Comparative Religion between East and West A Reading of the Methodology of Its Pioneers

Abstract

This article enumerates the most important pioneers of comparative religion and the development of the methodology of religious studies throughout history in reference to their views of the religious phenomenon in the East and the West. As well as the differences and agreements between the scholars of the study of religions, especially among Muslims, Jews, and Christians. The article assumes that this study of religions is Islamic in origin, but Western scholars specializing in the field of social sciences developed it and determined its method and theories.

1-Research objectives and originality: This research identifies the science of religions and its methods by selecting models of prominent figures in this field in the East and the West. By defining the methods, they adopted in their diversity and difference, this research is an attempt to reach a point of convergence that determines the integration and agreement between all these methods.

2-Study methodology: A comparative historical study between the approach of Islamic scholars and the approach of Western scholars.

3-Results and discussion: There are commonalities between the methodology, but the points of divergence are deep, as Western study starts from natural assumptions about the origin of religion, while Muslims believe that religion must have a metaphysical origin. Keywords: Methodology, Comparative Religions, Western Scientists, Muslim Scientists, Figures in the History of Religions.