IAIS BULLETIN MALAYSIA ON ISLAM AND CONTEMPORARY ISSUES

No. 12, January-February 2013 ISSN 2231-7627 FREE

Focus: Commemorating Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Which fell on 24 January 2013) by Mohammad Hashim Kamali

Muhammad (pbuh) was the posthumous son of Abdullah and his wife Aaminah among the nobility of the Quraish tribe of Mecca whose line of descent reaches Prophet Ishmael, son of Prophet Abraham. Born in 570 AD his mother died when he was six and he was brought up by his paternal grandfather, Abdul Mutalib, and uncle Abu Talib. He was nursed by Halimah who took the young Muhammad to her desert home for two years. (More p. 3)

In This Issue: ARTICLES Deadly Drones in Hands of Trigger-Happy Americans • Articles by Daud Abdul-Fattah Batchelor • Research Updates The United States has the largest military expenditure greater than the rest of the world • Event Reports combined, the highest number of prisoners per capita, and scored 88th out of 158 countries • Hikmah in the 2012 ‘Global Peace Index’. This militarised population with the largest private gun • Quotable Quotes ownership in the world has had 62 mass shootings since 1982, with 2012 its most violent year on record. (More p. 4) Defining the Reviver: Analysis of Rashid Ahmad Gangohi’s Fatwa by Mohammed Farid Ali An anonymous questioner asked Rashid Ahmad Gangohi (d. 1905) about the reviver (al-mujaddid). The question and Shaykh’s answer are recorded in Ta’lifat Rashidiyyah, an ontological work compiling fatawa and treatises written by Gangohi in Arabic, Urdu, and Persian. Rashid Ahmad was from Gangoh a small town in Saharanpur, India. (More p. 6) Challenges of Islam in Bangladesh by Tawfique Al-Mubarak Bengal – the name popularly known to the world before it was renamed as Bangladesh – experienced Islam for the first time in history around the year 620 CE, which is around the 10th year of the advent of Islam. Reports indicate that some of the companions of the Prophet (pbuh) travelled from Ethiopia towards China in the seventh year of prophethood, and that they stopped over at the port of Chittagong. (More p. 7) Mak Yong Revisited: Islamisation of Ancient Culture by Sheila Ainon Yussof “Mak Yong” an ancient dance-theatre which originated from the Pattani Kingdom (now in Thailand) is a comprehensive theatre performance combining dance, opera, drama and comedy. Due to its animist and Hindu-Buddhist roots it was banned by the Pan-Malaysia Islamic Party in 1991. It was however registered as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2005. (More p. 11) SEMINAR / EVENT REPORTS Research Fellow Seminar, 13 February 2013 (More p. 5) Third Abdullah Yusuf Ali Memorial Lecture (More p. 10) Visit by Professor Mumtaz Ahmad (More p. 10) Focus: Commemorating Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Which fell on 24 January 2013) O GOD: YOU are Peace, YOU are the source of Peace, Peace belongs to YOU. So welcome us (in the Hereafter) O LORD with the salutation of ‘Peace!’, by Mohammad Hashim Kamali and admit us into Paradise the Abode of Peace. Blessed and Exalted are (contd from page 1) YOU our LORD, Possessor of Majesty and Reverence. (Text from al-Tirmidhi and al-Nasa’i) At the age of nine, Muhammad continued receiving revelations for The Prophet’s marriage to Khadijah exhibited indications of an twenty-three years, which became was “happy, fortunate and fruitful,” intelligent and inquiring mind. He known as the Qur’an. As soon as until her death at age 65. Two was reflective and loved solitary he began to propagate his mission, sons and four daughters were born meditation. At the age of 12, he he and his small group of followers to them, but both their sons died EDITOR’S NOTE was taken by his loving uncle Abu became targets of bitter hostility at infancy. During her lifetime, Talib on a mercantile journey to and persecution of the Meccans, Khadijah was his only wife. She Sham and Basrah. It was at Basrah which compelled them to leave their was “his counsellor and support, Warm Greetings. We at IAIS Malaysia look forward in 2013 to a full that they met the Christian monk hometown in 622 AD. This event, and his grief at her death at first was programme of activities and dissemination of knowledge in the field of Buhaira, who is related have told the Hijra, ‘migration’, marked the inconsolable.” The fact that he had Islamic civilisational renewal. Bulletin 12 has a variegated mix of articles to Abu Talib to take good care of his Prophet’s departure for Madinah, many wives is undisputed, but he suit different tastes. The Prophet’s (PBUH) birthday occuring in January is nephew as great dignity awaited some 260 kilometres to the north, was not licentious. Abraham, David, and the beginning also of a great Solomon and many other Prophets commemorated with a concise account of his life by Professor Mohammad him. All accounts of Muhammad’s personality concur on ascribing to transformation in the life of the and saints of the Old Testament Hashim Kamali. Highlighting illegal aspects of the United States’ drone him correctness of manner, purity nascent community of Muslims. also had many wives – none were warfare programme, Dr Daud Batchelor in his article calls for restrictions of morals and dignified bearing, After eight years, the Prophet and licentious. Many of his marriages Professor Mohammad with international oversight and vetting of targeted suspects, execution of which won him the approbation of his followers triumphantly returned were for protection of widows whose Hashim Kamali penalties if the US government is found willful or negligent in causing civilian Meccan society that soon conferred to Mecca, where they forgave their husbands had died in the cause of on him the title al-Amin (the enemies, and established Islam in Islam. T. P. Hughes, author of deaths, and a ban on drones’ use in the Muslim world. Dr Mohammed Farid Ali writes on the Hadith trustworthy). the whole of Arabia. Dictionary of Islam, quoted Thomas concerning the advent every hundred years of a religious revivalist (Mujaddid) and has analysed the Carlyle, who wrote: “Mohammad Between 580-590, war broke out The Prophet was of fair complexion answer (fatwa) by Shaykh Rashid Gangohi to questions on this topic. Bangladesh has been in the news was not a sensual man; we shall err between Quraish and Banu Hawazin with definitive facial features, broad widely if we consider him otherwise. lately with civil disturbances reacting to the death sentence ruling against Jamaat-e Islami opposition tribes, which lasted ten years, and shouldered, average in height and His household was the frugalest, leader, Delwar Hossain Sayedee, in relation to the country’s 1971 war of independence. Tawfique in two of these years Muhammad weight. He spoke with clarity and his common diet barely bread and Al-Mubarak has provided a helpful background article on Challenges of Islam in Bangladesh. One of accompanied Abu Talib. He also pause. When he turned his face, he water; sometimes for a month, there did so with the whole of his body, Malaysia’s much loved dance-theatre forms, originating from the Hindu-Buddhist Pattani kingdom, took interest in business and visited was not once a fire lighted on his local fairs in and around Mecca. At and when pointing at something, he is described in Sheila Ainon’s article on “Mak Yong” and how it may be Islamised. The well-attended hearth... He would mend his own twenty-five years of age, on Abu did so with the whole of his hand. shoes, patch his own cloak, a hard Abdullah Yusuf Ali Memorial Lecture involving a fascinating and provocative presentation by British Talib’s recommendation, he entered He would sit as one that was always toiling man, careless of what vulgar scholar, Dr Louay Fatoohi, is reported on, as well as the proceedings of the IAIS Research Fellow the service of Khadijah, an affluent ready to rise, and sat as one among men toil for. No emperor with his equals. Whenever he had the choice Seminar held in February. Our selections of ‘Hikmah’ and ‘Quotable Quote’ in this issue also feature widow of forty-five who had two dignity was obeyed as this man in a sons and a daughter from her former between two matters, he would various statements on the life of the Prophet Muhammad. Three other features of interest are IAIS cloak of his own clouting.” marriage. Muhammad was placed choose the easier. He did not take Event Reports, Staff Research and Publications, and Policy-relevant recommendations. I take this in charge of Khadijah’s mercantile revenge excepting where the honour Till the third day before his death, opportunity to thank all the contributors and the Bulletin Editorial Team for their continued support. operations, and he again travelled of God was concerned. When he regularly led congregational the route to Basrah. Having proved angry, he would avert his gaze, look prayers. When he was too ill to enter himself successful in Khadijah’s downwards yet joyful. He smiled the mosque, he ordered his faithful Bulletin Editorial Team : Professor Mohammad Hashim Kamali, Daud AbdulFattah Batchelor, business, he was soon rewarded with often, showed affection to children, friend, Abu Bakr, to lead the service. Michael Scott, Mohammed Farid Ali and Norliza Saleh. her hand in marriage. and reverence to the elderly. He On his last attendance, the Prophet walked fast such that keeping pace addressed the congregation: “Men Published by: At the age of 40 when on a with him was an effort. As a parent and brethren! If I have caused any International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS) Malaysia, meditative retreat, Muhammad and friend, he was loyal, endowed of you to be unjustly scourged, Tel: 03 - 7956 9188 received his first revelation from with humility and gentleness, I here submit my own shoulder Fax: 03 - 7956 2188 www.iais.org.my God through the Angel Gabriel. He exceptionally generous. to the lash of retaliation. If I have

2 January - February 2013 January - February 2013 3 aspersed the good name of any of Prophet died on 8th June 632 at the in only One God worthy of worship you, let him proclaim my fault age of 63. was also a reason for the rapid spread DEADLY DRONES IN HANDS before this congregation. If I owe of his mission. With few means, a Among the Prophet’s greatest any of you a debt, the little that I man who had been an orphan and OF TRIGGER-HAPPY AMERICANS achievements was to instil a new who had suffered in countless ways, have shall discharge the debt.” He monotheistic moral code that then informed them of the rituals of laid the foundations of a new religious departed from the pagan Arab’s society and civilisation that was soon by Daud Abdul-Fattah Batchelor his own burial, and said: “My most reliance on tribalism and ancestral to make its mark upon a large portion (contd from page 1) earnest wish is that no wailing and practice as criteria of moral life. The of the world and began a new chapter lamentation disturb my repose.” The very simplicity of his calling to faith Popular culture of violent video games has stated that only 20% of those so- Given the past abuses by the in human history. and Hollywood have desensitised killed in Pakistan were militants while superpower without independent many Americans to killing, and the others were innocents. Wedding judicial oversight and that such the influential Islamophobic media and funeral groups seem to be assassinations would seem contrary Quotable Quotes tends to degrade the human value especially targeted, and drones often to due process provisions of Islamic of Muslims. Armed drones used return to kill the rescuers. Eighteen Sharia law, it is imperative for all by the US almost exclusively target civilians including nine children were Muslim countries to gather in an “… A mass of detail in the early sources show that Muhammad was an honest and upright man who had gained Muslims. In this context, is it wise to killed by drones at one wedding party international forum, prohibit the use the respect and loyalty of others who were like-wise honest and upright men.” allow the US President authority to last year, which was the seventh such of assassination drones by any party “Muhammad is the most successful of all Prophets and religious personalities.” kill by drones anyone he may believe party eviscerated by US air attacks in the Muslim World, and raise world is an ‘imminent threat’ - without first in Afghanistan since 2001. These opinion against this insidious weapon. -Encyclopedia Britannica, vol. 12 providing proof of wrongdoing in a are plain premeditated murders. The court of law? And where in the world TBIJ documents many such cases of Next to come in a developing “He was by far the most remarkable man that ever set foot on this earth.” is a government exonerated when civilian killings by US drones. The Orwellian “big brother” scenario, in addition to executing a criminal 2011 Datta Khel massacre of 35 if not thwarted early by strong and “He preached a religion, founded a state, built a nation, laid down a moral code, initiated numerous social and ‘suspect’ it also executes innocent civilians in Northern Waziristan was broad-based international pressure, are political reforms.” bystanders including children? exhaustively documented by on-site micro insect-like drones programmed “He established a powerful and dynamic society to practise and represent his teachings and completely The US government neatly defines investigators including from the New to your cell phone number that could all adult males killed by strikes as York Times and Associated Press. So- zap behind your ear and complete the revolutionised the worlds of human thought and behaviour for all times to come.” last conversation you ever make. -Sir George Bernard Shaw in ‘The Genuine Islam,” vol. 1, no. 8, 1936 “militants”, unless there is explicit called “signature strikes” or “crowd evidence posthumously (after death) killings”, which target a group of http://videos.designworldonline.com/ proving them innocent. unnamed and unidentified suspects, video/Air-Force-Bugbots “The league of nations founded by the Prophet of Islam put the principle of international unity and human clearly violate international law. The UN High Commissioner for brotherhood on such universal foundations as to show a candle to other nations.” Human Rights, Navi Pillay, rightly The use of drones in this criminal Quotable Quotes “The fact is that no nation of the world can show a parallel to what Islam has done towards the realization of the ruled that the killing of civilians by manner provides further evidence of idea of the League of Nations.” US drones is illegal and in violation the United States’ slippery decline from its erstwhile claimed high moral There are two things that -Professor Snouk Hurgronje of human rights. It would seem high time that prior to any possible drone standards as “Leader of the civilised human beings generally find attack the detailed evidence against world”. The US Government had difficult to do. That is forgiving a targeted person is placed before a the temerity recently to cast a new and forgetting. These two UN Committee or the International medal, “The Distinguished Warfare elements help the individual Court of Justice, and reviewed by Medal” ostensibly to reward “the extraordinary achievements” of who forgives and forgets rather independent lawyers before any than the receiver. A profound Recent Publication possible attack is envisaged. The UN these remote drone “pilots” far from should take up the plight of innocent the battlefield. In reality, the US feeling of peace and happiness victims of US drone attacks and exact government is treating this as a high will descend on the giver. To Occasional Paper Series 7 a heavy penalty and international tech computer killing game where learn to forget is as important INTERFAITH ENGAGEMENT AND POSITIVE PEACE: legal rulings on the US government the targets are hardly human. In a and necessary as to learn to WHAT WORKS AND WHAT IS MISSING leadership if they are found culpable letter to the New York Times, the respected Archbishop Desmond Tutu remember. Author: Katherine Marshall or negligent. -Mother A. Mangalam challenged the hypocrisy of the US 54 pages | Price: RM 15 Recently cited official figures listing for accepting a killer drone program 4,700 killings by US drones in targeting foreign suspects while Lord make me an instrument Occasional Paper Series 6 Pakistan, Yemen and Somali indicate demanding judicial review when of your peace, SCIENCE AND SPIRITUALITY IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY a civilian kill rate of around 17%. The those targets are American citizens Where there is hatred, let me Author: Elisabet Sahtouris Bureau of Investigative Journalism and wrote, “Does the US really want (TBIJ) estimates a much higher rate to tell those of us in the rest of the sow love..... -St. Francis of Assisi 68 pages | Price: RM 15 of 1,025 innocent deaths. Pakistan’s World that our lives are not the same Interior Minister, Rehman Malik, value as yours?”

4 January - February 2013 January - February 2013 5 DEFINING THE REVIVER (AL-MUJADDID) ANALYSIS OF RASHID AHMAD GANGOHI’S FATWA CHALLENGES OF ISLAM IN BANGLADESH by Mohammed Farid Ali by Tawfique Al-Mubarak (contd from page 1) (contd from page 1)

Rashid Ahmad Gangohi was the deviations (bid’at) are eliminated, recognised by their special signs. Reports indicate that some of the many Muslim politicians supported a Through the eight hundred years of second patron of Darul Uloom Prophet’s teachings are widely spread, Some believe that the mujaddids companions of the Prophet (pbuh) united Pakistan in fear of hegemonic history of Muslim Bengal no major Deoband. Deoband’s entourage of and the forgotten Prophetic traditions are infallible like the Prophets. including Sacad ibn Abī Waqqās and aggression from India! Since then, scholars of Islam have risen up from Fatawa started with him. are revived. Muhammad or Ahmad to Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani Mālik ibn Wuhaib (R.A.), travelled the Muslim community became this part of the world with original be part of his name is not necessary. was asked a similar question. In from Ethiopia towards China in slowly divided on the issue of pro and contributions to the Islamic sciences, The following is the question and the Scholars assume certain personalities answer he drew guidelines to avoid the seventh year of Muhammad anti independence. Again, Islam fell especially addressing the local answer: to be a reviver when they see them such misconceptions in relation to prophethood, and during their victim to political currents. Muslims in their mother tongue! Question: In the hadith reported by to be fulfilling the staunch scholarly mujaddid. These guidelines further nine years-long journey by sea, Despite the establishment and growth criteria. Some scholars believe that elaborate the foresaid answer of Rashid they stopped over at the port of Muslims are currently divided along of a large numbers of madrassahs, and Abu Daud “Surely, Allah will send different lines of ‘pro-Îūfīs’, ‘salafīs,’ for this ummah at the advent (ra’s) of Umar b. Abd al-Aziz was the reviver Ahmad Gangohi: 1) Mujaddid is not Chittagong. Many locals accepted birth of many famous teachers and ‘political Islamists,’ ‘tablīghīs’ to every one hundred years a person who of the first century after the Prophet a formal designation like prophet or Islam there. scholars, original scholarship and ‘liberal Muslims.’ The divisions, will revive its religion for the ummah” È. For the second century some messenger; 2) A true mujaddid does contributions are rarely found, unlike The first political opening (fatḥ) of with their strong influence on their (Sunan Abu Daud, hadith no. 4291): scholars name Imam Shafi’i as the not declare himself as such; 3) There its neighbours such as Pakistan and reviver while some scholars choose is no religious obligation to believe Islam in Bengal was by the Khiljī followers, has often created barriers India. The teachings and the spirit of What does ra’s mean? Does it mean other than him. There is no settled in someone as a mujaddid; 4) There dynasty in 1203 AD. This was for the development of Islam and Islam seem to have been lost. Besides, end of the century or starting of the opinion in this regard. Jalal al-Din is no revelation to the mujaddid from followed by Muslim immigrants, Islamic society during recent decades culamā c the disunity of the ´ after the century? What are the signs of the al-Suyuti has written on this topic. Allah like a prophet receives; 5) It is traders, businessmen, ulamā´, as in Bangladesh. Islamic understanding independence of Bangladesh also Î reviver by which he can be recognised? Rashid Ahmad Gangohi said that for not necessary that a mujaddid knows well ūfī sheikhs. Madrassahs were and practice, too, have not developed hindered the development of Islam! Is the reviver for the whole world or my humble self the preferable opinion himself to be one of them; and 6) established, khanqas set up, and as much as it was supposed to for any place where revival is needed? is the one in which scholars opine A mujaddid is not infallible like a mosques and maktabs were built be throughout the history of The challenges that Islam currently Is Muhammad or Ahmad necessary that it is not necessary to have one prophet. for the propagation of Islamic independent Bangladesh. faces towards its development are to be part of his name? Who are the reviver for one century, instead one knowledge. manifold. The first is the issue of Despite being a Muslim majority c revivers of 1300 A.H. and where century can have as many as 2 or 4 or Khalil Ahmad Sahanpuri in a unity and uniting the ulamā´ with Following the end of British rule, country Bangladesh still does not were they? Who is the reviver of this 20 or 50 or 100 or so. Each century commentary on the hadith in line one spirit. Second is to sustain the the Indian subcontinent was divided have a ‘grand muftī’ or an authority century? Please elaborate. will have its own group of revivers. with his Shaykh Rashid Ahmad spirit of original scholarship in the into Pakistan (East and West) and for religious issues to refer to, nor does Each one of them according to their Gangohi preferred the idea of local language, such that it can rise Answer: Ra’s in Arabic means head India. Although East and West it have a sharīcah court for Muslim contribution and level of knowledge numerous mujaddids in one century, to meet the ongoing challenges of which denotes that the reviver will Pakistan were established based disputes, which many Muslim will have their share in the process each reviving the teachings of Islam modernity and secularisation. be in the starting of a century. Also on the large Muslim demography minority countries like Kenya have! of revival. Almighty Allah knows the according to his forte. He wrote starting of a century is the end of in the two regions, the division of Bangladesh has yet to organise a Islam is ingrained into the psyche of best. (Ta’lifat Rashidiyyah, 159-160) that a scholar of one science is not a the previous century. Keeping this reviver of other sciences. For instance Bangladesh was very different. Its central zakāh fund, or an authority to Bangladeshi Muslims and the desire in mind, it will be correct if one says Analysis: Even though the question not many hadith-scholars achieve independence from West Pakistan look over the awqāf ! In a very recent to see Islamic scholarship and scholars that the reviver was at the end of a is simple, it still catches the general revival of fiqh-matters. Furthermore was mainly because of the denial of amendment to the constitution, the emerging is quite promising. A fresh century. It is preferable to say starting misconceptions held by many. Many the word “man (who)” in the foresaid its rights. Hence, Islam, or Muslim article on ‘absolute trust in Allah’ was focus is necessary from religious and of the century, so the effect of the people basing on the wording of hadith does not connote a specific demography had no major roles in abolished, and the 1972 constitution political leaders to guide the people revival will continue till the end of the hadith reported by Abu Daud person in Arabic language which the actual formation of Bangladesh. was restored, which is modelled on towards the right path for Islam to that century. The sign of the reviver understand that the mujaddids of keeps the number of mujaddids open. Rather, a large number of culamā´ and ‘social communism!’ flourish. is his efforts and writings by which a century have to be specifically (Badhl al-Majhud, vol. 12, 336-338) Hikmah Professor Kamali’s books to appear in Arabic translation The ink of the scholar is more sacred than the blood of the martyr. -Hadith The Islamic Text Society (ITS) of Cambridge, UK has published a number of Professor Kamali’s books over the It is enough of a sin for a man to relate all of what he hears. -Hadith years. As of August 2012, the Beirut-based Arab Network for Research and Publishing has signed an agreement -Hadith with the ITS to translate eight of Professor Kamali’s books into Arabic. Seven of these are on fundamental rights Contentment is a wealth which will not deplete. and liberties in Islam, plus his Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence. This is over 2,500 pages of English text that Do not be too hard, lest you be broken; do not be too soft, lest you be squeezed. -Ali b. Abi Talib will be made available in Arabic as a result of this welcome development. Everyone has been made for some particular work, and the desire for that work has been put in every heart. -Rumi

6 January - February 2013 January - February 2013 7 RESEARCH, PUBLICATION AND CONFERENCE PRESENTATION POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS (ICR VOLUME 4 NUMBER 1)

Professor Mohammad Hashim Kamali published two articles, one on “Islam prohibits all forms of corruption”, and Anthony H. Johns – Al-Ghazali and the Foundations of an Islamic Humanism another on “Remembering Prophet’s greatness in simplicity” in the New Straits Times on 19 and 24 January 2013, • Creative development which avoids innovation can be made possible by carefully distinguishing between legal provision respectively. He continued with various presentations as speaker or discussant at conferences and forums within Kuala and attendant circumstances. Lumpur and outside IAIS Malaysia. He is currently finalising an IAIS Policy Issue Paper on ‘Family Empowerment’ • Ghazali maintains the sanctity and authority of the Law, but frees Muslims from imposition of unnecessary legal constraints. Awareness of this freedom should be strengthened and heeded. and working on an enhancement and revision of his two written works, “The Middle Path of Moderation in Islam” • Ghazali demonstrates the space in Islam for a Humanist tradition, one which values all secular human activities within and “Maqasid al-Shariah”, for international publication. He is also editing two books that IAIS is publishing jointly the Law and sees in them the potential for advancing spiritual life. This forms an essential basis for reviving Islam’s reason with Kube Publishing of UK, one on Sukuk, the other on Islamic Transactions. for being. Megawati Moris – Making Knowledge Useful: Applying al-Ghazali’s Teachings in the Malay World Dr Karim Douglas Crow continues to pursue his research into Faith and Rationality in relation to modernity, as • Universities in the region and in Malaysia in particular, must cooperate to “de-Westernise” and move to redefine higher well as into the ethical and spiritual consequences of material consumption by middle class Muslims; and continues as education and the knowledge they provide by forming their own worldviews and developing indigenous knowledge. Managing Editor of Islam and Civilisational Renewal. His book: The Hashwīyah: Radical Muslim Traditionalism is due • Knowledge and research by the higher learning institutions must benefit people and address local issues. to be published by the Islamic Book Trust (Kuala Lumpur). • An environment of empowerment should be created where youths and students are encouraged to debate, speak freely and be recognised. Dr Daud Batchelor acted as Moderator at the Sa’id Nursi International Conference on the Role of Science & Art in Sean Foley – Saudi Arabia, the Soviet Union, and Modern Islam (Islamic) Civilisational Renewal, held at IAIS on 4th December 2012. As New Straits Times columnist, Dr Daud had his • Exchanges between the Kingdom, Russia, and Muslim majority regimes of Central Asia should be reviewed in light of article “Wealth is Not an End in Itself” published on 1st January 2013. Daud’s article titled, “A Proposed New Islamic changing regional realities. Rating Index of Well-being for Muslim Countries” is planned for publication in Islam and Civilisational Renewal, • Research, cultural and religious reciprocity, and historical and sociological collaboration should be promoted between Volume 4 Number 2 (April 2013). Dr Daud was a speaker at the IAIS Research Fellow Seminar on 13 February. Russia and the Kingdom, in order to promote the best interests of both nations in the context of the Muslim peoples in Russia. • Mutual academic and policy institutions might be established as a mark of recognising these strategic shifts and preparing Michael K. Scott was engaged with reading, editing, and revising of material submitted to ICR as well as researching for future contingencies: Russian and Central Asian studies in the Kingdom, and Saudi and Gulf studies in Russia. possible submission topics and contributors. This includes preparing and checking all ICR contributions and participation in all ICR editorial planning meetings; drafting letters and advertisements to promote subscriptions to the Abdul Karim Abdullah – The Pitfalls of Riba or Interest-Based Financing • Awareness needs to be created that interest-based financing adversely impacts every sector by causing a range of journal. In addition he is translating a booklet on Islamic Finance for the Islamic Development Bank, from the original inefficiencies in the economy. Arabic to English. • Awareness also needs to be created about the destabilising effects of interest-based financing, in particular, the link between this mode of financing and cyclical instability. This is a compelling reason for abandoning interest-based financing in Abdul Karim Abdullah @ Leslie Terebessy is currently working on a paper for the ICR, entitled “Risk transfer, risk favour of profit and loss sharing. sharing, and risk management.” He is also preparing additional short pieces for the Website on Islamic Finance. In • The dangers of going into debt need to be widely publicised while its alternatives explored. addition, he is preparing an IAIS Occassional Paper on “Profit and loss sharing: the flagship of Islamic finance.” • The discourse of finance needs to be revisited to ensure that the terminology used reflects the economy of the real sector and that key drivers (incentives) of economic activity are properly understood. • Interest-based financing needs to be phased out and replaced with financing on the basis of profit and loss sharing. Dr Mohammed Farid Ali completed the indexing of Qur’anic verses and hadith for Prof Kamali’s upcoming new edition of Wasatiyyah. He submitted his paper “Contentment as a dimension of human character: Special reference to Sheila Ainon Yussof – Prospects of a Shariah Audit Framework for Islamic Financial Institutions in Malaysia Bediuzzaman Sa’id Nursi’s Risale-i-Nur” for the conference proceedings. He continues working with Prof Kamali on a • As the Shariah audit is still uncharted territory, it is recommended that the Central Bank of Malaysia undertakes this task book on Maqasid al-Shari’ah in Financial Transactions and Contracts. by providing the benchmarks and standards required for an efficient and effective Internal Shariah Audit Framework. • Islamic financial institutions (IFIs) in Malaysia should establish a Shariah-specific Audit Charter that will reflect the Shariah “mission” in their organisation’s vision of the scope, purpose, authority, accountability and responsibility for the Tawfique al-Mubaraksubmitted a chapter on the ‘Parameters for the Use of Hiyal in Contemporary Islamic Financial internal Shariah auditing department. Contacts’ for the book Islamic Transactions and Finance: Principles and Developments being edited by Prof Kamali and • A comprehensive Talent Development Programme needs to be designed for internal Shariah auditors, Shariah reviewers Sheila Ainon. He also joined the team with Prof Kamali and Dr Farid Ali for the book on Shariah Objectives (Maqasid and Shariah advisors for skill training. This will widen the pool of expertise and prevent poaching of internal auditors al-Shariah) in Financial Transactions and Contracts. At the same time, he is working on a paper on surrogacy in Islamic within the industry. law, expecting to contribute to the upcoming ICR, and another manuscript on “An Alternative Approach for Poverty • A Professional Practice Code for Shariah Auditors should be developed to govern the profession of auditing (covering Alleviation (AAPA) Model” for The Durham Conference on Poverty Alleviation and Islamic Economics & Finance. internal and external auditors) and ensuring uniformity in audit practice. • On Audit Reports, IFIs in Malaysia may consider reporting the Shariah audit findings as a separate statement in their annual report to promote greater transparency in Shariah compliance. Sheila Ainon Yussof published an article on prospects of a common internal shariah audit framework for Islamic financial institutions in Malaysia in ICR in January 2013; chaired the Research Fellow Seminar in January 2013; is Fahm AbdulGafar Olawale – Islamic Ethics and Stem Cell Research currently preparing Policy Issue Paper No. 2 on the Family institution; and also working on the IAIS book on ‘Islamic • Islamic ethical guidelines should be formulated to assist Muslim scientists in applying Islamic ethical principles to various medical problems, especially as they affect the dignity and totality of the human person. Transactions & Finance: Principles & Developments’. She contributed an article on art and culture. • The Islamic ethical principle of moderation (wasatiyyah) should be applied to all stem cell applications. The current debate on stem cell research wavers between extreme positions: the embryo is either a person or a property. The way Tengku Ahmad Hazri continues his research on constitutionalism in Islam, focusing on post-Westphalian strands forward sees the embryo rather as a developing form of human life though not a complete person, thus worthy of a high unleashed by globalisation, international human rights norms, and the diffusion of centres of power (both domestically degree of respect. and globally); and the impact these have on the rule of law in the Muslim world. He is also helping Prof Kamali with his • A well formulated biomedical ethical theory that is also informed by Islamic ethical principles is needed to advance stem book on the maqasid al-shari’ah and has been editing a Malay translation of Prof Kamali’s monograph, Moderation and cell research. It will guide physicians and researchers alike in striking a balance as well as a morally acceptable foundation Balance in Islam: the Qur’anic Principle of Wasatiyyah. He is also engaged in policy research on education and family- in difficult medical cases. • Stem cell therapy as a new medical treatment should be allowed because the benefits for people suffering from various related issues and contributes to the ICR, Bulletin and IAIS website. ailments are greater than the harm.

8 January - February 2013 January - February 2013 9 Event Reports MAK YONG REVISITED: Third Annual Abdullah Yusuf Ali Memorial Lecture Packs the IAIS-Malaysia Conference Hall by Michael K. Scott ISLAMISATION OF ANCIENT CULTURE

Life along Jalan Universiti resumed its normal busy pace after the Chinese New Year when over one hundred guests found their way to by Sheila Ainon Yussof the IAIS-Malaysia Conference Hall to attend the Third Abdullah Yusuf Ali Memorial Lecture Series. IAIS-Malaysia’s regular collaborating partner in publishing, the Islamic Book Trust (IBT), honored the revered scholar best known for his 1934 English translation of and “Mak Yong” an ancient dance-theatre If the decision to ban Mak Yong commentary on the Qur’an, now a standard reference in mosques and homes throughout the English-speaking Muslim world. which originated from the Pattani for the purpose of guarding the This year’s event occasioned IBT’s launch of its Malaysian edition of Abrogation in the Qur’an and Islamic Law: A Critical Study of the Kingdom (now in Thailand) is a ‘aqidah’ of its people against Concept of Naskh and its Impact – a work by Dr Louay Fatoohi, British scientist and Islamic studies scholar of Iraqi origin (http://www. comprehensive theatre performance influence from ‘un-Islamic louayfatoohi.com/). Dr Fatoohi drew upon his latest research for this book to address the topic of naskh, or abrogation, in a fascinating combining dance, opera, drama animistic’ elements, historically and provocative lecture entitled “Is the Mus-haf a complete record of the Qur’an? The controversy of abrogation”. and comedy. Due to its animist and despite such restriction on the Hindu-Buddhist roots it was banned artform, Islam managed to Dr Fatoohi clarified from the outset of his remarks that while many Muslims use the terms “Qur’an” and “mus-haf” interchangeably, in by the Pan-Malaysia Islamic Party flourish. It was the beauty of the fact the term “Qur’an” stands for the verses that God revealed to Prophet Muhammad over 22 years, and the “mus-haf” is the written record these revelations as they were compiled and written down. While a number of Hadith narratives suggest that the mus-haf does in 1991. It was however registered religion itself, which had appealed not contain all of the Qur’anic verses, and that some verses and even complete chapters (surahs) of the Qur’an had been “withdrawn” by as a Masterpiece of the Oral and to the Malays at that time. God during the life of the Prophet, Dr Fatoohi concluded that the abrogation narratives were not authentic. For more information and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by to obtain a copy of Dr Fathoohi’s book, please see: http://www.ibtbooks.com/lecture/programme.php . UNESCO in 2005. If mak yong is banned in the prohibition on mak yong. A mak state for revealing the aurat Visit by Professor Mumtaz Ahmad yong activist asserts that there was no which leaves the head and arms uncovered, then there are ways to by Tengku Ahmad Hazri longer any element of worship in the dance-drama: modify the dressing and not resort On 5 February 2013, IAIS Malaysia received a courtesy visit by Professor Mumtaz Ahmad, Executive Director of the Iqbal International to a total ban on the artform. Institute for Research and Dialogue (IRD), Islamabad, Pakistan and former Vice Chancellor (Academic) of the International Islamic “We now start the dance with doa University of Islamabad (IIUI). During the meeting Prof. Mumtaz and IAIS researchers exchanged views about the present state of selamat and take out any elements This has moved the Kelantan Mentri the Muslim world. Prof. Mumtaz recently edited a book critically examining the state of Islamic Studies in the United States entitled of worship used in the past. We Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Observing the Observer: The State of Islamic Studies in American Universities (Virginia: International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT), require both males and females to Mat to make an announcement that 2012). Yet such an endeavour he argued, is even more urgent in the Muslim world itself, for the very criticisms raised in the book with take part in the dance to act out the state government might consider regards to Islamic Studies in the US are equally applicable to the Muslim world. He also discussed prospects for further collaboration all the characters. The musicians lifting the ban on mak yong, provided In the old days, mak yong was with IAIS and requested a contribution from Professor Kamali towards the IRD Series in Contemporary Islamic Thought, which thus far are all men.” that the performance does not performed right after the village includes contributions by Chandra Muzaffar, Khalid Masud, Ali Mazrui, Tariq Ramadan and Seyyed Hossein Nasr. disregard Islamic values anymore. people got the last crop before the She pointed out those performances panen mak yong Research Fellow Seminar, 13 February 2013 rains ( ). The dance such as menora, wayang kulit, and combines elements of rituals, as well muay thai were allowed albeit with by Tengku Ahmad Hazri as stylised acting and dancing, vocal some modifications. On 13 February 2013, IAIS Malaysia organised a Research Fellow Seminar (RFS) featuring two speakers, Dr Daud AbdulFattah Batchelor, and instrumental music, songs, Associate Fellow at IAIS Malaysia, and Mr John Hartley, a sociologist and PhD candidate at Yale University, USA. stories and colloquialisms without So what is this fascination with mak using texts. Mak yong performances yong? Should it be banned totally or Daud Batchelor, in his presentation, Developing a Political Framework favorable for Peace in Post-Pullout Afghanistan argued that the revolve around 12 Malay legendary should the traditional form of dance prerequisites for a politically stable Afghanistan are functioning state institutions (necessitating review of the role and powers of the stories. They formally would begin drama be allowed to flourish in its President, National Assembly and judiciary), resolution of legally and constitutionally divisive issues, and generous sustained foreign their performance by paying respect pure form but Islamised due to its assistance. With the planned withdrawal of NATO troops by the end of 2014, the Afghans are left with questions of security and to the spirits (semah kumpung) with cultural significance and heritage of sovereignty, particularly in negotiating with the Taliban. Free and fair elections need to be held in 2014 (mindful especially that Hamid an offering. This was followed by Malaysia? The public responded as Karzai may exercise considerable influence) despite Taliban’s opposition. The grievances of the Taliban may halt any prospect towards Today there are less than ten veteran dancing, acting and improvised follows: mak yong performers. Although negotiation (partly because they are not represented and lack either a strong political wing or coherent leadership) but this in the end dialogues. Stories were presented in a may backfire on the Taliban as it may lose its Pashtun support-base. Batchelor then recommended that the Taliban form a political party To ban the artform would mean attempts are made to revive the art series of three hour performances over to effectively present its policies. a loss to Kelantanese cultural form, the younger generation of several nights. The mak yong orchestra identity and traditional heritage. enthusiasts are not willing to undergo is small with the main instruments John Hartley, presenting on The Concept of Religious Exclusivism: Religious Exclusivists taking Inclusive Action? gave a sociological account If the decision to ban the artform the rigorous apprenticeship. The played being the three-stringed spiked of a key religious question, “who attains to salvation?” (or its variant, “do members of other religions get saved?”), and the impact the was due to the Mak Yong’s art appears to be on a decline. But answer has on the believer’s relationship with ‘the Other’ i.e. believers of other religions or non-believers, as well as on the sense of loyalty lute, drum (gendang) and a pair of storyline, they could suggest the there is hope yet for mak yong as the to non-religious organisations which the believer may belong to. But scholarly discourses turn out to be diverse: an ‘exclusivist’ belief gongs. It may also include the flute performers to come up with a Department of National Heritage may nonetheless result in extremely ‘inclusivist’ action, for instance, which thus means conventional binaries (e.g. traditional vs. modern) (serunai), keduk drums and small religious storyline instead, such as has taken positive steps towards the should be methodologically avoided. cymbals (kesi). the story of ‘Isra Mi’raj’, the night preservation of the Mak Yong Theatre Both of these are research projects and as is the usual practice of Research Fellow Seminar, the researchers introduced their on-going The Kelantan government has Muhammad PBUH ascended to to prevent this ancient culture from research for further discussion. Various aspects of both proposals were discussed by those present. recently been urged to review its heaven on Buraq. becoming extinct.

10 January - February 2013 January - February 2013 11 EVENTS AT IAIS MALAYSIA

DATE EVENTS 5th February Visit and dialogue with Professor Mumtaz Ahmad 13th February Research Fellow Seminar 16th February Third Abdullah Yusuf Ali Memorial Lecture, by Dr Louay Fatoohi, organised by Islamic Book Trust

Professor Mumtaz Ahmad Dr Daud Batchelor delivered a Mr John Hartley presented shared his views about the presentation on Developing a Political onThe Concept of Religious present state of the Muslim Framework favorable for Peace in Post- Exclusivism: Religious Exclusivists world Pullout Afghanistan taking Inclusive Action?

Tengku Ahmad Hazri Michael K Scott Sheila Ainon Yussof

Dr Louay Fatoohi gave Question and Answer session Dr Louay Fatoohi his lecture ‘Is the Mushaf a at the Abdullah Yusuf Ali complete record of the Qur’an? Memorial Lecture The Controversy of Abrogation

Participants at the Abdullah Introductory remarks by Dr Ahmad Farouk Musa of Yusuf Ali Memorial Lecture Hishamudin Ubaidulla Islamic Renaissance Front 12 January - February 2013