PRINSIP WASATIYYAH ISLAM MENURUT MUHAMMAD ASAD (w. 1992)
The Principle of Wasaṭiyyah According to Muḥammad Asad (d. 1992)
Abstract
The paper aims to analyze Muhammad Asad’s (1900-1992) significant ideas and concept of “wasaṭiyyah” as illustrated in his magnum opus The Message of the Qur’an and Sahih al-Bukhari: The Early Years of Islam as well as his other works of biography and travelogue that presents his epistemological postulate of the worldview and understanding of wasaṭiyyah. It endeavors to discuss essential ideal and principle of moderate Islam or “community of the middle way” (ummah wasaṭa) as interpreted and propounded by Asad in his major tafsir (Qur’anic exegesis) and hadith commentary. The study is based on qualitative method in the form of library and documentary survey and content analysis. It employed descriptive, analytical and historical approaches to analyze scientifically selected data and material. The finding reveals that Asad had illustrated compelling and meaningful ideas of wasaṭiyyah in a holistic and inclusive manner throughout his works projecting its indispensable values and significant implications in Muslim society. The study has wide implication for the application of the norms, teaching and practice of wasaṭiyyah in society in term of synthesizing religious principle of moderation and unity by integrating mental, physical, spiritual and material aspect of life into a justly balance and coherent manner.
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