Al-Aijaz Research Journal of Islamic Studies & Humanities

Josh Maleeh Abadi Ki Lafziat Aor Lafz Sazi ka Tahqeeqi wa Tanqeedi Mutalia

Hina Naseem Hina Naseem — 2025-12-31

This article explores the mastery of lafziyat (verbal artistry, wordplay, and linguistic virtuosity) in Urdu poetry, positioning Nazeer Akbarabadi as its foundational figure—the "Bawa Adam" (Adam) of this craft. It highlights intermediate poets such as Insha, Mus'hafi, Mir, Ghalib, Iqbal, Faiz, Yagana, Shad Arfi, and Muzaffar Hanfi for their distinctive contributions. However, the pinnacle of this art is attributed to Josh Malihabadi, hailed as the "Shahenshah-e-Lafziyat" (Emperor of Verbal Artistry). Unlike other Urdu poets who excelled in specific domains such as linguistic prowess, semantic depth, or thematic diversity, Josh uniquely combines all these qualities. He is not merely a sovereign of words, meanings, and constructions but also reigns over elevated thought and enchanting eloquence, as reflected in his own claim: "People say I am the poet of magical expression, master of meaning, lord of words, emperor of poets. "Josh's style is singular in Urdu literature: he tames complex and weighty vocabulary with fluidity and grace, arranges words and idioms with unparalleled elegance, and infuses them with freshness through innovative imagination. Through his verbal mastery, he renders abstract concepts vivid and tangible. The article asserts that no poet matches Josh's vast lexical treasury, even surpassing Mir Anis in this regard, and credits him with creating beauty through similes, metaphors, and idioms tailored to context, achieving novelty and excellence. Overall, this paper serves as an effective and valuable resource for understanding Josh Malihabadi's unparalleled command of lafziyat in Urdu poetic tradition.

Division of I’tiqad (Beliefs) into Qat‘iyyah and Zanniyyah and Their Corresponding Rulings

Shah Muhamma Asim Tarrab Khan — 2025-12-31

Islamic creed (ʿAqīdah) constitutes the foundation of religion and forms the basis of all acts of worship and social dealings. Islam is not merely a collection of outward practices; rather, it is rooted in firm inner conviction and conscious faith. A sound creed gives meaning and validity to actions, determines the intellectual direction of human life, and serves as the key to salvation in the Hereafter. Conversely, corrupt beliefs sever the relationship between the servant and Allah, rendering deeds spiritually weightless. The Qur’an consistently emphasizes correct belief as the essence of religion and the criterion of true guidance. Within this framework, the distinction between definitive (Qaṭʿī) and speculative (Ẓannī) beliefs holds critical importance, as matters of faith, disbelief, salvation, and ruin depend upon it. Definitive beliefs are established through conclusive evidence and are binding upon every Muslim; their denial constitutes disbelief. Speculative beliefs, however, are based on probabilistic evidence, allow scholarly disagreement, and their rejection—though erroneous—does not amount to disbelief. Ignorance of this distinction has led to two extremes: declaring disbelief over interpretive issues on one hand, and undermining foundational doctrines by labeling them speculative on the other. In the contemporary era, challenges such as atheism, denial of Prophetic traditions, modernist reinterpretations, and religious liberalism have intensified the need for this discussion. According to Ahl al-Sunnah, definitive beliefs are established through four sources: the Qur’an with decisive meaning, definitively transmitted Prophetic traditions, continuous consensus, and sound reason. This study aims to clarify the hierarchy of beliefs and evidences in order to preserve doctrinal integrity, intellectual balance, and theological stability within the Muslim community.

Islamization of the Contemporary Banking System: Need, Significance, and Impacts

Muhammad Shahbaz Muhammad Shahbaz — 2025-12-31

In the modern era, the banking system plays a central role in economic development at both national and global levels. However, the prevailing conventional banking system is largely based on interest (riba), which is strictly prohibited in Islam due to its unjust and exploitative nature. This situation poses serious religious, moral, and economic challenges for Muslim societies. As a result, the Islamization of the contemporary banking system has become an urgent necessity. This article explores the need, importance, and practical requirements of restructuring the modern banking system in accordance with Islamic principles. It discusses the fundamental differences between conventional and Islamic banking, highlighting key Islamic concepts such as prohibition of interest, risk-sharing, asset-backed financing, and ethical investment. The study also examines the role of Islamic banking in promoting economic justice, financial stability, and social welfare. Furthermore, it identifies practical challenges in the implementation of Islamic banking, including regulatory issues, institutional capacity, and public awareness. The study concludes that the Islamic transformation of the banking system is essential for establishing a just, ethical, and sustainable financial system that aligns with the objectives of Islamic law and meets the needs of contemporary society.

The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah: A Military Retreat or Prophetic Strategy An Analytical Review

Mahe Noreen Mahe Noreen — 2025-12-31

إِنَّا فَتَحْنَا لَكَ فَتْحًۭا مُّبِينًۭا[i]

“Indeed, we have granted you a clear victory.”

The Prophet Muhammad PBUH peace mission was to establish just and peaceful society, and prevent violence and conflict. He promoted peace through diplomacy, patience, foresight. The Prophet's mission was to guide the community and change the political, social and religious practices by the pagan Arabs. Quran Says:

لَقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ لِّمَن كَانَ يَرْجُو اللَّهَ وَالْيَوْمَ الْآخِرَ وَذَكَرَ اللَّهَ كَثِيرًۭا[ii]

“There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often.” Quran says:

وَمَآ أَرْسَلْنَـٰكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةًۭ لِّلْعَـٰلَمِينَ[iii]

"And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds."

The Treaty of Hudaibiya land mark of piece, and brilliant stroke of strategic diplomacy. At first glance some terms seemed unfavorable to Muslims they had to turn back without Umrah and return fugitives. But these concessions served bigger goals. The ten-year truce gave breathing space for peaceful dawah. During this period Muslim community grew dramatically in numbers and influence. The treaty shifted from confrontation to dialogue allowing Islam to spread freely. Prophet Muhammad PBUH preached Islam as religion of peace promoting harmony through patience and wisdom. The Quran repeatedly call for peace and justice. Allah Says:

فَاصْبِرْ إِنَّ وَعْدَ اللَّهِ حَقٌّۭ[iv]

"So be patient. Indeed, the promise of Allah is truth."

In the end this apparent setback set the stage for peaceful conquest of Mecca. Far from weakness Hudaibiya was masterclass in wise leadership turning tension into opportunity through Islamic principles of patience foresight and diplomacy.

Protection of Non-Combatants During War from the Perspective of Imam Sarakhsi: A Comparative Study of Sharh al-Siyar al-Kabir and IHL

Dr. Muhammad Adil — 2025-12-31

This article examines the concept of the protection of non-combatants during armed conflict in the jurisprudence of Imām Shams al-Aʾimmah al-Sarakhsī (d. 483 AH), as articulated in Sharḥ al-Siyar al-Kabīr, and offers a comparative analysis with the principles and provisions of International Humanitarian Law (IHL). The study highlights that al-Sarakhsī’s approach is fundamentally based on the distinction between combatants and non-combatants, rather than on factors such as gender, age, profession, or social status alone. According to al-Sarakhsī, women, children, the elderly, religious leaders, laborers, farmers, the sick, the wounded, persons with disabilities, and the mentally incapacitated are entitled to protection during war so long as they do not directly or functionally participate in hostilities. The article demonstrates that once such protected persons engage in actual fighting, incitement, strategic counsel, or other forms of effective participation in warfare, they lose their protected status. This criterion closely corresponds to the modern IHL concept of direct or functional participation in hostilities. Furthermore, al-Sarakhsī’s discussions on hors de combat persons—such as the wounded, severely ill, and incapacitated—reflect a strong emphasis on humanitarian considerations, restraint, and the prevention of unnecessary violence. By comparing these classical Islamic legal principles with the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, the study finds a remarkable convergence between Islamic jurisprudence and contemporary international norms regarding the protection of civilians and other non-combatants. The article concludes that al-Sarakhsī’s legal thought offers a coherent, principled, and ethically grounded framework for regulating conduct during war, which remains relevant and compatible with modern International Humanitarian Law.

Muslim Politics in Dera Ghazi Khan under Colonial Punjab: An Appraisal

Saqlain Abbas — 2025-11-03

This analytical research deals with the study of the Muslim politics in Dera Ghazi Khan under Colonial Punjab. In Subcontinent, Punjab has always influenced on the society but also played an important role in the politics of Pakistan not only but it had contributed remarkably its role in the electoral politics during colonial era. With the annexation of Punjab after 1849, British government introduced several political and administrative reforms in the country. The beginning of the 20th century brought different political changes in India as the electoral reforms which especially demanded by All India Muslim League in 1909. After the enforcement of India Act 1935, which provided an opportunity to the people to elect their representative especially in provinces. Muslim League and Unionist party contested the elections 1937 and 1945. With entire Punjab, District Dera Ghazi Khan played very significant role in the politics of Punjab. During the elections 1937 Muslim League did not get any remarkable success and Muhammad Ali Jinnah re organized Muslim League. The resolution of Pakistan turned Muslim League into a popular party of Punjab and in Dera Ghazi Khan People also attracted to Muslim League and accepted it as a their representative political party in District Dera Ghazi and proved it in the elections 1945-46 when it defeated Unionist, Ahrar and Congress. This study explores the role of electoral politics, elections, political parties and their contribution in the politics1937-1947.

Amanah as the Foundation of Islamic Governance: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives

Dr. Shoaib Arif — 2025-12-09

The concept of Amanah (trust) forms the ethical foundation of Islamic governance. It defines the responsibilities individuals owe to Allah, to society, and to positions of authority. Rooted in the Qur’an and the Sunnah, Amanah serves as a guiding principle for justice, leadership accountability, and the protection of public rights. Historically, Islamic polities such as the Madinan State and the period of the Khulafa-e-Rashideen demonstrated practical governance models built upon transparency, equity, and public welfare. In the contemporary world, where corruption, abuse of power, and institutional weaknesses challenge many societies, the revival of Amanah provides a moral framework for effective and ethical governance. This article examines the historical evolution of Amanah and its continued relevance in modern political systems, proposing that trust-based governance is essential for stability, prosperity, and social harmony.

Determinants of Social Media Sustainability Reporting: Evidence from Twitter

Tahira Kanwal Tahira Kanwal — 2025-12-31

Purpose: This study explores the sustainability reporting determinants of the Social Media Sustainability Reporting (SMSR) on Twitter, and how institutional pressures, firm-specific characteristics and organizational capabilities affect sustainability communication through digital platforms. With the growing usage of social media as the complement to the existing sustainability reporting, the motivation of such disclosure becomes the critical issue of both theory and practice. Methodology: The study uses the panel data regression methods using a balanced panel dataset (89 non-financial firms) during the period of 2019-2023 (445 firm-years observations). Estimates of ordinary least squares (OLS), fixed effects (FE), and random effects (RE) models are done and the Hausman specification test is applied to determine the best estimator. Sustainability reporting based on twitter is operationalized as dependent variable, whereas the governance, technological, institutional and contextual factors are explanatory variables.

Findings: The findings show that the positive and significant influence on sustainability reporting on Twitter platforms has been observed in regards to technological capability and sustainability-related awards, which introduces the concept of digital preparedness and external reward in defining disclosure behavior. Environmental sensitivity and media visibility, conversely, are negatively related, implying that companies with increased scrutiny might be more conservative in their disclosure methods on social media platforms open to the public. The continuity of previous Twitter use further supports the entrenched quality of digital sustainability communication when implemented.

Implications: The results endorse the legitimacy and institutional point of view by showing that SMSR is a strategic practice and not just a choice that is merely symbolic. In practice, the research provides information to managers, policymakers, and regulators who would want to encourage viable and commendable sustainability communication via social media.

Originality/Value: Offering evidence at the firm-level, in paneling form, within an emerging market, this study augments to the literature regarding digital sustainability reporting and offers insight into Twitter as a strategic disclosure website.

Social Media in Sustainability Reporting: A Systematic Literature Review of Stakeholder Engagement, Sentiment, and Impact

Muhammad Ali Abuzar — 2025-12-31

Purpose:

The paper is a systematic review of the expanding literature on the use of social media in sustainability reporting and in particular stakeholder engagement, sentiment formation and the impact on the organization.

Methodology:

The sources were systematically searched according to SLR instructions and PRISMA. Scopus was selected as the source of peer-reviewed journal articles that were identified based on preset inclusion and exclusion criteria and retrieved. Thematic synthesis and gap analysis techniques were used on one final sample of 30 empirical studies.

Findings:

The review has found four predominant themes which are social media practices in sustainability reporting, dynamics of stakeholder engagement, sentiment formation and perception by the society and organizational and societal impact. The results show that there is a change in status quo disclosure to the narrative-based digital communication. The relationships between sustainability communication and impact have a Stakeholder engagement as an intermediary, and Sentiment as an indicator of reputational risk. Nevertheless, data are still partial, platform specific and are restricted in their methodological capacity.

Implications:

The research adds to the cohesive conceptual framework that connects the social media practices, engagement, sentiment, and impact. It signifies the necessity of longitudinal studies, multimodal analytics, new market studies, and governance-based investigation in order to enhance theoretical progress and practice applicability.

Originality / Value:

The review provides one of the earliest comprehensive syntheses of engagement, sentiment, and impact as part of sustainability reporting based on social media as a roadmap of future research and policy-making.