Nuqtah Journal of Theological Studies

Unveiling Consciousness: Meditation Through Parapsychology and Sacred Traditions

Dr. Iffat Khalid — 2025-08-30

Meditation, a practice rooted in ancient spiritual traditions, holds significant importance both in world religions and the field of parapsychology. In religious contexts, meditation is a method of inner contemplation, spiritual awakening, and union with the divine, as seen in Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Islam (Sufism), and other faiths. Each tradition attributes unique goals to meditation, such as enlightenment, divine communion, or inner peace. From the parapsychological perspective, meditation is studied for its potential to enhance human consciousness and access altered states of awareness, sometimes associated with extrasensory perception (ESP), telepathy, or psychokinesis. Research in parapsychology suggests that meditative states may unlock latent psychic abilities or deepen intuitive insight. This paper explores the convergence and divergence between spiritual and scientific views of meditation, aiming to understand its multifaceted impact on human consciousness and transcendent experiences.

Qur’ānic Competencies for Amr bil-Maʿrūf wa Nahy ʿan al-Munkar (Enjoining Good and Preventing Wrong)

Dr Hafsah Ayaz Qureshi — 2025-12-15

Amr bil-Maʿrūf wa Nahy ʿan al-Munkar is an obligatory principle of Islam, which is rooted in Quranic commandments as well as prophetic mission. This mandate was bestowed upon the Muslim Ummah after the end of prophethood as a means of maintaining moral order, religious happiness, and social welfare. However, this duty is not only effective on intent but on the moral, intellectual, and spiritual qualification of the performer. The paper will assess the requirements of the individuals who embark on the mission of Amr bil-Maʿrūf wa Nahy ʿan al-Munkar, which is based mainly on the Quranic instructions, the teachings of Prophet Muhammad and classical Islamic studies. The paper also argues that injunction of good and prohibition of evil is not a spontaneous and unregulated practice; it needs an elaborate framework of abilities. Individual have sound Imān, genuine knowledge and deep understanding (ʿIlm and Baṣīrah), Mercy and Pity (Raḥmah), good will (Ikhlāṣ), fear of Allah (Taqwā), lack of avarice and worldly desires, restraint (Ṣabr), and righteousness. The verses of Quranic texts always describe believers as ethical agents that ought to actively encourage righteousness and discourage wrong, and hypocrisy as a reverse expression of right moral duty. Classical theologians like al-Ghazali, Ibn Taymiyyah and Ibn Kathir underline that ignorance, cruelty and selfishness make the duty sick and regularly intend more harm than healing. The mastery of the Qur’ān, Sunnah, and the practiced way of life of the companions comes out as the major defense against extremism, personal bias, and abuse of the religious principles. The study concludes that Amr bil-Maʿrūf wa Nahy ʿan al-Munkar is a morally challenging duty that requires an individual to be reformed first before a social reform occurs. When done with the necessary skills, it is an effective tool of spiritual development, social cohesion and ethical strength among Muslim communities.

A Comparative Analysis of Khilafat and Democracy in the Light of Islamic Jurisprudence

Dr Hadi Bux Chhijan — 2025-08-30

This research venture is based on the comparative analysis of the historical Caliphate system and modern democracy. The study evaluates the compatibility of the Islamic Caliphate system and its jurisprudence with the features of Western democratic norms. The study explores Islamic ideas of Shura (Consultation) in Islamic political thought and its key principles in both the Caliphate and democratic models. The role of Islamic law (Sharia), the selection of leadership, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens are incorporated as the main considerations. The study also used primary and secondary sources such as the Quran, Hadith, and prominent Islamic scholars' writings to investigate the core values and governance mechanisms advocated in Islam. Therefore, the findings of the study rely mostly on the convergence and divergence between these two debates regarding the suitable form of governance for the Islamic world.

THE PROHIBITION OF RIBA (USURY) IN THE FAREWELL SERMON

Muhammad Mudasir Nawaz — 2025-09-30

The point of this research article is that the banning of Riba (usury) in the Farewell Sermon was the conclusive pillar in building economic justice in the early Islamic state. Beyond a moral injunction, it examines this declaration as a revolutionary state policy that has destroyed systematically the exploitative pre-Islamic debt economy. The paper follows the progressive revelation of Quran on Riba to the strategic and absolute abolishment of Sermon. It puts this prohibition as part of a wider economic system, in cooperation with Zakat and encouraging of ethical trade to create risk-sharing, wealth circulation, and social solidarity. The article concludes that this intervention created a new paradigm of an economy, which is based on equity and divine justice that opposed tyrannical financial systems.

Qur'anic Concept of Wilayah: Theological Foundations and Its Implications in Muslim Societies

Dr Mufti Saeed Ahmad — 2025-08-30

This paper investigates the Qur'anic concept of Wilayah—encompassing guardianship, authority, and spiritual leadership—and its implications for the spiritual, social, ethical, and jurisprudential dimensions of Muslim life.

Employing a multidisciplinary methodology, the paper integrates Qur'anic exegesis (tafsīr), linguistic and semantic analysis, classical jurisprudential discourse (fiqh), and contemporary sociological perspectives. A close reading of key Qur'anic verses is undertaken, informed by the interpretations of major Sunni and Shi‘a exegetes. The study examines the development of Wilayah in legal theory—especially concepts such as Wilāyat al-ʿĀmmah (general guardianship) and Wilāyat al-Faqīh (guardianship of the jurist)—and analyzes its application in both classical and modern Islamic legal systems. Qur’anic exegesis and juristic discourse demonstrate the impact of Wilayah on key domains such as family law, civil guardianship, political authority, and ethical governance.

The findings reveal that Wilayah functions as a dynamic jurisprudential and ethical principle capable of addressing contemporary issues such as religious pluralism, constitutional authority, and social justice. The study recommends renewed scholarly and policy engagement with Wilayah to promote spiritually grounded and legally sound Muslim societies in a complex global context.

The Role of Subcontinental Calligraphers in Preserving Qur’anic Art

Sana Khalid — 2025-09-30

This article examines the profound contributions by the calligraphers from the subcontinent to the rich tradition of Islamic calligraphy, exploring their stylistic development, cultural influence, and artistic heritage. Through historical writings, biographical records, and classical tazkiras, the study highlights how South Asian calligraphers not only preserved the traditional scripts but also innovated variations that enriched the Islamic calligraphic heritage. The article explores their journeys by sharing their individual struggles, achievements, and artistic values, this research highlights the central role played by subcontinental calligraphers in sustaining and expanding the aesthetic, spiritual, and intellectual dimensions of Islamic calligraphy. The findings reaffirm that the subcontinent served as a vibrant center where calligraphy flourished as both a sacred art and a cultural tradition, leaving a lasting impression on the Islamic artistic world.

قرآن حکیم کی روشنی میں معجزات النبی ؐ اور اس کے اثرات کا تحقیقی و تجزیاتی مطالعہ

Dr Farida — 2025-12-15

In the Qur’anic perspective, the miracles of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) occupy a central and distinctive position. Unlike the temporary and sensory miracles of earlier prophets, the greatest and everlasting miracle bestowed upon him is the Qur’an itself—an intellectual, moral, and spiritual challenge that remains inimitable across all ages. The Qur’an also alludes to other significant miracles such as the splitting of the moon (Inshiqāq al-Qamar), the Night Journey and Ascension (Isrā’ wal-Mi‘rāj), and the divine assistance granted during critical battles, including Badr and Uhud. These miraculous events not only validated the truth of Prophethood but also reinforced the faith of believers, silenced the deniers, and manifested the constant presence of divine support. The broader effects of these miracles extend beyond their immediate context. They contributed to the spiritual transformation of individuals, the moral development of society, and the establishment of a divinely guided community. Most importantly, the Qur’an, as a perpetual miracle, continues to guide humanity by addressing intellectual, ethical, and socia"l challenges. Hence, the miracles of the Prophet, enduring signs that emphasize the timeless relevance of faith, patience, and reliance upon divine guidance.

کتاب "پیغمبرِ دیگر: قرآن کریم میں عیسی،مصنّفین: کلاوس فون اسٹوش اور مُہند خورشید" کا ایک تنقیدی اور تلخیصی جائزہ

Dr Abdul Basit Zafar — 2025-12-15

This article provides a critical and analytical assessment of The Other Prophet: Jesus in the Qur’an (2019) by Klaus von Stosch and Mouhanad Khorchide, contending that the work represents a substantial scholarly contribution to Islamic Christology and modern Muslim–Christian theological discourse. Utilizing the late-antique contextual interpretations of the Qur’an established by Angelika Neuwirth and Mahmoud Ayoub, the authors of the monograph reevaluate the dominant belief that a legitimate ecclesial form of Christianity was absent in Meccan culture at the onset of Islam. They argue that the Qur’an interacts with a more varied Christian context than any particular or "orthodox" doctrinal framework. Their intertextual and diachronic methodology is illustrated in their reading of Surahs (19), (3) and (5), where Jesus is placed within a cohesive theological context of divine mercy, sign (āya), miracle, and kalimat Allāh. The assessment highlights that the significant structural parallels between the birth narratives of John and Jesus demonstrate the Qur'an's commitment to maintaining, rather than undermining, the ongoing continuity of Israelite religious tradition. The assessment ultimately determines that the book introduces a novel kalām-theological perspective in which Qur’anic Christology is presented not as a denial or critique of Christianity, but as a depiction of Jesus as a prophet-reformer who exemplifies the fullest expression of divine mercy and significance, thereby facilitating a deeper and more intellectually robust comparative-theological discourse.

تفسیر القرآن میں تاریخی اور ثقافتی تناظر کا کردار

Mishal Saddiqa — 2025-09-30

The interpretation of the Qur’ān (tafsir) has never been a purely linguistic or theological exercise; it has always been deeply intertwined with the historical circumstances of revelation (asbāb al-nuzūl), the socio-cultural environment of seventh-century Arabia, and the evolving cultural realities of subsequent Muslim societies. This study critically examines the indispensable role played by historical and cultural contexts in both classical and contemporary Qur’ānic exegesis. It argues that a proper understanding of the occasions of revelation, pre-Islamic Arabian customs (ʿurf al-jāhiliyyah), linguistic conventions of the Quraysh, and the lived experiences of the first Muslim community is essential for avoiding literalism, anachronism, and misinterpretation of the sacred text.Drawing on seminal works of classical tafsir (such as al-Ṭabarī, al-Qurṭubī, al-Rāzī, Ibn Kathīr, and al-Suyūṭī) and modern contextual approaches (including those of Fazlur Rahman, Muhammad Arkoun, Nasr Hamid Abu Zayd, Abdullah Saeed, and Amina Wadud), the research demonstrates how historical-cultural awareness has shaped major interpretive methodologies: tafsir bi’l-maʾthūr, tafsir bi’l-raʾy, thematic tafsir, and socio-historical tafsir. Special attention is given to controversial issues such as the interpretation of gender-related verses, rulings on slavery, warfare, and interfaith relations, showing how neglect or overemphasis of historical context has led to markedly different conclusions across time and space.The study further explores the implications of cultural context for contemporary Muslim societies living in pluralistic, post-colonial, and digital environments. It contends that while the Qur’ān’s universal message transcends its original milieu, authentic and relevant interpretation in the 21st century demands a balanced integration of historical fidelity and contextual sensitivity. The paper concludes that responsible tafsir in the modern age must combine rigorous historical scholarship with an ethical awareness of present cultural realities, thereby enabling the Qur’ān to remain a living guide rather than a frozen relic.

ایک تحلیلی مطالعہ: قرآنی شواہد کی روشنی میں سورہ رحمٰن میں پوشیدہ سائنسی حقائق کا جائزہ

Sadia Talat Butt — 2025-12-01

Surah Rahman is a remarkable and the most distinguished chapter of the Holy Quran. This research adopts a qualitative and analytical methodology. The Surah has the quality to stand alone leading all the surahs of Quran highlighting the basic principles of Islam. This Surah contains profound and multilayered meanings. Numerous studies have been conducted to examine its broader aspects including its stylistics features, thematic coherence, wisdom underlying its repetitive verse and even medical studies affirming its therapeutic impact on human mind and soul providing calm and comfort to patients. Furthermore, its deep insightful verses also point towards scientific facts. Although individual verses of Surah Rahman have been analysed specifically through scientific perspectives, there still remains a significant gap in scholarship regarding a comprehensive scientific exploration of the collective verses in the entire Surah. The study has importance because these verses collectively shed light on diverse scientific domains, highlighting the relation between revelation and scientific understanding. It explores the hidden scientific facts embedded in Surah Rahman substantiated through Quranic evidence with the aim of acquiring true knowledge under divine wisdom.

Conclusion:

A detailed analysis of the verses of Surah Rahman collectively, that reflect scientific elements, it becomes clear that this Surah conveys profound truths and deep insights in a highly concise, comprehensive and eloquent manner. The Surah possesses full command over multiple domains of science simultaneously. It awakens human consciousness by contrasting the material phenomena of the world with the infinite reality of Hereafter.

عالم اسلام کو درپیش سیاسی ،سماجی ومعاشی چیلنجز اور ان کاتدارک سیرت النبی ﷺ کی روشنی میں

Lutufullah Brohi — 2025-11-28

Every Muslim who cares about the nation is well aware that today's Islamic world is suffering from the worst political crisis, social chaos and economic misery, due to which not only has the journey of development of the nation been degraded and degraded, but also Islamic values such as religious unity, national solidarity, justice and brotherhood are declining. There have been very few periods in human history where religion, civilization and society have simultaneously faced such huge political, social and economic challenges as the Islamic world is facing today. On the one hand, political instability, lack of unity and trust and external interference have worried the Muslim world. On the other hand, social deterioration, injustice, poverty, ignorance and moral decline have deprived the nation of its identity, position and position. Then the intensity of the digital war has made the young generation suspicious of its past, beliefs, orders and Islamic ideology and thought. Being the best nation, adorned with justice, honesty and courage, and bearing the burden of leadership and leadership to lead the world of humanity out of political, social and economic crises, today it stands at a crossroads, bewildered and lost, suffering from political crisis, social chaos and economic instability. This is not because it does not have the means to travel in its bag, or it is a newcomer to the desert and is unfamiliar with the symbols of travel, has no experience of fighting storms, winds and robbers. The truth is the opposite, this traveler has a road map, the footprints of the leader and guide are also there until he leaves the desert of problems and reaches his destination. The one who builds a sanctuary of principles and respect for humanity, this traveler only needs to wake up from his sleep.

عالم اسلام کو درپیش سیاسی ،سماجی ومعاشی چیلنجز اور ان کاتدارک سیرت النبی ﷺ کی روشنی میں

Lutufullah Brohi — 2025-09-30

صلح کے کثیر الجہتی اثرات: صحیح احادیث کی روشنی میں تجزیاتی مطالعہ

Fraz Ahmed — 2025-12-15

This study explores the multidimensional impacts of reconciliation (Sulh) in the light of Sahih Hadith, highlighting its religious, social, and economic significance. Linguistically, Sulh denotes peace and the resolution of disputes, while in Islamic jurisprudence it refers to a contract established to end conflicts through mutual consent. The essential elements of Sulh include offer (Ijab) and acceptance (Qubool), and its validity requires the parties to be sane, mature, and competent. Religiously, Sulh promotes harmony, brotherhood, and ethical conduct among individuals, emphasizing the correction of personal and communal relations. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ actively participated in reconciliation efforts, demonstrating principles such as impartiality, prompt action, and the preservation of justice and Shariah, as confirmed in authentic Hadith. Socially, Sulh fosters unity, cooperation, and trust, mitigating envy, hatred, and social discord. Economically, reconciliation ensures fair trade, eliminates financial disputes, and strengthens economic stability by promoting honesty, the prohibition of usury, and the proper use of wealth through charity. Overall, Sulh emerges as a comprehensive mechanism for personal, social, and economic well-being, reflecting the teachings of authentic Hadith on peace, justice, and communal harmony۔

مصنوعی کوکھ :اسلامی شریعت کے تناظر میں ایک تجزیاتی مطالعہ

Dr Raja Majid Moazzam — 2025-12-15

Artificial womb technology (AWT) represents a revolutionary development in reproductive science, offering an alternative environment for fetal growth outside the human body. This research provides a comprehensive analytical study of AWT in the context of Islamic Shariah, using classical jurisprudence, legal maxims, and contemporary fiqh discourse as its evaluative framework. The study begins by examining the Islamic perspective on procreation and the legitimacy of modern assisted reproductive techniques. It traces the historical evolution of artificial reproduction—from artificial insemination and IVF to surrogacy and finally artificial wombs—highlighting the ethical and legal challenges posed by each method.

A detailed comparison is drawn between surrogacy and artificial wombs to determine the extent of “mixing of lineage,” moral harm, violation of modesty, and other concerns emphasized by Islamic law. The findings reveal that while surrogacy is unanimously prohibited due to lineage confusion, the presence of two mothers, and moral transgressions, artificial womb technology does not inherently produce such conflicts. Based on Islamic legal maxims such as al-ḍarūrāt tubīḥ al-maḥẓūrāt, al-mashaqqah tajlib al-taysīr, and irtikāb akhaff al-ḍararayn, the study concludes that AWT may be conditionally permissible—particularly in cases of medical necessity, the absence of a viable uterus, or life-threatening complications—provided that the gametes belong exclusively to a married couple and all ethical safeguards are observed.

The research calls for further deliberation by Islamic fiqh academies, bioethics experts, and legislative bodies to develop clear guidelines before the technology becomes clinically widespread. Overall, the study argues that artificial womb technology, unlike surrogacy, offers a feasible and Shariah-compliant alternative for preserving lineage, protecting life, and fulfilling the maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah in contemporary reproductive challenges.

انبیاء یہود کےبارے میں ملحدین کی آراء کا جائزہ

Atta Ur Rehman — 2025-12-15

This study examines the atheist critical perspective on the Prophets of jews. Findings indicate that atheists view biblical texts not as historical records but as literary and mythic constructions shaped over time. Revelation is interpreted as a psychological or social phenomenon and miracles are regarded as symbolic or moral allegories. Ethically, atheists consider many Old Testament commands incompatible with modern humanistic values. Overall, the atheist critique challenges the historical, rational, and moral foundations of the religious narrative, while religious traditions respond through theological and historical counterarguments

قرآن اور سائنس میں تعاون: قدرتی نظامات اور حیاتیاتی مظاہر کا تحقیقی مطالعہ

Dr Muhammad Dawood Khan — 2025-11-15

This research article investigates the harmonious relationship between Quranic teachings and modern scientific discoveries, focusing on natural systems and biological phenomena. The study examines several aspects of nature, including the water cycle, plant reproduction, the navigational skills of migratory birds, and communication among honeybees, demonstrating how these processes reflect a sophisticated design long before their scientific documentation. Historical perspectives from ancient philosophers, such as Thales, Aristotle, Plato, and Descartes, are compared with contemporary scientific findings, highlighting the evolution of human understanding of natural processes. The Quranic verses, particularly those describing the water cycle (e.g., Surah An-Nahl: 68–69) and the guided behaviour of bees, emphasize that these natural patterns are purposeful and divinely ordained. Observations in botany and zoology, such as the reproductive organs of plants, the precise migratory routes of birds, and the dance communication of honeybees, align closely with Quranic descriptions, revealing a remarkable consistency between revelation and empirical evidence. This interdisciplinary study illustrates that religious guidance and scientific knowledge are not mutually exclusive but complementary, offering insights into the laws governing the natural world. By integrating Quranic wisdom with historical and contemporary scientific perspectives, the article encourages deeper reflection on the complexity and order inherent in creation. It demonstrates that an informed understanding of natural systems enhances both scientific inquiry and spiritual appreciation, fostering a holistic view of life, ecology, and divine design.

زمخشری اور ابن العربی کے تفسیری اسلوب کا تقابلی مطالعہ

Asifa Habib — 2025-12-15

This comparative study examines the hermeneutical approaches of two prominent classical Muslim exegetes, Abu al-Qasim al-Zamakhshari (d. 538/1144) and Muhyi al-Din Ibn al-Arabi (d. 638/1240), representing the rationalist Muʿtazili tradition and the esoteric Sufi tradition respectively. Al-Zamakhshari’s al-Kashshāf is characterized by a rigorous grammatical-rhetorical methodology (iʿrāb al-Qurʾān), strict adherence to Arabic philology, logical coherence, and a marked preference for rational causation over supernatural explanations, often leading to metaphorical interpretations of anthropomorphic verses and an emphasis on human responsibility. In contrast, Ibn al-Arabi’s fragmentary yet highly influential Qurʾanic commentaries scattered across works such as Futūḥāt al-Makkiyya and dedicated tafsīr passages operate within an ontological and symbolic framework rooted in the doctrine of waḥdat al-wujūd (the unity of being). For him, the Qurʾān functions as a multi-layered theophany with each verse containing infinite levels of meaning (waṣṭ, ṭuruq, and wuǧūh) that manifest according to the spiritual readiness of the interpreter.While Zamakhshari seeks to unveil the miraculous inimitability (iʿjāz) of the Qurʾān primarily through linguistic and rational demonstration, Ibn al-Arabi views iʿjāz as an ever-renewing divine self-disclosure that transcends linguistic form and unfolds in the heart of the perfected human (al-insān al-kāmil). The study highlights their divergent treatments of key themes divine attributes, free will and predestination, eschatological realities, and prophetic narratives demonstrating how the same verses yield radically different conclusions depending on whether the exegete prioritizes rational transparency or mystical unveiling. Despite their apparent methodological opposition, the research identifies subtle points of convergence, particularly in their shared commitment to the inexhaustible depth of the Qurʾanic text and their recognition that complete comprehension belongs solely to God. The analysis ultimately argues that these two seemingly antithetical approaches are complementary rather than contradictory, together reflecting the remarkable interpretive elasticity inherent in the Islamic exegetical tradition.

حقوق نسواں کے تعین میں عرف و عادت کا کردار (فکر اسلامی کے تناظر میں تجزیاتی مطالعہ)

Maria Abbas — 2025-09-30

Customary practice (urf) in society serves as a fundamental source for any traditional or legal framework, and it plays a meaningful role in the formulation and regulation of laws. This ʿurf is shaped collectively by both men and women, and together they lay the foundation of a better society. In other words, the way of life and conduct of a community is what is termed as ʿurf and practice.

On one hand, there are the rights granted to women by divine religions; on the other, there is society itself, which acts as a living laboratory for safeguarding and implementing these laws. The legislative literature of Islam, particularly the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him), makes it very clear that the position, status, and constitutional as well as legal rights of women are truthful, enduring, and without any form of discrimination at any level.

However, the contemporary world has undergone drastic changes in terms of family, social, economic, and cultural structures, bringing with it significant transformations in the personal roles and responsibilities of men and women. This raises a pressing question before us: Has this social transformation ensured the protection of women’s rights, or has it, instead, made women more vulnerable to exploitation? And what is the practical situation of applying the rights granted to women by Islam in today’s world? These lines aim to discuss precisely this issue.

العلاقة بين الإسلام والعلم التجريبي في فكر الشيخ شمس الحق الأفغاني: دراسة تحليلية وصفیة

Luqman Ahmed — 2025-11-15

The historical and contemporary discourse within Islamic scholarship reveals a spectrum of viewpoints concerning the interface between Islam and experimental science. These perspectives range from interpretations that posit an inherent conflict between religious texts and scientific inquiry, to those advocating for various forms of compatibility and synthesis. This analytical study specifically investigates the unique methodology employed by Sheikh Shams al-Haqq al-Afghani (رحمہ اللہ) in navigating this complex relationship.

The central argument of this paper is that while many Muslim scholars have attempted reconciliation (tatbīq), Al-Afghani developed a distinctly profound and pioneering synthetic approach that is both rare and highly commendable. This research utilizes a qualitative, analytical methodology, examining his key works to extract his core philosophical framework.

The findings demonstrate that Al-Afghani transcended superficial harmonization. He posited that divine revelation (Wahy) and empirical reality are not rivals but complementary facets of a singular truth originating from the Creator. His approach provides a robust framework that actively mandates the pursuit of empirical knowledge as a religious obligation. The study concludes that Al-Afghani’s intellectual synthesis offers a valuable, sophisticated model for integrating modern scientific advancement within a coherent Islamic worldview, thereby challenging reductionist narratives and providing a notable contribution to the philosophy of Islamic science.