A Critique of the Concept of Ḥākimiyya

Nasr Hamid Abu Zayd's Approach

Dados Bibliográficos

ID3335969
AutoresAli Akbar (0000-0003-4620-9953, The University of Melbourne, autor correspondente), Abdullah Saeed (0000-0002-2021-1089, The University of Melbourne)
Ano2022
Volume13
Fascículo11
Páginas1100
Data de publicação2022-11-14
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoReligions (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 2077-1444 • E-ISSN: 2077-1444
EditoraMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/rel13111100
OpenAlexW4309210553
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas1
Referências citadas20

This article seeks to demonstrate how the Egyptian scholar Nasr Hamid Abu Zayd (d. 2010) challenges the concept of divine sovereignty (ḥākimiyya), or the rule of God, developed during the twentieth century, primarily by Sayyid Qutb and Abul Ala Mawdudi-a concept that has inspired many Sunni Islamist movements. The article first explores key aspects of the concept of ḥākimiyya as presented by these two thinkers. Then, key components of Abu Zayd's humanistic hermeneutics are explained briefly. The article argues that Abu Zayd uses this hermeneutic to challenge the concept of ḥākimiyya and the three main ideas associated with it: (1) the notion of divine sovereignty; (2) the associations between divine sovereignty, the Prophet, and the Qurʾān; and (3) the necessity of implementing Sharia. The article concludes that while challenging the concept of divine sovereignty, Abu Zayd argues for a political theory which seeks to de-politicize Islam-a theory which emphasizes that the state should take a neutral position toward the religious orientation of its citizens and the state law should not necessarily be derived from religious principles

Epistemology · Hermeneutics · Humanism · Islam · Political science · Politics · Sharia · Sociology · Sovereignty · Theology · Islamic Studies and History · Jewish and Middle Eastern Studies · Law · Philosophy · Politics and Conflicts in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Middle East · Religious studies