Tajdîd al-îmân in Islamic thought

Faith is the fundamental issue of all religions, as the feeling of belief or denial is an inherent aspect of human nature. In this regard, Islam calls people to the belief in divine unity (tawhid) in accordance with this innate human disposition. The concepts related to faith are given significant emphasis in both the Qur'an and the hadiths. Faith is an inner act of the human heart. From a theological (kalâm) perspective, faith, in its essence, consists of the heart's affirmation. However, faith, which is essentially the affirmation of the heart, is not a static or fixed entity. Various aspects such as the characteristics, branches, and psychological dimensions of faith indicate its dynamic and changing nature. The concept of tajdîd al-îmân (renewal of faith) emerges from this dynamic and transformative structure. This concept is defined as the renewal, revitalization, and restoration of the principles of faith. In this sense, it is often associated with the verbal declaration of the kalimat al-tawḥîd or the shahâda. However, tajdîd al-îmân goes far beyond this verbal expression and carries significant theological implications. In this study, we will examine the concept of tajdîd al-îmân, which holds a distinct place in our scholarly tradition, from a theological perspective, taking into account its historical background. For this purpose, the research is divided into an introduction and four main chapters. In the first chapter, we attempt to define the conceptual framework of the terms îmân (faith) and tajdîd (renewal). The second chapter explores the historical background of the concept. The third chapter analyzes the theological foundations and doctrinal motivations that necessitated the use of this concept.