El-Rusyd
Vol. 10 No. 2 (2025): December

Integrating Normative-Theological and Sufi-Spiritual Approaches in Contemporary Islamic Studies: A Critical Methodological Analysis

Ahmad, Nurhadi (Unknown)
Yuharniza, Yuharniza (Unknown)
Hidayat, Moh. Arief (Unknown)
Wahyuni, Sri (Unknown)
Hakim, Rosniati (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
28 Dec 2025

Abstract

Islamic Studies as an academic discipline faces methodological challenges in responding to the complexity of contemporary realities. This article critically examines two dominant approaches in Islamic Studies, namely the normative-theological approach and the Sufi-spiritual approach. The normative-theological approach emphasizes textual authority through classical Islamic scholarly methodologies, while the Sufi-spiritual approach focuses on inner experience and spiritual transformation. This study employs a qualitative method using content analysis of the perspectives of eight Islamic Studies scholars published between 2022 and 2023. The findings reveal methodological polarization between the two approaches, while also identifying an emerging integrative trend that seeks to bridge the tension between textual authority and spiritual experience. This article argues that the development of an integration–interconnection paradigm constitutes a significant epistemological contribution to contemporary Islamic Studies. The findings have implications for the development of integrative curricula, dialogical methodologies, and the strengthening of a more holistic Islamic epistemology.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

el-rusyd

Publisher

Subject

Religion Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences Other

Description

This journal contains scientific papers which are the result of research and community service, with the scope of Education, Arabic and Islamic ...