POSTMODERNISM AND RELIGION: CHALLENGES AND POSSIBILITIES IN ISLAMIC CONTEXT

Abstract

Postmodernism evolved in the latter half of the twentieth century as a philosophical and cultural response to the shortcomings of modernity. Whereas modernism emphasized progress, rationality, and absolute truth, postmodern thought challenged their major claim of objectivity and brought a narrative of subjectivity, pluralism, and relativism. Postmodernism, by its defining features posts serious challenges to religions like Islam that are founded on the narratives of absolute truth. Its critical approach questions the authenticity of holy revelations, Islamic theology and religious traditions. It’s concepts like deconstructions and relativism questions the authority of Quran. But on the other hand, it also creates larger space for Islam to re-enter into public debate and interreligious dialogue as postmodernism has concepts like pluralism. It may create new avenues to help various religions appreciate one another and contribute to development of teachings that are contextual to them.

This paper examines both the narratives of postmodernism, besides acting as a disruptive force for Islam, it also brings the reinvention of its approaches in the modern world. By looking at threats and the opportunities, this study explores this productive but complex relationship of Islam and Postmodernism thoughts