Progressive Islamic Thought and Hermeneutics
Summary
Progressive Islamic thought and hermeneutics constitute an evolving interdisciplinary field that seeks to revitalise Islamic intellectual traditions through critical engagement with modern philosophical, social and political currents. Central to this endeavour is the principle of ijtihad, or independent reasoning, which is deployed alongside maqāṣid al-sharīʿah (the objectives of Islamic law) to reconcile scriptural fidelity with contemporary exigencies such as human rights, gender equality, religious pluralism and environmental stewardship. Progressive hermeneutics moves beyond literalist exegesis, emphasising contextualisation of the Qurʾān’s historical moment and linguistic nuance, while drawing on tools from postcolonial theory, feminist critique and modern hermeneutical philosophy. This approach has given rise to diverse strands—ranging from nonviolence theology and reformist jurisprudence to gender-egalitarian readings—each underpinned by a commitment to social justice and ethical renewal. Globally, these efforts inform policy debates, educational curricula and interfaith dialogue, demonstrating how Muslim intellectuals and communities adapt classical sources to address contemporary moral and societal challenges.
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Progressive Islamic Thought and Hermeneutics publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in progressive islamic thought and hermeneutics across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Hermeneutics: The theory and methodology of interpretation, especially of scriptural texts, emphasising historical context, language and reader perspective.
Ijtihad: Independent legal reasoning used by qualified scholars to derive rulings and adapt Islamic law to new circumstances.
Maqāṣid al-sharīʿah: The underlying objectives or purposes of Islamic law, typically safeguarding faith, life, intellect, lineage and property.
Double movement theory: A two-step interpretive approach that moves from the text to its socio-historical context and then back to the text to produce contextually informed understanding.
References
- THE INFLUENCE OF HERMENEUTICS IN DOUBLE MOVEMENT THEORY (CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF FAZLURRAHMAN'S INTERPRETATION METHODOLOGY). QiST Journal of Quran and Tafseer Studies (2023).
- Islamic Hermeneutics of Nonviolence: Key Concepts and Methodological Steps. Religions (2022).
- Mapping Neo-Modern and Postmodern Qur’ānic Reformist Discourse in the Intellectual Legacy of Fazlur Rahman and Mohammed Arkoun. Religions (2023).
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