MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, THAILAND – Chairperson of Muhammadiyah Syafiq A. Mughni explored the rise, decline, and revival of Islamic thought throughout history. He highlighted how Islamic civilization was once a global center of knowledge, producing scholars who made significant contributions to politics, philosophy, and science.
“Islam was once the heart of global scholarship, with Muslim scientists advancing various fields,” said Syafiq at the preaching about “the Dynamics of Islamic Intellectualism from the Dark Ages to the Modern Era” conducted by the Muhammadiyah Special Branch (PCIM) of Thailand on Sunday, February 23.
However, the Islamic world faced intellectual decline during the medieval period. Despite the political strength of the Ottoman Empire, which followed the fall of Islamic rule in Spain, intellectual progress slowed.
According to Syafiq, one major cause was the destruction of knowledge centers due to Mongol invasions and philosophical debates that hindered rational thinking. The disagreement between Al-Ghazali and Ibn Rushd reflected the tension between religious revelation and reason.
During this period, Islamic schools of thought became rigid, limiting innovation in religious interpretation. Many scholars strictly followed classical views without adapting them to changing times.
At the same time, the institutionalization of Sufism through tarekat orders deepened religious conservatism. While Sufism enriched spiritual life, it also contributed to a more dogmatic approach to faith.
In this modern era, a new wave of thinkers emerged, striving to reform religious practices and revive progressive Islamic thought. Figures like Sayyid Ahmad Khan in India worked to integrate modern ideas with Islamic teachings, addressing issues such as slavery, gender equality, and legal reform.
His efforts marked the beginning of modern Islamic thought, which seeks to align religious teachings with contemporary realities.
Syafiq noted that today, Islam faces new challenges, including globalization, technological advancements, and shifting social and cultural landscapes. Modern Islamic scholars aim to balance traditional values with contemporary needs by reinterpreting religious texts in light of present-day issues.
“Islam must be able to address modern challenges without losing its core teachings,” he emphasized.
Concluding his talk, Syafiq stressed the importance of progress and adaptability in Islamic thought.
“Progressive Islam is dynamic, flexible, and always seeking solutions for the challenges of the time,” he said.
