A study of the thought of selected muslim intellectuals in Iran on islam and modernity, with special reference to science and politics / Maryam Shamsaei
Nothing troubled the people of the Islamic world at the beginning of the twenty-first century as much as the challenge of modernity did. It had occupied a central place in the cultural and sociopolitical agendas of intellectual and social movements, and state actors in the Islamic world and Iran...
| Summary: | Nothing troubled the people of the Islamic world at the beginning of the twenty-first
century as much as the challenge of modernity did. It had occupied a central place in the
cultural and sociopolitical agendas of intellectual and social movements, and state actors
in the Islamic world and Iran since the 19th century. This study is a theoretical analysis
of Iranian Muslim intellectuals’ encounter with Islam and modernity. The two main
spheres of modernity which are examined are: i) the political arena and the government
structure, and ii) science and technology. The goal of this dissertation is to examine and
investigate the controversial ideas of five Iranian Muslim intellectuals, namely: Ali
Shariati, Abdolkarim Soroush, Seyyed Hossein Nasr, Murteza Mutahhari, and Mehdi
Golshani. Their ideas were then compared in order to identify the similarities and
dissimilarities in their ideas on Islam and modernity. It is hoped that through this study,
a contribution can be made to the current debate on Islam, science and politics, as well
as creating an alternative Islamic perspective with regards to science, technology and a
systematic government. This study is part of an accumulated effort towards the
rejuvenation of the Islamic world in the modern era, including the field of science and
technology. The religious thinkers have taken either of the following two major
positions in viewing modernisation: (a) In support of selective modernisation, (b) In
opposition to selective modernisation. The supporters of selective modernization are
mostly concerned about the development and the survival of the developing countries
and civilizations and the opponents have traditional Islamic culture in mind. We can
therefore take the middle line and consider a middle point in this argument; meaning to
suggest that instant development and survival is helpful and effective, but genuine,
sustainable development requires patience and adherence to Islamic principles.
Therefore the adherence of Islamic nations to the notions of modernity is just a result of
the concern for survival, rather than true human development. In its true sense a move toward a real Islamic ruling and Islamic democracy is in fact the basis for an optimal
path to development. Based on this reality, and considering that it is necessary to
survive in this world, we have to accept modernisation to the extent which is necessary.
On the other hand and based on the idea of selective modernisation, we have to aim at
reviving the real Islamic nation when working toward development. |
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