Practical Theology and Its Importance for Islamic Theological Studies

Abstract

The paper addresses historical approaches to Islamic theological studies and discusses new initiatives that inspire Islamic practical theology. The author argues that there is a need for practical theology in Islamic studies. The question is how practical Islamic theological studies may help Muslim religious leaders and clergy connect their theological understanding to the everyday experience of Muslims in the community, society, and the world. The second question in this paper relates to the daily life practices of our faith and tradition: “How do daily life practices gain an ‘epistemic weight’ in the production of new knowledge in practical Islamic theology, where Islamic doctrine, tradition, philosophy, and the ‘living human document’ hold a central position?”

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