The Madhhab-i ʿIshq: A Normative Mode of Being Muslim

By Adis Duderija, New Age Islam 21 August 2025 In history of Islamic thought, the concept of Madhhab-i Ishq (The School of Love) represents a profound and transformative approach to understanding (the Islamic) faith. This idea, eloquently articulated by scholars like Cyrus Ali Zargar and Shahab Ahmed, positions love and experiential truth as central tenets of being Muslim. Rather than adhering (strictly) to prescriptive (and constructed) orthodoxy, the Madhhab-i ʿIshq invites individuals to explore their spirituality through the lenses of beauty, paradox, and love. This perspective encourages a more nuanced and personal engagement with Islam, one that resonates deeply with general human (spiritual) experience. At the heart of the Madhhab-i ʿIshq lies the distinction between experiential truth and prescriptive orthodoxy. Traditional forms of Islamic scholarship often emphasise adherence to established doctrines and legalistic interpretations. While these frameworks provide a sense of stability and community, they can also create barriers to personal spiritual exploration. The Madhhab-i Ishq challenges this norm by positing that true understanding of faith cannot be confined to rigid rules or dogmas. Instead, it advocates for a lived experience of the divine, one that is felt and expressed through love. Experiential truth is inherently subjective; it acknowledges the diverse ways individuals encounter the sacred. This approach resonates particularly in a world increasingly characterised by pluralism, where people from different backgrounds and beliefs interact. The Madhhab-i ʿIshq encourages Muslims to draw from their own experiences—whether through poetry, art, or personal relationships—to engage with their faith. This experiential dimension of Islam allows for a rich tapestry of interpretations, each valid and meaningful in its own right. Beauty plays a crucial role in the Madhhab-i ʿIshq, serving as a pathway to understanding the divine. In many religious traditions, including Islam, beauty is often seen as a reflection of the divine essence. The Qur'an itself speaks of creation as a manifestation of God's beauty, inviting believers to recognize the divine in the world around them. The Madhhab-i ʿIshq elevates this notion, suggesting that an appreciation for beauty can lead to a deeper understanding of God. Art, music, and poetry become vital expressions of this connection. Some Islamic mystics exemplify how love and beauty intertwine with spirituality. Their verses celebrate the divine as the ultimate beloved, inviting readers to experience a profound sense of connection through their words. In this light, artistic expression is not merely a form of entertainment but a vital spiritual practice that nurtures the soul. Another essential element of the Madhhab-i ʿIshq is its embrace of paradox. Life is replete with contradictions—joy and sorrow, faith and doubt, love and loss. The traditional Islamic discourse often seeks to resolve these tensions through theological clarity. However, the Madhhab-i ʿIshq invites individuals to acknowledge and embrace these paradoxes as integral to the human experience. By accepting paradox, believers can cultivate a more profound and resilient faith. This acceptance allows for a dynamic relationship with God, one that is not threatened by doubt or uncertainty. Instead of viewing struggles as obstacles to faith, adherents of the Madhhab-i ʿIshq can understand them as opportunities for growth and deeper connection. This perspective fosters a sense of compassion and empathy towards oneself and others, recognizing that every person's journey is unique and valid. Love as the Central Tenet Love stands as the cornerstone of the Madhhab-i ʿIshq, shaping how believers relate to God, themselves, and others. The concept of divine love permeates Islamic mysticism, emphasizing that the ultimate goal of existence is to cultivate a loving relationship with the Creator. This love is not merely an emotion but a transformative force that inspires action, compassion, and service. In practical terms, this means that the Madhhab-i ʿIshq encourages believers to express their love through acts of kindness, social justice, and communal responsibility. It calls for a reorientation of priorities, urging Muslims to engage with the world through a lens of love rather than fear or judgment. This approach resonates with contemporary social justice movements within Islam, which emphasize the importance of love and compassion in addressing systemic inequalities. The Madhhab-i Ishq also invites a reimagining of Islamic identity. In a global context where Muslims often face stereotypes and misconceptions, this approachoffers a refreshing narrative that centres on love, beauty, and personal experience. It provides a counter-narrative to extremist ideologies within the Islamic tradition, reducing it to a set of rigid rules or violent dogma. By embracing the Madhhab-i ʿIshq, Muslims can articulate a more holistic and compassionate identity that resonates with a broader audience. This inclusive vision not only enriches the spiritual lives of individual believers but also fosters understanding and dialogue with people of other faiths. In a world marked by division, the emphasis on love and beauty serves as a bridge, inviting collaboration and mutual respect. The Madhhab-i ʿIshq represents a vital and transformative approach to understanding Islam in the modern world. By privileging experiential truth over prescriptive orthodoxy, it invites believers to engage with their faith through the lenses of beauty, paradox, and love. This perspective not only deepens individual spirituality but also fosters a more inclusive and compassionate Islamic identity. As Muslims navigate the complexities of contemporary life, the madhhab-i ʿishq offers a path forward—one that embraces the richness of human experience and celebrates the divine in all its manifestations. In doing so, it encourages a holistic understanding of faith that resonates deeply with the heart and soul of all of humanity. Through love and beauty, the Madhhab-i Ishq illuminates a way of being Muslim that is both profound and transformative, inviting all to embark on this journey of spiritual exploration. ------ Checkout Dr. Adis Duderija’s personal website at: https://dradisduderija.com/ A decades old patron of New Age Islam, Dr Adis Duderija is a Senior Lecturer in the Study of Islam and Society, School of Humanities, Languages and Social Science; Senior Fellow Centre for Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue, Griffith University | Nathan | Queensland | Australia. His forthcoming books are (co-edited) - Shame, Modesty, and Honour in Islam and Interfaith Engagement beyond the Divide (Springer) URL: https://www.newageislam.com/debating-islam/madhhab-ishq-normative-mode-muslim/d/136556 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism