Ismail al-Faruqi, Palestinian-American philosopher and academic (d. 1986)

Ismaʻīl Rājī al-Fārūqī (Arabic: إسماعيل راجي الفاروقي), born on January 1, 1921, and passing on May 27, 1986, was a profound Palestinian-American philosopher and a pivotal figure in modern Islamic intellectual discourse. His expansive career was marked by significant contributions to academia, interfaith dialogue, and the institutional development of Islamic studies in the Western world.

Early Life and Academic Foundations

Al-Faruqi's intellectual journey began with rigorous training at Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt. This esteemed institution, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities globally, is a preeminent center for Sunni Islamic learning, having been founded over a millennium ago. His years there provided him with a deep grounding in classical Islamic sciences, jurisprudence, theology, and Arabic language, forming the bedrock of his subsequent philosophical explorations.

Following his foundational studies, Al-Faruqi embarked on an extensive academic career in North America. He held teaching positions at several reputable universities, including the distinguished McGill University in Montreal, Canada. His relocation to the West marked a critical juncture, as it provided him with a unique vantage point to bridge traditional Islamic thought with contemporary Western academic disciplines.

Pioneering Islamic Studies in the West

A cornerstone of Ismaʻīl Rājī al-Fārūqī’s legacy is his transformative work at Temple University in Philadelphia, USA. As a revered Professor of Religion, he established and subsequently chaired the pioneering Islamic Studies program. This initiative was instrumental in formalizing the academic study of Islam within a mainstream American university setting, providing a vital platform for rigorous scholarship and education on Islamic civilization, history, and thought.

Founding the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT)

Beyond his university tenure, Al-Faruqi’s vision extended to creating independent institutions that would further Islamic intellectual revitalization. He was the visionary founder of the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT), established in 1981. Based in Herndon, Virginia, IIIT emerged as a leading global research and publishing house dedicated to the advancement of knowledge. Its core mission, deeply rooted in Al-Faruqi's philosophy, focuses on the "Islamization of Knowledge"—an intellectual project aimed at integrating Islamic principles and epistemologies with modern academic disciplines to produce a holistic and ethically informed body of knowledge relevant to contemporary challenges.

Prolific Scholarship and Intellectual Contributions

Ismaʻīl Rājī al-Fārūqī was an exceptionally prolific scholar, leaving behind a vast body of work that continues to influence contemporary thought. His extensive bibliography includes over 100 articles published in various scholarly journals and magazines, alongside more than 25 books. Among his most notable literary contributions is Christian Ethics: A Historical and Systematic Analysis of Its Dominant Ideas. This seminal work exemplifies his profound engagement with comparative religion and his dedication to fostering intellectual understanding across Abrahamic faiths, meticulously analyzing ethical frameworks from a unique, informed perspective.

Leadership in Academia and Interfaith Dialogue

Al-Faruqi's commitment to academic excellence and interreligious understanding extended to his leadership roles in prominent organizations:

• He established and chaired for a decade the Islamic Studies Group of the American Academy of Religion (AAR). The AAR is the world's largest scholarly society for the study of religion, making his leadership crucial in shaping the discourse around Islamic studies within the broader academic community.
• He served as the Vice-President of the Inter-Religious Peace Colloquium and The Muslim-Jewish-Christian Conference. These roles underscore his unwavering dedication to fostering mutual respect, dialogue, and cooperation among the three Abrahamic traditions, addressing pressing global issues through interfaith engagement.
• He held the prestigious position of President of the American Islamic College in Chicago, further demonstrating his commitment to developing robust educational institutions that cater to the needs of the Muslim community in the United States and promote a deeper understanding of Islam.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ismaʻīl Rājī al-Fārūqī

Who was Ismaʻīl Rājī al-Fārūqī?

Ismaʻīl Rājī al-Fārūqī was a distinguished Palestinian-American philosopher, academic, and influential scholar of Islam. He is widely recognized for his pioneering efforts in establishing Islamic studies as an academic discipline in North America and for founding the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT).

What is the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT)?

The International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT) is a leading global research and publishing institution founded by Al-Faruqi in 1981. It is dedicated to the "Islamization of Knowledge," a project aiming to synthesize Islamic thought with modern academic disciplines to address contemporary challenges.

Where did Al-Faruqi teach and establish programs?

Al-Faruqi taught at several universities in North America, notably McGill University. His most significant academic contribution was at Temple University, where he founded and chaired the influential Islamic Studies program, which became a model for similar initiatives.

What was Al-Faruqi's contribution to interfaith relations?

Al-Faruqi was a fervent proponent of interfaith dialogue. He served as Vice-President of organizations like the Inter-Religious Peace Colloquium and The Muslim-Jewish-Christian Conference, actively working to bridge understanding and foster cooperation among Abrahamic faiths.