Browsing by Author "Olawale, Fahm AbdulGafar"

This study is about death in Mawlana Jalal ad-din Rumi's magnum opus, Mathnawi. The work concentrates on discussing death in a positive light as emphasized in Islam. This thesis touches on a notion quite common in Islamic mysticism, that one can die a spiritual death while still physically alive. The inevitability and certitude of death has always captured man's imagination. In Islam, and especially in early ?ufi literature, interesting discussions on the 'idea of dying' have taken place with profound insight and understanding. The preoccupation with death is so deep that talk of death is not just of a physical death, but also of a transformation that gives 'real life' and supports 'real living'. In this study, death was studied in Mathnawi by first looking at this concept in Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, Buddhism and in the Abrahamic faith (Judaism, Christianity and Islam). The positive outlook of death in the Qur'an and Sunnah were also analyzed. This gives room to examine the positions of sufis and their thoughts on the idea of dying. Two major divisions were identified in Rumi's concept of death, the physical death and the spiritual death. The Physical death is related to 'body' and 'earth' while the spiritual death can be found in his thoughts on the self. The approach used by Mawlana Rumi in elaborating his thoughts on death has been covered. The thesis shows that by understanding Rumi's approach to death, one can emerge stronger and be better equipped in his determination to arrive at a higher spiritual state. Also, Mathnawi of Jalal ad-din Rumi through the theme of 'die before you die' shows clearly the asceticism, simplicity and self-discipline preached by Islam.

Stem cell is one of the most controversial issues in the world today. It is seen as one of the most significant discoveries of the century. Yet, its potentials are not even close to realization. Despite its potentials one wonders why it remains very controversial. The answer is not far-fetched. It is a technology that combines various issues concerning the physical foundation of human life and its development. It is being described as an implausible blend of topics such as abortion, fetal tissue, transplantation, animal rights, women in research, setting guidelines for the regulation of in vitro fertilization clinics, gene therapy, the risk of changing the human germ line, cloning, regenerative medical technology, sex and aging. Before it is used to its fullest potentials, many deeply embedded views of people would have to change. Although a lot of money has been invested in research, attitude of people is also very important and even though, some Western ethical values have been used to explain the benefits which can be derived from it, not many or enough people are convinced of its significance. This study aims at examining various means in which Islāmic ethical values can contribute to this discourse. The study began by giving a general introduction to the research. Then, what stem cell is all about is explained. It also examined the present position of stem cell research in some developed countries. Afterward, stem cell was examined from the bird’s eye view of Islām. The finding of the study is that by using Islāmic ethical considerations, we can kill two birds with one stone. We would be able to avoid the pitfalls in stem cell research and at the same time promote and encourage scientific progress in the field.