Browsing by Author "Omercic, Semir"

Religion in the current Western worldview is misplaced. Through Murad Wilfried Hofmann’s understanding of the complex nature of this misplacement, religion can be understood and brought back to be visible and contributive. Muslims understand the Western worldview as something which puts religion in an invisible space. The Westerners, however, are longing for an alternative in filling the empty life which is devoid of deep meaning. On the other hand, they see the Islamic concept of religion as a threat to their unending freedom and unrestrictive lifestyles. Therefore, by the way of preconceived mental pictures due to misrepresentation of Islam, they conclude that without religious visibility, lives are much easier. Both camps have a narrow understanding of the other which goes back to their lack of knowledge and understanding of their own worldview in the first place. It is the goal of this study to bring understanding of religion in the Western worldview by way of analysing the views of reverted German Muslim thinker and intellectual, Murad Wilfried Hofmann. He seems to be able to clarify in a natural way the current mediocre level of mutual understanding and puts forth a farsighted vision which is momentarily lacking on both sides. The methods of this study are qualitative and content analysis. The whole work of Murad Wilfried Hofmann with his views, thoughts, arguments and understanding are used to illustrate the need for a deep inner discernment of what one’s worldview is really leading further to understanding the other which encourages us to engage more actively through greater honesty with followers of other worldviews. This thesis has taken serious account of the reverted mind and heart of Murad Wilfried Hofmann. Thus, this study aims to project positively and enthusiastically an outlook at the world and, thus, make it better. Moreover, the view and understanding of religion in the Western worldview are analysed by taking into account new but negative complexities which religion is grappling with in the 21st century. Murad Wilfried Hofmann certainly contributed his part.