Legal Literacy - In the history of modern Islamic legal thought, the name Abdullah Ahmad An-Na'im appears as one of the reformist figures who is not only critical of the classical Islamic legal framework, but also offers a bold methodology for renewal. His idea is not just an adjustment, but a dismantling of tradition to rediscover the essence of Islamic teachings that are relevant to contemporary life. This article will thoroughly examine An-Na'im's framework of thought and its relevance in the context of national legal politics.

Dismantling Tradition: An-Na'im's Islamic Law Reform Methodology

Leaving the Historical Framework Towards Universal Ethics For An-Na'im, the renewal of Islamic law is not enough just by inserting modern norms into old texts. The fundamental step that must be taken is to leave the historical framework of classical fiqh. He argues that the old approach to Islamic public law will always clash with the principles of democracy, human rights, and social justice in the modern nation-state era.

In his monumental work, Toward an Islamic Reformation (1990), An-Na'im emphasizes that the literal application of sharia in the state legal system will only lead to legal gridlock and repression of minorities and women.

At this point, An-Na'im was greatly inspired by his teacher, Mahmoud Muhammad Taha, a Sudanese reformer who was sentenced to death for his revolutionary views. Taha distinguishes two faces of revelation in the Koran: the Meccan verses which are ethical-universal, and the Medina verses which are more legal-contextual. According to Taha and An-Na'im, it is the Meccan messages that should be the foundation of modern Islamic law because they are in line with universal values of justice.