Al-Abṣār (الابصار)

Prophecies of the Advent of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in the Sacred Scriptures of Non-Semitic Religions )A Study of Pandit Bashiruddin’s Research(

Abdul mannan, Dr. Muhammad Hamid Raza — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The advent of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) has been prophesied in the sacred scriptures of various religious traditions, including non-Semitic religions. This research examines the prophecies regarding the last messenger in the religious texts of Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, and Buddhism, as analyzed by Pandit Bashiruddin. The study highlights the remarkable similarities between these prophecies and the characteristics of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). In Zoroastrian texts, the foretold figure "Astvat-ereta" and "Shāoshyant" bear striking resemblance to the qualities of the Holy Prophet (ﷺ). Similarly, the Hindu scriptures, particularly the Vedas, refer to a divinely chosen leader named "Narashansah" (the most praised) and "Kalki Avatar," whose attributes align closely with those of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). In Buddhist traditions, the prophecy of the coming o f "Maitreya" (the merciful one) is found, which corresponds with the prophetic mission of Muhammad (ﷺ). This study underscores the universality of Muhammad’s (ﷺ) prophethood and his significance for all of humanity. The presence of such prophecies in non-Semitic religions serves as a crucial bridge for interfaith dialogue and invites followers of different traditions to explore the final message of Islam.

The Introduction of Islamic legal Maxims and its utility in the modern times: A research and analytical study

Muhammad Ismail, Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Asghar, Hafiza Fozia Kausar — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract:

The science of Qawāʿid Fiqhiyyah (Islamic legal maxims) is a foundational pillar in the legal structure of Islamic jurisprudence. The deeper one’s mastery of this discipline, the more profound and structured their understanding of Islamic law becomes. Recognized not only as a core component of Shariah, but also as a highly engaging and practical field, Qawāʿid Fiqhiyyah has consistently drawn the attention of classical and contemporary jurists alike. In modern times, it has regained its central importance, serving as an efficient tool in addressing newly emerging legal challenges.While its early development was intertwined with the broader evolution of Fiqh, it was later systematically compiled and independently taught. Today, it stands as a revitalized and essential area within contemporary Islamic legal thought. Numerous dedicated works and encyclopedias have been authored in the field, and it has been integrated into the curricula of many Islamic universities, with particular emphasis placed on general maxims and selected specialized rules.This study emphasizes the urgent need to systematically collect, authenticate, and organize the most significant legal maxims across various branches of Islamic jurisprudence. Such thematic classification will enable students to develop a solid foundational understanding of each domain of Fiqh through comprehensive legal principles, allowing them to advance their scholarly development within any specialized field.

The paper explores the concept and contemporary relevance of Qawāʿid Fiqhiyyah, highlighting their crucial role in organizing legal rulings within a coherent and principled framework. These maxims equip jurists with a powerful methodology for deriving rulings in a structured, efficient, and consistent manner, thereby enhancing the relevance and applicability of Islamic law in the modern era.

The Role of Sectarian Harmony Among Students in Educational Institutions (Schools, Colleges, and Universities) in Achieving Unity of the Ummah In the Light of Lessons Derived from the Seerah of the Prophet ﷺ

Saba Ghaffar, Tumazir Fatima — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Unity is a fundamental element in the formation of an Islamic welfare society. When the individuals of a society are united and religious and sectarian harmony exists, the society flourishes. One of the major issues in Pakistani society is sectarian disharmony (sectarianism), which has severely undermined unity. The root causes of this issue lie in misunderstandings, misconceptions, and ignorance about other sects and religious groups. These causes are deeply linked to social and political structures.

Students are the architects of the future, as the nation's and the community's leadership will ultimately be in their hands. The youth are trained on the right path is the one that progresses. To achieve the goal of unity in the Ummah, it is essential to ensure that students are not influenced by sectarianism. Their thinking should embody the spirit of unity and harmony. If this is instilled at the level of schools, colleges, and universities, there is no reason why the dream of national and communal unity cannot be realised.

This paper aims to examine how students in educational institutions can promote sectarian harmony among their peers and within society. It will explore to what extent students are inclined towards sectarian affiliations, whether sectarian and ideological associations are causing distance and hostility among them, and whether such groups exist in educational institutions based on sectarian lines. It will also assess whether students take these groups seriously, what impact religious disharmony has on students’ education and thought processes, and what lessons and points can be drawn from the Seerah of the Prophet ﷺ to promote sectarian harmony and unity among students.

I Interpretations of the Verse of Surah Al-Nur ('Lā yubdīna zīnatahunna illā mā ẓahara minhā'): Research and Analytical Study of Shariah Boundaries of Hijab from the Companions to Contemporary Scholars

Dr. Zobia Parveen, Dr. Hafiz Abdul Basit Khan Khan — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This paper presents a research-based and comparative analysis of legal boundaries of Hijab under the Surah Al-Nur, verse 30: ﴿ ولا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا﴾. The primary objective of the study is to explore how scholars across different periods have interpreted this verse. The central research question addressed is"What interpretive and juristic trends regarding this verse emerged from the time of the Companions to contemporary scholars, and which interpretation has been predominantly accepted by the majority?" To answer this, the views of forty esteemed scholars—ranging from the Companions, Successors, and classical exegetes to modern commentators—have been compiled in chronological order. These include: Hazrat Āishah, Ibn ʿAbbās, Ibn Masʿūd, Ibn Jubayr, Nakhaʿī, Ḍaḥḥāk, Ḥasan, ʿAṭāʾ, Awzāʿī, Ibn Jurayj, Ṭabarī, Rāzī, Ibn Aṭiyyah, Abū Ḥayyān, Ibn Qudāmah, Qurṭubī, Bayḍāwī, Ibn-e-Jawzī, Ibn Kathīr, Mazharī, Ālūsī, Muṣṭafā Marāghī, Mawdūdī, Pīr Karam Shāh, Mufti Shafīʿ, Amīn Aḥsan Iṣlāḥī, Ashraf Thānawī, and Idrīs Kāndhlawī etc. The research identifies two major trends, one group understands “illā mā ẓahara minhā” as referring only to visible clothing like garments or outer cloak, while the other group allows for the face and hands to be exposed, provided there is no fear of temptation. According to the majority of jurists, the face and hands are not legally considered parts of the body that must be covered. Although other verses and hadiths also support the obligation of covering the face, this paper focuses solely on the mentioned verse for thematic focus and brevity. In today’s morally challenging environment, the importance of facial covering becomes even more pronounced in light of modesty, precaution, and blocking the means (sadd al-dharāʾiʿ). This study presents a balanced exegetical and juristic perspective, aiming to provide scholarly guidance on the legal boundaries of hijab in the contemporary context.

Key words: Legal boundaries, Hijab, Companions, Successors, Classical exegetes, Contemporary scholars, Face and Hands.

The Perspective of Allama Nabulsi on Innovations and Superstitions in the Light of Al-Hadīqah al-Nadiyyah

Hafiza Firdous Jabeen, Dr.Hafiz Muhammad Asghar — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The phenomenon of Bid‘ah (innovation) has long been a subject of scholarly discourse in Islamic theology and jurisprudence. Allama Abdul Ghani al-Nabulsi (d. 1143 AH), a distinguished Sufi scholar and Hanafi jurist of the Ottoman era, provides a nuanced and balanced perspective on Bid‘ah and related superstitions (khurāfāt) in his seminal work Al-Hadīqah al-Nadiyyah. According to Nabulsi, Bid‘ah refers to introducing a new matter into the religion that was not practiced during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ or his Companions. However, he does not adopt a blanket condemnation of all innovations. Instead, he classifies Bid‘ah into two distinct categories:

Bid‘at al-Ḥasanah (commendable or good innovation)
Bid‘at al-Sayyi’ah (blameworthy or bad innovation)

In Al-Hadīqah al-Nadiyyah, Nabulsi argues that Bid‘at al-Ḥasanah can be accepted if it aligns with the objectives of Shariah and does not contradict any clear religious text. Acts such as organizing structured religious gatherings, establishing charitable institutions, or utilizing modern means to spread knowledge may fall under this category. In contrast, Bid‘at al-Sayyi’ah involves practices that distort Islamic beliefs, introduce superstition, or lead people away from the original message of Islam. These, according to Nabulsi, are strongly discouraged and often arise from ignorance or blind following. Nabulsi also highlights the spiritual dangers of khurāfāt (superstitious beliefs), particularly when such practices claim religious legitimacy without textual or rational basis. He urges scholars and the general public to distinguish between cultural customs and legitimate religious practices, underscoring the importance of correct understanding (fiqh) and cautious application of religious rulings in contemporary contexts.

This paper explores the relevance of Nabulsi’s classification in today’s world, especially in combating excessive rigidity on one hand, and unrestrained innovation on the other. By revisiting his writings, the study offers a pathway for balanced religious interpretation and a revival of critical reasoning (ijtihād) in the face of evolving societal challenges.

Media Violence and Its Impact on Society: Analyzing the Debate, Censorship, and the Role of Media Education in Islamic Democratic Pakistan

Muniba Gull, Dr. Maqbool Hassan — Sat, 31 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The issue of media violence in Islamic Democratic Pakistan has been a contentious topic for over two decades, with debates surrounding its potential impact on real-life aggression. Initially, the discussion revolved around whether media violence, particularly in news broadcasts, directly contributes to societal violence. This research paper examines the role of media in normalizing violence, the cultural implications of aggression, and the diminishing empathy within Pakistani society. It critically explores how different media formats, especially news channels, represent and sensationalize violence to highlight social issues. The paper also reviews the various governmental responses to this issue and the continuing debate about censorship versus freedom of expression. It emphasizes the significance of media education in helping young people critically engage with violent content, offering a means to understand its broader social and ethical implications. Furthermore, initiatives by state of Islamic Democratic Pakistan to control media violence as well as Islamic teachings to control media violence have also been discussed in the study. Utilizing a Qualitative Technique, a deeper analysis reveals a complex web of political conflicts, media wars, and censorship debates. Advocates for the regulation of media violence argue that censorship is essential to protect vulnerable groups, particularly the youth, from exposure to harmful content. Conversely, critics view such censorship efforts as insufficient, suggesting that they merely serve as a distraction from addressing the underlying causes of violence in society. Ultimately, the study suggests that media education plays a key role in empowering the public to navigate media violence responsibly and informally.