Tajdid, Islah, and Civilisational Renewal in Islam

The basic theme of this paper is that civilisational renewal is an integral part of Islamic thought. The article looks into the meaning, definition and origins of tajdid and their relationship with Ijtihad, and how these have been manifested in the writings and contributions of the thought leaders of Islam throughout its history. The article develops tajdid-related formulas and guidelines that should lead the efforts of contemporary Muslims in articulating the objectives of inter-civilisational harmony and their cooperation for the common good.