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Document Details : Title: Asghar 'Ali Engineer's Quest for a Contextual Islamic Theology Author(s): SIKAND, Yoginder Journal: Studies in Interreligious Dialogue Volume: 15 Issue: 2 Date: 2005 Pages: 211-231 DOI: 10.2143/SID.15.2.2004105 Abstract : Ashgar ‘Ali Engineer, one of the new Muslim intellectuals who desire to help Muslims deal with the challenges of contemporary life, is well known for his contribution to contextual hermeneutics. The author sketches Engineer’s background and change in career from engineer to reform activist. He then describes Engineer’s contextual hermeneutics as the distinction between the “normative” and “contextual” aspects of the Qur’an, using the normative to support his program of social reform, laying stress on the cardinal virtues of justice, benevolence, reason and wisdom. Any interpretation and application of the teachings of the Qur’an must be in line with these virtues. Applying this to the case of India, Islamic theology must take the context of multiple oppressions and pluralism seriously and work towards a just society in India. With regard to interfaith relations, Engineer takes the position that all religions are derived from one primal religion and none can be dismissed as illegitimate or false. Dialogue is necessary. Muslims must accept that India is a secular state and can be willing members of such a state. The author’s major critique of Engineer’s hermeneutics is that it is itself contextual and selective, too much informed by his preoccupation with issues of social justice. |
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