Promoted post: Sufism: Abdul Hakim Murad Versus Javed Ahmed Ghamidi  And: Dr. Seyyed Hossein Nasr’s Video – “Philosophy Matters”

Written and collected by Zia H Shah MD, Chief Editor of the Muslim Times

Abdal Hakim Murad

Abdal Hakim Murad, born Timothy John Winter in 1960, is a prominent British Islamic scholar, theologian, and academic known for his contributions to Islamic studies and interfaith dialogue. He is a leading proponent of Islamic neo-traditionalism, focusing on integrating classical Islamic scholarship with contemporary issues.

Early Life and Education

Winter was raised in Highgate, London, in a family with artistic inclinations—his father was the architect John Winter, and his mother was a painter. He attended Westminster School and later graduated with first-class honors in Arabic from Pembroke College, Cambridge, in 1983. He furthered his Islamic studies at Al-Azhar University in Cairo and engaged in private studies with scholars in Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Additionally, he studied Turkish and Persian at the University of London. ​

Academic and Professional Contributions

Winter holds the position of Shaykh Zayed Lecturer in Islamic Studies at the University of Cambridge and serves as the Director of Studies (Theology and Religious Studies) at Wolfson College. He is the founder and dean of the Cambridge Muslim College, established to train British imams and integrate traditional Islamic scholarship with contemporary academic disciplines. His scholarly work encompasses Islamic theology, modernity, and Anglo-Muslim relations, and he has translated several significant Islamic texts. ​

Cambridge Central Mosque

A notable project led by Winter is the Cambridge Central Mosque, which opened in April 2019. This mosque is Europe’s first eco-mosque, designed with environmental sustainability in mind, and serves as a community and spiritual center for Muslims in Cambridge. ​

Recognition and Influence

Winter has been consistently included in “The 500 Most Influential Muslims” list published by the Royal Aal al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought, reflecting his significant impact on contemporary Islamic thought and education. ​

Personal Life

Winter’s younger brother is the football writer Henry Winter. ​

Selected Publications

• Travelling Home: Essays on Islam in Europe – A collection of essays addressing the challenges and opportunities for Islam in contemporary European contexts.
• Commentary on the Eleventh Contentions – A series of aphorisms reflecting on various aspects of faith and modernity.
• Translations from Imam al-Ghazali’s Ihya Ulum al-Din – Bringing classical Islamic spiritual texts to an English-speaking audience.

Through his academic endeavors, community projects, and writings, Abdal Hakim Murad has played a pivotal role in bridging traditional Islamic scholarship with modern challenges, fostering greater understanding and dialogue between diverse communities.

The Twelver Shiite Islam

In Shiite Islam, particularly within the Twelver (Ithnā’ashariyyah) tradition predominant in Iran, Imamate (Imāmah) is a foundational doctrine asserting that certain individuals from the Prophet Muhammad’s lineage are divinely appointed to lead the Muslim community. These leaders, known as Imams, are believed to possess unique spiritual and temporal authority, guiding both religious and worldly matters.​

Core Beliefs about the Imamate

1. Divine Appointment: Imams are considered to be designated by God, a concept known as nass. This divine selection ensures that the Imam leads with authority granted by God. ​
2. Infallibility (Ismah): Imams are viewed as free from sin and error, maintaining moral and spiritual purity. This infallibility positions them as perfect examples for the faithful to emulate. ​
3. Possession of Esoteric Knowledge: Imams are believed to inherit special knowledge (ilm) that enables them to interpret the Quran and Islamic law accurately, guiding the community in both spiritual and temporal affairs. ​

The Twelve Imams

Twelver Shia Muslims recognize a line of twelve Imams, beginning with Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad. This lineage continues through his descendants, concluding with Muhammad al-Mahdi, the twelfth Imam, who is believed to be in occultation and will reappear as the Mahdi to establish justice. ​

Imamate’s Influence in Iran

The doctrine of Imamate has profoundly influenced Iran’s religious and political landscape:​

• Safavid Dynasty (1501–1736): The establishment of the Safavid Dynasty marked the formal recognition of Twelver Shiism as Iran’s state religion. This pivotal move distinguished Iran from its Sunni neighbors and solidified the nation’s unique religious identity. ​
• Islamic Republic of Iran (established 1979): The 1979 revolution led to the creation of an Islamic Republic, where the principle of Wilayat al-Faqih (Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist) was institutionalized. This doctrine grants Shia jurists, deemed as representatives of the hidden Imam, authority over political and religious matters, intertwining governance with religious leadership. ​

In summary, the concept of Imamate is central to Shiite Islam in Iran, shaping both its religious doctrines and political structures. The belief in divinely appointed, infallible leaders from the Prophet’s lineage has been instrumental in defining Iran’s national identity and governance models.

Ismaili Islam

In Ismaili Islam, the Imamat (leadership of the Imam) is a central and defining institution, embodying the spiritual and temporal guidance of the community. Ismailis believe that the Imamat is a hereditary office, tracing its lineage directly from Prophet Muhammad through his cousin and son-in-law, Hazrat Ali, and his wife, Hazrat Bibi Fatima, the Prophet’s daughter. ​

Role and Significance of the Imam

The Imam in Ismaili doctrine serves as both a spiritual guide and a leader in worldly matters:​

• Spiritual Authority: The Imam is considered the possessor of divine knowledge (ilm) and is responsible for providing authoritative interpretations (ta’wil) of the Quran. This role positions the Imam as the “Prime Teacher,” guiding followers in understanding the inner meanings of Islamic teachings. ​
• Intermediary Role: The Imam acts as an intercessor between humans and God, facilitating a deeper connection to the divine. Through the Imam, believers seek spiritual enlightenment and guidance in their personal and communal lives. ​

Historical Context and Continuity

The Ismaili Imamat has maintained an unbroken line of succession since the time of Hazrat Ali:​

• Hereditary Succession: The office of the Imam is passed down through generations, ensuring continuity of leadership and preservation of the community’s spiritual heritage. This succession is not merely a familial inheritance but is believed to be divinely ordained, with each Imam designated by his predecessor. ​
• Modern Leadership: As of February 2025, Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini has been designated as the 50th hereditary Imam, succeeding his late father, Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV. The new Aga Khan continues the legacy of guiding the Ismaili community and overseeing various philanthropic initiatives. ​

Philanthropic and Developmental Initiatives

The Ismaili Imamat extends its influence beyond spiritual matters into socio-economic development:​

• Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN): Established to improve living conditions and opportunities in developing countries, the AKDN operates in over 30 countries, focusing on health care, education, cultural preservation, and economic development. This reflects the Ismaili belief in the inseparability of the spiritual and material aspects of life. ​

Conclusion

The Imamat in Ismaili Islam is a pivotal institution that encompasses spiritual leadership, community guidance, and active engagement in global development. Through the hereditary line of Imams, the Ismaili community seeks to uphold the principles of Islam while addressing contemporary challenges, embodying a holistic approach to faith and worldly responsibilities.​

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

In Ahmadiyya Islam, Khilafat (Caliphate) holds a central and sacred role, serving as the spiritual and organizational leadership that guides the community following the demise of its founder, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, who is believed by Ahmadis to be the Promised Messiah and Mahdi. This institution is considered a continuation of the Rightly Guided Caliphate (Khilafat-e-Rashida) that succeeded the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).​

Divine Establishment of Khilafat

Ahmadi Muslims believe that Khilafat is a divine institution established by God to continue the mission of prophets. The Holy Quran states:​

“Allah has promised to those among you who believe and do good works that He will, surely, make them Successors in the earth…” ​

This verse underscores the belief that Khilafat is a blessing granted to righteous believers to maintain the unity and integrity of the Muslim community.​

Spiritual and Administrative Leadership

The Khalifa (Caliph) in the Ahmadiyya Community serves as both a spiritual guide and an administrative leader. The primary role of Khilafat is the spiritual well-being and moral upliftment of the believers, guiding them in their religious obligations and personal development. Administratively, the Khalifa oversees the community’s organizational matters, ensuring that its activities align with Islamic principles. ​

Historical Continuity

Since its establishment in 1908, Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya has seen a succession of leaders who have guided the community through various challenges and periods of growth:

1. Hazrat Hakeem Noor-ud-Din (1908–1914): The first Khalifa who maintained the unity of the community after the demise of the Promised Messiah.​
2. Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmood Ahmad (1914–1965): Known as the “Promised Reformer,” he introduced significant organizational structures and expanded missionary work globally.​
3. Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad (1965–1982): Initiated the Nusrat Jehan Scheme, focusing on educational and health services in West Africa.​
4. Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad (1982–2003): Launched the first Muslim satellite television network, MTA, and guided the community during periods of persecution.​
5. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (2003–present): The current Khalifa, leading the community with a focus on global peace, education, and humanitarian efforts. ​

Significance of Khilafat in Ahmadiyya Islam

Khilafat is seen as the guarantor of the community’s unity, progress, and spiritual prosperity. It provides continuous guidance, ensuring that the community remains steadfast in its mission to propagate the true teachings of Islam and serve humanity. The bond between the Khalifa and the members is characterized by mutual love, respect, and devotion, which is considered essential for the community’s cohesion and success. ​

In essence, Khilafat in Ahmadiyya Islam is viewed as a divine and enduring institution that plays a pivotal role in guiding the community’s spiritual and organizational endeavors, ensuring adherence to Islamic values, and fostering a spirit of service to humanity.

Non-sectarian Islam

Non-sectarian Islam refers to an approach within the Muslim community where individuals identify simply as “Muslim” without affiliating with any specific Islamic denomination, such as Sunni or Shia. These individuals focus on the core tenets of Islam, emphasizing unity and the fundamental teachings of the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad, rather than aligning with particular sects or schools of thought.

Key Characteristics of Non-Sectarian Islam:

• Emphasis on Unity: Non-sectarian Muslims advocate for the unity of the Muslim ummah (community), adhering to the belief that Islam should be practiced without divisions into sects and subsects. They strive to embody the Quranic principle of being one strong ummah, avoiding labels that might create discord among Muslims.
• Identification as ‘Just Muslim’: Individuals who adopt a non-sectarian stance prefer to identify simply as “Muslim,” without additional qualifiers that denote specific sectarian affiliations. This reflects their commitment to a universal Islamic identity that transcends denominational boundaries. ​
• Focus on Fundamental Sources: Non-sectarian Muslims prioritize the Quran and the authentic teachings of the Prophet Muhammad as their primary sources of guidance, often engaging in personal interpretation and understanding of these texts without strict adherence to traditional jurisprudential schools (madhhabs). ​

Prevalence of Non-Sectarian Identification:

According to a 2012 study by the Pew Research Center, a notable proportion of Muslims in certain regions identify as “just Muslim,” without specific sectarian affiliation. This trend is particularly prominent in Central Asia and parts of Southeastern Europe. ​

Non-Sectarian Movements and Organizations:

Several movements and organizations embody the principles of non-sectarian Islam:​

• Jama’ah al-Taqrib bayna al-Madhahib al-Islamiyyah: Founded in 1947 in Cairo, this movement aimed to bridge gaps between Sunni and Shia Muslims, promoting intra-faith unity and understanding. ​
• Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria: Established in 1923, this non-sectarian and non-political educational association focuses on the educational and moral development of the Muslim community in Nigeria, emphasizing unity and the core teachings of Islam.

Conclusion:

Non-sectarian Islam represents an inclusive approach that seeks to transcend traditional sectarian divisions, emphasizing a unified Muslim identity based on the foundational teachings of Islam. By identifying simply as “Muslim,” adherents aim to foster unity, reduce intra-faith conflicts, and focus on the universal aspects of their faith.​

Additional reading and viewing

I am a Jew, a Catholic, a Christian and a Muslim; I am Zia H Shah

Archive of the above video in audio form