The Ur-migrants: The Qur`ānic narratives of Adam and Eve and their contribution to a constructive Islamic theology of migration
[Thesis]
Gurbet Sayilgan
Madigan, Daniel A.
Georgetown University
2015
374
Committee members: Groody, Daniel G.; Phan, Peter C.; Voll, John O.
Place of publication: United States, Ann Arbor; ISBN=978-1-339-31849-3
Ph.D.
Theological and Religious Studies
Georgetown University
2015
The study of contemporary migration from a theological standpoint has been mainly approached from within the Christian perspective. Islamic theological reflections on the phenomenon of immigration are rare. The contested legal discourse of fiqh al-aqallīyāt (jurisprudence specifically adapted to Muslim minorities) remains insufficient to address issues like identity or xenophobia. This work aims to engage the phenomenon of contemporary migration from a qur'anic perspective. At the same time, it is also a particular reading of the Qur'an from a migrant's viewpoint - a reading which develops in the experience of being an immigrant. More specifically, the narrative of Adam and Eve is the departure point for demonstrating that the Qur'an provides the contours for shaping a fully-rounded Islamic theology of migration addressing Muslim migrant and Muslim host communities alike. To understand migration in a qur'anic light has important theological and practical relevance for Muslims. Theologically, it is to understand the divine in the midst of extensive human movement and mobility and to make deeper sense of God's actions in this world. The Qur'an speaks of the events in this world including all motion - as āyāt , signs disclosing something about God.
Religion; Theology; Islamic Studies
Philosophy, religion and theology;Social sciences;Adam and Eve;Immigration;Islam;Nursi, Said;Qur'an;Refugees