The Qur’anic framework of certitude in responding to religious doubts amongst Muslims in the west

Abstract

Over the last half-century, millions of Muslims have settled beyond their countries of origin for reasons such as education, employment opportunities, or seeking refuge from injustices and war in their nation-states. This movement of Muslims to the West has resulted in many social, cultural, and religious issues marked by several factors, all of which permeate the development of religious doubt. These factors include acculturation, globalization, secularization, aggressive ideologies like new atheism and evolution, and Islamophobia. As a result, Muslims in the West are increasingly faced with the significant threat, or epidemic, of religious doubt, especially amongst younger generations. It is to the Qur’an that Muslims look for guidance and certitude, especially when faced with such factors and dealing with religious doubt. This study aims to identify the Qur’anic framework of certitude in responding to religious doubts among Muslims in the West. This study begins with contextualizing the concepts of certainty, certitude, and doubt. This is followed by an evaluation of the current state of Muslims in the West and the causes of their religious doubts. The most significant causes of religious doubt amongst Muslims in the West identified were moral and social concerns, scientific concerns, philosophical concerns, and trauma through personal experiences. An inductive approach was used to analyze the meanings of the interpretations of Qur’an, specifically verses related to certainty to establish certitude. This was done through a methodological process of gathering, comparing, and analyzing the discussions of the mufassirrun in both classical and modern tafasir. Through this process, four main components of establishing certitude were identified: the I’jaz (inimitability) of the Qur’an, al-taddabur (reflection), al-ʿaql (reason), and al-fiṭrah (predisposition). Each component, while general, can be linked to address a specific source of doubt, inculcating an authoritative source of certitude. The I’jaz of the Qur’an provides certitude through the miraculous nature of the Qur’ān, establishing it as a source of moral authority, addressing doubts motivated by ethical or social concerns. Tadabbur forces Muslims to examine the natural world and establish a link through the physical world to the metaphysical Creator, responding to scientific concerns and doubts. Al-ʿaql allows Muslims to uncover the true nature of their origin and purpose, addressing philosophical concerns and doubts. Finally, Muslims are to submit through these ayat (signs) to the Creator by harmoniously embracing their fitrah, a sign within themselves, instilling certitude while moving away from negative personal experiences as sources of doubt. This study serves as a critical step in finding resolutions to the threats and challenges encountered by Muslims, especially in the West, in preserving their faith and religion. If internalized, this coherent framework, composed of four interrelated components, can respond to the sources of these religious doubts while inculcating an unwavering certitude instilled through the body, mind, soul, and heart.