DefinePK

Abstract

Dr. Manzoor Ahmad Khan is a prominent rationalist Islamic scholar who strives to understand religious beliefs, traditions, and teachings through a modern intellectual and rational lens. He believes that the current interpretations of Islam are no longer beneficial for today’s modern society. According to him, Muslims lag behind other nations primarily because they have distanced themselves from reason and intellect. Dr. Manzoor advocates for a new interpretation of Islamic thought and emphasizes the need for fresh methodologies to explore new intellectual avenues within Islam. He is critical of blind conformity (taqlid) and seeks to awaken public consciousness through enlightened thinking. He also stresses the importance of religious tolerance and interfaith dialogue for building a harmonious society. Although he faces criticism from various quarters, Dr. Manzoor boldly points out the flaws present in Islamic societies and also offers constructive solutions. In his view, true enlightenment lies in making Islamic teachings practically relevant and effective in addressing contemporary social issues.