Soroush, Abd al-Karim
Abd al-Karim Soroush (Persian: عبدالكریم سروش; b. 1945) is an Iranian intellectual, political activist, and prominent philosopher, recognized for his significant contributions to contemporary Islamic thought and criticism of theocratic governance.
Early Life and Education
Soroush began his academic journey in Iran, studying pharmacology before moving to England for advanced education. He pursued chemistry, history, and the philosophy of science, a diverse academic background that has greatly influenced his later works.
Contribution to the Iranian Revolution
Soroush was an active participant in the Iranian Revolution of 1979, contributing as one of its key ideologues. However, his intellectual journey led him to critique the theocratic direction of the post-revolutionary state.
Philosophy and Critique
Soroush’s critical stance on theocracy centers on distinguishing between:
- Religion (Din): As a sacred, immutable body of beliefs and doctrines.
- Religious Knowledge (Ma’rifat-e dini): As a historically and contextually constructed interpretation by its practitioners.
He posits that religious knowledge evolves and should adapt to contemporary contexts, stressing this distinction to push for reform within Islamic societies. This perspective has garnered both significant support and opposition.
Conflict and Censorship
His progressive views led to friction between his followers, primarily university students and young intellectuals, and their opponents. The tension resulted in him being censured and barred from public teaching in Iran.
Current Associations
Abd al-Karim Soroush is currently associated with the Iranian Academy of Philosophy, continuing his academic and intellectual pursuits.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: عبدالکریم سروش (Abd al-Karīm Surūsh)
- Turkish: Abdülkerim Suruş
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Reason, Freedom, and Democracy in Islam: Essential Writings of Abdolkarim Soroush” by Abdolkarim Soroush
- “Islamic Revivalism and Politics in Contemporary Pakistan” by Saeed Shafqat
- “Faith and Freedom: Women’s Human Rights in the Muslim World” by Mahnaz Afkhami
Key Takeaways
- Soroush’s work highlights the dynamic interplay between religion and religious knowledge.
- His critique offers an avenue for reformed thought within Islamic philosophy.
- Soroush’s life underscores the challenges of advocating for intellectual reform in an authoritarian context.
Conclusion
Abd al-Karim Soroush remains a pivotal figure in contemporary Islamic philosophy. His advocacy for the evolution of religious knowledge challenges traditional views while aiming to harmonize Islamic thought with modern realities.
