The Islamization of English literary studies: An introduction

Hasan, Md. Mahmudul (2012) The Islamization of English literary studies: An introduction. In: Seminar on Islamization of English Literary Studies: An Introduction, 1 September 2012, Bangladesh Institute of Islamic Thought (BIIT), Uttara, Dhaka. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Literature tells us the story of human life. Like any other literary tradition, English literature concerns human beings, their experiences, sorrows and happiness. This is also very much the case with the religion of Islam whose fundamental message is, as Muslims believe, about what is good and what is bad for human beings, as it is about their wellbeing, meaningful existence and responsibilities on earth as God’s vicegerents (Qur’an, 21:10 & 2:30). So in terms of the central theme, there is a strong commonality between Islam and literature: both primarily concern human life. However, one fundamental difference between them is that, the former is believed to be infallible revelation from God while the latter is subject to human frailty and arrogance, and other shortcomings and limitations. Accordingly, while Muslims generally accept the great bulk of Islamic teachings without any qualms, they are supposed to apply caution to discriminate clearly what is useful for them in both the worlds from what is harmful when they want to transpose the ideas encapsulated in literary works to quotidian life. So it is perhaps important for the Muslim practitioners of English literature to analyze ideas and worldviews expressed in it in the light of the flawless, divine blueprint of Islamic teachings. On the basis of this important theoretical framework, in this paper, I will argue that Islamizing English literature is a viable intellectual endeavor which can provide a direction for scholars of this literary tradition as to how to approach it Islamically.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Keynote)
Additional Information:	6407/29791
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Islamization; English literary studies; art for art's sake; decolonization of knowledge; indeginization of knowledge; Negritude
Subjects:	L Education > L Education (General) P Language and Literature > PN Literature (General) > PN0080 Criticism P Language and Literature > PN Literature (General) > PN0441 Literary History P Language and Literature > PR English literature
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of English Language & Literature
Depositing User:	Dr. Md. Mahmudul Hasan
Date Deposited:	29 Apr 2013 08:20
Last Modified:	03 May 2013 08:33
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/29791

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