Category: Basic Lessons from Islamic Apologetics

Using apologetics discourse, Dr. Hatem al-Haj continues to address some of the frequently asked questions within Islam. Watch the first part on FAQs with Islamic Apologetics here.

Using apologetics discourse, Dr. Hatem al-Haj addresses some of the frequently asked questions within Islam.

Dr. Hatem al-Haj continues to discuss some of the guidelines for engaging in apologetics. Listen to the first part of General Guidelines of Islamic Apologetics here.

Dr. Hatem al-Haj discusses some of the guidelines for engaging in apologetics.

In the previous sessions, we discuss the importance of studying and developing Islamic apologetics. In this session, Dr. Hatem al-Haj describes some of the limitations of apologetics.

Dr. Hatem al-Haj describes some of the concerns and pitfalls to engaging in apologetics.

What is the study of apologetics? What is Islamic apologetics and why is it an important discourse to invest in?

Islamic apologetics is about defending the doctrines of the faith in rational terms. When people hear the term “Islamic apologetics” they can understand that this is an academic discipline that requires research. Sh. Dr. Hatem al-Haj describes the reason behind using this term.

The dominant culture in the West is culturally liberal or to the left. Dr. Hatem al-Haj explains when composing a team to address Islamic apologetics, it is important to choose those who are within the circle of Islamic orthodoxy but are situated on the left of the spectrum of valid positions in order to best connect with those in the dominant culture and guide them to the message of Islam.

One of the concerns about apologetics is that it may cause a shift towards liberal or “left-leaning” views. Dr. Hatem Al-Haj explains the guiding parameter should be the spectrum of valid opinions within Islamic orthodoxy.

Sh. Dr. Hatem Al-Haj describes the importance of creating a safety valve that protects your own conception of the message of Islam while presenting it to others.

This clip is from Sh. Dr. Hatem al-Haj’s seminar on Islamic apologetics.