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Episode 35: Islamic Principles #8: Renewing Usul al-Fiqh
One of the greatest achievements of Islamic intellectual history is Uṣūl al-Fiqh (Principles of Jurisprudence). This is not only a science and discipline that helps us interpret the Quran and Sunna, it is also a system of thinking based on first principles. While we are heirs to this great tradition, we are also in need of updating and advancing this body of study to keep up the modern challenges.
Episode Notes
Quran Mentioned
“And from His signs that He created you from a single male and female.” (30:21)
Selected Links
Dinar and Dirham
Fiat currency
Moriscos
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Understanding the Muslim Mind
If we could take all of Islamic intellectual history, what sort of patterns and principles could we deduce? More importantly, if we found someone who actually knew all this information, what would they look like, think like, talk like, etc.?
What is Usuli Islam?
In The Clock of the Long Now, Stewart Brand argues that religion is one of the most durable institutions of civilization that helps ground us all in timeless values. In his concept of the forces of innovation (rapidly changing) and durability (slow changing) of civilization, religion would definitely be amongst the more slow adapting forces.
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