The Global Islamic Research Journal (GIRJ) is a quarterly, peer-reviewed scholarly journal committed to advancing high-quality research on Islam, Muslim societies, and the diverse intellectual traditions that shape the Muslim world. As an international academic platform, GIRJ welcomes contributions from established scholars, emerging researchers, and practitioners whose work expands the boundaries of knowledge in the field of Islamic studies and related disciplines.
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Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah and Citizenship Values: Advancing Intellectual Security and Social Sustainability in Islamic Thought
This article examines the relationship between citizenship values, intellectual security, and social sustainability through the analytical lens of maqāṣid al-sharīʿah. It argues that intellectual security—understood as the capacity for critical reasoning, ethical judgment, and resistance to manipulation—is a necessary prerequisite for socially sustainable societies characterized by cohesion, resilience, and continuity. Drawing on both contemporary citizenship theory and Islamic ethical-legal thought, the study conceptualizes good citizenship as a value-based practice grounded in responsibility, civic participation, ethical conduct, and public welfare rather than a merely legal status. The paper employs a normative-conceptual methodology that integrates modern political theory with Islamic jurisprudential reasoning, particularly the objectives of Islamic law related to the preservation of intellect (ḥifẓ al-‘aql), justice (‘adl), and public welfare (maṣlaḥah). It demonstrates that these maqāṣid not only correspond to but also strengthen modern conceptions of responsible and deliberative citizenship. The analysis shows that citizenship values function as protective factors against extremism, misinformation, and cultural disruption, thereby reinforcing intellectual security. In turn, intellectual security underpins social sustainability by sustaining trust, enabling adaptive resilience, and preserving ethical continuity across generations. The article contributes a unified framework linking Islamic ethics, citizenship, and sustainability, offering implications for policy, education, and governance in pluralistic societies.
Copyright (c) 2026 Global Islamic Research Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Types and Categories of Tadlīs: A Theoretical Analysis of Classical Works on Hadith Methodology.
This study examines the concept of Tadlīs (concealment in transmission) in the science of Hadith and explores its types and levels as discussed in the classical literature of Hadith terminology. The importance of this topic lies in the confusion that often arises between Tadlīs and related concepts such as hidden transmission (al-mursal al-khafī) and the narration of a mudallis through ‘an‘anah, which may lead to incorrect judgments regarding narrators and Hadith authenticity.The research begins by defining Tadlīs linguistically and technically, followed by a discussion of the classifications proposed by Hadith scholars. It highlights the major categories that gained acceptance among the majority of scholars, namely Tadlīs al-Isnād (concealment in the chain of transmission) and Tadlīs al-Shuyūkh (concealment of the teacher’s identity). The study further analyzes the subtypes of Tadlīs al-Isnād, including Tadlīs al-Taswiyah, Tadlīs al-‘Atf, and Tadlīs al-Qaṭ‘, providing examples from Hadith literature and explaining their impact on the evaluation of narrations.In addition, the research discusses Tadlīs al-Shuyūkh, its motives, forms, and implications, including concealment through names, nicknames, places, and transmission permissions (ijāzah). It also reviews the opinions of Hadith scholars concerning the legal and methodological status of narrations transmitted by mudallis narrators. The study concludes that Tadlīs is one of the most intricate topics in Hadith sciences, requiring deep knowledge of narrators and transmission methods, and that understanding its types and levels is essential for accurately assessing Hadith chains and appreciating the precision of the Hadith scholars’ methodology.
Online Qurʼān Academies and Islamic Education Among Nigerian Youth: Between Pedagogical Innovation and Jurisprudential Authority
The proliferation of digital technologies has transformed Islamic educational delivery worldwide, with online Qurʼān academies emerging as significant actors in the Nigerian Muslim educational landscape. This article examines the role of online Qurʼān academies in enhancing Islamic education among youth in Nigeria, with particular attention to both their pedagogical impact and the jurisprudential and regulatory challenges they generate. Employing a systematic qualitative literature review and doctrinal legal analysis, the study situates these academies within the historical trajectory of Nigerian Islamic education, from the traditional Makaranta system to contemporary digital platforms. The article addresses two interconnected questions: how online Qurʼān academies operate and what educational impact they have on Nigerian Muslim youth; and what jurisprudential, regulatory, and legal challenges attend their rise. The findings demonstrate that online academies have significantly expanded access to Qurʼānic instruction, improved tajwīd standards, and strengthened religious identity formation among youth. However, unresolved jurisprudential debates surrounding the validity of online ijāzah, the absence of a regulatory framework, quality assurance deficits, and the persistent digital divide constitute major structural obstacles. The article argues that realising the full potential of online Qurʼān academies requires deliberate policy intervention, scholarly engagement with questions of digital transmission authority, and equitable access mechanisms grounded in Islamic principles of waqf and communal welfare.
Sustainable Trade Governance in the Muslim World: Harmonizing International Commercial Law with Sharia Economic Principles.
The increasing participation of Muslim-majority countries in the global trading system has raised important questions regarding the compatibility between international commercial law and Sharia-based economic principles. This article examines the prospects for developing sustainable trade governance in the Muslim world by harmonizing global trade regulations with the ethical and normative framework of Islamic economics. Using a qualitative doctrinal and analytical research approach, the study explores the theoretical foundations of Islamic economic principles—such as justice (ʿadl), prohibition of Riba, risk-sharing, ethical trade, and social welfare—and evaluates their relevance within contemporary international trade governance. The research further analyzes the structure and regulatory mechanisms of international commercial law and the role of global institutions, particularly the World Trade Organization, in shaping modern trade relations. The study identifies key legal and institutional challenges faced by Muslim-majority countries when attempting to integrate Sharia-compliant economic practices within international trade frameworks. These challenges include differences in financial structures, regulatory uniformity requirements, and the coexistence of dual legal systems combining modern commercial law with Islamic jurisprudence. Despite these tensions, the analysis highlights several areas of convergence between Islamic economic ethics and contemporary global discussions on sustainable and responsible trade governance. The article argues that Islamic economic principles offer valuable insights for promoting transparency, fairness, and social responsibility in global trade systems. Furthermore, the research explores policy models and regulatory reforms that could facilitate the integration of Sharia-based economic values into modern trade governance. Strengthening institutional cooperation among Muslim-majority countries and enhancing engagement with international trade institutions may contribute to the development of more inclusive and ethically grounded trade frameworks. Ultimately, the study concludes that harmonizing international commercial law with Islamic economic principles can support sustainable economic development while ensuring that global trade practices remain aligned with the ethical values of Muslim societies.
Knowledge, Power, and Society in Islamic Civilization: Historical Perspectives on Muslim Intellectual Traditions.
Islamic civilization developed one of the most influential intellectual traditions in world history, characterized by a dynamic relationship between knowledge, political authority, and social organization. This study examines the historical role of knowledge in shaping Islamic intellectual traditions and its influence on governance and social structures within Muslim societies. Using a qualitative historical-analytical approach, the research explores the development of major scholarly disciplines such as Qur’anic exegesis (tafsīr), Hadith studies, Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), theology (kalām), and philosophy (falsafa), as well as the institutional frameworks that supported their growth, including mosques and madrasas. These disciplines formed the foundation of Islamic intellectual life and played a crucial role in interpreting religious teachings, regulating social relations, and addressing emerging intellectual challenges. The study also analyzes the interaction between religious scholars (ʿulamāʾ) and political authorities, highlighting how scholars contributed to governance through legal interpretation, judicial roles, and moral guidance while maintaining a degree of intellectual independence. Their influence extended beyond political institutions into the broader social sphere, where their teachings shaped ethical norms, legal practices, and communal life. In addition, the research explores the extensive intellectual networks that facilitated the transmission of knowledge across the Muslim world. Scholarly travel, manuscript circulation, and teacher–student relationships enabled the exchange of ideas among major intellectual centers such as Baghdad, Cairo, Cordoba, and Central Asia. The findings suggest that the strength of Islamic civilization was closely linked to its vibrant culture of learning and its interconnected scholarly networks. By examining the historical interaction between scholars, institutions, and intellectual traditions, this study highlights the enduring significance of knowledge in shaping the political, social, and cultural development of Muslim societies.
Defending the Prophetic Sunnah in the Modern Age: Contemporary Muslim Scholarly Responses to Hadith Skepticism۔
The Prophetic Sunnah represents one of the foundational sources of Islamic guidance, functioning alongside the Qur’an as a central reference for Islamic theology, law, and ethical practice. Throughout Islamic history, Muslim scholars developed sophisticated methodologies within the sciences of Hadith to preserve, authenticate, and transmit the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad. However, in the modern period, the authority of Hadith literature has been challenged by various intellectual movements, including orientalist scholarship, modernist interpretations, and Qur’an-centric approaches that question the reliability and normative authority of the Sunnah. These critiques have generated significant debates within both academic and religious contexts regarding the authenticity of Hadith transmission and the role of the Sunnah in Islamic thought. This study examines contemporary Muslim scholarly responses to Hadith skepticism in the modern age, focusing on the methodological, historical, and textual arguments presented in defense of the Prophetic Sunnah. Using a qualitative analytical approach based on library research and textual analysis, the study explores the theological foundations of the Sunnah, the origins and development of modern Hadith skepticism, and the intellectual strategies employed by contemporary scholars to address these critiques. Particular attention is given to the revival of classical Hadith sciences and the reinterpretation of traditional verification methodologies in light of modern academic debates. The study finds that contemporary Muslim scholars have actively engaged with modern critiques by demonstrating the historical reliability of Hadith transmission and the methodological rigor of classical Hadith scholarship. By integrating traditional Islamic scholarship with modern analytical tools, these scholars aim to reaffirm the authority of the Sunnah as an indispensable source of Islamic guidance. The article concludes that the continued defense and scholarly study of the Prophetic Sunnah play a vital role in preserving the intellectual integrity of Islamic tradition in the modern age.
Defending Religious Tradition in Modern Times: Comparative Responses of Muslim and Christian Scholars to Scriptural Criticism.
The emergence of modern scriptural criticism has significantly influenced religious scholarship across different traditions, particularly within Islam and Christianity. Historical-critical methods, orientalist scholarship, and biblical criticism have raised questions regarding the authenticity, transmission, and interpretation of sacred texts. These intellectual developments challenged traditional understandings of scripture and prompted scholars from both religious traditions to respond through theological, methodological, and historical arguments. This study examines the comparative responses of Muslim and Christian scholars to modern scriptural criticism, focusing on how each tradition defends the authority and authenticity of its sacred texts while engaging with contemporary academic discourse.Using a qualitative comparative approach based on library research and textual analysis, the study explores the foundations of scriptural authority in Islam and Christianity, the development of modern critical approaches to religious texts, and the intellectual strategies employed by scholars in both traditions. Muslim scholars have largely emphasized the rigorous methodologies developed within classical Islamic scholarship, particularly the sciences of Qur’anic preservation and Hadith authentication, to demonstrate the reliability of Islamic sources. At the same time, contemporary Muslim scholars have engaged with modern academic methods, including historical analysis and manuscript studies, to reinforce traditional understandings of Islamic scripture. In contrast, Christian scholars have adopted diverse responses to biblical criticism. Some theologians have developed apologetic arguments defending the inspiration and historical credibility of the Bible, while others have integrated historical-critical methods into theological interpretation. By combining modern scholarship with traditional faith perspectives, Christian scholars aim to preserve the spiritual authority of the Bible while acknowledging its historical context. The study concludes that both Muslim and Christian scholars have developed sophisticated intellectual responses to scriptural criticism, demonstrating the resilience of religious traditions in engaging with modern academic challenges.
Authority and Interpretation in Qur’anic Studies: Re-examining Classical Tafsīr in Contemporary Islamic Scholarship
The interpretation of the Qur’an has been a central concern of Islamic scholarship since the earliest period of Islamic history. Classical scholars developed a sophisticated discipline of tafsīr in order to explain the meanings, linguistic features, and legal implications of Qur’anic verses. Through methodologies based on the Qur’an itself, the Prophetic Sunnah, and the explanations of the Prophet’s companions, classical exegetes established a systematic framework for interpreting divine revelation. Their works formed the intellectual foundation of Qur’anic studies and played a crucial role in shaping Islamic theology, law, and moral thought. However, the modern period has introduced new intellectual and methodological challenges that have encouraged scholars to revisit and reassess classical tafsīr traditions within contemporary academic contexts.This study examines the authority and interpretation of the Qur’an by analyzing classical methodologies of tafsīr and their relevance in contemporary Islamic scholarship. Using a qualitative analytical approach based on library research and textual analysis, the article explores the theological foundations of Qur’anic authority, the interpretive methods employed by classical scholars, and the emergence of modern approaches to Qur’anic interpretation. Particular attention is given to historical, literary, and thematic methodologies that have developed in modern Qur’anic studies, as well as contemporary efforts to reinterpret classical tafsīr in response to modern intellectual and social challenges. The study argues that classical tafsīr remains an essential resource for understanding the Qur’an while contemporary interpretive approaches provide new perspectives that enrich Qur’anic scholarship. By integrating traditional exegetical methods with modern academic tools, contemporary scholars seek to preserve the authority of the Qur’an while addressing the evolving needs of Muslim societies. The article concludes that the interaction between classical and modern approaches demonstrates the dynamic and continuing development of Qur’anic studies within Islamic intellectual tradition.
Beyond Doctrine: Boko-Haram, Radical Islamist Insurgency, and the Nigeria State
Drawing on Piscatori and Eickelman’s theory of symbolic politics and fragmentation of authority, we move beyond theological reductionism and situates radical Islamist insurgency within broader pattern of political competition in a multi-religious polity. This paper interrogates radical Islamist insurgency in Nigeria, challenging the doctrinal stance of Boko Haram. We argued that the group is better understood as a struggle for legitimacy and material control rather than a mere outgrowth of theological deviance. In the group’s practices, there are coherent attempts to construct an alternative political order rivaling the state’s capacity to govern. Using qualitative case study approach, this study contributes to scholarship on political Islam by showing how political-economic gains drive armed Islamist actors to participate in authority contestation in Nigeria.
Boko-Haram, Political Islam, and Nigeria State
EXISTING LEGAL & REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR SOVEREIGN SUKUK IN NIGERIA
This paper critically examines the existing legal and regulatory framework governing sovereign Sukuk issuance in Nigeria, assessing its adequacy in supporting a robust and sustainable Islamic finance sector. The analysis identifies that Nigeria’s framework is not underpinned by a standalone, comprehensive Islamic finance law. Instead, it is a hybrid structure built upon the amendments to conventional statutes, notably the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2007, alongside guidelines issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), particularly the Rules on Sukuk Issuance (2013). The research employs a doctrinal legal methodology, analysing primary legislation, regulatory guidelines, and offering circulars for Nigeria’s landmark sovereign Sukuk issuances. The study finds that while this adaptive framework has demonstrably facilitated successful issuances, it presents inherent challenges. Key issues include potential legal ambiguities in asset ownership and transfer central to Sukuk structures, the reliance on regulatory discretion rather than entrenched statutory provisions, and the absence of a dedicated dispute resolution mechanism for Islamic finance. The paper concludes that the current model, though pragmatically effective for kick-starting the market, may pose long-term constraints on depth, innovation, and investor confidence. It recommends the development of a more coherent and consolidated legal architecture, potentially through a dedicated Islamic Finance Act, to provide greater clarity, enhance the enforceability of investor rights, and ensure the framework’s alignment with both global Shari’ah principles and Nigeria’s unique socio-economic context. This evolution is crucial for positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for Islamic finance and leveraging Sukuk as a stable instrument for infrastructure development.
When Culture Meets Fiqh: Examining the Legal Authority of ʿUrf in Contemporary Engagement Traditions
This article examines the legal authority of ʿurf (custom) in Islamic jurisprudence through an analysis of contemporary engagement practices in Muslim societies. While classical fiqh has long recognized custom as a subsidiary source of legal reasoning, its application in modern social contexts—particularly in matters of gender interaction and pre-marital rituals—remains contested. Employing a qualitative doctrinal and socio-legal methodology, the study analyzes classical uṣūl al-fiqh literature alongside contemporary juristic discourse to clarify the conditions under which ʿurf attains legal relevance. The article argues that ʿurf functions as a disciplined interpretive mechanism rather than an ad hoc concession, provided it does not contradict explicit textual injunctions or the objectives of Sharīʿah (maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah). Focusing on engagement rituals such as public ceremonies, gift exchange, and ring exchange, the study demonstrates that juristic disagreement arises not from rejection of textual authority but from differing assessments of social meaning, moral risk, and the effective cause (ʿillah) underlying classical prohibitions. The findings show that when engagement practices are publicly regulated, non-sexual, and ethically constrained, contemporary juristic reasoning may accommodate them without undermining moral order. From a maqāṣid perspective, recognizing morally regulated custom contributes to social coherence, reduces hardship, and facilitates lawful pathways to marriage. The article concludes that Islamic jurisprudence possesses internal mechanisms that enable principled engagement with cultural change, reaffirming fiqh as a dynamic yet normatively grounded legal tradition.
Copyright (c) 2025 Global Islamic Research Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
The Prophetic Sunnah and the Challenges of the Age: Confronting Technology and Its Effects on Social and Psychological Security
The modern technological age has significantly altered social and psychological dynamics, particularly within Muslim communities. Excessive virtual communication has led to social isolation, while digital addiction and social media comparisons have contributed to rising anxiety and depression. Moreover, breaches of privacy and misuse of personal data have fostered a widespread sense of insecurity. In response, this research explores the role of the Prophetic Sunnah as a holistic and enduring source of guidance in addressing these contemporary digital challenges. Using analytical and inductive methods, the study examines Prophetic teachings on human behavior and social ethics in light of the psychological and social disruptions caused by technology. It identifies values rooted in the Sunnah that can fortify individual and community well-being. The findings reveal that the Sunnah offers vital principles to restore balance and integrity in a digital world. These include the emphasis on genuine human interaction through family ties and community gatherings, the cultivation of self-discipline and moderation in digital usage, and strong ethical warnings against harmful online behaviors like gossip, slander, and false information. Thus, the Prophetic Sunnah emerges as a spiritually rich and socially responsive framework for navigating technological life in line with Islamic objectives.
Islamic Law and Campus Governance Against Drug Abuse: Preventive Strategies and Restorative Rehabilitation in Indonesian Universities
Drug abuse has become a serious threat to the moral, intellectual, and social fabric of contemporary societies, including Indonesia. As a country with the largest Muslim population in the world, Indonesia is uniquely positioned to respond to this crisis by integrating Islamic legal principles with national policies and educational strategies. This article examines drug abuse from an Islamic legal perspective and analyzes the preventive and corrective roles of Indonesian universities in addressing this phenomenon. Using a qualitative socio-legal approach, the study combines doctrinal analysis of Islamic law and Indonesian narcotics legislation with a review of university policies, programs, and practices. The findings reveal that Islamic law offers a comprehensive normative framework that not only prohibits narcotics as mukhaddirāt on the basis of ḥifẓ al-‘aql (preservation of intellect), but also emphasizes moral education, repentance, and rehabilitation. Indonesian universities, in turn, occupy a strategic position as institutions of both academic and character formation, with significant potential to operationalize these principles through anti-drug regulations, curriculum integration, religious and ethical programs, and counseling services. However, gaps remain in terms of consistency, implementation, and coordination with national agencies. The article proposes an integrative “fiqh-based preventive and restorative university framework” that aligns Islamic legal objectives, national narcotics law, and campus-based interventions. Strengthening this tri-dimensional synergy is essential for protecting the younger generation, sustaining educational quality, and supporting national efforts to combat drug abuse.
The Role of Islamic Economic Principles in Family Law: A Study on Inheritance and Property Rights within the Context of Child Protection
This study examines the role of Islamic economic principles in strengthening child protection through family law, with a particular focus on inheritance distribution and property rights. Rooted in the Qur’anic framework of mirath (inheritance), Islamic family law guarantees fixed and enforceable shares to children, ensuring their financial security after the death of a parent and preventing wealth manipulation by relatives or guardians. Complementary mechanisms such as zakat, waqf, and mahr further extend economic protection by supporting the welfare of orphaned and vulnerable minors and reducing the financial pressures on families during periods of instability. Using a comparative legal approach, this research analyzes child protection systems in Pakistan and Indonesia—two OIC countries with hybrid legal structures combining Islamic and civil law—to identify strengths, gaps, and policy challenges. The findings indicate that while Islamic law provides robust protections in theory, implementation barriers arise from informal family practices, insufficient judicial oversight, and limited institutional coordination. The study argues that improving governance of inheritance management, guardianship, and Islamic welfare institutions can significantly enhance national child protection outcomes. It concludes that the harmonization of Sharia-based economic tools with contemporary legal frameworks offers a viable pathway for ensuring not only equitable property distribution but also long-term financial dignity and developmental support for children in Muslim societies.
Addressing Mental Health Stigma and Digital Harassment in Pakistan and Indonesia: Insights from Islamic Principles and AI-Driven Cybersecurity Law
The rapid expansion of digital communication technologies in Muslim-majority societies has intensified longstanding challenges related to mental-health stigma and online harassment. Pakistan and Indonesia, two of the world’s largest Muslim populations, have experienced a significant increase in cyberbullying, cyberstalking, electronic harassment, and non-consensual dissemination of personal information. These harms exert profound psychological and social effects, often compounded by cultural tendencies to stigmatize mental-health struggles and discourage victims from reporting.This paper aims to examine the intersection of online harassment, mental-health stigma, Islamic ethical norms, and emerging AI-driven cybersecurity regulations in both countries. Using qualitative and normative legal approaches, the study analyzes national cyber laws, Islamic jurisprudential principles related to dignity and privacy, and contemporary research on the psychological impact of digital abuse. It also evaluates the promise and limitations of AI-based detection tools for cyber harassment. The findings indicate that while Pakistan and Indonesia have enacted legislation against cyber offences, enforcement gaps persist and victims continue to face significant barriers to justice. Islamic moral teachings, particularly concepts such as karāmah al-insān (human dignity), ḥifẓ al-‘aql (protection of intellect), and satr al-‘awrah (protection of privacy), offer a crucial ethical foundation that can complement statutory frameworks. The integration of these principles with responsible AI-driven cybersecurity mechanisms could provide a culturally grounded and technologically relevant solution to mitigate digital harassment and reduce mental-health stigma. The study concludes that a holistic model combining law, ethics, technology, and psychosocial support is essential to create safer digital environments in Pakistan and Indonesia.
Digital harassment; Mental health stigma; Islamic ethics; AI cybersecurity; Cyber laws