The Intellectual Challenge of Da’wah and the FrameWork and Jigsaw as Metaphor

Syed Haider

Image This paper posits the case that there is a need for an Islamic think tank. It begins with the claim that reality is a complex product of individual perceptions “seen” through an interpretive framework that is socially constructed.



It suggests that da’wah ought to be understood more broadly as an effort to affect society’s framework of perception. The paper then goes on to show that if society is seen as a discursive space then change can be borne intellectually. Emboldened by this, it moves to analyse the role of think tanks as organisations involved in crystallising ideas and using these as catalysts for change. The close analysis of their potentiality is used to introduce the notion that what is currently missing from the da’wah scene is a body dedicated to effectively conveying Islamic ideas framed using astute phraseology.

Comments (13)Add Comment
Great work
written by AM, January 08, 2008
Interesting stuff
...
written by Rihana, January 10, 2008
Very important research, but is iThink fully formed and equipped to begin running like a think tank??
...
written by Sami, January 14, 2008
who is iThink?? who are its members?
...
written by Abdullah Al-Hasan, January 16, 2008
Assalamu Alaikum,

Masha'Allah a very good article. I would suggest to the people who are involved with iThink get involved with already existing muslim think tanks, if there are any, rather than duplicating the work. In that way there is more strength and dynamism Insha'Allah. Perhaps one way to begin is by countering Mr Sarda's blogging the Qur'an please follow the link for more info: http://maqasid.wordpress.com/2...din-sarda/

Wallahu 'Alam,

Shukran
...
written by iThinking, January 16, 2008
With all respect akhi, I think the intention of an Islamic think tank is not to write articles which refute 'nobody's' like Sardar, but rather to instigate research which either informs Muslims groups or affects governmental policies.
...
written by Abdullah Al-Hasan, January 17, 2008
jazzakAllah khair!
...
written by Mustafa, January 17, 2008
br Abdullah has made a valuable suggestion, why do you undervalue that? The problem with some muslims who think they're intellectually above the rest is that they want to hold positions and make a name for themselves so they invent ostentatious symbols to fall back on and forget the grass-root work. We await what kind of influence you will have within the government!

Thank you
re Mustafa
written by AB, January 17, 2008
Akhee Mustafa, you assumed that the poster iThinking represents iThink but that is not the case and then you insinuated that iThink and / or iThinking think they are are intellectually above the rest which also may not neccesarily be true...as you have posted a comment yourself please be aware that it is anonymous and someone can write what they want in the name field.
It would be better to just stick to your point and maybe explain how br Abdulaah's suggestion is valuable therefore enaging in valuable contribution
Excellent
written by Bint Ahmed, January 17, 2008
Excellent! Looking forward to much more from this writer soon!
re: Mustafa
written by ithinking, January 17, 2008
Brother, you seem to have an inferiority complex - why have you assumed that I have undervalued br. Abdullah's suggestion and that I think that I am intellectually above the rest? I did not say nor imply that, and therefore I don't really understand where your problem has arisen from. I did not say the fool Sardar should not be refuted, but I don't think it is the job of a think tank. Generally, think tanks are driven to affect policy - if you have a problem with that take it up with iThink.

To state that things have a specific purpose is not to undervalue everything else - its to prioritise what tools should be used for a specific job! You're offended? I think you need to take a time out.
Take it easy.
written by Amatullah, January 20, 2008
ithinking you could have made your point without insinuating an inferiority complex, without the exclamation mark and your final statement has an affect of degrading the brother. Relax. The sincerity of Brother Mustafa may exceed everybodys here as his recognition of a problem makes him desire a real change - like the word grass-roots suggest. Your point is an understanding and expression of your experience - and you need to guide another to this understanding of yours with ease. Take it easy all.

And Allah knows best.
I hope our Muslim think tank runs smoother than this forum.
written by Muhsin, March 29, 2008
Salams,

Well done Syed! May Allah reward you.

Salams.
I Think its a good idea
written by Ismaeel, April 27, 2008
If your intention is to affect goverment policy then, may Allah help you in your endeavour. I hope that you come up with real solutions that will make the situation for Muslims who are living in the West easier.


Write comment
smaller | bigger

security code
Write the displayed characters


busy




Digg!Reddit!Del.icio.us!Facebook!Slashdot!Netscape!Technorati!StumbleUpon!Newsvine!Furl!Yahoo!Ma.gnolia!

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 15 April 2008 )