Islamisation of Human Knowledge by Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Mohd Kamal Hassan (1)

Summary

The discussion on the Islamization of Knowledge (IOK) emphasizes a gradual approach for new academics, integrating Islamic principles with contemporary knowledge while addressing potential misunderstandings in Western contexts. It advocates for the term 'relevantization' for Islamic disciplines, highlighting the need for continuous reform to remain applicable to modern issues. The speaker underscores the importance of maintaining Islamic identity amidst integration and encourages interdisciplinary collaboration. Overall, IOK is portrayed as a dynamic, evolving process essential for addressing global challenges while preserving ethical values and promoting a holistic understanding of knowledge.

Takeaways

• 😀 The aim of categorizing Islamic Higher Knowledge (IOHK) efforts is to guide academic staff, particularly fresh PhD graduates, to progress from simpler to more complex tasks.
• 😀 Integration of Islamic knowledge with human reason is crucial, but must be grounded in an Islamic worldview to avoid marginalizing critical dimensions of Islam.
• 😀 The term 'Islamization of knowledge' is contentious in Western contexts; some scholars propose using 'integration' instead to avoid misunderstandings and biases.
• 😀 In Muslim-majority countries, maintaining the discourse of 'Islamization of knowledge' is essential for cultural and educational transformation.
• 😀 The term 'relevantization' is preferred over 'Islamization' for disciplines based on Islamic epistemology, focusing on making religious values applicable to contemporary issues.
• 😀 Islamic revealed knowledge disciplines must undergo regular reform and improvement to remain relevant in a changing cultural context.
• 😀 The integration of beneficial ideas from various disciplines should be pursued, as long as they do not contradict Islamic principles.
• 😀 The process of Islamization of knowledge is ongoing and must adapt to societal changes while retaining core Islamic principles.
• 😀 Different approaches to IOHK include positive integration, critical analysis, and the creation of new knowledge, demonstrating its inclusive nature.
• 😀 Taha Jabir al-Aluani's approach emphasizes the complementary reading of divine signs in the universe and the Quran, guiding the future of IOHK.

Q & A

What is the main aim of categorizing IOHK efforts?

The categorization of IOHK efforts is aimed at guiding academic staff, especially fresh PhD graduates, by providing a gradual framework for engagement with Islamic knowledge, starting from simpler tasks to more complex scholarly contributions.

Why is the term 'Islamization' controversial in Western contexts?

In Western contexts, the term 'Islamization' is often viewed as a political agenda to impose Islamic values, leading some Muslim intellectuals to prefer the term 'integration' to avoid negative connotations associated with Islamization.

What does the speaker suggest about the integration of knowledge?

The speaker suggests that while integrating Islamic and Western knowledge is necessary, it must be done critically to ensure that Islamic values are preserved and not compromised.

How does the speaker define 'relevantization' in the context of Islamic knowledge?

Relevantization refers to the process of adapting and making Islamic revealed knowledge pertinent to contemporary issues while ensuring it retains its foundational principles.

What challenges do Muslim scholars face in the West regarding the discourse of Islamization?

Muslim scholars in the West face challenges due to the negative perceptions of Islamization, which can lead to misunderstandings and resistance from non-Muslim communities.

Why is IIUM mentioned as a significant institution in the context of Islamization?

IIUM is highlighted as a significant institution because it has successfully articulated and developed the discourse of Islamization, demonstrating that it can be an asset rather than a liability in a plural society.

What concerns does the speaker raise about abandoning the term 'Islamization' in Muslim-majority countries?

The speaker expresses concern that abandoning the term 'Islamization' in Muslim-majority countries could lead to tolerating un-Islamic elements within education, culture, and politics, thus undermining Islamic ethical values.

How does the speaker propose to approach the reconstruction of knowledge in Islamic disciplines?

The speaker advocates for the reconstruction of knowledge by integrating beneficial ideas and methods from various disciplines, including social sciences and natural sciences, as long as they do not contradict Islamic principles.

What is the significance of the concept of 'anil munkar' in the speaker's discussion?

'Anil munkar' refers to the imperative in Islam to prevent wrongdoing, and the speaker emphasizes its importance in both Muslim-majority and Western contexts to address un-Islamic elements in society.

What does the speaker conclude about the future of IOHK?

The speaker concludes that IOHK is a continuous and evolving process that should remain open to new developments, integrating knowledge from diverse sources while adhering to Islamic values.