Islam as a Universal Ethical Consciousness: An Analysis of Muhammad Asad’s Interpretation of al-Islām

Abstract

This article explores Muhammad Asad’s interpretation of al-Islām through a critical analysis of his exegetical work The Message of the Qur’an. The study aims to examine how Asad departs from traditional interpretations by redefining al-Islām not as a rigid ideological construct but as a moral and spiritual disposition grounded in surrender to God. The research employs a descriptive-analytical method using linguistic-semantic analysis and historical-contextual approaches. Methodologically, the study focuses on Asad’s interpretation of key Qur’anic terms such as Islam, Muslim, and salām, analyzing their semantic fields and ethical implications. The results demonstrate that Asad views Islam as a universal path grounded in moral responsibility, extending beyond confessional boundaries. He contrasts with classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Fakhruddin Razi by emphasizing ethical universality over exclusivist dogma. The findings suggest that Asad’s inclusive approach contributes to religious pluralism, interfaith dialogue, and the redefinition of Muslim identity in multicultural societies. His interpretation reclaims the Qur’an’s original moral intent, offering a framework that integrates Islamic teachings with contemporary values. Ultimately, the study concludes that Asad’s hermeneutics position Islam as a dynamic ethical system capable of addressing modern social realities while remaining faithful to its spiritual core.