South Asian Journal of Religion and Philosophy (SAJRP)

The Relationship Of Philosophy And Religion

Douglas Pratt — 2023-12-30

Philosophy is the love of wisdom and religion has had a significant role in human history. This article investigates the relationship between the religious quest and the philosophical pursuit in the light of two sub-themes, namely, the philosophy of religion and religious pluralism. The article begins with an overview of the historical connection between Christian thought and philosophy in the West. To illustrate and explain this connection more effectively, the author presents arguments for the existence of God and discusses religious pluralism as illustrative examples of the ‘philosophy of religion’. The author concludes by saying that the role of philosophy is to clarify the exact nature of religious identity to prevent it from becoming an exclusive attitude that militates against civilizational dialogue and religious harmony.

India’s Untouchables Still Awaiting Equality

Rachel Riddell — 2023-12-30

This article considers the history and current situation of the Dalits of India, also known as the Untouchables. A range of primary source material is consulted, including Hindu sacred scripture that defines the caste system, writings by Indian leaders who advocated on behalf of social equality, constitutional documentation, and census data. This research shows that, although there has been much progress towards breaking down India’s caste system and achieving a greater degree of social equality, much remains to be done. This is especially the case in India’s rural regions where caste distinctions endure. The article also considers caste among the Hindus of Bali, showing that Indonesia’s Hindus are free of the worst kinds of caste discrimination that remain a problem in India.

On The Prerequisites Of Islamic Environmental Ethics

Mira Sievers — 2023-12-30

This article discusses various difficulties arising out of the concept of environmental ethics from an Islamic theological perspective. The author begins by describing growing Muslim awareness of environmental issues. Since the issue of manufactured climate change could not be raised in traditional Islam, the need arises to work out an environmental ethics based on the Qur’an. Subsequently, the Qur’anic concepts of hilafa and amana become the main focus of the article. The author highlights the need to develop a consistent view of Islamic ethics within the rise of Islamic theology in the European context, a view that is consistent with pre-modern Islamic scientific traditions and that deals with the contemporary understanding of ethics.

The Messiah, His Disciples, And the Law of Moses

Philip Duncan Peters — 2023-12-30

This article explores the relationship between the Messiah Jesus, his disciples and the Law of Moses, to which the Qur’an, the Torah [Hebrew Bible] and the New Testament all refer.. After initial references to the Qur’an and the Hebrew Bible, the author discusses four separate scenes in the New Testament, which highlight the relationship between Jesus and the Torah. The author discusses the contrast between the attitude of the Pharisees and that of Jesus to the Law but explains that, by rejecting the laws about food, Jesus was not abolishing the totality of the Law but simply abrogating its dietary regulations. The author concludes that the food laws mentioned in the Torah were of a temporary nature and that the death, resurrection and ascension of Messiah Jesus introduced a new era and a new covenant, which included people from all nations of the world as the people of God without their having to adhere to all the regulations of the older covenant.

Masculinity in Islam: Exploring the Dynamic Shift in Gender Roles in A Postmodern Context

Kashaf Shafique Rao — 2023-12-30

This research investigates the evolving gender roles in the light of Islam, focusing on the understudied and much-neglected concept of masculinity in the context of postmodernism. Masculinity in Islam refers to men being the sole providers, breadwinners, and protectors of the family, whereas postmodernism acknowledges diverse and malleable expressions of masculinity. This study employs a multi-dimensional approach, analysing Islamic scriptures, historical perspectives, and ongoing discourse on gender roles, guided by postmodern principles and Islamic beliefs. It analyses whether Islam accommodates reinterpreted, newly constructed concepts of masculinity within postmodern discourses and how Muslim men should navigate tensions between traditional Islamic roles assigned to them and new approaches. Additionally, it delves into the influence of contemporary societal changes on shaping modern Islamic masculinity. By doing so, this study makes a valuable contribution to the wider discourse on gender, particularly masculinity, in Islam under the postmodern lens. The significance of these findings lies in their potential to promote intercultural dialogue, challenge stereotypes, and foster gender equity within Muslim communities.