Kenabian dalam pandangan Fazlur Rahman

Abstract

A foremost Muslim intellectual and scholar of the twentieth century, Fazlur Rahman (1919-1988) is known for his modernist views that challenged traditional Muslim understanding of prophetic practice (sunnah) and prophetic reports (hadith) and his philosophical reflections on the nature of revelation that have caused much controversy. This thesis focuses on the latter, presenting a critical analysis of Fazlur Rahman’s views on prophecy (nubuwwah), the nature of revelation and other pertinent issues as put forth in his philosophical and religious writings. It examines his arguments in comparison with the traditional views of classical Muslim scholars. After a sketch of his early life, education, academic career and scholarly contribution in the field of Islamic studies, a summary is provided of the traditional views of selected Muslim scholars, theologians and philosophers on prophecy and revelation, followed by an elaboration of modernist Muslim thought on prophecy. Analytical examination of Fazlur Rahman’s views is presented with particular attention to his reflections on the Qur’anic terms pertaining to revelation such wahy, tanzil and al-Ruh al-Quds. The study has found that Fazlur Rahman’s thought on prophecy differs in many respects from the position of traditional Muslim scholars. First, it becomes clear that Fazlur Rahman sought to ‘naturalize’ and ‘rationalize’ the phenomena of prophecy in the light of Greek philosophical ideas. Second, he consequently concludes that the Holy Qur’an is not only the Word of God (Kalam Allah) but also the Word of the Prophet - a view which squarely contradicts the consensus of Muslim scholars. Third, he also denies the involvement of any angel in the process of revelation. Thus, in contrast to the widely accepted view of ulama’, Fazlur Rahman asserts that the Prophet received revelation through al-Ruh al-Quds or al-Ruh al-Amin which he believes to be nothing but the Prophet’s own natural faculty.