The Importance of Developing Islamic Process Theology: A Better Understanding of the Human-God Relationship

By Adis Duderija, New Age Islam 07 November 2024 We find ourselves at a unique juncture in the evolution of consciousness. This moment invites profound reflection on the intricate relationship between humanity and God. The unfolding of our world, which is a purposive process, suggests a trajectory toward greater self-awareness, characterised by a freely chosen path of becoming. At the heart of this exploration for Muslims worldwide lies the significance of developing an Islamic process theology, which can deepen our understanding of God’s nature and our relationship with the divine. The Teleological Journey toward Self-Consciousness To comprehend the human-God relationship, we must first appreciate an inherent purposefulness and direction in the evolution of the universe. From the earliest moments of creation to the present, the universe has been on a journey toward increasing self-consciousness. This evolving awareness is not merely a human endeavour; it is a manifestation of God’s own reality in the world. As we reflect on our existence, we recognise that the process of becoming is a divine invitation to engage with the Divine more meaningfully and more beautifully. This perspective challenges the traditional view of God as an eternal subject who exists outside of time and space, only intermittently and supernaturally intervening in the world. Instead, process theology suggests that God is actively involved in the unfolding of creation, embodying freedom and mercy. This understanding emphasizes that the divine essence is not static but dynamic, engaging with the world in an ongoing, relational manner. By recognizing this, we can begin to see our existence as part of a larger narrative in which God’s freedom and self-love are expressed through creation. The Misunderstanding of the Divine Relationship Historically, many interpretations of the divine-human relationship have emphasised a stark separation between the sacred and the secular, the material and the spiritual. This dichotomy has led to a misunderstanding of God’s nature and our place in the cosmos. The traditional view often frames the world as a material entity, separate from the divine realm, which can lead to a sense of alienation from God. Within this framework, the manifestation of God is often perceived as a singular, historical event rather than an ongoing process. This misunderstanding has significant implications for how we relate to God and one another. If we view the world as disconnected from the divine, we may struggle to recognize the sacred in our daily lives, fostering a sense of separation that can lead to despair and disillusionment. Conversely, an Islamic process theology can help bridge this gap. By reconceptualising the divine-human relationship as one of interconnectedness and mutual influence, we can appreciate that our experiences of freedom and self-consciousness are not merely secular pursuits but are deeply rooted in our relationship with God. This perspective invites us to see ourselves as active participants in the divine narrative, contributing to the ongoing process of creation. The Nature of God: Freedom and Self-Love At the core of Islamic process theology is the understanding of God as the Free Being is a divine entity whose essence is characterised by freedom and self-love. This conception of God transcends the traditional view of a distant, controlling deity, presenting instead a God who is intimately involved in the unfolding of existence. Such a God does not impose His will upon creation but rather invites creatures to participate in the divine life. This understanding of God as the Free Being aligns with the Islamic tenet of tawhid, the unicity of God. Tawhid emphasises that God’s essence is unified and indivisible, reflecting a profound interconnectedness within creation. This interconnectedness is not merely theological; it has practical implications for how we approach our relationships with others and with the world around us. Recognising the divine presence in every aspect of creation encourages a sense of responsibility and stewardship, urging us to act with compassion and justice. Furthermore, the manifestation of God’s self-love through creation serves as a reminder of our inherent worth. In seeking freedom and fulfilment, human beings are not rebelling against the divine order; rather, they are embodying the very essence of God’s creation. This perspective reframes the narrative of humanity’s relationship with God, allowing us to embrace our freedom as a divine gift rather than a burden or limitation. The Modern Human Experience: A Reflection of the Divine In the modern era, there is a tendency to perceive humanity as increasingly secular, detached from the divine. However, this interpretation may overlook the profound ways in which contemporary individuals seek meaning and connection with the divine. The quest for freedom both personal and collective can be seen as a reflection of the divine nature embedded within humanity. As we navigate a world marked by rapid change and complexity, the human experience of freedom takes on new significance. Rather than being viewed as merely secular or demystified, modern humanity can be understood as embodying a unique proximity to God. The search for purpose, authenticity, and connection reflects a yearning for the divine that transcends traditional religious boundaries. In this light, the development of an Islamic process theology becomes even more relevant, as it provides a framework for understanding how our experiences of freedom relate to the divine. By embracing this perspective, we can foster a deeper appreciation for the sacredness of human existence. Each individual’s journey toward self-awareness can be seen as a microcosm of the greater divine narrative, where every choice and action contributes to the ongoing process of creation. This understanding encourages a sense of solidarity among individuals, as we recognize our shared pursuit of wisdom, meaning and connection with the divine. Building an Islamic Process Theology The development of an Islamic process theology requires a re-evaluation of traditional theological concepts such as revelation in light of contemporary understandings of existence and consciousness. This process involves engaging with both classical Islamic texts and modern philosophical insights to create a dynamic and relevant framework for understanding the divine-human relationship. One critical aspect of this development is the integration of insights from various Islamic traditions, including Sufism, which emphasizes the experiential dimension of faith. Sufi thought often highlights the relational aspects of the divine, emphasizing love, mercy, and the transformative power of the human experience. By synthesizing these insights with contemporary philosophical perspectives, we can construct a theology that resonates with the lived experiences of Muslims today. Moreover, engaging with interdisciplinary approaches drawing from psychology, sociology, and environmental ethics can enrich our understanding of the human-God relationship. By exploring how our spiritual beliefs influence our interactions with the world and each other, we can foster a holistic understanding of faith that emphasises interconnectedness and responsibility. The Practical Implications of Islamic Process Theology The development of an Islamic process theology has profound implications for how we engage with the world. It encourages a shift away from dogmatic certainty toward a more open and exploratory approach to faith. This openness can facilitate dialogue among diverse communities, fostering a spirit of collaboration and mutual understanding. In practical terms, this theology can inform ethical frameworks that prioritize compassion, justice, and environmental stewardship. Recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings encourages Muslims to engage actively with social and ecological issues, fostering a sense of responsibility that reflects the divine mandate to care for creation. Furthermore, an Islamic process theology can provide a foundation for interfaith dialogue, as it emphasizes shared human experiences and the quest for meaning. By focusing on our commonalities rather than our differences, we can work together to address pressing global challenges, such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. Embracing the Journey of Becoming In conclusion, the development of Islamic process theology is essential for deepening our understanding of the human-God relationship. By recognizing our existence as part of a dynamic, ongoing process of becoming, we can appreciate the divine manifestation of freedom and self-love in our lives. As we navigate the complexities of modern existence, let us embrace the journey of becoming, recognizing that our experiences of freedom and self-consciousness are intimately tied to the divine. Through the development of an Islamic process theology, we as Muslims can foster a deeper sense of connection with God and with one another, paving the way for a more compassionate, just, and interconnected world. This journey invites us not only to reflect on our place within the divine narrative but also to actively participate in the unfolding of creation, embodying the love and mercy that God extends to all beings. ---- 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://newageislam.com/islamic-ideology/developing-islamic-process-human-relationship/d/133643 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