Ahmed Lotfy Rashed's Blog, page 2

Islamic Financing and Economics: Form vs Substance

The main difference between Western and Islamic economics is debt-based financing versus asset-based financing. In the Western concept, the financier (usually a bank) lends money as credit and collects that money plus interest due to the debt that was taken from the borrower and then repaid. In the Islamic concept, the financier (sometimes a bank, but […]

REFLECTIONS:: Fiqh of Politics

Obey Authority After the civil strife that followed the assassination of the third Caliph Uthaman, many Muslim scholars promoted a quietist outlook. This aversion to rebellion and overthrow of the government was borne out of the bloodshed of those civil wars and conflicts. Achieving an “ideal” Islamic state was seen as too costly in terms of […]

REFLECTIONS:: Islamic Jurisprudential Maxims

What is fiqh and how can Muslims derive fiqh rulings in contemporary times? Classical manuals of fiqh list a series of maxims that have stood the test of time as Muslim scholars of law and religion grapple with every new and evolving situations that confront Muslim communities. What follows are a few of the maxims […]

What is Creation For?

Here is another excerpt from my third book, Interfaith Dialogues and Debates. . . this question comes up every now and then in my classes, and you may find it interesting: “What is creation for? Is it just an experiment on God’s part? Is it an amusement or a playful diversion? If God is perfect, then why […]

Islamic Worldview and Ethics

I wanted to share with you an excerpt from my third book, Interfaith Dialogues and Debates. . . the questioner posed a series of short, incisive questions whose answers offer insight into the Islamic faith: Is there some problem Muslims have with Jews? I kind of understand the Palestine/Israel conflict, but it seems like the tension between […]

My Favorite Philosophy Books

As promised, here is the second in a series of book recommendations about various Islamic and ecumenical topics. Today, I will share with you my favorite Islamic Philosophy books.

God’s Grace and Free Will

I wanted to share with you an excerpt from my second book, The Qur’an Discussions. . . this line of questions pops up a lot in my classes, so I thought you might find it interesting: I have two questions about verses in the Qur’an: 1) V2:6 and V2:7 (i.e., in the second Surah on verse six […]

Sin, Repentance, and Akhlaq

The Wisdom in Allah’s Allowing Sin Ibn al-Qayyim connects the wisdom behind the existence of Satan to the wisdom behind Allah decreeing sin and evil in the world. First of all, he emphasizes that Allah’s creation of both good and evil showcases His power and ability to create opposed and complementary things. He also addresses […]

The Nature of Repentance

Introduction He is truly felicitous who purifies [his soul] and he fails who corrupts it. (Qur’an 91:9-10) Islam teaches that no one stands between a person and God. The Prophet said any sinner can sincerely repent, and through their remorse, receive forgiveness. The slate is clean, and the journey to God begins again. This will […]

Faith is a Choice

The discussion about religion and particularly Islam with my family has not been going well especially when they relate to ISIS or 9/11 and I try not to lose the argument. In our religion talks, there’s just not enough justification for me to explain other than “because Allah said so” which makes myself keep asking […]