Deen Research Center

Modern Islamic Think Tank

Research of the Qur'an, Islamic theology, and Comparative theology and scripture in pursuit of a rational worldtheology that supports human development, rights and welfare.

Welcome to the Deen Research Center. We are a think tank that researches the workings of the universe, how mankind fits into this cosmic system, and the ways to develop ourselves further in positive and progressive ways as a species. Mankind must research the universe through scientific and existential-hermeneutical (theological & philosophical) methods to attain a realistic and holistic view of the universe and pursue a peaceful and providing world-society for all individuals. Only in this manner will humanity evolve further. With mankind's complexity in different cultures and beliefs, it is vital to create a democratic, pluralistic global ethical system wherein every individual can live in peace, freedom and prosperity regardless of background or understanding of reality and have their human rights protected and ensured.

This complex and beautiful universe contains countless celestial phenomena, stars and planets. On one such planet, the human species has emerged through millions of years of evolution to form cultures, each with its own respective language, expression and understanding of the universal framework. This diversity has resulted in the most beautiful achievements of mankind; however it has also caused conflicts that spring from a difference in their worldview still prevalent today. Within the history of mankind a leap was taken 1400 years ago creating one of the most developed societies in earth's history in the fields of science, philosophy and humanism. The main source of this leap was a message collected into a book called the Qur'an, which is claimed to come from the Absolute Creator of all reality.

The main focus of DRC is to study this claim by researching the Qur'anic theology and cosmology. This can be achieved through systematic investigation of the language, structure, terminology, themes and historical context of the Qur'an and its relation with all fields of modern science, sociology, philosophy, religious sciences, theology, hermeneutics and humanism. One of our main observations in the Qur'anic message, which we present in our research publications, is it's call to every individual on earth to unite, whatever be their understanding of the universe, towards achieving a common goal: A cooperation towards peace and justice to benefit all; regardless of ethnicity, religion or status. As stated by the Qur'an: 

ولكل وجهة هو موليها فاستبقوا الخيرت اين ما تكونوا يات بكم الله جميعا ان الله على كل شىء قدير 

And for everyone there is a direction to which he turns. Then strive together toward all that is good for all (al-Khayrat: to surpass in goodness). Whatever stand you take, God will bring you all together. Indeed, God has infinite Potential over all things (2:148).

As God is the Absolute Source of creation (28:88, 6:103, 112:4, 42:11) and Free of any Need (al-Ghaniyu, 10:68. al-Samad, 112:2), revelation can only been sent for the benefit and welfare of mankind. Thus we interpret the Qur'an as presenting a liberation process theology which assists mankind in its self-liberation of the obstacles in their evolution as a species.

انزل الله من كتب وامرت لاعدل بينكم

"I acknowledge all that God has sent down of revelation (Kitab), and I was commanded to create equality between you (umurtu li-‘Adila baynakum) (42:15)."

يضع عنهم اصرهم والاغلل التى كانت عليهم

The Prophet was sent "To free people from their confinements/burdens and shackles (yadAu Anhum israhum wa al-Aghlala) that were imposed upon them [by oppressive traditions and society structures] (7:157)."

لمن شاء منكم ان يتقدم او يتاخر

The Qur'an gives insights "for any among you who wishes to progress or regress (yataqaddama aw yatakhara) (74:37)."

"Whenever God speaks (i.e. communicates with Revelation), He does so for the welfare of mankind." [famous Mu'tazilah scholar Abd al-Jabbar, al-Mugnhi. b.414 AH]

"The revealed laws and ways (of the Qur'an)[...] are intended for the welfare of this world." [famous Hanbali scholar Ibn Aqil, Muntazam, b.431 AH]

By researching the universe, sharing resources for society's betterment, and creating global bodies to effectively manage conflict and justice. Our research has thus far reinforced our understanding that the Qur'an presents us with a pluralistic ethical worldview (6:151-153, 3:110-114) whereby almost every religious tradition is acknowledged as being originally revealed by God (5:48,16:36&89), whereby any theological and social matters are discussed through peacefull dialogues in the search for truth (29:46), and thus expounds the universal concept of unity in diversity (49:13), with a democratic peace and justice management framework (5:8, 4:58, 42:38-43). It does not present an exclusive dogmatic religion, but is an inclusive universal message to all of mankind in its diversity. It is a guide in our constant development and evolution as a species. Through this research we try to see how the Qur'an can serve mankind into achieving an ethically-based pluralistic unity of mankind, where resources are shared equally, every human's basic needs are fulfilled, the universe is researched through scientific and philosophical means, and wherein human rights of freedom of thought, development, movement, speech, beliefs, occupation, and rights of education, welfare, free governments etc. are upheld and protected, so each human can develop their potentials to the fullest.

"It is those who race with one another to improve the quality of life for humanity (al-Khayrat: to surpass in goodness), and it is those who are the forerunners (of mankind)." (23:61)

The theologies and dogma's of 10-15th century orthodox schools that have determined Islam as a religion ever since, were developed under the influence of the social, political (patriarchical & imperial) and religious (dogmatic & prescientific) environments, and were on many issues very different from its intended message. We also see in the Qur'an a demand that each new generation must research it on their owns terms because our horizons and understanding of reality, nature and existence expand with every age:

سنريهم ءايتنا فى الءافاق وفى انفسهم حتى يتبين لهم انه الحق اولم يكف بربك انه على كل شىء شهيد

"We will show them [mankind] Our signs/messages ('ayatina) in the horizons (al-'Afaqi), and within themselves/their own being (anfasikum), until it becomes clear (yatabayyana) to them that this is the Truth (al-Haqq). Is it not enough that your Developer is witness over all things? (41:53)"

"The Koran may be regarded in a certain sense as a grand hymn in honor of Divine Creation. [T]he whole Koran is literally impregnated with the thought of Creation and a feeling of profound admiration for it." [p.120, T.Izutsu, God and Man in the Koran]

"With the new perspectives we (mankind) have gained, the Koran can be heard to say things that were previously impossible to hear." [p.203, Felix Korner, Revisionist Koran Hermeneutics in Turkey]

To refresh and expand our vision of the Qur'an, to clear up misunderstandings and to understand its neglected potentials and messages, an objective, rational and critical approach must be undertaken. To facilitate this enterprise, the DRC website contains numerous tools in the form of research papers, short articles, books, exegeses (tafsir), blogs coming from multiple viewpoints. These are available for everybody to use and research the Qur'anic message and to see the most up-to-date understandings on the Qur'an. We also invite to send in articles, papers and books that can enhance our understanding of the Qur'an, Islamic theology and Comparative scripture and theology, and work with scholars and organisations to cooperate in creating a worldtheology with a pluralistic global ethical framework.

Update March 2013: The whole library is being updated and expanded into several subjects, this will take many months to fill them all. Dead links will also be updated. Any suggestions or comments, please mail us at [email protected].