Reviving Turath: Bridging Classical and Modern Approaches at IIUM

By, Muntaha Artalim Zaim

In Islam, the word Turath (تُرَاث) refers to a wide range of traditions and practices that have been passed down from one generation to the next. The term Turath means ‘heritage’ or ‘legacy.’ It encompasses three main areas: intellectual, spiritual, and cultural aspects of the Muslim community. Simply put, these areas include knowledge, Islamic practices, traditions, values, and teachings derived from the Qur’an and Sunnah. It can be safely stated that the Islamic Turath has been one of the key factors behind the flourishing of Islamic civilization. 

After the time of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the four Rightly Guided Caliphs—Abu Bakr (r.a.), Umar (r.a.), Othman (r.a.), and Ali (r.a.)—Muslim scholars devoted immense efforts to the expansion of knowledge. In addition to scholars in the religious sciences, philosophers and scientists worked diligently in their respective fields, building upon the knowledge inherited from earlier civilizations such as the Greeks, Persians, and Indians. Rooted in the metaphysical framework of Islam, which is derived from the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah, the Muslim intelligentsia carefully examined and sifted all knowledge learned from people of other civilizations, accepting only what was in harmony with their Islamic beliefs. This spirit of inquiry and discernment defined the scholars, philosophers, and scientists of the Golden Age of Islamic Civilization.

Reviving Turath at IIUM

In recent years, academics at IIUM, particularly those specializing in Revealed Knowledge, have embarked on a meaningful effort to revive the study and appreciation of Kutub al-Turath (classical Islamic texts). This initiative aims to inspire students—future scholars, preachers, and custodians of Islamic sciences—to engage more deeply with these foundational texts. Targeting both undergraduate and postgraduate students, the program seeks to cultivate a strong reading culture among the next generation of Muslim intellectuals and leaders in the Islamic world.

It is important to note that long before the recent initiative to engage with classical texts, the esteemed Prof. Dr. Mohammed Abullais Shamsuddin Mohammed Yaqub, a renowned Hadith scholar from the Department of Qur’an and Sunnah at IIUM, had been diligently teaching the commentary on Sahih al-Bukhari at the grand mosque of IIUM in Gombak. This class has been held weekly, every Thursday after the Asr prayer, for many years. As a humble scholar of Islam, Prof. Abullais maintains a low profile and carries on his dedicated teaching of the Turath without seeking publicity.

Recognizing the needs of the contemporary world—one increasingly shaped by IT, social media, Zoom, and other modern forms of communication— AbdulHamid AbuSulayman IRKHS and SHAHS Mosque IIUM has taken the initiative to mobilize a large team to supplement the efforts. It is hoped that these young academics will emerge as the next echelon of scholars, helping to elevate IIUM to even greater heights of achievement in the future.

Prof. Dr. Abulais conducting his Turath Class at the IIUM Mosque at Gombak

Official Launch of Kutub al-Turath Program at IIUM

The official launch of the Kutub al-Turath Reading Program at IIUM took place on 4 April 2022 / 3 Ramadhan 1443 H, under the title “AHAS KIRKHS Ramadhan Turath Recitation”, this initiative was a collaborative effort led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd. Noh Bin Abdul Jalil, Deputy Dean of Academic Affairs, AHAS IRKHS, IIUM.

Since its inception, the “Ramadhan Turath Recitation Program” has become a cornerstone initiative at IIUM, aimed at preserving and promoting the study of classical Islamic texts, and this programme continued until now, in Ramadan 1445 H (2024) it has entered its third phase. A wide range of Kutub al-Turath (classical Islamic texts) have been recited and examined, offering students an opportunity to engage deeply with the knowledge, spirituality, and ethical frameworks embedded in these texts. This program aligns with IIUM’s broader vision of integrating classical Islamic scholarship with modern academic inquiry, equipping students with the knowledge and expertise necessary to address the contemporary challenges faced by Muslims in an increasingly globalized world.

Finally, the program marks a significant milestone, Ma’had Ilmi IIUM serves as a talaqqi center organized by the Training Unit of CENTRIS IIUM, in collaboration with Majlis Ta’lim An-Nur (MTAN IIUM). Various talaqqi sessions have been conducted every day under the supervision of Ma’had Ilmi IIUM, successfully completing numerous classical texts under the guidance of experienced lecturers.

Since its inception, it has provided a dedicated platform for students to study and recite works of prominent Muslim scholars of the past, fostering a vibrant culture of classical scholarship and deepening students’ connection with foundational Islamic knowledge.

The weekly schedule of the Al-Turath Program at IIUM

The Benefits of Studying and Reciting Kutub al-Turath

Engaging with Kutub al-Turath (classical Islamic texts) offers numerous academic and personal benefits for students of Islamic studies. These texts represent the meticulous scholarship, spiritual depth, and ethical frameworks developed by early scholars across various Islamic disciplines, including fiqh (jurisprudence), Aqidah (theology), and Arabic grammar. Studying and reciting these works not only deepens one’s understanding of Islamic thought but also connects students to the intellectual heritage of the past, fostering both personal growth and academic excellence.

Reading Kutub al-Turath in a well-organized way offers many benefits, especially by giving students the chance to engage with the text from start to finish. This approach helps them become familiar with both the content and structure of the work, while also allowing them to grasp the author’s main ideas and arguments as a whole. It encourages students to pay closer attention to each word and sentence, helping them appreciate the deeper meanings and language used. In the end, this practice leads to a better understanding of the intellectual depth and ethical principles that have shaped the Islamic civilization.

Reciting classical Islamic texts connects students with the scholars of the past through an unbroken chain of transmission (Sanad) that reaches back to the original authors. This practice helps preserve the wisdom, interpretations, and methods of early Islamic scholars, ensuring they are accurately passed down over generations. By studying these texts under the guidance of knowledgeable teachers, students remain connected to the intellectual heritage of Islam and the true intentions of the original authors. Moreover, studying Kutub al-Turath fosters a sense of continuity and respect for the knowledge entrusted to scholars through a tradition of trust and discipline, allowing students to better understand the original meaning and methods of the scholars while keeping their knowledge alive and authentic.

This lineage of Sanad is very important in Islamic education because it not only confirms the authenticity of the teachings but also connects students to a long-standing tradition of learning. Instead of studying the texts in isolation, students become part of a living scholarly legacy, which helps them appreciate the core sources of Islamic knowledge. Studying the classical Islamic texts (Kutub al-Turath) develops important skills like critical thinking, patience, and attention to detail. These texts are written in a complex form of Arabic that requires a deep understanding of grammar, structure, and word usage. This close study of the language not only strengthens students’ knowledge of Islam but also improves their analytical abilities, which can be valuable in fields such as law, ethics, and policy.

The Importance of Preserving Kutub al-Turath in Modern Scholarship

In today’s fast-changing world, it is more important than ever to preserve classical Islamic knowledge. The Kutub al-Turath (classical Islamic texts) contain timeless principles that offer valuable guidance on today’s ethical, social, and even technological challenges. By studying these texts, students can better understand Islamic values and apply them in ways that make sense in the modern world, helping to find thoughtful and balanced solutions to the problems we face today.

Initiatives like IIUM’s Ramadhan Turath Recitation, along with academic events and activities, aim to develop a new generation of scholars who are grounded in traditional Islamic knowledge but are also able to engage with modern academic challenges. By connecting the past with the present, these efforts help preserve the richness of Islamic heritage while making it relevant to the issues of today’s world.

To fully benefit from studying Kutub al-Turath (classical Islamic texts), students need a strong understanding of Arabic grammar. Mastering Arabic allows for accurate interpretation and analysis of these texts. Through this program, students will improve their skills in ‘Ulum al-Turath (traditional Islamic sciences) and develop a deeper understanding of classical knowledge. The goal is not only to help students engage with Kutub al-Turath but also to strengthen their overall academic abilities, which are assessed as part of IIUM’s curriculum.

IIUM combines extracurricular activities with academic study to help students become well-rounded and grounded in the Islamic intellectual tradition. Students study classical texts and gain practical experience that enhances their analytical, interpretive, and language skills. This approach works alongside their regular coursework, preparing them to tackle modern challenges with both deep traditional knowledge and modern analytical tools. In the end, it connects classical wisdom with the needs of today’s academic and professional world.

Kutub al-Turath Recitation Competition: A Step Towards IIUM’s Vision

On October 17, 2024, the Department of Fiqh and Usul al-Fiqh (SOFI) at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) took an important step towards achieving its vision by organizing a Musabaqah (competition) on Reciting Kutub al-Turath at the Mini Auditorium. The event brought together students and scholars for a competitive reading session featuring two key texts in Islamic law: al-Luma’ fi Usul al-Fiqh by Abu Ishaq Al-Shirazi (d. 476 H), and Fathul Mu’in bi Syarh Qurrat al-‘Ain by Zainuddin Al-Malibari (d.1304 H).

The Musabaqah is a strong example of IIUM’s dedication to connecting traditional Islamic scholarship with modern academic study. By engaging with classical Islamic texts, students not only strengthen their understanding of core Islamic knowledge but also become better prepared to address today’s challenges from a solid traditional viewpoint. This initiative shows IIUM’s continued efforts to promote intellectual growth that is grounded in classical learning, while also addressing the issues of the modern world.

The Musabaqah on Kutub al-Turath shows IIUM’s dedication to producing graduates who are skilled in both traditional Islamic knowledge and modern research. Through programs like the Ramadhan Turath Recitation and regular Musabaqah competitions, IIUM helps students build their academic skills while also fostering a deep respect for Islamic intellectual traditions. By improving Arabic grammar training alongside these programs, IIUM can further strengthen students’ connection to Kutub al-Truth, deepening their understanding of Islamic scholarship. This approach prepares graduates to make meaningful contributions to global discussions, offering a balanced perspective based on Islamic principles. By revitalizing the study of Kutub al-Turath, IIUM reaffirms its commitment to blending the rich heritage of Islamic knowledge with modern academic excellence.***

(Dr. Muntaha Artalim Zaim is an academic attached to the Department of Fiqh & Usul Fiqh, AHAS IRKHS, IIUM. He is also the Editor of at-Tajdid Journal, IIUM.)