Bigiev’s Critical Review of Rizaeddin Fakhreddin’s “Religious and Social Problems”

Abstract

The article considers a number of critical remarks made by Musa Bigiev in his short work “Mulyakhaza” (published in 1914) concerning some points presented by Rizaeddin Fakhreddin in his famous book “Religious and social problems” (published in 1914). In particular, Bigiev’s comments on inaccuracies in Fakhreddin's translation in the 116th ayat of the 5th Sura of the Kur’an; Fakhreddin is the attitude to the practice of takfir; about the relationship between the beliefs of the believer and the heartly feelings; and the need to use the scientific achievements in understanding the Kur’an. An example of Bigiev’s criticism of the recognized religious leader’s work is documentary confirmation of the respectful relations between two religious authorities; each valued the truth above all. At the same time, differences of opinion did not negatively affect friendship and cooperation. In addition, the critical review of Bigiev reflects the breadth of his views and depth of approaches in solving the problem of Muslim society.

Keywords

• musa bigiev
• rizaeddin fakhreddin
• islam
• ‘aqida
• tafsir
• takfir
• faith