Implications of ʿAllāmah Ṭabāṭabāʾī’s Theory of Mentally-Posited Conceptions for Islamic Legal Theory by Seyyed Mostafa Mohaghegh Damad & Hossein Mousavi
In this talk, Professor Seyyed Mohaghegh Damad and Hossein Mousavi explore ʿAllāmah Ṭabāṭabāʾī’s theory of idrākāt-i iʿtibārī — or mentally-posited conceptions — and its transformative implications for Islamic legal reasoning. They discuss how human constructs of obligation, action, and morality, though mentally posited, shape Sharīʿa’s adaptability to evolving human needs. Their conversation invites listeners to consider how Islamic law distinguishes between immutable divine principles and flexible human conventions in a changing world.
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18:18
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18:18
How Does the Science of Fiqh Evolve? by Professor Abdolkarim Soroush
Professor Abdolkarim Soroush reflects on how Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) must continually evolve to remain relevant. He contrasts its practical and theoretical dimensions, arguing that true renewal depends on deeper engagement with theology, philosophy, and anthropology. Through thought-provoking examples—from modern bioethics to cosmic prayer—Soroush demonstrates that shifts in how we understand God, duty, and knowledge can revolutionise Islamic law itself.
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22:27
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22:27
Reason and Rationality in Islamic Legal Theory and Law: A Plea for Caution by Prof. Oliver Leaman
In this talk, Professor Oliver Leaman cautions against overstating rationalism’s place in Islamic law. Drawing on Qurʾānic narratives like Moses and Khidr, he argues that divine wisdom often transcends human reasoning. Leaman challenges the assumption that Islam fully aligns with modern liberal rationality, urging listeners to rethink how theological humility can coexist with intellectual inquiry in today’s discourse on religion and law.
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19:07
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19:07
Sadrāian Metaphysics and Rational Foundations of Epistemic Hierarchies by Shaykh Arif Abdul Hussain
Shaykh Arif Abdul Hussain explores how the metaphysical insights of Ṣadrāian philosophy can reshape our understanding of rationality in Islamic law. He revisits the tension between reason and Sharīʿa through concepts like aṣālat al-wujūd (the principiality of existence), proposing a dynamic vision of evolving legal norms aligned with human growth and existential purpose. This episode bridges classical metaphysics and contemporary reform.
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37:40
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37:40
A Lacuna in Shīʿī Legal Theory: Reason and Human Experience by Dr Imranali Panjwani
Dr Imranali Panjwani identifies a major gap in Shīʿī legal theory—the neglect of human experience in understanding legal subjects. He argues that jurisprudence must account for the intellectual, moral, and psychological dimensions of the individual (mukallaf). This episode presents a compelling call for rethinking Sharīʿa as a lived moral framework responsive to human reality.
AMI Podcasts explore a range of different topics including the latest cutting-edge research within the field of Islamic Studies, book reviews by prominent authors and academics, and discussions among scholars of diverse faiths and denominations within Islam.
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