The shafiʼ school in action: education, fatwas and enlightenment in modern Dagestan
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Abstract
This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the contemporary status and development of the Shafiʼi school in the Republic of Dagestan, focusing on its educational, theological, and outreach activities. It examines the efforts of the Muftiate of Dagestan, Islamic universities, and specialized departments for fatwas, science, and enlightenment operating within the framework of the Shafiʼi tradition. Particular attention is given to initiatives such as the organization of republican gatherings of scholars (majlis), national competitions for young Islamic scholars, publication of classical Islamic texts, and the integration of Islamic knowledge into general and extracurricular education systems. The paper explores strategies for increasing religious literacy among youth, preventing extremist ideologies, and preserving traditional Islamic identity in the context of globalization and digitalization. The use of modern media tools, mobile applications, and online platforms in religious education and communication is also discussed. The conclusion emphasizes the crucial role of the Shafiʼi school as a core component of Dagestan’s religious and cultural heritage, contributing to the spiritual resilience and social stability of the region.
For citation
Daliev Z.H. The shafiʼ school in action: education, fatwas and enlightenment in modern Dagestan // Bulletin of the Bolgar Islamic Academy, 2025, no. 3 (11), pp. 101–111.
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