Nuqtah Journal of Theological Studies

Unveiling Consciousness: Meditation Through Parapsychology and Sacred Traditions

Dr. Iffat Khalid — 2025-08-30

Meditation, a practice rooted in ancient spiritual traditions, holds significant importance both in world religions and the field of parapsychology. In religious contexts, meditation is a method of inner contemplation, spiritual awakening, and union with the divine, as seen in Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Islam (Sufism), and other faiths. Each tradition attributes unique goals to meditation, such as enlightenment, divine communion, or inner peace. From the parapsychological perspective, meditation is studied for its potential to enhance human consciousness and access altered states of awareness, sometimes associated with extrasensory perception (ESP), telepathy, or psychokinesis. Research in parapsychology suggests that meditative states may unlock latent psychic abilities or deepen intuitive insight. This paper explores the convergence and divergence between spiritual and scientific views of meditation, aiming to understand its multifaceted impact on human consciousness and transcendent experiences.

A Comparative Analysis of Khilafat and Democracy in the Light of Islamic Jurisprudence

Dr Hadi Bux Chhijan — 2025-08-30

This research venture is based on the comparative analysis of the historical Caliphate system and modern democracy. The study evaluates the compatibility of the Islamic Caliphate system and its jurisprudence with the features of Western democratic norms. The study explores Islamic ideas of Shura (Consultation) in Islamic political thought and its key principles in both the Caliphate and democratic models. The role of Islamic law (Sharia), the selection of leadership, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens are incorporated as the main considerations. The study also used primary and secondary sources such as the Quran, Hadith, and prominent Islamic scholars' writings to investigate the core values and governance mechanisms advocated in Islam. Therefore, the findings of the study rely mostly on the convergence and divergence between these two debates regarding the suitable form of governance for the Islamic world.

THE PROHIBITION OF RIBA (USURY) IN THE FAREWELL SERMON

Muhammad Mudasir Nawaz — 2025-09-30

The point of this research article is that the banning of Riba (usury) in the Farewell Sermon was the conclusive pillar in building economic justice in the early Islamic state. Beyond a moral injunction, it examines this declaration as a revolutionary state policy that has destroyed systematically the exploitative pre-Islamic debt economy. The paper follows the progressive revelation of Quran on Riba to the strategic and absolute abolishment of Sermon. It puts this prohibition as part of a wider economic system, in cooperation with Zakat and encouraging of ethical trade to create risk-sharing, wealth circulation, and social solidarity. The article concludes that this intervention created a new paradigm of an economy, which is based on equity and divine justice that opposed tyrannical financial systems.

Qur'anic Concept of Wilayah: Theological Foundations and Its Implications in Muslim Societies

Dr Mufti Saeed Ahmad — 2025-08-30

This paper investigates the Qur'anic concept of Wilayah—encompassing guardianship, authority, and spiritual leadership—and its implications for the spiritual, social, ethical, and jurisprudential dimensions of Muslim life.

Employing a multidisciplinary methodology, the paper integrates Qur'anic exegesis (tafsīr), linguistic and semantic analysis, classical jurisprudential discourse (fiqh), and contemporary sociological perspectives. A close reading of key Qur'anic verses is undertaken, informed by the interpretations of major Sunni and Shi‘a exegetes. The study examines the development of Wilayah in legal theory—especially concepts such as Wilāyat al-ʿĀmmah (general guardianship) and Wilāyat al-Faqīh (guardianship of the jurist)—and analyzes its application in both classical and modern Islamic legal systems. Qur’anic exegesis and juristic discourse demonstrate the impact of Wilayah on key domains such as family law, civil guardianship, political authority, and ethical governance.

The findings reveal that Wilayah functions as a dynamic jurisprudential and ethical principle capable of addressing contemporary issues such as religious pluralism, constitutional authority, and social justice. The study recommends renewed scholarly and policy engagement with Wilayah to promote spiritually grounded and legally sound Muslim societies in a complex global context.

The Role of Subcontinental Calligraphers in Preserving Qur’anic Art

Sana Khalid — 2025-09-30

This article examines the profound contributions by the calligraphers from the subcontinent to the rich tradition of Islamic calligraphy, exploring their stylistic development, cultural influence, and artistic heritage. Through historical writings, biographical records, and classical tazkiras, the study highlights how South Asian calligraphers not only preserved the traditional scripts but also innovated variations that enriched the Islamic calligraphic heritage. The article explores their journeys by sharing their individual struggles, achievements, and artistic values, this research highlights the central role played by subcontinental calligraphers in sustaining and expanding the aesthetic, spiritual, and intellectual dimensions of Islamic calligraphy. The findings reaffirm that the subcontinent served as a vibrant center where calligraphy flourished as both a sacred art and a cultural tradition, leaving a lasting impression on the Islamic artistic world.

عالم اسلام کو درپیش سیاسی ،سماجی ومعاشی چیلنجز اور ان کاتدارک سیرت النبی ﷺ کی روشنی میں

Lutufullah Brohi — 2025-11-28

Every Muslim who cares about the nation is well aware that today's Islamic world is suffering from the worst political crisis, social chaos and economic misery, due to which not only has the journey of development of the nation been degraded and degraded, but also Islamic values such as religious unity, national solidarity, justice and brotherhood are declining. There have been very few periods in human history where religion, civilization and society have simultaneously faced such huge political, social and economic challenges as the Islamic world is facing today. On the one hand, political instability, lack of unity and trust and external interference have worried the Muslim world. On the other hand, social deterioration, injustice, poverty, ignorance and moral decline have deprived the nation of its identity, position and position. Then the intensity of the digital war has made the young generation suspicious of its past, beliefs, orders and Islamic ideology and thought. Being the best nation, adorned with justice, honesty and courage, and bearing the burden of leadership and leadership to lead the world of humanity out of political, social and economic crises, today it stands at a crossroads, bewildered and lost, suffering from political crisis, social chaos and economic instability. This is not because it does not have the means to travel in its bag, or it is a newcomer to the desert and is unfamiliar with the symbols of travel, has no experience of fighting storms, winds and robbers. The truth is the opposite, this traveler has a road map, the footprints of the leader and guide are also there until he leaves the desert of problems and reaches his destination. The one who builds a sanctuary of principles and respect for humanity, this traveler only needs to wake up from his sleep.

حقوق نسواں کے تعین میں عرف و عادت کا کردار (فکر اسلامی کے تناظر میں تجزیاتی مطالعہ)

Maria Abbas — 2025-09-30

Customary practice (urf) in society serves as a fundamental source for any traditional or legal framework, and it plays a meaningful role in the formulation and regulation of laws. This ʿurf is shaped collectively by both men and women, and together they lay the foundation of a better society. In other words, the way of life and conduct of a community is what is termed as ʿurf and practice.

On one hand, there are the rights granted to women by divine religions; on the other, there is society itself, which acts as a living laboratory for safeguarding and implementing these laws. The legislative literature of Islam, particularly the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him), makes it very clear that the position, status, and constitutional as well as legal rights of women are truthful, enduring, and without any form of discrimination at any level.

However, the contemporary world has undergone drastic changes in terms of family, social, economic, and cultural structures, bringing with it significant transformations in the personal roles and responsibilities of men and women. This raises a pressing question before us: Has this social transformation ensured the protection of women’s rights, or has it, instead, made women more vulnerable to exploitation? And what is the practical situation of applying the rights granted to women by Islam in today’s world? These lines aim to discuss precisely this issue.

العلاقة بين الإسلام والعلم التجريبي في فكر الشيخ شمس الحق الأفغاني: دراسة تحليلية وصفیة

لقمان احمد — 2025-11-15

The historical and contemporary discourse within Islamic scholarship reveals a spectrum of viewpoints concerning the interface between Islam and experimental science. These perspectives range from interpretations that posit an inherent conflict between religious texts and scientific inquiry, to those advocating for various forms of compatibility and synthesis. This analytical study specifically investigates the unique methodology employed by Sheikh Shams al-Haqq al-Afghani (رحمہ اللہ) in navigating this complex relationship.

The central argument of this paper is that while many Muslim scholars have attempted reconciliation (tatbīq), Al-Afghani developed a distinctly profound and pioneering synthetic approach that is both rare and highly commendable. This research utilizes a qualitative, analytical methodology, examining his key works to extract his core philosophical framework.

The findings demonstrate that Al-Afghani transcended superficial harmonization. He posited that divine revelation (Wahy) and empirical reality are not rivals but complementary facets of a singular truth originating from the Creator. His approach provides a robust framework that actively mandates the pursuit of empirical knowledge as a religious obligation. The study concludes that Al-Afghani’s intellectual synthesis offers a valuable, sophisticated model for integrating modern scientific advancement within a coherent Islamic worldview, thereby challenging reductionist narratives and providing a notable contribution to the philosophy of Islamic science.