This is a short video summary of our article "Emerging Hindu Rashtra and Its Impact on Indian Mus... more This is a short video summary of our article "Emerging Hindu Rashtra and Its Impact on Indian Muslims" which was published in the journal Religions on august 27th, 2021. the article is part of the special issue edited by Jeff Haynes on Religion and International Relations. You can read the entire open access article by clicking this link: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/12/9/693/htm
In this Khanversation I discuss India's defense procurement strategy and defense policy with Lt. ... more In this Khanversation I discuss India's defense procurement strategy and defense policy with Lt. General V. P. Singh.
M. A. Muqtedar Khan, who is widely known for his earlier edited work Islamic Democratic Discourse... more M. A. Muqtedar Khan, who is widely known for his earlier edited work Islamic Democratic Discourse and his article What is Enlightenment? An Islamic Perspective, presents this time a monograph which is focused on a single task. The argument of the book is carefully structured to invite the reader to reflect upon a long-lasting problem. Moreover, it not only analyzes the problem thoroughly but also offers a solution to it by doing justice to both historical and conceptual aspects of the problem. The author intends to propose an alternative paradigm for Muslims in overcoming their ongoing troubles regarding international security, conflict resolution, foreign policy, interfaith relations and social reform and development, and nation-building. Khan argues that instead of focusing on a structural level by demanding a Shariah-based state, Muslims can find ways to deal with social and political issues by invoking the principle of Ihsan, which has been traditionally understood as having a personal rather than communal connotation. Khan seeks to apply Ihsan in a communal setting to show that it promises a way out of a split worldview which consists in "two worlds, the real one where they have to deal with the world of nation-states and existing laws and then the imaginary one wherein they talk about Islamic identity, the Muslim world and Islamic things that exist as ideals or existed in an idealized memory of the past." (p. 249) He advises Muslims that if they bring these two worlds together by implementing the Ihsan principle in the public sphere, then the Islamist threat would be destined to end. After the introductory chapter, Khan goes on in chapter 2 to demonstrate that the principle of Ihsan could not find a place in the development of Islamic law after the prophet. Chapter 3 is intended to survey Muslim approaches to modernity and lists Modernists, Islamists, Traditionalists as major camps, among which he explicitly favors the Modernist approach.
The work currently under review, by M. A. Muqtedar Khan, professor at the University of Delware (... more The work currently under review, by M. A. Muqtedar Khan, professor at the University of Delware (USA) and expert in Islamic thought, governance and international relations, is a unique addition to the subject area, exploring new dimensions of Islamic political philosophy. A serious, critical evaluation of the subject-theory visa -vis practice-Khan challenges the many political understandings held by classical and modern Islamic political thinkers. Human minds (irrespective of their religious bents) have searched through the ages for a world order capable of providing peace and tranquillity to all people. Consequently, a number of political theories have emerged deliberating on the process and structure of governance and government. Disappointed with conventional forms of government (viz. democracy, secularism, socialism, republicanism and presidential) Muslim scholars have attempted to present a valid and universal alternative capable of transforming contemporary scenes of chaos and confusion into something resembling order. In the recent past, however, Muslim scholars and other Islamic reform movements have failed to convince humanity (especially people of different faiths) that the Islamic approach to good governance is the solution modern minds are searching for. As in his prior publication on Islamic political thought, Khan here presents his subject in a different and unique way, anchoring the political philosophy of Islam to its most recommended principle of ihsan (excellence). The book is a brief yet critical and comprehensive treatment of Islamic political thought spread over eight chapters, including an introduction (pp.1-8) and conclusion (pp.247-50). The book also contains a bibliography (pp.251-69) and index (pp.271-8). The book begins "the quest for a Political philosophy of Ihsan" by highlighting the philosophical and theological foundations of that
This is the first book review of Ihsan and Good Governance in an academic journal. There have bee... more This is the first book review of Ihsan and Good Governance in an academic journal. There have been several media articles and multimedia interviews about the book so far.
This is an announcement of my latest book Islam and Good Governance: A Political Philosophy of Ih... more This is an announcement of my latest book Islam and Good Governance: A Political Philosophy of Ihsan, Palgrave Macmillan, 2019.
This paper argues that the contemporary attempts at reviving Islamic civilization will remain inc... more This paper argues that the contemporary attempts at reviving Islamic civilization will remain incomplete until a simultaneous effort is made to revive Islamic philosophy. This paper identifies the characteristics of Islamic philosophy and underscores its significance to Islamic intellectual renaissance. Islamic philosophy has a unique dimension-it encompasses science and spirituality along with reason and logic. Arguing that perhaps the decline of philosophy was an important element in the decline of Islamic civilization, the paper contends that Muslim efforts at negotiating modernity or appropriating science will not be successful without the support of a rejuvenated Islamic philosophical tradition.
… religious pluralism seriously: spiritual politics on …, 2005
Chapter 7 American Muslims and the Rediscovery of America's Sacred Ground MA Muqtedar Khan I... more Chapter 7 American Muslims and the Rediscovery of America's Sacred Ground MA Muqtedar Khan INTRODUCTION The American Muslim community is at a crucial crossroads. It is experienc-ing an existential crisis. Students of Islam in the West are beginning to ask ...
Religion and immigration: Christian, Jewish, and …, 2003
Constructing the American Muslim Community MA Muqtedar Khan Identity formation is a complex proce... more Constructing the American Muslim Community MA Muqtedar Khan Identity formation is a complex process that allows for the intervention of both historical and material forces and human agency. In the specific case of the Muslim community in North America, one can clearly ...
With a picture of a minaret superimposed on the Statue of Liberty, this book's cover is a st... more With a picture of a minaret superimposed on the Statue of Liberty, this book's cover is a striking introduction to what is inside. Like the Statue of Liberty that has acted as a beacon of freedom for wave after wave of refugees and immigrants, Khan argues that Muslims in America are ...
This is a short video summary of our article "Emerging Hindu Rashtra and Its Impact on Indian Mus... more This is a short video summary of our article "Emerging Hindu Rashtra and Its Impact on Indian Muslims" which was published in the journal Religions on august 27th, 2021. the article is part of the special issue edited by Jeff Haynes on Religion and International Relations. You can read the entire open access article by clicking this link: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/12/9/693/htm
In this Khanversation I discuss India's defense procurement strategy and defense policy with Lt. ... more In this Khanversation I discuss India's defense procurement strategy and defense policy with Lt. General V. P. Singh.
M. A. Muqtedar Khan, who is widely known for his earlier edited work Islamic Democratic Discourse... more M. A. Muqtedar Khan, who is widely known for his earlier edited work Islamic Democratic Discourse and his article What is Enlightenment? An Islamic Perspective, presents this time a monograph which is focused on a single task. The argument of the book is carefully structured to invite the reader to reflect upon a long-lasting problem. Moreover, it not only analyzes the problem thoroughly but also offers a solution to it by doing justice to both historical and conceptual aspects of the problem. The author intends to propose an alternative paradigm for Muslims in overcoming their ongoing troubles regarding international security, conflict resolution, foreign policy, interfaith relations and social reform and development, and nation-building. Khan argues that instead of focusing on a structural level by demanding a Shariah-based state, Muslims can find ways to deal with social and political issues by invoking the principle of Ihsan, which has been traditionally understood as having a personal rather than communal connotation. Khan seeks to apply Ihsan in a communal setting to show that it promises a way out of a split worldview which consists in "two worlds, the real one where they have to deal with the world of nation-states and existing laws and then the imaginary one wherein they talk about Islamic identity, the Muslim world and Islamic things that exist as ideals or existed in an idealized memory of the past." (p. 249) He advises Muslims that if they bring these two worlds together by implementing the Ihsan principle in the public sphere, then the Islamist threat would be destined to end. After the introductory chapter, Khan goes on in chapter 2 to demonstrate that the principle of Ihsan could not find a place in the development of Islamic law after the prophet. Chapter 3 is intended to survey Muslim approaches to modernity and lists Modernists, Islamists, Traditionalists as major camps, among which he explicitly favors the Modernist approach.
The work currently under review, by M. A. Muqtedar Khan, professor at the University of Delware (... more The work currently under review, by M. A. Muqtedar Khan, professor at the University of Delware (USA) and expert in Islamic thought, governance and international relations, is a unique addition to the subject area, exploring new dimensions of Islamic political philosophy. A serious, critical evaluation of the subject-theory visa -vis practice-Khan challenges the many political understandings held by classical and modern Islamic political thinkers. Human minds (irrespective of their religious bents) have searched through the ages for a world order capable of providing peace and tranquillity to all people. Consequently, a number of political theories have emerged deliberating on the process and structure of governance and government. Disappointed with conventional forms of government (viz. democracy, secularism, socialism, republicanism and presidential) Muslim scholars have attempted to present a valid and universal alternative capable of transforming contemporary scenes of chaos and confusion into something resembling order. In the recent past, however, Muslim scholars and other Islamic reform movements have failed to convince humanity (especially people of different faiths) that the Islamic approach to good governance is the solution modern minds are searching for. As in his prior publication on Islamic political thought, Khan here presents his subject in a different and unique way, anchoring the political philosophy of Islam to its most recommended principle of ihsan (excellence). The book is a brief yet critical and comprehensive treatment of Islamic political thought spread over eight chapters, including an introduction (pp.1-8) and conclusion (pp.247-50). The book also contains a bibliography (pp.251-69) and index (pp.271-8). The book begins "the quest for a Political philosophy of Ihsan" by highlighting the philosophical and theological foundations of that
This is the first book review of Ihsan and Good Governance in an academic journal. There have bee... more This is the first book review of Ihsan and Good Governance in an academic journal. There have been several media articles and multimedia interviews about the book so far.
This is an announcement of my latest book Islam and Good Governance: A Political Philosophy of Ih... more This is an announcement of my latest book Islam and Good Governance: A Political Philosophy of Ihsan, Palgrave Macmillan, 2019.
This paper argues that the contemporary attempts at reviving Islamic civilization will remain inc... more This paper argues that the contemporary attempts at reviving Islamic civilization will remain incomplete until a simultaneous effort is made to revive Islamic philosophy. This paper identifies the characteristics of Islamic philosophy and underscores its significance to Islamic intellectual renaissance. Islamic philosophy has a unique dimension-it encompasses science and spirituality along with reason and logic. Arguing that perhaps the decline of philosophy was an important element in the decline of Islamic civilization, the paper contends that Muslim efforts at negotiating modernity or appropriating science will not be successful without the support of a rejuvenated Islamic philosophical tradition.
… religious pluralism seriously: spiritual politics on …, 2005
Chapter 7 American Muslims and the Rediscovery of America's Sacred Ground MA Muqtedar Khan I... more Chapter 7 American Muslims and the Rediscovery of America's Sacred Ground MA Muqtedar Khan INTRODUCTION The American Muslim community is at a crucial crossroads. It is experienc-ing an existential crisis. Students of Islam in the West are beginning to ask ...
Religion and immigration: Christian, Jewish, and …, 2003
Constructing the American Muslim Community MA Muqtedar Khan Identity formation is a complex proce... more Constructing the American Muslim Community MA Muqtedar Khan Identity formation is a complex process that allows for the intervention of both historical and material forces and human agency. In the specific case of the Muslim community in North America, one can clearly ...
With a picture of a minaret superimposed on the Statue of Liberty, this book's cover is a st... more With a picture of a minaret superimposed on the Statue of Liberty, this book's cover is a striking introduction to what is inside. Like the Statue of Liberty that has acted as a beacon of freedom for wave after wave of refugees and immigrants, Khan argues that Muslims in America are ...
This paper seeks to understand the impact of current global politicaland socioeconomic conditions... more This paper seeks to understand the impact of current global politicaland socioeconomic conditions on the construction of identity. I advancean argument based on a two-step logic. First, I challenge the characterizationof current socioeconomic conditions as one of globalization bymarshaling arguments and evidence that strongly suggest that along withglobalization, there are simultaneous processes of localization proliferatingin the world today. I contend that current conditions are indicative ofthings far exceeding the scope of globalization and that they can bedescribed more accurately as ccglocalization.~H’2a ving established thisclaim, I show how the processes of glocalization affect the constructionof Muslim identity.Why do I explore the relationship between glocalization and identityconstruction? Because it is significant. Those conversant with current theoreticaldebates within the discipline of international relations’ are awarethat identity has emerged as a significant explana...
The political reality of many countries in the Muslim World is untenable and reforms and change i... more The political reality of many countries in the Muslim World is untenable and reforms and change is absolutely necessary. This article argues that use of force and violence for political change is making things worse as one can witness in Syria and Iraq. The article advances a Qur’ānic perspective on the desirability of peace as a goal and peaceful means as instruments of change. The article acknowledges that the Qur’ānic sanction for use of force to defend religious freedom prcludes the advocacy of pacifism but nevertheless the article does make a strong case for privileging peace over use of force.
The Routledge International Handbook of Contemporary Muslim Socio-Political Thought, 2021
Islamic modernism is a rich Islamic intellectual tradition and it permeates the thinking of many ... more Islamic modernism is a rich Islamic intellectual tradition and it permeates the thinking of many scholars, intellectuals, reformists, and poets in South Asia. Even in the Muslim communities of South Asia, especially among the educated urban classes and in their foreign diasporas, one can find modernist thinking deeply entrenched. It has empowered Muslims to practice Islam paying great attention to its rituals and its traditions while also pursuing modern scientific education, and contributing to science and modern economic and political development. Even those who belong to the school of reformist Islam are informed by the modernist perspective. Slowly and steadily, one can argue, there is an intellectual modernization taking place among Muslims in Turkey, Pakistan, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, Egypt, Iran, and Morocco, even as there is a rise neotraditionally. The main modernist ideas that are taking root are that Islam can adapt to different time-space contexts through ijtihad. Islam is compatible with modernity, and the so-called new and modern values of democracy, freedom, political equality, gender justice, scientific outlook, rational and critical thinking, and even secularism are not entirely alien to Islamic ethos. They, too, can be absorbed within the umbrella of Islamic ethos. The future is indeed going to be shaped by Islamic modernist thinking that seeks to balance tradition with newness.
This article argues that a post-orientalist discourse has emerged over the past few decades to ch... more This article argues that a post-orientalist discourse has emerged over the past few decades to challenge the dominance of orientalism on Western foreign policy thinking towards Islam and the Muslim world. The paper examines the geostrategic thinking of Bernard Lewis, Edward Said, and John Esposito, and their impact on Western perceptions of Islam. The paper submits that while Edward Said exposed the prejudice inherent in orientalist thought, it was John Esposito and a cohort of post-orientalist scholars who engaged in three critical debates with the orientalist to provide a more authentic vision of Islam and a more nuanced picture of the politics of the Muslim world. The paper however concedes that while post-orientalism has triumphed in the academic setting, the orientalist perspective still dominates the policy sphere and continues to shape American foreign policy.
The concept of Jihad has been abused and used by both extremists with the Muslim community and by... more The concept of Jihad has been abused and used by both extremists with the Muslim community and by critics of Islam. This essay examines the meaning of Jihad based primarily on the Quranic sources in the hope that it will provide instruction to both Muslims and others who wish to use the idea of Jihad in their narratives.
For a spiritual, moral and ethical awakening in Muslim societies, the four freedoms I identified ... more For a spiritual, moral and ethical awakening in Muslim societies, the four freedoms I identified are essential.
This poltical essay argues that reform towards moderate Islam in Saudi Arabia may not be possible... more This poltical essay argues that reform towards moderate Islam in Saudi Arabia may not be possible without the implementation of Islamic democracy. The article also provides a model of moderate Islam.
This chapter in the seminal report, Vision 2025 Socio-Economic Inequalities: Why Does India's Eco... more This chapter in the seminal report, Vision 2025 Socio-Economic Inequalities: Why Does India's Economic growth Need and Inclusive Agenda, seeks to examine the troubling circumstances that imperil the well being of Indian Muslims and offers some broad perspectives on it.
The concept of Jihad has been abused and used by both extremists with the Muslim community and by... more The concept of Jihad has been abused and used by both extremists with the Muslim community and by critics of Islam. This essay examines the meaning of Jihad based primarily on the Quranic sources in the hope that it will provide instruction to both Muslims and others who wish to use the idea of Jihad in their narratives.
Muqtedar Khan. "What is Islamic Democracy? The Three Cs of Islamic Governance" Caliphates and Islamic Global Politics. Ed. Timothy Poirson and Robert Oprisko. Bristol, UK: E- International Relations, 2014. 94-99.
This is a short chapter that discusses the basic components of Islamic Democracy written for usag... more This is a short chapter that discusses the basic components of Islamic Democracy written for usage by High school teachers and undergraduate classes.
Muqtedar Khan. "Islamic Governance and Democracy" Islam and Democratization in Asia. Ed. Shipping Hua. Amherst, NY: Cambria Press, 2009. 13-27., 2009
The chapter argues that democracy is necessary for Islamic governance. It also provides a discuss... more The chapter argues that democracy is necessary for Islamic governance. It also provides a discussion on why Muslims need an Islamic state.
President Donald J. Trump's move to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and initiate the... more President Donald J. Trump's move to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and initiate the process of moving the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to the holy city was based on the assessment that he was not risking much. The mostly rhetorical responses from Arab/Muslim states make it apparent that this bet paid off. The issue of Jerusalem bears a similarity to the issue of Myanmar's Rohingya Muslims: it is a tragedy that triggers an emotional response from Muslims everywhere, but their governments lack the intent and/or capability to do much beyond offer lip service.
This Navigator, a policy analytical paper, examines the geopolitics of the gulf and the crisis in... more This Navigator, a policy analytical paper, examines the geopolitics of the gulf and the crisis involving the isolation of Qatar, its antecedents and its political and policy ramifications.
Babur's Invasion was not Jihad: Warlord, Gardner or Philosopher King | A Khanversation about Empe... more Babur's Invasion was not Jihad: Warlord, Gardner or Philosopher King | A Khanversation about Emperor Babur बाबर की सच्ची कहानी। सरदार या दार्शनिक राजा? بابر کی سچی کہانی۔ جنگجو یا فلسفی بادشاہ؟ Babur'un gerçek hikayesi. Savaş lordu mu yoksa filozof kral mı?
Dr. Stephan Dale, who wrote two biographies of Emperor Babur, the founder of the Mughal Dynasty, explores the political, military, intellectual and spiritual life of Babur and his fabulous auto-biography the Baburnama with Dr. Muqtedar Khan. The Khanversation also discusses the historical and contemporary political implications of the memories of Babur and the Mughals.
The key idea in this Khutbah is how to do Islamic politics while respecting the commandment "ther... more The key idea in this Khutbah is how to do Islamic politics while respecting the commandment "there is no compulsion in religion". This Khutbah was given on August 12, 2016 at the ICC Lancaster, PA. It crafts a vision for Muslim role in American politics.
ISLAM AND PLURALISM?
Does the Ayah Lakum Deenukum convey an Islamic principle of pluralism?
Refl... more ISLAM AND PLURALISM? Does the Ayah Lakum Deenukum convey an Islamic principle of pluralism?
Reflections on the Quran: One Ayah at a Time | Quran 109:6
Dear friends, this is the first of the reflections on the Quran: An Ayah at a Time. The ayah discussed here is Quran 109:6 Lakum Deenukum Waliya Deen. In this conversation I explore the historical and textual context of the verse and try to make the case for a transcendental reading of the Quran in general and this ayah in particular.
The Psychopathology of Donald Trump (share if you care).
How can someone for whom people do not ... more The Psychopathology of Donald Trump (share if you care).
How can someone for whom people do not matter head a government of the people, by the people and for the people. He is Islamophobic, Xenophobic and antisemitic.
This talk explores how American Muslims should respond to the decision of the US Supreme Court to... more This talk explores how American Muslims should respond to the decision of the US Supreme Court to legalize same-sex marriage in all fifty states.
This lecture provides a broad and introductory overview of what is Fiqh, Usul al-Fiqh, Kalam, Fal... more This lecture provides a broad and introductory overview of what is Fiqh, Usul al-Fiqh, Kalam, Falsafa and Tasawwuf.
This is a response to the terror attacks in Belgium on March 22, 2016. It anticipates a few polic... more This is a response to the terror attacks in Belgium on March 22, 2016. It anticipates a few policy ramifications and reflects on the impact on Western Muslims.
The Routledge International Handbook of Contemporary Muslim Socio-Political Thought, 2022
Islamic modernism is a rich Islamic intellectual tradition and it permeates the thinking of many ... more Islamic modernism is a rich Islamic intellectual tradition and it permeates the thinking of many scholars, intellectuals, reformists, and poets in South Asia. Even in the Muslim communities of South Asia, especially among the educated urban classes and in their foreign diasporas, one can find modernist thinking deeply entrenched. It has empowered Muslims to practice Islam paying great attention to its rituals and its traditions while also pursuing modern scientific education, and contributing to science and modern economic and political development. Even those who belong to the school of reformist Islam are informed by the modernist perspective. Slowly and steadily, one can argue, there is an intellectual modernization taking place among Muslims in Turkey, Pakistan, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, Egypt, Iran, and Morocco, even as there is a rise neotraditionally. The main modernist ideas that are taking root are that Islam can adapt to different time-space contexts through ijtihad. Islam is compatible with modernity, and the so-called new and modern values of democracy, freedom, political equality, gender justice, scientific outlook, rational and critical thinking, and even secularism are not entirely alien to Islamic ethos. They, too, can be absorbed within the umbrella of Islamic ethos. The future is indeed going to be shaped by Islamic modernist thinking that seeks to balance tradition with newness.
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बाबर की सच्ची कहानी। सरदार या दार्शनिक राजा?
بابر کی سچی کہانی۔ جنگجو یا فلسفی بادشاہ؟
Babur'un gerçek hikayesi. Savaş lordu mu yoksa filozof kral mı?
Dr. Stephan Dale, who wrote two biographies of Emperor Babur, the founder of the Mughal Dynasty, explores the political, military, intellectual and spiritual life of Babur and his fabulous auto-biography the Baburnama with Dr. Muqtedar Khan. The Khanversation also discusses the historical and contemporary political implications of the memories of Babur and the Mughals.
Please subscribe to my channel by clicking: https://www.youtube.com/c/ProfMuqtedarKhan?sub_confirmation=1
#Babur #Babrimasjid #Mughals
It crafts a vision for Muslim role in American politics.
Does the Ayah Lakum Deenukum convey an Islamic principle of pluralism?
Reflections on the Quran: One Ayah at a Time | Quran 109:6
Dear friends, this is the first of the reflections on the Quran: An Ayah at a Time. The ayah discussed here is Quran 109:6 Lakum Deenukum Waliya Deen. In this conversation I explore the historical and textual context of the verse and try to make the case for a transcendental reading of the Quran in general and this ayah in particular.
How can someone for whom people do not matter head a government of the people, by the people and for the people. He is Islamophobic, Xenophobic and antisemitic.