Islamic Religious Leaders in Singapore: Ethical Journeys in a Regulated State

Abdulkader Ismail Tayob

doi:10.25159/2957-9163/21296

Authors

Abdulkader Ismail Tayob University of Cape Town

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/2957-9163/21296

Keywords:

ethical journeys, state and religion, Islamic religious leaders, life trajectories

Abstract

Most studies in the social sciences have shown that Islamic religious leaders (ʿulamāʾ) have generally adapted themselves to modern states. But questions remain as to how far they have accepted or deliberated on contemporary values. Their commitment to received doctrines in Islamic law and theology seems to prevent them from fully engaging with or accepting contemporary values such as individual freedom, human rights, and gender rights. In this article, I offer a different perspective through a close study of a sample of life trajectories of ʿulamāʾ in Singapore. The ʿulamāʾ are regulated and authorised by the state and law, but their life trajectories point to their navigation of values inherited from the intellectual history of Islam, and those encountered in modern Singapore. This article argues that approaching the ʿulamāʾ through life trajectories offers a more nuanced view of their engagement with contemporary values mediated by states. It points to ethical journeys in contemporary society and state.

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