Mapping Reformist Trajectories in Modern Islamic Thought Fazlur Rahman's Islamic Modernism: A Historiographical Analysis of His Intellectual Legacy (1919–1988)

Abstract

This paper presents a historiographical analysis of Fazlur Rahman’s intellectual legacy, situating him as a foundational figure in 20th-century Islamic modernism. Bridging classical Islamic scholarship and modern Western philosophical inquiry, Rahman advanced a reformist hermeneutic that foregrounded contextual and ethical readings of Islamic texts. The study traces the development of Rahman’s thought across distinct phases—from his early focus on classical philosophy to his mature advocacy of a neo-modernist, normative approach to Islamic theology. Central to Rahman’s methodology is the “Double Movement Theory,” which emphasizes the dialectic between historical context and contemporary relevance in interpreting the Quran. Through a comprehensive review of primary and secondary literature, this paper maps the evolving academic reception of Rahman’s work, highlighting his influence on Islamic studies, educational reform, political thought, and contemporary hermeneutics. While acknowledging critiques regarding his limited engagement with comparative religion, the paper underscores Rahman’s enduring relevance in shaping modern Islamic thought and its intersections with global discourses on religion, identity, and modernity.