A Critical Review of Nasr Hamid Abu Zayd's View on the Challenge of Tradition and Modernity

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Professor, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran.

2 Ph.D, Faculty of Wisdom and Religions, Al-Mustafa University, Qom, Iran.

10.30497/isqh.2025.248997.1064

Abstract

This study critically analyzes the views of Nasr Hamid Abu Zayd, a prominent contemporary intellectual, on the challenge between tradition and modernity in Islamic thought. Abu Zayd proposed a re-reading of Islamic tradition and a reinterpretation of sacred texts, seeking to reconcile traditional values with modern demands. His approach included a critique of traditionalist interpretations, a redefinition of Ijtihad and Ta'wil (interpretation), and a strong emphasis on reason in evaluating religious texts. The article provides a critical analysis of Abu Zayd's methodology, acknowledging his significant contributions in challenging intellectual stagnation and advocating for a dynamic understanding of Islam. However, his approach is critiqued for several key weaknesses. Some scholars argue that his reliance on modern hermeneutics deviates from the traditional foundations of Islamic exegesis by neglecting historical context and divine intentions (maqasid al-shari'ah). Additionally, his emphasis on rationalism has been criticized as a form of radical modernism that disregards the spiritual and sacred dimensions of religious texts. The study concludes that while Abu Zayd successfully criticized extremist traditionalism and advocated for religious re-evaluation, his methodology falls short of providing a practical model for harmonizing tradition and modernity, suggesting it requires revision for a more comprehensive and practical solution.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Article Title [العربیة]

البحث النقدي في رؤية نصر حامد أبو زيد حول تحدّي التراث والحداثة

Authors [العربیة]

  • محمدعلي میرزایي 1
  • سیدرضا حسیني 2
1 أستاذ، جامعة الأديان والمذاهب، قم، إیران.
2 خریج دکتوراه، كلية الحكمة والأديان، جامعة المصطفی، قم، ایران.
Abstract [العربیة]

تُحلل هذه الدراسة نقديًا آراء نصر حامد أبو زيد، المفكر المعاصر البارز، حول التحدي بين التقليد والحداثة في الفكر الإسلامي. اقترح أبو زيد إعادة قراءة للتراث الإسلامي وإعادة تفسير النصوص المقدسة، سعيًا للتوفيق بين القيم التقليدية ومتطلبات العصر الحديث. تضمن منهجه نقدًا للتأويلات التقليدية، وإعادة تعريف الاجتهاد والتأويل، وتركيزًا قويًا على العقل في تقييم النصوص الدينية. تقدم المقالة تحليلًا نقديًا لمنهج أبو زيد، مُقرةً بإسهاماته الكبيرة في مواجهة الجمود الفكري، ومُدافعةً عن فهم ديناميكي للإسلام. ومع ذلك، يُنتقد منهجه لعدة نقاط ضعف رئيسة. يُجادل بعض الباحثين بأن اعتماده على التأويلات الحديثة يُنحرف عن الأسس التقليدية للتفسير الإسلامي بإهماله السياق التاريخي ومقاصد الشريعة. علاوةً على ذلك، وُجّهت انتقاداتٌ لتركيزه على العقلانية، باعتبارها شكلاً من أشكال الحداثة الراديكالية التي تتجاهل الأبعاد الروحية والمقدسة للنصوص الدينية. وتخلص الدراسة إلى أنه بينما نجح أبو زيد في انتقاد النزعة التقليدية المتطرفة، ودعا إلى إعادة النظر في الدين، فإن منهجيته لا تُقدّم نموذجًا عمليًا للتوفيق بين التقليد والحداثة، مما يُشير إلى أنها تتطلب مراجعةً لإيجاد حلٍّ أشمل وأكثر عملية.

Keywords [العربیة]

  • نصر حامد أبو زيد
  • التراث
  • الحداثة
  • النـئو معتزلة
  • النقد الديني
  • الفكر الإسلامي

References

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Interdisciplinary Studies of Quran & Hadith
Volume 2, Issue 3 - Serial Number 7
March 2025
Pages 433-460

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History

  • Receive Date: 31 January 2025
  • Revise Date: 20 February 2025
  • Accept Date: 14 March 2025

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