Doctrinal Foundations in the Article ‘Ethics and the Qur’ān in the Encyclopedia of the Qurʾān (Leiden): A Critical Analytical Study in Light of the Islamic Perspective

Abstract

The study aimed to clarify the theological concepts related to the Holy Qur’ān, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and predestination as presented in the article, and to highlight the points of divergence between the theological concepts in the article and the Islamic concepts derived from the Holy Qur’ān, the pure Prophetic Sunnah, and Islamic heritage. To achieve these objectives, both the inductive approach was used to trace the opinions, ideas, and sources mentioned in the article, and the critical approach was used to analyze and critique the concept of ethics in the article. The study showed that the article unfairly criticizes the Qur’ān, Islamic law, and the Prophet  ﷺ based on biased views. The Qur’ān presents a clear and just ethical system that unites faith and behavior. It emphasizes human freedom and responsibility in moral choices. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is highlighted as a model of these Qur’ānic values. Scientific bodies are recommended to review the content in encyclopedias to ensure it aligns with the correct Islamic understanding, especially in the face of Orientalist proposals. It is also recommended that preachers in the West rely on reliable sources to strengthen their missionary discourse against Western intellectual deviations.