AN ARGUMENT FOR ISLAMIC ANTHROPOCENTRISM (From Taklifi Reasoning to Human Right Reasoning)

Abstract

This paper discusses Islamic thought and how understanding of Islam is influenced by the paradigm used by each person. It discusses critically the two paradigms with focus on the following: the first is the reasoning of the theocentric Islamic paradigm, while the second is the reasoning within the anthropocentric Islamic paradigm. Taklif theory and rights (haqq) offered by Abdul Karim Soros and Yahya Muhammad’s logical typology will be used as a tool of analysis. The research found that paradigms differences affect reasoning. Reasoning differences have implication on the purpose differences as it results in differences in understanding the Qur'an. The Theocentric Islamic paradigm uses reasoning, the anthropocentric Islamic paradigm uses human right as a basis of reasoning. The theocentric paradigm reads the Koran with the aim of finding the divine message commanded to humans while the anthropocentric paradigm reads the Qur'an with the aim of finding what God has given to humans, and the result is an anthropocentric style of Islam.