Theological knowledge in the system of religious studies expertise: Islamic and methodological aspects
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Abstract
The article examines the theoretical and practical aspects of applying Islamic theological knowledge in modern religious studies expertise conducted in the Russian Federation. Special attention is paid to the role of the Islamic theological tradition in shaping the methodological foundations of expert research, as well as to the problems of legal regulation, institutionalization, and professional competence of experts. The theological approach is presented as an integral component of scientific analysis that provides a deeper understanding of the internal logic of religious systems, their axiological foundations, and historical-doctrinal contexts. The paper explores the key directions in the development of religious expertise as an interdisciplinary field that unites law, philosophy, sociology of religion, and theology. It emphasizes that theology, with its developed conceptual apparatus and moral-intellectual potential, can fill the methodological gap often observed in the interpretation of sacred texts and religious norms. The research draws on the works of Russian scholars and allowing for a synthetic approach to understanding religious expertise as a form of cultural and academic mediation. The study highlights the necessity of integrating theological categories (ʻaqida, fiqh, kalam, tafsir) into expert practices, especially when evaluating Islamic educational programs, theological texts, and social initiatives. The article concludes that the formation of a new interdisciplinary field – theologically informed expertise – is essential for strengthening scientific, legal, and spiritual interaction within the system of state-confessional relations and for promoting social harmony based on religious understanding.
Keywords:
Islam, Islamic studies, religious expertise, state-confessional relations, theological methodology, theology
For citation
Sharapov R.T. Theological knowledge in the system of religious studies expertise: Islamic and methodological aspects // Bulletin of the Bоlgar Islamic Academy, 2025, no. 4 (12), pp. 47–56.
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