Towards a process-humanistic interpretation of Islam An examination of Muhammad Iqbal`s God concept Farhan A. Shah Master`s Thesis submitted in Religion and Society Supervisors: Associate Professor Safet Bektovic and Professor Oddbjørn Leirvik Faculty of Theology University of Oslo Spring 2016 “Not only Islam but also the world needs to learn from Muhammad Iqbal. His ideas, as inspired by the Qur’an and supported by process or Whiteheadian thinking, can help bring about a more humane, sustainable world for all.” - Jay McDaniel, Professor of Religion at Hendrix College, USA II Towards a process-humanistic interpretation of Islam An examination of Muhammad Iqbal`s God concept III © Farhan A. Shah 2016 Word count: 39 877 Towards a process-humanistic interpretation of Islam Farhan A. Shah http://www.duo.uio.no/ Print: CopyCat, Oslo IV Abstract This thesis sets out to examine, through a process perspective, the most central element in Muhammad Iqbal`s system of thought, that is, his God concept. Furthermore, I will explore the spatio-temporal possibilities of his concept of God, especially as to the salient features of an Islamic state, as envisioned by Iqbal. My research questions are: (1) “What is Muhammad Iqbal`s concept of God?” and, (2) “Does Iqbal`s God model allow us to theorise and develop a humanistic concept of an Islamic state?” As will be seen, Iqbal`s God concept departs, in some respects, from the classical theistic interpretations depicting God as an all-knowing and all-powerful entity, leaving no scope for human agency. However, Iqbal`s God can be given a “this-worldly” interpretation, in concord with modern humanism. It is also productive of preparing the way for a humanistic concept of an Islamic state, opposed to the present day exponents of militant Islamism and their “black- and-white” Weltanschauung. Also, I will make an attempt to formulate a “process-humanistic” God notion, developing Iqbal`s reflections on God to another level. It is my profound desire that this thesis will also build bridges between Whiteheadian inspired Christian thinkers and reform-oriented Muslims, and to encourage those tendencies which will inspire us to selfless and humble service of God`s creation as an interconnected whole. V Acknowledgements It is with profound pleasure to record my thankfulness to my supervisors, Associate Professor Safet Bektovic and Professor Oddbjørn Leirvik of the Faculty of Theology, University of Oslo, for their accessibility, expert guidance and encouragement throughout this academic project. I would also like to express my gratitude to Professor Jay McDaniel of the Religious Studies Department at Hendrix College, for his extraordinary support in this thesis process. I am gratefully indebted to his valuable feedbacks and constructive comments on this reformist thesis. I must express my very profound appreciation to my parents, my siblings and my friends for providing me with untiring support and encouragement throughout my years of research and writing this thesis. Finally, I wish to thank my fiancée, Sawera T. Mahmood, a brilliant political scientist graduated from University of Oslo, for her unfailing support, academic guidance and understanding. This achievement would not have been possible without you. Always yours. This thesis is dedicated to my role model, Dr. Muhammad Iqbal (1877-1938). I take full accountability for any errors or omissions in this thesis. Farhan Akram Shah Oslo, Spring 2016 VI Content 1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 1 1.1 Thematic presentation and research questions ............................................................ 2 1.2 Previous research and my contribution ............................................................................ 3 1.3 The structure of the thesis ................................................................................................ 5 2 Theory and method ............................................................................................................. 6 2.1 Process thought as theoretical basis ................................................................................. 6 2.2 The essence of process theology ...................................................................................... 7 2.3 The use of philosophical reflection in theology ............................................................... 7 2.4 Process theology and its Whiteheadian influence ............................................................ 9 2.4.1 Reality as dynamic process and event based ............................................................. 9 2.4.2 The interrelatedness of reality ................................................................................. 10 2.4.3 The universality of experience ................................................................................ 12 2.4.4 Creativity and freedom ............................................................................................ 13 2.4.5 Process-relational God ............................................................................................ 14 2.5 Methodology .................................................................................................................. 19 2.6 The purpose of hermeneutics in this thesis .................................................................... 20 2.7 Conclusion ...................................................................................................................... 21 3 Muhammad Iqbal and context .......................................................................................... 22 3.1 The historical context internally and externally ......................................................... 22 3.2 Muhammad Iqbal’s formative years .............................................................................. 24 3.3 Influences, inspirations and centrality of the Qur’an ..................................................... 25 3.4 Muhammad Iqbal`s approach to the Qur’anic scripture ................................................. 30 3.4.1 The Qur’an and its language ................................................................................... 32 3.4.2 Hermeneutics of the sacred Scriptures .................................................................... 35 3.5 Conclusion ...................................................................................................................... 36 4 The Iqbalian process concept of God ............................................................................... 38 4.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 38 4.2 The centrality of God in Iqbal`s thought and the importance of intimate convictions .. 38 4.3 The idea of God .............................................................................................................. 40 4.3.1 God as Individual .................................................................................................... 41 VII 4.3.2 God and creativity ................................................................................................... 42 4.3.3 God and omniscience .............................................................................................. 44 4.3.4 God and omnipotence .............................................................................................. 50 4.4 Pantheistic or Panentheistic God concept? ..................................................................... 55 4.5 Conclusion ...................................................................................................................... 61 5 A process-humanistic God concept and the Iqbalian idea of an Islamic state ...................... 62 5.1 The meaning of humanism in this thesis ........................................................................ 62 5.2 Process-humanistic God ................................................................................................. 65 5.2.1 Process ..................................................................................................................... 68 5.2.2 Humanistic .............................................................................................................. 70 5.3 The Iqbalian idea of an Islamic state .............................................................................. 73 5.3.1 Early Islamic democracy ......................................................................................... 76 5.3.2 Spiritual ................................................................................................................... 78 5.3.3 The Iqbalian concept of Islamic law ....................................................................... 81 5.3.4 The principle of ijtihad ............................................................................................ 84 5.4 Conclusion ...................................................................................................................... 91 6 Christian Process theology and Iqbalian process thought ................................................ 92 6.1 Key commonalities ......................................................................................................... 92 6.2 Key differences .............................................................................................................. 93 7 Summary .........................................................................................................................