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Meta-religion is a theoretical framework aimed at understanding and comparing various world religions by identifying common principles and values that transcend individual traditions. This concept seeks to foster a critical and rational examination of religious beliefs and practices, promoting a unified perspective that integrates diverse religious experiences. [1] The idea of meta-religion is particularly significant within Islamic thought, where it is seen as a way to harmonize the various religious experiences of humanity under a single, comprehensive framework. [2] [3] [4]
Meta-religion is defined by several key characteristics. It is rational and critical, evaluating each religion based on historical and rational analysis rather than condemning any religion a priori. [2] It considers the possibility that various religions may have a common divine origin, expressed through different historical and cultural contexts. This perspective allows for the recognition of shared ethical principles and values, fostering a dialogue that transcends individual traditions. [2] According to al-Faruqi, meta-religion involves a belief in God or Ultimate Reality as the "totally other" and is not about testing the validity of religions through external or functional tests, but rather about understanding the condition of homo religiosus. [5]
The concept of meta-religion has evolved through the efforts of scholars aiming to reconcile the diverse religious experiences of humanity. Isma'il Raji al-Faruqi's work in the late 20th century significantly shaped the understanding of meta-religion within Islamic thought. [1] [4] He advocated for a rational approach to studying religions, proposing a meta-religion that acknowledges the potential divine origin of religious experiences while critically examining their historical manifestations. [3] [4] Al-Faruqi also suggested that meta-religion could serve as a basis for meaningful interfaith dialogue, where shared values and ethical principles are emphasized to foster mutual understanding. [6] [4]
Meta-religion can be applied in various fields, including interfaith dialogue, religious studies, and cultural analysis. In interfaith dialogue, it promotes mutual understanding and respect among different religious traditions by highlighting shared values and ethical principles. [2] [4] In religious studies, meta-religion provides a framework for the interdisciplinary study of religion, encouraging exploration of the broader context of religious phenomena. [2] [3] [4] In cultural analysis, it examines the impact of religion on culture and society, analyzing how religious ideas shape art, literature, politics, and social norms. [4]
Meta-religion has faced criticism. Some argue that it can oversimplify the complexities of individual religious traditions by focusing on commonalities. Others suggest it may inadvertently privilege certain philosophical or cultural perspectives over others, potentially leading to biased interpretations of religion. Critics like Abdulkader Tayob argue that al-Faruqi's approach manipulates philosophical frameworks like those of Kant to fit Islamic theological commitments, potentially limiting the space for contemplation or alternative religious expressions, such as Sufism or other forms of mysticism. [4] [7] This critique highlights that while al-Faruqi's approach sought to integrate religious values into socio-political contexts, it may have inadvertently sidelined diverse religious experiences and interpretations. [4] Al-Faruqi himself acknowledged these challenges but maintained that a meta-religious approach could provide a valuable framework for understanding and engaging with diverse religious traditions. [6] [4]
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Lois Lamya al-Faruqi was an American scholar and expert on Islamic art and music. She made contributions to the field of ethnomusicology, particularly in the study of Islamic musical culture, and co-authored the work The Cultural Atlas of Islam with her husband, Ismail al-Faruqi.
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Ismail Raji al-Faruqi was a Palestinian-American philosopher who worked extensively in Islamic studies and interfaith dialogue. He spent several years at Al-Azhar University in Cairo and taught at universities in North America, including McGill University in Montreal, Canada. Al-Faruqi was a professor of religion at Temple University, where he founded and chaired the Islamic Studies program. He also founded the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT). Al-Faruqi authored over 100 articles and 25 books, including Christian Ethics: A Historical and Systematic Analysis of Its Dominant Ideas (1967) and Al-Tawhid: Its Implications for Thought and Life (1982).
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'Urubah and Religion: A Study of the Fundamental Ideas of Arabism and of Islam as Its Highest Moment of Consciousness (1962) is a scholarly work by Isma'il Raji al-Faruqi, published by Djambatan N.V. The book explores the concept of Arabism ('urubah), examining its historical, ethical, and spiritual dimensions, and its relationship with Islam. Al-Faruqi describes Arabism as central to Islamic history, culture, and faith, characterizing it as "the spirit which animates the stream and gives the momentum" to Islamic values. The book was intended to be the first volume in the "On Arabism" series, which was to explore themes of art, society, and human existence concerning Arabism. However, these subsequent volumes were not completed as al-Faruqi eventually focused on broader Islamic thought and moved away from the specific framework of Arabism.
Christian Ethics: A Historical and Systematic Analysis of Its Dominant Ideas (1967) is a scholarly work by Isma'il Raji al-Faruqi, first published in 1967. It explores Christian ethical thought from both historical and systematic perspectives, analyzing its development and key ideas. This work is part of a broader series by al-Faruqi that examines religious and ethical principles across different faiths. The book is noted for its critical stance on the development of Christian theological doctrines and its advocacy for a rational, coherent ethical framework. The publisher emphasized the unique value of this work as the first major Muslim attempt to examine Christian dogma and ethics on their own terms. The book has been reviewed and critiqued by various scholars, including a notable review from a Christian perspective.
The murder of the Faruqis occurred on May 27, 1986, at their home in Wyncote, Pennsylvania, United States. Ismail Raji al-Faruqi was a prominent Islamic scholar, and his wife, Lois Lamya, was a respected art historian who made significant contributions to ethnomusicology. The crime drew significant attention due to the couple's academic prominence and the brutality of the attack.
The Cultural Atlas of Islam is a reference work by Isma'il Raji al-Faruqi and Lois Lamya al-Faruqi, published posthumously in 1986. The book provides an extensive overview of Islamic civilization, covering various aspects such as history, geography, culture, art, and science. It aims to contribute to the understanding of the diverse heritage of Islam.
Al-Tawhid: Its Implications for Thought and Life is a book by Isma'il Raji al-Faruqi, first published in 1982. The work explores the central Islamic concept of Tawhid, the oneness and unity of God, and its implications for various aspects of life and thought.
Islam and the Problem of Israel is a book by Ismail Raji al-Faruqi, first published in 1980 by the Islamic Council of Europe. The book examines the historical and contemporary issues surrounding the state of Israel from an Islamic perspective.