Siblings Of Ilm
Siblings Of Ilm

Orientalism Under Review

Summary:
Ḥadīth, second only to the Qurʾān in Islamic guidance, has long been a subject of scholarly interest – both within the Muslim world and among Western academics. Since the onset of colonial engagement with Muslim societies, Orientalist scholars have approached Islamic sciences with skepticism, often questioning the authenticity of ḥadīth. This gave rise to a Western-centric framework known as Orientalism.
This webinar explores the contrasting methodologies of Orientalist and traditionalist scholars in their treatment of ḥadīth. It delves into the roots of Orientalist critique and the traditionalist defense of ḥadīth preservation, using two case studies to illustrate these divergent approaches.
Learning Objectives:
– Understand the core principles of traditionalist vs. Orientalist ḥadīth methodology
– Explore traditionalist responses to ḥadīth skepticism
– Identify key methodological differences through case-based analysis
  • Audience: Advanced ṭullāb al-ʿilm
  • When: Sunday 16 November
    2:00 - 3:00 PM (UK Time)
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Course Details

The course consists of a one-hour PowerPoint presentation covering key definitions, foundational principles of orientalists and traditionalists, and reasons for differing methodologies with case studies. The webinar combines theory with interactive audience participation and concludes with discussion questions.

Key topics include the following; 
  • The Western historical-critical method
  • Understanding orientalism
  • Two influential orientalist scholars: Ignaz Goldziher and Joseph Schacht
  • Traditionalism and its methodological principles
  • Two hadith case studies: the Ḥadīth of Muʿādh (radiAllahu anh) & the age of ʿĀʾishah (radiAllahu anh) 
  • Final reflections and discussion

Instructors Biography

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Muftī ʿAbdul Wāḥeed

Muftī ʿAbdul Wāḥeed is a seasoned Islamic scholar and researcher. A graduate of Dār al-ʿUlūm Bury (2004), he holds ijāzah in multiple disciplines including Ḥadīth, Tafsīr, Uṣūl al-Fiqh, and Ḥanafī Fiqh. He completed an intensive Iftāʾ course in 2005, answering over 600 legal queries, and later memorized the Qurʾān.
He pursued further academic studies in social sciences at UCLAN and Bradford University, covering sociology, psychology, politics, and comparative religion. His research focuses on Islamic legal theory, minority fiqh, and family law. His MA in Islamic Education (Warwick University, 2023) earned distinction for a dissertation on British Iftāʾ pedagogy.
Currently, he serves as Director of the JKN Fatāwā Department, where he authors fatāwā, delivers workshops, and produces educational content. He has published several works under Shaykh Muftī Saiful Islām’s guidance and compiled the three-volume Ask A Muftī series. He also teaches at JKN Institute and Al-Balāgh Academy, specializing in contemporary fiqh and Islamic legal theory.
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