-theme, data were analysed using Atlas. ti 7.5.9 softwear. Generally, the implementation of SBAfL not only influenced the Islamic education teachers’ pedagogy aspect, but also influenced the teachers’ attitude and their acceptance towards changes and improvement of assessment practices in classroom. Thus, Islamic education teachers in this study accepted and were able to implement the changes of SBAfL in the Islamic education subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diplomacy of the Great Powers in the Bosnia-Herzegovina conflict of 1875-1878 led the Ottoman government to sign The Treaty of Berlin in 1878. The Treaty of Berlin gave the Austria-Hungary empire a mandate to occupy and administer Bosnia-Herzegovina. It has initiated a migration process in Bosnia-Herzegovina among its population, especially the Muslims. This article will examine issues that led to the migration of Muslims from Bosnia-Herzegovina to other territories in the Ottoman Turkish empire before the outbreak of World War 1. Analysis on these issues used primary data from the British records from its embassy in Bosnia- Herzegovina. The study found that the issue of religion was the dominant factor in the migration process that took place among the Muslims of Bosnia-Herzegovina. The migration process increased after Bosnia-Herzegovina was officially announced under the Austro-Hungarian administration in 1908. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The various issues and problems that hover in society come from the soul and mind that is busy filled with worldliness. Man’s love for the world makes many human beings frustrated with their lives, and various criminal issues occur, wars and power struggles. Finally, human beings are increasingly greedy, chasing the world relentlessly. The human psychology and psyche are increasingly suffering and eventually choose to commit suicide. Therefore, this article aimed to identify the appropriate psychotherapy to treat the human mind and soul by the touch of the wisdom of al-Ghazālī through the concept of Maqāmāt in his work Iḥyā’‘Ulūm al-Dīn. Using a qualitative method, this study found that there are several Maqāmāt included in Iḥyā’ ‘Ulūm al-Dīn; among them are al-tawbah, al-ṣabr, al-zuhd, al-tawakkul, al-maḥabbah, al-ma‘rifah dan al-riḍā. In conclusion, these seven Maqāmāt are the basis for constructing a believer’s identity by the meaning of his book to revive the religious sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]