Great Scholar: Fathi Osman
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One of the most intruiging Islamic Thinkers of our time
http//www.fathiosman.com/
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I like the way he writes. He tries to change Ilsam from within, his style is friendly and wise, open and progressive. He bases his theories only on the Quran and is an independent thinker. Till now, all of his writings are very good. But he is not very known among the progressive groups. Had you heard about him before?
This is also why I posted him on the forum, believed he needed some publicity
Some quotes
Dr. Fathi Osman argues that the writings of the Quran provide answers to concerns regarding global pluralism
According to the Islamic perspective all mankind are children of Adam. While human beings may all choose to live differently and take various paths, all are united by their very humanity
Dr. Osman challenges the Muslim communities throughout the world to remember the Quranic teachings, and to accept others for their diversity while remaining truthful to their faith
With regard to the general natural laws, God does not treat Muslim individuals or societies exceptionally or with favoritism
Muslims have to struggle, suffer and persevere according to the natural laws
There may be certain moral values which are agreed upon by all human beings, or most of them, in different times and places, and which can be included in the "common sense," but they may be understood and practiced in different ways. Since Islam is the last of God's messages to humankind, as Muslims believe, it provides the permanent principles and the dynamics for responding to the human change. Change follows the general natural laws of God (Sunan, e.g. 3 137, 426, 3338, 62, 3543. 4823). The human societies have their natural laws, and the succession of social or political powers follows certain laws, just like the succession of day and night (326-27). With regard to the general natural laws, God does not treat Muslim individuals or societies exceptionally or with favoritism "...and had God so willed, He could have indeed put them down Himself; but He willed to test you all through one another" (474).
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No, I havent read for him, except from the link you provided.
I look at writers, and judge them from a different prespective from subjects that are heavily influenced by hadiths and scholars opinions such as shar3a law. As for pluralism, hadith is not sufficient on that, or there is lack of hadiths on good relations with the "other". If an islamic scholar wants to show that islam is peaceful and accepting the other, no way he will resort to hadith only or mostly, even if he is a strong believer in hadith or even if he believes hadith is revealed by God.
If you read for Qaradawi or Ghazali on similar topics, you will find that they write in the same manner quoting mainly the qur'aan for the best evidence; hadith may be extra, or even comes handy because they will be addressing jihadists, who find mainly in hadith, and in out-of-context verses, a good support for their aggressive understanding.
The fact that his books are published in Egypt since a long time means they have been authorized by Lazhar. In Egypt, any book that deals with Islam in any way has to pass by Lazhar first before being given the authorization; and if it deals with Christianity, it has to be authorized by the Church before it is published.
I would love to read his book on "Islamic Law" before I decide whether to put him to rest or change my mind about him.
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Yes, good points. But I know he is not part of the Al-Azhar gang, as he mainly quotes Muhammed Iqbal and Muhammed Abduhu, which is not done by many scholars. Also I have very rarely seen a Sunni scholar saying this
With regard to the general natural laws, God does not treat Muslim individuals or societies exceptionally or with favoritism
Muslims have to struggle, suffer and persevere according to the natural laws
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I agree he is not part of Lazhar, but Lazhar is satisfied with his writings ;D
And Oh yes, many wrote that. In fact Alghazali and Al Qaradawi are very "modern" in this. Muhammed and Sayed Qutb are also quite moderate, but the works of Sayed Qutb were taken out of context by islamists. In his book "In the shadows of the Qur'aan" he accused muslim societies of living in the era of ignorance and that they have to start from the very beginning, founding a muslim society before thinking of applying Islamic rule. It indirectly attacked the "tyrant" and that earned him the death penalty.
What's common between these scholars is that their best works are on politics, and they all endorse Democracy. In fact, Qaradawis book "Jurisprudence of the State in Islam" is a reply to islamists who are against democracy and are against the West in general.
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Thanks for marking it out, please see his writings on his website, see what you think.
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I agree he is not part of Lazhar, but Lazhar is satisfied with his writings ;D
And Oh yes, many wrote that. In fact Alghazali and Al Qaradawi are very "modern" in this. Muhammed and Sayed Qutb are also quite moderate, but the works of Sayed Qutb were taken out of context by islamists. In his book "In the shadows of the Qur'aan" he accused muslim societies of living in the era of ignorance and that they have to start from the very beginning, founding a muslim society before thinking of applying Islamic rule. It indirectly attacked the "tyrant" and that earned him the death penalty.
What's common between these scholars is that their best works are on politics, and they all endorse Democracy. In fact, Qaradawis book "Jurisprudence of the State in Islam" is a reply to islamists who are against democracy and are against the West in general.
This is because Qaradawi uses slogans, known in Arabic as(shi'ar), what you need to ask him is specifics, gender equality and religious equality and freedom of thought especially religion, like baha'ism or ahmediya. Then you will know he is not moderate but speaks like one. In the Arab world you see, its all about talking a good game, when it comes to actual thoughts its different.
I thought you learned your lesson from Turabi ;D
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This is because Qaradawi uses slogans, known in Arabic as(shi'ar), what you need to ask him is specifics, gender equality and religious equality and freedom of thought especially religion, like baha'ism or ahmediya. Then you will know he is not moderate but speaks like one. In the Arab world you see, its all about talking a good game, when it comes to actual thoughts its different.
I thought you learned your lesson from Turabi ;D
Of course!
I agree with you. In fact what you say is similar to what I posted earlier on this thread that they are the best singers when it is about politics that will be judged by the Western Democracies
I look at writers, and judge them from a different prespective from subjects that are heavily influenced by hadiths and scholars opinions such as shari3a law ......................
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I would love to read his book on "Islamic Law" before I decide whether to put him to rest or change my mind about him.