Approximity (Taghrib) as Growth: Analytical-Structural Exploration Of the Concept of ‘Approximity of Islamic Denominations’ And Offering a ‘New’ Definition

Humanities are the sciences of concepts. Ambiguous and minor concepts are in themselves veils of truth more than being our assistants in accessing the truth. The concept of ‘approximity of Islamic denominations’ can be considered as one of the ambiguous and inefficient concepts for which no operational, comprehensive and agreed upon definition exists. Thus, some basic questions can be posed in this regard: “What is the relationship between the concept of ‘approximity of Islamic denominations’ and the concepts such as ‘convergence’, ‘unity’, ‘solidarity’, and ‘Islamic unity’?” “What conceptual and structural critiques can be posted on the existing perceptions of the idea of ‘approximity’?” And finally, “What is ‘approximity’ and what is it not?” In answering these questions, this article is going to offer, through a descriptive-analytical method, a new and efficient definition capable of fulfilling the theoretical and practical needs in the sphere of the convergence of Islamic societies. In this redefinition, which rejects the separation between thought and practice, ‘approximity’ is defined in two general and specific senses. In its general sense, ‘approximation’ is making ‘oneself’ close to ‘someone else’ through one of the ways of ta‘āruf, ta‘āluf, ta‘āyush and ta‘āwun. In its specific sense in the literature of Islamic convergence, ‘approximity’ means intentional effort of any Muslim for ‘growth’ and turning the world into a more divine world through approaching his ‘other Muslim’.