International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Vol. 1 No. 8; July 2011 From Religious Realism to Social Criticism: Sayyid Qutb’s Approach in Fi Zilal al Qur’an Nooraihan Ali (Corresponding author) Faculty of Islamic Contemporary Studies Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin E-mail:
[email protected] Asyraf Hj. Ab. Rahman Faculty of Social Development Universiti Malaysia Terengganu E-mail:
[email protected] Wan Ibrahim Wan Ahmad UUM College of Arts and Sciences Universiti Utara Malaysia E-mail:
[email protected] Mohd Yusoff Mohamad Faculty of Social Development Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Malaysia E-mail::
[email protected] Abstract This paper deals with Qutb’s approaches which are in some ways differ from other Mufassirun’s way of the Quranic interpretation, thus making his Zilal so relevant to the modern and contemporary society as it attempts to give consistent answers to the social and political problems facing Muslims. In Qutb’s view, the establishment of a society in which Islamic teachings could be properly applied, was inevitable. Some distinctive characteristics that made Zilal so special are also discussed. Keywords: Muslim society, Qur‟an, Modern Tafsir 1. Introduction This paper deals with Sayyid Qutb‟s approaches in Zilal and how they resulted in conflicting opinions between the author and other Mufassirun on certain issues mentioned in the Qur‟an. Qutb‟s interpretation of the Qur‟an began with the conviction that the Qur‟an was the true guidance for all human beings and thus the only valid source to direct their affairs. This belief emerged only after his progress through several stages of his career coupled with the strong influence of the current environment surrounding the Egyptian society of his time.