In memory of Sheikh Taha Jabir al‑Alwani - words from the generation carrying on his path
Assalamu alaikum. I want to share my impressions of Dr. Muhammad Tutunji’s speech at the scholarly meeting in Istanbul, held in memory of the late Sheikh Taha Jabir al‑Alwani - may Allah have mercy on him.
Dr. Muhammad’s talk was calm, deep and sincere - no loud phrases or clichés, with obvious respect and gratitude. Probably not surprising: he’s the son of our respected Sheikh Ahmad Tutunji, and as they say in Arabic, “he who resembles his father doesn’t go wrong.”
The report didn’t just list al‑Alwani’s achievements; it was about the essence of his personality - love for people, spirituality, and a drive for renewal. It spoke about his measured approach to reviving Islamic thought and called for continuing that direction.
They spoke of him as a humble, friendly scholar, close to people from all walks of life: he related naturally with scholars and students, with young and old, accepted different opinions and encouraged dialogue - in that you can see the example of the Prophet ﷺ’s gentleness and openness.
In private life the sheikh lived with the Qur’an: he read, reflected, and often referred to verses in his speeches and rulings. His path was an example of how to make the words of the Scripture a guide for life.
One of al‑Alwani’s key ideas was moving from the notion of the “Islamization of knowledge” to a broader understanding of “integration of knowledge” (تكامل المعرفة). He wanted to bring heritage and modernity together, to show that religion is a methodology for life, not just rituals, and that science and Revelation complement each other.
Dr. Tutunji reminded us of the sheikh’s important works: “The Ethics of Disagreement in Islam” - a call for unity based on shared values; “Joining the Two Books” - the idea of two “books”: the written Revelation and the book of creation; “From the Fiqh of Minorities to the Fiqh of Citizenship” - reflections on the life of Muslims in non‑Muslim societies with an emphasis on respecting social contracts and integration. And, of course, his works on tadabbur and Qur’anic exegesis, where he stressed that the maqasid of sharia come from the objectives of the Qur’an.
Al‑Alwani held that the Qur’an is the primary source and the Sunnah is its practical manifestation - this is reflected in his books on the role of the Sunnah and its evidentiary basis. His later works show that deep reflection on the Qur’an opens new horizons of understanding.
He also left behind institutions and projects - through the International Institute of Islamic Thought, the University of Cordoba and a center for Qur’anic studies - which continue his work of renewing thought and serving the ummah.
At the end Dr. Muhammad urged us not to limit ourselves to remembering a great man, but to make the conference a starting point for practically continuing his ideas. He reminded us of a simple formula: be supporters for one another - when people unite for a common mission, they’re stronger and more effective.
Let’s honor the sheikh’s legacy, come together around what binds us, and work on building - that’s how we’ll truly honor his life and message. May Allah have mercy on him and strengthen us to carry on his path.
https://islamnews.ru/2025/10/1