The Humanistic Orientation in Religion in the Thought of Othman Amin and Abdul Jabbar Al-Rifai A Comparative Study

Abstract

This study aims to analyze a humanistic tendency in the religious thought of the Egyptian philosopher Othman Amin and the Iraqi thinker Abdul Jabbar Al-Rifai, within the context of modern transformations in Islamic thought. It is based on the premise that both thinkers offer a revitalized understanding of religion that elevates the human being and his dignity, moving beyond rigid traditional understandings. The first section examines the thought of Amin, who blended Sufism and Platonic philosophy, calling for a religion both rational and emotional, capable of liberating humanity. The second section focuses on Al-Rifai's “theology of mercy” in which he called for radical reform of theology, asserting that the essence of religion is mercy rather than oppression. The comparative section demonstrates the two thinkers’ agreement on the centrality of humanity in religion, while differing in approach: Amin stayed closer to classical interpretation, whereas Al-Rifai leaned toward deconstructing heritage. The study concludes that their humanistic tendency expresses a comprehensive vision that seeks to renew religion.