The concept of al-istikhlaf and its importance in reclaiming the attributes of man as khalifah on earth

Wan Ismail, Wan Hibatul Hidayah and Berghout, Abdelaziz (2024) The concept of al-istikhlaf and its importance in reclaiming the attributes of man as khalifah on earth. In: International Conference on Renewal & Reform of Islamic Thought & Civilisation (ICRITC' 24), ISTAC-IIUM, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

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Abstract

This paper examines the significance of the notion of al-Istikhlaf and its basic place in the Islamic worldview. One fundamental principle in the Islamic philosophy of life is the role and purpose of man as khalifah on earth. In the Islamic worldview, al-istikhlaf or vicegerency refers to the honorable responsibility and purpose that mankind willingly undertook. Being the khalifah on earth entails assuming responsibility for governing and overseeing the life of man within civilisations, and his development on earth in accordance with God's guidance and commands. This paper seeks to elucidate the imperative nature of regaining the notion of al-istikhlaf and employing it as a conceptual framework for the restoration and reconstruction of our vicegerent roles and responsibilities on earth. The paper uses textual analysis to examine various viewpoints and theories related to constructing the al-Istikhlaf narrative and re-introducing it prominently. The paper concluded that Al-Istikhlaf, an essential concept in Islam, has the potential to be expanded into an all-encompassing framework for analysing the challenges and problems encountered by man. It seeks to revisit the all-encompassing nature and attributes of man as khalifah and not a mere human animal. This paper proposes ongoing research on the alIstikhlaf framework and promoting it among scholars and researchers. The framework of Istikhlaf helps understand and articulate issues and problems facing contemporary man in a more integrated and ethically driven way.

Item Type:	Proceeding Paper (Plenary Papers)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Al-istikhlaf , Khalifah, Framework, Integrated Human being
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General) B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP1 Islam > BP160 General works on Islam B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP1 Islam > BP166 Theology (Kalam) B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP173.44 Human Rights In Islam C Auxiliary Sciences of History > CB History of civilization
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC)
Depositing User:	Prof. Dr. Abdelaziz Berghout
Date Deposited:	19 Dec 2024 10:24
Last Modified:	19 Dec 2024 10:24
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/116801

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