دعوت دین کی راہ میں روایتی دینی فکر سے پیش آنے والی رکاوٹیں،اسباب وسدباب: ایک تنقیدی وتجزیاتی مطالعہ

OBSTACLES ARISING FROM TRADITIONAL RELIGIOUS THOUGHT IN THE PATH OF DA‘WAH, THEIR CAUSES AND REMEDIES: A CRITICAL AND ANALYTICAL STUDY

Abstract

The traditional Fiqhī view that establishing the subjugation of non-Muslims by an ideal Islamic Caliphate or State is a religious obligation for Muslims has been one of the biggest barriers to preaching Islam to non-Muslims, especially in the modern era of nation-states, where the right to self-determination is a principle of international law. Another obstacle is the belief that Islam requires Muslims to maintain distinct cultural identities, making it obligatory for them to appear different from non-Muslims. The idea that adopting cultural similarities with non-Muslims is offensive and invites a divine curse is also a barrier. Additionally, the notion that Islam is a complete code of life meant to replace all other systems, as they are considered un-Islamic, has alienated non-Muslims. If these ideas are genuinely Islamic, then Muslims have no choice but to present Islam as it is, whether others accept it or not. However, the authors of this paper argue that these concepts are not grounded in Islam but rather were later incorporated due to political, social, and cultural influences, and are based on misinterpretations of foundational texts (Nasūs). The duty to establish Islam's supremacy was specific to the Prophet (Rasūl), and after him, it became more about Muslim dominance rather than the dominance of Islam itself. Muslims' behavior now determines their standing. The establishment of a Muslim empire was a divine promise to the Prophet's Companions, not a command for all Muslims to create such a state. The Quran and Sunnah do not require Muslims to differentiate themselves culturally from non-Muslims unless such resemblance involves polytheism or unethical practices. Islam does not provide a strict system for managing worldly affairs but offers guidelines to correct and balance existing systems. The primary objective of Islam is to purify individuals’ beliefs, ethics, and personal cleanliness. To this end, it provides guidance for both individual and collective aspects of life. The article follows a descriptive-analytical methodology, with translations of Quranic verses drawn from Al-Bayan by Javed Ahmad Ghamidi.