Adwa ala al-Thaqafa al-Islamiya
- Author died
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- Editions
- Mu'assasat al-Risalah
Adwa ala al-Thaqafa al-Islamiya (Lights on Islamic Culture) is a contemporary study on Islamic culture and thought by the scholar Nadiya Sharif al-Umari, examining the definition, foundations, practical manifestations, and contemporary challenges of Islamic culture.
Purpose and Approach
The author composed the work to elucidate the foundational elements of Islam—its creed, ethics, legislation, and systems—and to emphasize its capacity to meet contemporary needs. She aims to fortify Muslim minds against intellectual invasion (al-ghazw al-fikri) and hostile ideological currents that seek to undermine Islamic identity. The methodology of the book is intended to be accessible and straightforward without compromising depth.
Structure and Contents
The book consists of an introduction followed by four main chapters:
- Chapter One: Definition and Scope of Culture (Fi Muhit al-Thaqafa / Ta'rif al-Thaqafa): Explores the linguistic and terminological definitions of culture, the distinctive characteristics of Islamic culture, the importance of studying it, and what Islamic culture offers to modern humanity in addressing spiritual and psychological crises.
- Chapter Two: Pillars of Islamic Culture (Raka'iz al-Thaqafa al-Islamiya): Focuses on the core foundations of the culture, divided into faith and creed (al-iman wa-l-aqida), and Islamic legislation along with its primary sources—the Quran and the Sunnah.
- Chapter Three: Challenges Facing Islamic Culture (Tahaddiyat Amam al-Thaqafa al-Islamiya): Analyzes ideological and religious challenges confronting Islamic thought, specifically discussing Christianity, Judaism, Communism, and Westernization (al-taghrib).
- Chapter Four: Practical Aspects of Islamic Culture (al-Jawanib al-Amaliya fi al-Thaqafa al-Islamiya): Argues that Islamic culture is not merely theoretical, but a framework of belief translated into action and conduct. It focuses on two decisive practical matters: jihad as an enduring obligation, and Islamic solidarity (al-tadamun al-islami).
Publication
The work was published by Mu'assasat al-Risala in Beirut, with its first edition appearing in 1981 CE (1401 AH) and subsequent printings including an edition in 1406 AH.
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