International Journal of Islamic Thoughts ISSN: 2306-7012 (Print), 2313-5700 (Online)

Breaking, Burning, and Becoming: An Islamic Reading of Donne’s “'Better my Heart Three-Parsoned God” and Tagore’s “Aguner Parasmoni”

Sultana Jahan — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This paper explores the spiritual longing and the quest for purification in John Donne’s “Batter My Heart, Three-Personed God” and Rabindranath Tagore’s “Aguner Parasmani”. Despite their distinct religious contexts—Christianity and Hinduism—both poets express deep vulnerability in confronting evil and seek divine intervention for spiritual transformation. The analysis highlights how both poets use powerful metaphors of fire and physical transformation to depict inner cleansing. An Islamic perspective is incorporated to critique and contextualize their respective views on evil, repentance, and divine purification, offering a cross-religious insight into the human struggle for spiritual purity.

Transformation of Sufi Practices in the Digital Age: the Case of Central Asia

Zholaman Bulan, Imammadi Tussipkhan, Aiymzhan Ryskiyeva, Asset Kuranbek — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The article explores the phenomenon of digital Sufism. It will assess the extent of Sufi engagement on social media, analyze the thematic content of their sermons, and compare their digital initiatives with those of other Islamic organizations. Additionally, it investigates how Sufi orders adapt to the digital environment and whether they reveal esoteric practices in online spaces. The article introduces the concept of "digital Sufism" as a framework to understand how Sufi traditions have embraced modern technology to enhance the reach and relevance of their teachings. The study highlights the significance of Sufism in the digital age and its ability to adapt to contemporary challenges, demonstrating how Sufi traditions have evolved to maintain their relevance. The primary objective is to examine the dissemination of Sufi teachings via digital platforms a nd assess the impact of this transformation on spiritual practices. By using a qua lita tive a pproa ch, the re se a rch re lie s on conte nt a na lysis to e xa mine the online pre se nce a nd a ctivitie s of Sufi orde rs a cross socia l me dia pla tforms. This method facilitates the identification of underlying narratives and dissemination strategies employed by the spiritual communities. Ultimately, the article emphasizes the shift of Sufism from a mystical, exclusive brotherhood to a more open and accessible spiritual path shaped by digital interaction. This transformation lays the groundwork for a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of Sufi practices within the context of mode rn Central Asia.

The Spirituality of Prophet Muḥammad in the Thought of Aḥmad Ibn ‘Ajība

Omneya Ayad — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Aḥmad Ibn ‘Ajība (d. 1224/1809) is one of the prominent Sufi mystics who lived in Morocco during the 13th/ 17th century. His importance in Sufi scholarship is due to him being one of the original Sufi scholars who contributed immensely to elucidating ambiguous Sufi concepts that were enigmatic by nature and only accessed by Sufi adepts. In this article Ibn ‘Ajība’s esoteric interpretation of the Quranic verses addressing Prophet Muhammad’s spirituality and his divinely lofty status are studied in detail. In his commentary, Ibn ‘Ajība emphasizes on different themes related to prophetic spirituality. The article starts by discussing the spiritual fatherhood of Prophet Muhammad as he is considered the seed of existence. This theme leads to exploring the famous concept of the Muhammadan light and how the light of Prophet Muhammad was the first to be created and out of which stems the light of different beings who had their shares of the Prophetic light according to their degree of proximity to God and their spiritual readiness. Prophetic mercy is also discussed in detail along with its relationship with the Prophetic ethical character. Ibn ‘Ajība further explains that if the All-Merciful had a son, then it would be Prophet Muhammad who is the most entitled of this affinity because he is the first who worshipped God in pre-eternity as his light was the first thing to appear in existence. Ibn ‘Ajība presents to us another aspect of the prophetic spirituality which is mercy and how all prophets were created from mercy and Prophet Muhammad was the heart of mercy. The great ethical manners that were bestowed upon Prophet Muhammad was discussed in a separate theme and was used by Ibn ‘Ajība as an evidence of divine election (khuṣūṣiyya). Many more themes of Prophetic spirituality are discussed in detail along with the opinions of two of the most influential Sufi scholars, Abū al-Qāsim al-Qushayrī and Rūzbihān al- Baqlī al- Shīrāzī, who both left an indelible impact on Ibn ‘Ajība’s Quranic commentary.

Unveiling the Mystic: A Literary and Spiritual Portrait of Prophet Muhammad as Sufi Archetype

Mohammad Kaosar Ahmed — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000