Department of Religious Studies

Simbol salib di anggap sebagai simbol yang penting dan signifikan dalam agama Kristian. Ini kerana, menurut kepercayaan Kristian di sebalik simbol salib tersirat makna teologi yang dapat memberi impak kepada spiritual serta kehidupan mereka. Justeru, kajian ini membincangkan apakah konsep simbol salib dalam agama Kristian dan mengenal pasti hubungannya dengan doktrin penebusan dosa serta penyelamatan. Maklumat yang diperolehi adalah secara kualitatif iaitu melalui kaedah reka bentuk analisis kandungan yang melibatkan bahan bacaan seperti buku-buku, jurnal, artikel, tesis dan kertas kerja. Kajian mendapati bahawa dari perspektif agama Kristian, simbol salib memiliki makna serta konsep teologi iaitu sebagai lambang pengorbanan, kejayaan, kasih sayang dari Tuhan, pendamaian dan penyelamatan. Dalam tradisi teologi Kristian, konsep-konsep tersebut dikenali sebagai teologi salib. Selain itu, simbol salib mempunyai kaitan yang rapat dan merupakan tulang belakang bagi doktrin penebusan dosa serta penyelamatan. Sarjanasarjana Kristian berpandangan bahawa kematian Jesus Christ di atas tiang salib merupakan salah satu daripada rancangan Tuhan untuk menebus dosa serta menyelamatkan manusia. Senario ini menunjukkan bahawa tanpa salib atau peristiwa penyaliban, maka sudah pasti kedua-dua doktrin tersebut tidak dapat dilaksanakan, malah agama Kristian itu sendiri mungkin tidak akan wujud sebagaimana yang terlihat pada hari ini. Kata kunci: simbol salib, teologi salib, penebusan dosa, penyelamatan An Analysis of the Importance of the Cross in Christian Theology Tradition

Upon distinguishing cosmogony-the ultimate origin of the cosmos-from cosmogony-the early state of the cosmos, the paper presents a Qur"anic account of cosmogeny based on three relevant verses. The articulated Qur"anic cosmogeny of the paper affirms the doctrine of creatio ex nihilo and reveals the metaphysical origin of the cosmos. A number of cosmogenical principles are also presented in the article, which further demonstrate and reaffirm the theocentric nature of Qur"anic as well as Islamic cosmologies. The denouncement of absolute nothingness as per the newly-formulated cosmogeny and its principles presented in the paper certainly indicates the fundamental difference between the natures of the reality and the Ultimate Reality in Islam.

Religious people may feel confident that they have something that nonreligious people lack, namely, direct experience of God. They may claim that such religious experience, like visions of God, is a way of knowing God's existence. This claim has been examined by some scholars and philosophers in the field of philosophy of religion. The purpose of this writing is to analyze the reasonableness of believing in the existence of God on the basis of this claim. The methodological approach of gathering data is mainly through document analysis on various books of philosophy of religion and philosophy of God. This writing concludes that visions lack the consistency and predictability needed to form the basis of any factual belief.

This article explores the history of the renowned world economic and political reformist, Karl Marx with a special focus on the social class concept. It also discusses to what extent that the Marx's concept of social class struggle is capable to provide a way out to the proletariats, to free themselves from the chains of cruelty, violence and alienation in the capitalist system. Our main focal point is to scrutinize the relationship between the concepts of social class struggle and the need for a social revolution as a catalyst for the formation of a classless society. Along the way, we studied and analyzed the documents produced on the primary sources covering major works of Marx and the secondary sources consisting reviews of the Marx's class concept. As a result, we found out that Marx's concept of class fight is competent to represent the oppressed group to battle for their freedom rights. The Proletariat dictatorship attitude was used as their main shield to face the threat of the capitalist class. Marx's ultimate success is realized through a burst of ideas and beliefs that supports the ideas of egalitarian Communism although many contradictions arise between the ideas of Marx and the 20th centuries Communism when they are translated into practice.

Al-Qur’an has its own uniqueness when deemed to be the first text or charter which recognizes the existence of other religions in addition to expose incoherent and faults of otherwise. In early development of Religionswissenschaft or The Science of Comparative Religion, religion and 1 Pensyarah di Jabatan Usuluddin dan Falsafah, Fakulti Pengajian Islam, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. 2 Pensyarah kanan Jabatan Usuluddin dan Falsafah, Fakulti Pengajian Islam, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Email: [email protected]. Journal al-‘Abqari يرقبعلا ةلمج Vol. 10, 2017 72 community the focus of the discussion of Muslim scholars whether in writing, discussion or dialogue is Christianity. This concentration produces the works of al-Radd ‘alā al-Naṣārā (the Rejection of Christianity) in a large number and different methods. Therefore, this article generally analyze the Muslim scholars' methods of criticism against Christianity. Discussion of this article focuses on the introduction of Mus...

Al-Quran is deemed to be the first text or charter which recognizes the existence of other religions in addition to asserting the truth of Islam and expose incoherent and the faults of otherwise. The facts set forth in the al-Quran, al-Kafirun 109: 1-6. Similarly, there are many verses in the Quran that deal with religions, whether samawi or wadha`i religions. In presenting religions, the Quran highlight various methods of criticism such [i] method of comparison such as comparing the truth and falsehood or comparing between monotheism and polytheism, [ii] presents the falsehood faith based on historical method, [iii] method of arguing by demanding supported evidence, creed or faith from its believer. The diversity critical method of al-Quran is a guide for scholars and Muslim intellectuals in dealing with propaganda of religions other than Islam through their works. The works Izhar al-Haq has written by Syeikh Rahmatullah al-Kairanawi (1818-1891) is subjected in this article. Discus...

Previous findings have shown knowledge is one of the elements of human responsibility. The relationship between knowledge and responsibility is proven within the explanation frameworks of Islamic thought and Islamic law. The main objective of this article is to understand the fundamentals of knowledge in Islam and to identify the justifications of knowledge which could verify mankind’s responsibilities. This study employs classical, as well as the most recent literature from various disciplines, namely in Islamic thought and Islamic law. The research methodology used is the inductive method to understand the Muslim scholars’ views on the responsibility that comes with knowledge, in addition to the deductive method to generalise these views and to identify Islamic principles in relation to responsibilities of having knowledge. In addition, this research focuses on the comparative methodology by comparing different viewpoints in order to highlight the similarities and differences amon...

This article explores the history of the renowned world economic and political reformist, Karl Marx with a special focus on the social class concept. It also discusses to what extent that the Marx’s concept of social class struggle is capable to provide a way out to the proletariats, to free themselves from the chains of cruelty, violence and alienation in the capitalist system. Our main focal point is to scrutinize the relationship between the concepts of social class struggle and the need for a social revolution as a catalyst for the formation of a classless society. Along the way, we studied and analyzed the documents produced on the primary sources covering major works of Marx and the secondary sources consisting reviews of the Marx’s class concept. As a result, we found out that Marx’s concept of class fight is competent to represent the oppressed group to battle for their freedom rights. The Proletariat dictatorship attitude was used as their main shield to face the threat of ...

The religious element in the „spirit of unity‟ is an important element that maintains harmony and peace among the multiracial society in Malaysia. Hence, this article aimed to identity the factors that influence the religious element in the „spirit of unity‟ among adolescents living in community housing areas in Malaysia. This study had used a quantitative-based cross-sectional survey framework involving 244 adolescents as respondents living in three community housing areas, namely the Desa Rejang, Pantai Ria and Seri Pantai community housing areas. The data were analysed using the descriptive test and the multiple regression analysis using a stepwise method. The descriptive analysis showed that the majority (59.8%) of adolescents living in these community housing areas had a moderate level of religiousness that needed enhancement. The multi-regression analysis found that the „selfhealth‟ factor (β=.539, p<.05) was the main indicator that influenced the religious element in the „...

Religionswissenschaft atau The Science of Comparative Religion iaitu Sains Perbandingan Agama merupakan bidang ilmu cetusan ulama dan masyarakat Islam. Fakta ini bukanlah sesuatu yang asing kerana al-Quran dan al-Sunnah merupakan pencetusnya. Tradisi dan legasi al-Quran dan al-Sunnah dalam mendedahkan kecelaruan agama-agama selain Islam dikembang dan diteruskan oleh para ulama dan cendekiawan Islam. Antara karya Religionswissenschaft terbaik yang memberi impak besar khususnya dalam dialog dan debat Islam-Kristian masa kini ialah kitab Izhar al-Haqq, karangan Syeikh Rahmatullah al-Kairanawi (m. 1308H). Artikel ini akan menumpukan perbincangan dan pendekatan kritis Syeikh Rahmatullah al-Kairanawi melalui karyanya Izhar al-Haqq; kritikan beliau terhadap Bible; dan perbincangan beliau terhadap doktrin Triniti Kristian. Metodologi yang diguna pakai dalam kajian ini ialah analisis kandungan dan perbandingan kepercayaan. Akhirnya, artikel ini merumuskan pendekatan kritis Syeikh Rahmatullah...

The origin of the cosmos is one of the most intriguing queries facing mankind. The Qur’an presents substantial information pertaining to this matter. In this paper, a Qur’anic cosmogony, comprising physical as well as metaphysical aspects, is presented based on a number of prominent contemporary Qur’anic translations and commentaries. It is revealed that commentaries on Qur’anic cosmogonical verses vary significantly. The paper then presents the qualitative and quantitative features of Qur’anic cosmogony, and deduces some general features and principles pertaining to cosmogony. It also suggests an integrated multidimensional approach in order to articulate cosmological notions from the Qur’an.  

Abstrak-Setiap agama menganjurkan kepada penganutnya untuk sentiasa melakukan kebaikan dan menghindari kejahatan, supaya mendapat kehidupan yang harmoni dan sejahtera. Di samping mencari keindahan dunia, manusia sering kali diingatkan agar tidak leka, kerana setiap perbuatan manusia kelak akan dipertanggungjawabkan. Setiap agama menjelaskan bagaimana seseorang itu mendapat balasan sama ada baik atau buruk. Terdapat fahaman dalam Islam yang dikenali dengan istilah tanasukh al-arwah iaitu perpindahan roh yang menyerupai konsep kepercayaan agama Hindu reinkarnasi. Reinkarnasi bermaksud perpindahan roh kepada jasad atau benda tertentu. Dalam artikel ini, penulis cuba meneliti secara perbandingan konsep perpindahan roh di antara tanasukh al-arwah dalam agama Islam dan reinkarnasi dalam agama Hindu. Penulisan ini berasaskan kajian kepustakaan atau penyelidikan dokumentari yang dipersembahkan secara kritis. Hasil daripada kajian ini, penulis mendapati bahawa kepercayaan al-tanasukh ini jel...

Abstrak Kajian ini memfokuskan kepada kaitan kehendak dengan tanggungjawab. Isu ini sangat berkait rapat dengan kebebasan kehendak dengan pilihan kemahuan manusia yang hangat dibincangkan oleh ahli akademik dan ahli falsafah barat, iaitu sama ada menerima teori determinism atau indeterminism kerana kehendak manusia pasti mempunyai makna yang perlu ada pertanggungjawaban. Perbahasan ini sebenarnya adalah pandangan klasik pemikiran Islam yang diadaptasi daripada diskusi Muktazilah dan al-Ashairah. Tujuan kajian ini ialah memahami konsep kehendak dari perspektif Islam dan Barat serta mengenal pasti sejauh mana kaitan kehendak dengan tanggungjawab manusia. Metodologi yang digunakan adalah kajian perpustakaan dengan merujuk bahan-bahan bacaan terdahulu dan terkini. Kaedah yang digunakan adalah kaedah induktif bagi memahami konsep-konsep kehendak serta kaedah deduktif dengan menyifatkan makna-makna kehendak kepada kategori pertanggungjawaban atau sebaliknya. Hasil kajian ini mengenengahka...

Al-Quran is deemed to be the first text or charter which recognizes the existence of other religions in addition to asserting the truth of Islam and expose incoherent and the faults of otherwise. The facts set forth in the al-Quran, al-Kafirun 109: 1-6. Similarly, there are many verses in the Quran that deal with religions, whether samawi or wadha`i religions. In presenting religions, the Quran highlight various methods of criticism such [i] method of comparison such as comparing the truth and falsehood or comparing between monotheism and polytheism, [ii] presents the falsehood faith based on historical method, [iii] method of arguing by demanding supported evidence, creed or faith from its believer. The diversity critical method of al-Quran is a guide for scholars and Muslim intellectuals in dealing with propaganda of religions other than Islam through their works. The works Izhar al-Haq has written by Syeikh Rahmatullah al-Kairanawi (1818-1891) is subjected in this article. Discussion of this article focuses on al-Kairanawi's adaptation on the Quranic approach in criticizing the Bible; equation issues in Izhar al-Haq and the Quran; critical method by arguing and demanding textual evidences that are believed by the defendant. The methodology adopted in this study is content analysis and comparison between the approaches of the Izhar al-Haq and the Quran. Finally, the article concludes that al-Kairanawi approach in his Izhar al-Haq is accordance with the approach of the Quran in criticizing the Bible.

Al-Quran mempunyai keunikan tersendiri apabila disifatkan sebagai teks atau piagam pertama yang memperakui kewujudan agama-agama di samping menegaskan kecelaruan yang terdapat di dalam agama-agama selain Islam. Di awal perkembangan Religionswissenschaft atau The Science of Comparative Religion, agama dan komuniti yang menjadi tumpuan sarjana muslim dalam diskusi sama ada melalui penulisan, diskusi dan dialog adalah agama Kristian. Penumpuan ini melahirkan karya-karya al-Radd 'alā al-Naṣārā (Penolakan Terhadap Agama Kristian) dengan jumlah yang banyak dan metode yang pelbagai. Justeru, artikel ini akan menganalisis metode-metode kritikan sarjana Muslim terhadap agama Kristian secara umum. Isu-isu perbincangan ialah pengenalan metode kritikan sarjana Muslim; analisis metode karya-karya al-Radd 'alā al-Naṣārā terpilih; dan metode-metode umum kritikan sarjana Muslim terhadap Kristian. Metodologi yang diguna pakai dalam kajian ini ialah kajian analisis kandungan dan sumber bahan primer yang menjadi asas dalam kajian ini ialah karya-karya al-Radd 'alā al-Naṣārā terpilih. Kesimpulannya, artikel ini merumuskan metode kritikan sarjana Muslim terhadap Kristian adalah metode yang mempunyai keunikan dan berpengaruh dalam Religionswissenschaft. Kata kunci: metode, metode kritikan, kritikan terhadap Kristian, Religionswissenschaft, karya-karya Religionswissenschaft Muslim.

Ilmu Kajian Agama-agama dalam Tradisi Islam The Study of Religions in the Islamic Tradition Wan Haslan KHairuddin, indriaty ismail & abdull raHman maHmood ABSTRAK Ilmu Kajian Agama-agama atau Ilmu Perbandingan Agama hari ini menjadi tumpuan dan mendapat perhatian sama ada dalam kalangan individu yang berada di lapangan akademik, dakwah atau awam sehingga pelbagai kursus intensif yang berkaitan ditawarkan. Pelbagai agensi sama ada Pertubuhan Bukan Kerajaan atau NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) yang berorientasikan dakwah menyusun silibus dan kursus untuk melahirkan individu berpengetahuan dalam Ilmu Perbandingan Agama. Artikel ini membincangkan kedudukan Ilmu Kajian Agama-agama dalam tradisi Islam. Isu-isu utama yang menjadi perbincangan artikel ini ialah: [i] Kajian agama-agama menurut al-Quran dan Sunah; [ii] Ilmu Kajian Agama-agama subwacana Ilmu Kalam; dan [iii] Ilmu prasyarat (prerequisite) dalam menekuni Ilmu Kajian Agama-agama. Penulisan artikel ini adalah berdasarkan kajian analisis kandungan. Sumber primer yang menjadi asas dalam penulisan ini ialah karya-karya Ilmu Kalam dan karya-karya para ilmuwan Islam di dalam kajian agama-agama. Kesimpulannya, Ilmu Kajian Agama-agama adalah salah satu daripada dua wacana Ilmu Kalam yang mewacanakan kepercayaan antara penganut agama (intrareligion atau intra-Islam) dengan penamaan seperti al-Firaq al-Islāmiyyah (Aliran-aliran Pemikiran Islam) dan wacana berkaitan kepercayaan antara agama-agama (interreligions) dengan penamaan seperti Muqāranah al-Adyān (Perbandingan Agama-agama). Selain itu, Ilmu Kajian Agama-agama atau secara khusus dialog antara agama bukan bidang amatur yang boleh dilaksanakan oleh sesiapa sahaja. Sebaliknya memerlukan kepada individu yang mempunyai tahap pengetahuan akidah yang baik atau secara khusus penamaannya 'Ilmu Kalam'dengan penguasaan tema, isu dan dalil secara tafṣil (huraian atau satu persatu) kerana lapangan ini berisiko menjerumuskan seseorang kepada kecelaruan, keraguan, kesesatan dan kekufuran. Tuntasnya, Ilmu Kajian Agama-agama atau Ilmu Perbandingan Agama menurut tradisi Islam adalah subwacana kepada Ilmu Kalam.