The Intellectual Legacy of a Century-Long Life: The Works of Yusuf Al-Qaradawi

This article examines the scholarly contributions of Yūsuf al-Qaraḍāwī, a prominent figure in the modern Islamic intellectual tradition, with a particular focus on his intellectual development and scholarly output. Al-Qaraḍāwī significantly influenced his interlocutors through his distinctive formulations of Islamic daʿwah, economic thought, and jihād. Known for his command of both oral and written expression, many of his public speeches were published alongside his written treatises. Over the course of his life, he authored 204 works, with his primary expertise in fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence). His scholarly interests also encompassed tafsīr (Qurʾānic exegesis), ḥadīth studies, ʿaqīdah (Islamic creed), Arabic poetry, and adab (literature). The intellectual scope of his writings reveals a deep engagement with religion, fiqh, and broader socio-religious issues. A comprehensive understanding of al-Qaraḍāwī’s thought requires attention not only to the content of his work but also to the historical and intellectual contexts in which they were produced. This study investigates those contexts, evaluates the content of his major writings, and emphasizes his own reflections on his scholarly evolution. Drawing primarily on al-Qaraḍāwī’s own texts, the article traces changes in his intellectual positions over time and considers the socio-historical factors that influenced his development. It also identifies the disciplines in which he was most prolific, the fields where he made his most significant contributions, and the themes that characterize his enduring impact. By offering a structured academic approach, this article lays the groundwork for a comprehensive, objective study of al-Qaraḍāwī’s intellectual legacy and serves as a preliminary step toward a full intellectual biography.

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