Welcome to the Deen Research Center
We are a Think Tank that researches the workings of the universe, how mankind fits into this design and the ways to develop ourselves further in positive and progressive ways as a species. Mankind must research the universe through scientific and philosophical methods to attain a realistic and holistic view of the universe and pursue a peaceful and providing world-society for all individuals. Only in this manner will humanity further evolve. With mankind's complexity in its different cultures and beliefs, it is important to create a pluralistic global ethical system wherein every individual can live in peace and prosperity regardless of background or understanding of reality.
This complex and beautiful universe contains countless celestial phenomena, stars and planets. On one such planet, the human species has emerged over millions of years of evolution to form cultures, each with its own respective language, expression and understanding of the universal framework. This diversity has resulted in the most beautiful achievements of mankind; however it has also caused conflicts that spring from a difference in their worldview still prevalent today. Within the history of mankind a leap was taken 1400 years ago creating one of the most developed societies on earth. The main cause of this leap was a message collected into a book called the Qur'an, that is claimed to have come from the First Cause of all reality.
The main focus of DRC is to study this claim by researching the Qur'anic cosmology and philosophy it presents. This can be achieved through systematic investigation of the language used in the Qur'an and its connection with all fields of modern science, sociology, philosophy and humanism. One of our observations is the Qur'an's message for all individual on earth to unite, whatever be their understanding of the universe, towards achieving a common goal: A cooperation towards peace and justice to benefit all; regardless of ethnicity, religion or status. As stated by the Qur'an: ولكل وجهة هو موليها فاستبقوا الخيرت اين ما تكونوا يات بكم الله جميعا ان الله على كل شىء قدير And for everyone there is a direction to which he turns. Then strive together toward all that is good for all (al-Khirat: to surpass in goodness). Whatever stand you take, God will bring you all together. Indeed, God is the infinite Potential (2:148).
By researching the universe, sharing and best utilizing resources for society's betterment, and creating global bodies to effectively manage conflict and justice. Our research has thus far reinforced our understanding that the Qur'an presents us with a pluralistic ethical worldview (6:151-153, 3:110-114) whereby almost every religious tradition is acknowledged as being originally revealed by God (5:48,16:36&89), whereby any theological and social matters are discussed through peacefull dialogues in the search for truth (29:46), and thus expounds the universal concept of unity in diversity (49:13), with a democratic peace and justice management framework (42:38-43). It does not present an exclusive dogmatic religion, but is a universal message to all of mankind in its diversity. It is a guide in our constant development and evolution as a species. Through this research we try to see how the Qur'an can serve mankind into achieving a global ethically-based pluralistic unity of mankind, where resources are shared equally, every human's basic needs are fulfilled, the universe is researched through scientific and philosophical means, and wherein freedom of thought, development, movement, speech, beliefs, occupation etc. are upheld and protected, so each human can develop their potentials to the fullest.
The approaches to the Qur'an of the last 1200 years were developed under the influence of the social, political and religious environments between the 7th and 14th centuries CE, which on many issues were strikingly different from its intended message. To refresh our vision on the Qur'an, to clear up misunderstandings and to understand its neglected potentials and messages, an objective, rational and critical approach must be undertaken. To facilitate this enterprise, the DRC website contains numerous tools in the form of research papers, short articles, books, exegeses (tafsir), blogs and Qur'anic commentaries and translations coming from multiple viewpoints. These are available for everybody to use and research the Qur'anic message and to see the most up-to-date understandings on the Qur'an. We also invite to send in articles, papers and books that can enhance our understanding of the Qur'an, and work with scholars and organisations to cooperate in creating a pluralistic global ethical framework for mankind.
انا انزلناه قرانا عربيا لعلكم تعقلون
Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur'an, so that you might encompass it with your reason and intellect (ta'qluna from aql: Intellect,to be endowned with reason,to comprehend). (12:2)
ان الدين عند الله الاسلم
The behaviour/obligation (al-Deen: behaviour, custom, obedience, authority, obligation, habit) with God, is the acceptance/giving over of/to Peace (al-Islam: according to scholar Raghib [1100] it means al-Dukhulu fi al-Silm The engagement/entering into Peace/Welfare. The root salima refers to peace, welfare and wellbeing, form IV refers to accepting/giving over to peace) (3:19).
ان الذين امنوا وعملوا الصالحات انا لا نضيع اجر من احسن عملا
Indeed, those who are entrusted with maintaining peace (amanu from amina: to maintain/provide safety and security,to be trusted,to have trust) and who's actions keep and restore the balance (of justice, wellfare, progress and enviroment) (as-Salihati: Reform or restoration of balance and goodness), We shall not let go in vain the due reward of the one who's actions improves the state of others (ahsana: to make things good and proportioned). (18:30)
وما كان الناس الا امة وحدة
And Mankind is and was but one united nation (kana refers to past, but also to a neverending state. Ummat: Origins, people united as siblings and treating each other as family, from umm: mother/origins). (10:19)
ولكل وجهة هو موليها فاستبقوا الخيرت اين ما تكونوا يات بكم الله جميعا ان الله على كل شىء قدير
And for everyone there is a direction to which he turns. Then strive together toward all that is good for all (al-Khirat: to surpass in goodness). Whatever stand you take, God will bring you all together. Indeed, God is the infinite Potential. (2:148)
لتركبن طبقا عن طبق
You (Mankind) shall surely embark from stage to stage (Tabiq: Stage, Level, Stratum). (84:19)
ولقد يسرنا القرءان للذكر فهل من مدكر
And indeed We have made easy (yassarna: we made easy, facilitated) the Qur'an for understanding and keeping in mind (al-Dhikr= to keep in mind, the recollection, that which is thought over). So is there anyone who bears this in their mind? (54:17, 22, 32 and 40)
اولئك يسرعون فى الخيرت وهم لها سبقون
It is those who race with one another to improve the quality of life for humanity (al-Khirat: to surpass in goodness), and it is those who are the forerunners (of mankind). (23:61)
ومن احسن قولا ممن دعا الى الله وعمل صلحا وقال اننى من المسلمين
Who is better in saying than one who invites to God, and perform deeds that create justice and peace (3milu saliha: works that reform and restore the balance), and says: "I am one of those who gives over to peace (al-Muslimin from salama: to give over to peace and welfare)."
لكل جعلنا منكم شرعة ومنهاجا ولو شاء الله لجعلكم امة وحدة ولكن ليبلوكم فى ما ءاتىكم فاستبقوا الخيرت الى الله مرجعكم جميعا فينبئكم بما كنتم فيه تختلفون
For each (community) among you have We have appointed a way of providence (in conduct.)( Shir'ah: a way to a watering-place, path where everything meets/gets nourishment) and way of life (minhaj: open road, path of life). And if God had so willed, He could surely have made you all one single community: but [He willed it otherwise] in order to test you by means of what He has vouchsafed unto, you. So, outdo one another in doing good to the society. To God you will all return, and He will then make you understand wherein you differed. (5:48)
والذين استجابوا لربهم واقاموا الصلوة وامرهم شورى بينهم ومما رزقنهم ينفقون والذين اذا اصابهم البغى هم ينتصرون وجزوا سيئة سيئة مثلها فمن عفا واصلح فاجره على الله انه لا يحب الظلمين ولمن انتصر بعد ظلمه فاولئك ما عليهم من سبيل انما السبيل على الذين يظلمون الناس ويبغون فى الارض بغير الحق اولئك لهم عذاب اليم ولمن صبر وغفر ان ذلك لمن عزم الامور
They respond to their Maintainer of Evolution (Rabb: to sustain the evolution towards maturity) by establishing the movement towards (Peace) (Salat: to move towards something, i.e. we are guided to the state of peace 10:25), and conduct their affairs by mutual consultation (Democracy) (Shura: consultation, debate, counsel another), and they keep open for the welfare of others what We have given them. And whenever gross injustice is inflicted upon them, they defend themselves and stand up for their rights (yantasiruna: to defend or aid themselves). But requiting evil may become an evil in itself! (sayyi: to hurt or tyrannize others) So, whoever pardons and makes peace (aslaha: to restore the balance), his reward rests with God. Surely, He does not love the violators of human rights (alThzalimeen: Those that put themselves above others, from Thzalima=to displace something). Certainly, those who stand up for their rights, when injustice befalls them, are not committing any error. The blame is on those who oppress people and cause disorder on the earth resorting to aggression, unprovoked. They are the ones for whom there is an painful retribution. And for he who is patient, perseveres (sabara: to persevere and keep one's charachter) and forgives and protects (ghafara: to protect against consequences) then that is an indication of strength. (42:38-43)
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State of Mankind: Introduction into Qur'anic Universalism.
How God sees us, how we see ourselvesby Arnold Yasin Mol
A detailed study of the Qur'anic inclusive message which calls for a cooperation between all people on earth who want to create and maintain peace and welfare. The Qur'an induces people on two levels. Al-Islam is the universal and natural thought and behaviour system (al-Deen 30:30, 2:62, 41:33, 3:64) which represents a pluralistic ethical value system that induces cooperation between different groups among mankind. While al-Iman is the system of the people who accept the truthfull origins of all religions and the Qur'an, are responsible for maintaining peace (amina) and encourage dialogue and justice among all the groups. As expressed in this essay:"The potential of the Qur’an as a universal guide towards peace and progress can thus manifest itself more clearly. It unites mankind in purpose and direction, while respecting their differences."The essay can be read in full here:
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Reformation of Islamic Thoughtby professor Nasr H. Abu Zayd
Muslim reformist thinkers from Egypt and Iran to Indonesia have tried to divest Islam of raditionalistic and legalistic interpretations, and
have tended to stress the values of a cultural, ‘enlightened’ and dynamic Islam.
Many of their contemporary successors reject the dogmatic Islam supported by
conservatives and authoritarian political regimes; they want it replaced by a
modern, spiritual and ethical Islam.This study discusses the different modern approaches to Islam, the Qur'an and several reformist thinkers.The book can be read in full here:
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Qur'anic Cosmology; A modern introduction
by Arnold Yasin Mol
This essay is a short scientific introduction into the wide topic of the Qur’anic cosmology. Using a scientific approach, the cosmology is laid out in 27 short steps. What is attempted to do is to present the worldview of the Qur’an and to connect it together with present scientific and philosophical opinions. Arabic words will be explained which show the rational approach the Quran has on the universe. The presentation will begin with the creation of the blueprint of the universe, its formation of its laws, the creation of the universe, the planets, the emergence of life, humans, and then it will move on to the formation of societies, why societies are in conflict, how we can solve these issues, what is our goal in the universe, how can we create a sustainable world society, how we can develop as species, the formation of the new universe and how mankind is placed within the new creation based on its deeds.
Read the full essay here:
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QXPiv: The Qur'an as it Explains Itself by Dr.Shabbir Ahmed
As the title suggests, this book is an understanding of the Qur’an from within itself. Using a scientific, rational and social approach towards the text, this translation and explanation of the Qur'an is the most modern today. It presents the message of the Qur'an in a revolutionary way and shows the importance of the message for the world present and future.
The translation can be viewed in full here:
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Islam: A Challenge to Religion by G. A. Parwez
A deep research and explanation of the universal and Qur'anic worldview. This
groundbreaking philosophical presentation of the Qur'anic cosmology is unparalleled in
history.Parwez understands the Qur'anic
message not as bringing a dogmatic exclusive
religion, but as a divine guide being in harmony
with the nature of the universe and mankind.
Thus it explains the universal framework,
nature of the Absolute and how mankind
should act on a global scale concerning
sharing natural resources, maintaining peace
and prosperity and freedom. Thus the Qur'an
cannot be understood as presenting a religion,
but as a true message from the Absolute who
is not concerned with dogmatics, but with
helping mankind progress further.
Read the full book here:
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Man's Destiny
by Allama Inayatullah Khan Mashriqi
A genius in his own right, he had studied mathematics, physics and arabic at Cambridge university and broke all records being the youngest to get a degree in all of time. Born in India in 1888, he was involved with the liberation movement of India. He wrote a commentary on the Qur'an, Tazkirah, whereby he viewed the Qur'an as a guide in human evolution. To him, all the religions originally were revealed to help mankind in understanding nature and how to attain progress and peace. His Qur'an commentary was nominated for the Noble Prize in 1925, for its moral and scientific philosophy.He also met Einstein in 1930 and discussed the responsibility of scientists to guide mankind morally. After that, Einstein got more involved with global ethics and politics, matters which he before had avoided.This book is a collection of articles Mashriqi wrote concerning religions, unity of mankind, the scientific aspect of the Qur'an as guide for the rise and fall of a species and the need for science.
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Phenomena of Nature and the Quranby Dr.Sayed Abdul Wadud A study of the Quranic verses which point towards the phenomena of nature, pertaining to Cosmos, Chemical basis of the universe, Biology, Embryology and Evolution etc., in the light of modern scientific knowledge. It's explanations concerning Qur'an and evolution are well laid out together with many graphics and exposition of the Arabic words. It can be considered one of the most important books on the concept of Qur'an and scientific thought.
Read the full book here:
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The Islamic Roots of Democratic Pluralism
by prof. Abdulaziz Sachedina
This study tackles the most significant issues facing Muslims today. As Islam and Muslims enter the 21st century, Sachedina argues, it is necessary to re-open the doors of religious interpretation - to re-examine and correct false interpretations, replace outdated laws and formulate new doctrines that respond to changing social contexts. Always using the Quran as a yardstick, Sachedina demonstrates how and why Islamic law came to reflect political and social influences, leading to regulations that violate the spirit and the letter of the Quran. He critically analyzes Muslim teachings on issues of pluralism, civil society, war and peace, violence and self-sacrifice, the status and role of non-Muslims, and capital punishment. He show how the Qur'anic philosophy is democratic in its nature, but also completely pluralistic and universal.
To purchase the book, go to:
The Islamic Roots of Democratic Pluralism by Abdulaziz Sachedina
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Evolution and/or Creation: An Islamic Perspective
by T.O. Shanavas
In "Creation AND/OR Evolution: An Islamic Perspective", T.O. Shanavas describes an Islamic theory of creation that is not incompatible with evolution. He accomplishes this by weaving together insights from modern science, the Qur'an, and pre-Renaissance Muslim history. He proposes that evolution is an intelligent design created by a higher power to manifest His omniscience, supremacy, and grace in a universe constructed with creatures with limited free will. He shows the origin of the evolution theory in Muslim thought in the middle ages and how they viewed it as coinciding with the Qur'anic message and not contradicting it.
To purchase the book, go to:
Evolution and/or Creation: An Islamic Perspective by T.O. Shanavas
To read an article by Shanavas, see: |
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Inside the Gender Jihad: Women's Reform in Islam
by Dr. Amina Wadud
This book is a result of Dr. Wadud's more then 20 year long participation in the feminist movement of Islam. Herself being one of the founders of using Islamic reasons, and not Western ones, for reform, her books stand as the foundation of the modern movements. In this study, Dr. Wadud explains her own journey as a woman, wife, mother and more then all, as a human, how she has explored Islam and how she uses Islam to explore itself. Her insights into the Qur'anic purposes, historical limitations and unlimited potentials as being a guide beyond the text itself, are fascinating and show a deep and long experience of her engagement with the text. The "Tawhidic Paradigm" which she presents in the book, is that all humans are equally united with Allah. The Tawhidic unity thus means that no one is more or a lesser human then anybody else, since all are part of the same unity. The implications of this insight on Qur'anic interpretation and human rights are enormous and groundbreaking. This book is an important introduction into the feminist movements, the personal life experience of an important scholar and new insights into the study of the Qur'an.
To purchase the book, go to:
Inside the Gender Jihad: Women's Reform in Islam by Amina Wadud
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Exploring Islam in a New Light: An Understanding from the Quranic Perspective
by Dr. Abdur Rab
This Islam is spiritual, humane, and scientific, far from its fanatic and militant image it carries in the West. It shows how man can evolve spiritually to lead an enriched, progressive, and blissful life. It advocates tolerance and peaceful co-existence and disapproves of gender or human discrimination and harsh punishments. The topics are laid out well and the author's approach is very professional. Next to laying out some well-known issues, Abdur Rab also brings in some fresh ideas on Qur'anic interpretation. Good use of footnotes and quoting of Qur'anic verses makes this a very good work and important for Muslims to have.
To purchase the book, go to:
Exploring Islam in a New Light: An Understanding from the Quranic Perspective by Abdur rab
Read an article by Dr.Abdur Rab on being tolerant according to Qur'anic teachings:
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The Qur'an, Democracy, Global Ethics and Human Rights projects
DRC's research project on the concept of human rights, pluralistic democracy and global ethics in the Qur'an. The Qur'an constantly focusses on 'Amalu asSalihati', human actions that create peace, progress and reform in the world.
Visit the Qur'an and Human Rights project
The Qur'an, Democracy and Global Ethics project:
Visit The Qur'an, Democracy and Global Ethics project Read the introduction to pluralistic democratic values in the Qur'an: |
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Blogs by DRC researchers
DRC's own researchers discussing and posting on diverse subjects on the Qur'an, the world, human society, interpretation, Muslim world, history, science, philosophy etc.
Visit the blogs and explore new ideas: |
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The Qur'an, Morality and Critical Reason: The Essential Muhammad Shahrur
Dr.Muhammad Shahrour is one of the most important modern thinkers in Islam. His analytical and systematic research on the Qur'an has showed the many important, and also many times, neglected messages and potentials of the Qur'an. His scientific, pluralistic, ethical and universal approach to the Qur'an is groundbreaking and has opened new doors for understanding the Qur'an as a guidance for mankind. This book is the first in English to present Shahrur's main ideas and discoveries in detail. It is a complete summary of his 3 books translated and edited by Dr.Muhammad Shahrur and prof. Andreas Christmann. It is the most comprehensive and evidence supported scientific approach to Islam as a universal guidance for mankind.
To purchase the book, go to:
The Qur'an, Morality and Critical Reason by prof. Andreas Christmann
Read a small summary in English of Shahrur's first book "AlKitab wa-l-Qur'an": |
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Critical Thinkers for Islamic Reform: A Collection of Articles
from Contemporary Thinkers on Islam
Editors: Edip Yuksel
Arnold Yasin Mol
Farouk A Peru
This important book is a collection of writings of more then 30 modern writers on Islam. From professional Islamic scholars to individuals writers and thinkers, this collection is unique as a serious collection of 21st century Islamic thought on critical research, reform and renewal in Islamic and Qur'anic interpretation. With diverse subjects on the interpretation and message of the Qur'an and its relation to human rights, freedom and wellfare. History of Islam, society and thought. Modern experience of being a Muslim, the concept of gender and needed actions for reform.
To purchase the book, go to:
Critical Thinkers for Islamic Reform by Edip Yuksel, Arnold Yasin Mol, Farouk A Peru (Editors)
Read from the book, AY Mol's paper 'Humanistic vs Religious Approach': |
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The Qur'an; A Reformist Translationby Dr.Edip Yuksel Layth Saleh al-Shaiban Dr.Martha Schulte-Nafeh
A modern and social scientific translation of the Qur'an by a Turkish-American Muslim reformer and philosophy professor, in cooperation with Muslim reformer Layth As-Shaiban and professor of Arabic Martha Schulte-Nafeh, thus making this unique translation a result of 2 males and 1 female. Many of its commentary deals with controversial issues and misunderstandings of Quranic verses. A very good presentation and one of the best translations of the Qur'anic text.
The translation can be read in full here:
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Manifesto for Islamic Reform
by Dr.Edip YukselThe Quran might be the most read book, but unfortunately, due to the concerted effort of religious clerics, it has been turned into the least understood and the least followed popular book in history. This a layout of the differences of the Qur'anic message versus that of traditional understandings and beliefs.
It is a clear and convincing exposition on how 1000 years of tradition has distorted the human rights displayed in the Qur'an.
Read the full book here:
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The Charter for Compassion
DRC supports Karen Armstrong's global project; the Charter for Compassion. The principle of compassion lies at the heart of all religious, ethical and spiritual traditions, calling us always to treat all others as we wish to be treated ourselves. To honour the inviolable sanctity of every single human being, treating everybody, without exception, with absolute justice, equity and respect.
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