The concept of the state in contemporary Islamic thought: Abdullah Al-Nafisi as a case study

Aldhafeeri, Farhan Mojalli Z (2024). The concept of the state in contemporary Islamic thought: Abdullah Al-Nafisi as a case study. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

The concept of the state, and what is meant by it, has been widely discussed by many thinkers of the East and the West recently, especially after the events of 9/11 and the emergence of al-Qaeda and then ISIS, as well as the events of the Arab Spring and the arrival of political Islamic movements in power, such as in Tunisia and Egypt. Numerous statements about the classification of the state have arisen. Among those intellectuals who have dealt with the concept of the state in contemporary Islamic thought is the thinker Abdullah al-Nafisi, who is one of the most controversial personalities in contemporary Islamic thought, regarded by many observers as a mysterious figure, and even described by some as volatile and unstable. This ambiguity in his personality has caused many who study political and religious change in the Gulf to feel confused by al-Nafisi’s affiliations, trends, and methodology in relation to many contemporary issues, among them his concept of the state in Islam.

This study seeks to answer several questions about al-Nafisi, including: How significant is al-Nafisi in the development of contemporary Islamic thought? What are his thoughts about the relationship between the state and religion? What lessons can be learned from al-Nafisi’s doctrine, and how can it be adapted to enhance Islamic political systems worldwide?

Through the study of his thought, this thesis suggests that al-Nafisi illustrates ongoing changes in contemporary Islamic thought in many contemporary issues, such as the concepts of democracy and secularism, as well as Islamism. This study also argues that al-Nafisi provides a window into contemporary Islamic political thought about democratization, state secularisation, and political pluralism, in the Middle East generally and in the Arab Gulf region in particular.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):