by Yusuf Ali Osman
In the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom, we often find ourselves at a crossroads where our understanding of complex issues becomes fragmented and limited. This limitation, often referred to as partialism, not only affects the realm of Islamic scholarship but also permeates broader human thought and social dynamics. In this blog, the concept of partialism will be explored along with its negative consequences as well as its relevance in addressing pressing social issues of our time.
Partialism, in essence, is the practice of taking isolated elements or fragments of information to support a particular viewpoint, decision, or approach. In the context of contemporary Islamic scholarship, this practice has become all too common. Scholars and researchers sometimes rely on a single verse or a portion of a verse from the Quran to justify their positions. While this may seem like a legitimate approach, it often leads to unintended outcomes that undermine the holistic meanings and purposes intended by our Creator.
The Quran itself addresses this issue, warning against the belief in parts of the book while rejecting other parts. In Chapter 2, verse 85, it questions, “Do you then believe in parts of the book and reject other parts?” This highlights the importance of considering the Quran as a unified whole rather than cherry-picking verses to suit one’s agenda. Chapter 15, verses 89-91 further emphasizes the consequences of fragmenting the Quran, stating, “We punished the fragmentors; those who made the Quran into fragments.”
The above verses were revealed as a warning to the Muslims as to what the Jews did in the past. They split their religion into many parts and caused division in it. They believed in certain parts and rejected the other parts. They detracted some things from it and added others to it, thus dividing themselves into many sectarian groups which were opposed to one another. Therefore Allah warns the believers about this in chapter 15 verses 92 and 93 which say,” By your Lord, We will question them all, concerning what they have been doing”.
Additionally, a prophetic narration reminds us that the Quran’s parts are meant to confirm each other, without contradiction. It admonishes against making one part negate another. This wisdom from the Prophet Muhammad underscores the importance of a comprehensive and harmonious interpretation of the Quran.
The issue of partialism is not confined to Islamic scholarship alone. It extends its reach into broader human thought and societal realms, often under the guise of specialization. Disciplinary boundaries in academia, professional circles, and even social life tend to compartmentalize issues and assign them exclusively to specific fields of study. This approach, while intended to provide expertise, can inadvertently limit our ability to grasp the full scope and interconnectedness of complex problems.
Take, for instance, the global COVID-19 pandemic. Initially addressed primarily through medical and pharmaceutical approaches, the pandemic’s impact extended far beyond these realms. The pandemic had profound psychological, social, marital, and environmental implications. The interconnectedness of these dimensions called for a holistic research approach that considered the multifaceted nature of the crisis. However, the prevailing individualistic mindset, exacerbated by the fragmentation of information in the digital age, hindered such holistic thinking.
To combat partialism and promote holistic thought, we can turn to the Quran’s guidance and the traditions (Sunnah) of the Prophet once more. In Chapter 23, verses 52-54, Allah reminds us of our unity as one nation. However, the Quran acknowledges that people have fragmented their affairs, leading to confusion and division. This state of fragmentation, as the Quran suggests, results in corruption and delusion.
The prevalence of partialistic thinking is a challenge that transcends Islamic scholarship and affects human thought in general. To address pressing social issues effectively, we must strive for a more holistic and integrated approach to understanding and problem-solving. Only by embracing the unity of knowledge and recognizing the interconnectedness of all aspects of life can we hope to find the right solutions that align with our Creator’s ultimate intentions and goals. It is time to break free from the confines of partialism and embrace a more comprehensive and enlightened path toward a harmonious society.
Partialism poses a significant threat to sound problem-solving. In the context of contemporary Islamic thought, partialism manifests when individuals selectively extract verses from the Quran or Hadith to justify their positions, often without considering the broader context.
To elaborate, one pressing issue of our time is economic injustice. Poverty, inequality, and the exploitation of labor persist in many societies. To combat these issues effectively, we must approach them holistically, drawing guidance from Islamic teachings that emphasize economic fairness. However, partialistic thinking can lead to superficial solutions, such as charity alone, without addressing the systemic causes of poverty and inequality.
At this juncture, the Qur’anic perspective may offer a pivotal role. Islamic teachings, with the Qur’an occupying the central position in it, provide a comprehensive framework for addressing economic injustice. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes wealth distribution, charity (zakat), and ethical economic practices. However, partialism can lead to cherry-picking verses that focus solely on charity while neglecting broader economic principles, such as just wages and equitable wealth distribution.
Another pressing issue is environmental degradation. The Quran and Hadith contain guidance on environmental stewardship, emphasizing the concept of stewardship (khilafah) over the Earth. However, partialistic thinking might lead some to ignore these teachings, prioritizing short-term economic gains over long-term ecological sustainability.
In a broader context, such instances indicate that contemporary society grapples with numerous ethical dilemmas, from bioethics to technology ethics. Islamic ethics provide a robust framework for addressing these challenges, emphasizing justice, compassion, and ethical conduct. Yet, partialistic thinking can lead to rigid interpretations that fail to adapt to evolving ethical complexities.
To address pressing social issues effectively, Muslims must overcome partialistic thinking and adopt a holistic approach guided by Islamic principles. Here are some steps to achieve this:
- Contextualize: Understand that verses from the Quran and Hadith must be interpreted within their historical and social contexts to derive meaningful guidance.
- Consult Scholars: Seek guidance from qualified scholars who can provide a comprehensive understanding of Islamic teachings.
- Interdisciplinary Approach: Embrace interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle complex issues comprehensively, recognizing the interconnectedness of social challenges.
- Promote Education: Encourage the study of Islamic ethics, economics, and environmental principles to equip individuals with a holistic understanding of their faith.
In conclusion, the challenges facing the Muslim community in the modern world are complex and multifaceted. To find the right solutions, we must confront the peril of partialistic thinking. By embracing a holistic approach rooted in Islamic principles, we can address pressing social issues with wisdom, compassion, and a commitment to justice. It is only through such an approach that we can fulfil our role as stewards of both our faith and the world around us, striving for a harmonious and just society that reflects the values of Islam.
this article is written by:
Yusuf Ali Osman