Motaleat-e-Taghribi Mazaheb-e-Eslami (Proximity Studies of Islamic Denominations) (Foroughe Vahdat)

Motaleat-e-Taghribi Mazaheb-e-Eslami (Proximity Studies of Islamic Denominations) (Foroughe Vahdat)

A Novel Reading of the Foundations of the Idea of Taqrib in the Thought of Mohammad Taqi Qomi: Implications for Cultural Policy

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
1 Lecturer in International University of Islamic Denominations
2 Associate Professor at Baqir al-Olum University
10.22034/mtmi.2024.464575.1780
Abstract
In today's turbulent world, where Islamic societies are increasingly threatened by polarization and social tensions, the rapprochement between Islamic denominations—referred to as Taqrib—presents a fundamental strategy for strengthening solidarity and cooperation within and between Muslim communities. Therefore, this study, adopting an analytical approach and aiming to offer a fresh interpretation of the idea of Taqrib for policymaking purposes, focuses on identifying and analyzing the foundations of this concept in the thought of Mohammad Taqi Qomi. The findings indicate that Qomi, by drawing upon five fundamental assumptions grounded in a complementary epistemology and the superiority of the Islamic school of thought over other intellectual traditions, proposes a framework for fostering scientific and cultural exchanges. These exchanges aim to promote knowledge growth, enhance mutual understanding, and eliminate ambiguities and misconceptions without the need for merging, rejecting, or diminishing any of the denominations involved in Taqrib. Specifically, Qomi, through these five assumptions—namely, "consensus on the principles of faith among the six Islamic madhhabs, the natural occurrence of differences in secondary matters of faith, the aggravation of these differences, the existence of a shared Islamic heritage, and the mutual misperceptions among the madhhabs"—seeks to promote the principles of "open-mindedness" and "mutual recognition." By doing so, he aims to bring the intellectual assets of various denominations, considered integral components of the comprehensive Islamic culture, out of obscurity and into public view for the benefit of all Muslims. In conclusion, this study highlights the implications of reinterpreting Qomi's ideas on Taqrib for the development of cultural policy and further research in this area.
Keywords


Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 10 January 2025