Ismail Raji al-Faruqi

Ismail Raji al-Faruqi

Ismail Raji al-Faruqi (Arabic: إسماعيل راجي الفاروقي; Turkish: İsmail Raci el-Faruki) (d. 1986) was a distinguished Palestinian Islamic scholar, writer, and activist. Known for his comprehensive vision of Islam, al-Faruqi’s work profoundly influenced contemporary Islamic thought and the principles of Muslim education.

Early Life and Education

• Galilee Governorate: Faruqi served as Governor of Galilee from 1945 to 1948, during the tumultuous period leading up to the establishment of the State of Israel.

• Academic Chair: Throughout his remarkable career, he held positions at prestigious universities across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and South and Southeast Asia.

Scholarly Contributions

Vision of Islam

Faruqi’s works present Islam as a holistic religion intrinsic to every aspect of life and culture. He emphasized Islam as a faith grounded in reason, science, and progress, advocating for an assertive engagement of faith in modernity (ijtihad).

Core Concepts

• Tawhid (توحيد): Centralizing the concept of the oneness of God, Faruqi wove it into modern scholarly considerations, reconciling classical theology with contemporary circumstances.

• Ijtihad (اجتهاد): He sought to apply Islam in the modern context through fresh intellectual endeavors and independent reasoning.

Initiatives and Collaborations

• International Institute for Islamic Thought (IIIT): Co-founded in the United States in 1981, the IIIT remains dedicated to the intellectual revival and reform of Islamic knowledge through an integrated curriculum for Islamic studies.

• Educational Reforms: Faruqi criticized the divisive state of educational systems in the Islamic world and pushed for dual systems of knowledge to coalesce into a unified educational vision focused on Islamic civilization and sciences.

Interfaith Dialogue and Global Influence

Faruqi also stood at the forefront of international ecumenical dialogues, highlighting the intersection of Islamic precepts with global issues and advancing mutual understanding between Muslim and non-Muslim communities.

Tragic End

In 1986, Ismail Raji al-Faruqi and his wife were tragically murdered, cutting short an illustrious career dedicated to the elevation of Islamic thought and education.

Etymology

• Faruqi: The surname “Faruqi” derives from the genitive nisbiy (nisba) form, indicating lineage to the caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, whose epithet was Al-Faruq (The One who Distinguishes between Right and Wrong).

Suggested Books for Further Studies

1. Ismail Raji al-Faruqi: Selected Essays - A comprehensive collection of his writings.
2. Islam and the Problem of Israel - Analytical explorations into the Islamic perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
3. The Cultural Atlas of Islam - Co-authored with his wife Lois Lamya al-Faruqi, this book integrates Islamic heritage with global civilization.
4. Al-Tawhid: Its Implication for Thought and Life - A deep dive into the principle of tawhid and its existential relevance.

Takeaways and Conclusion

Ismail Raji al-Faruqi remains a seminal figure in contemporary Islamic scholarship. His thought leadership emphasized Islam’s relevance to every discipline and area of life, promoting a balance between classical wisdom and modernity. His life’s work highlights the vitality of integrated knowledge, interfaith dialogue, and the progressive application of Islamic principles in addressing modern challenges.

Conclusion

The legacy of Ismail Raji al-Faruqi is undeniably enduring. His foundational work in Islamic education and thought continues to inspire scholars and practitioners, contributing to the Islamic renaissance and the global intellectual tradition.