Islamization of knowledge

This initiative traces its roots to the 1977 Makkah conference,[2] an influential event that triggered a dialogue among Islamic intellectuals regarding the role of Islam in shaping knowledge and understanding in the modern world.[3] Among these intellectuals, Isma'il Raji al-Faruqi played a pivotal role in formalizing and articulating the concept. Al-Faruqi expressed his concerns about the secularization of knowledge in Muslim societies.[4] He discussed "the malaise of the ummah" (the faithful) and argued that the reliance on Western secular tools, categories, and analytical methods led to a disconnect with the ecological and social realities of Muslim nations, and often resulted in the overlooking of breaches of Islamic ethics.[5]

Al-Faruqi advocated for the revival of methods used in early Muslim philosophy, the restoration of ijtihad (independent reasoning), and the integration of scientific methodologies within the boundaries of Islam. His theoretical framework and work plan for this concept were outlined in his 1982 book, "Islamization of Knowledge: General Principles and Work Plan," which continues to be a seminal reference for this project.[6]

The Islamization of Knowledge encourages a shift from segregated learning (where religious and secular knowledge is separated) to an integrated system interpreted through an Islamic lens. It proposes a critique and reconsideration of scientific, social, and humanistic disciplines, grounded in Islamic principles.[7]

Supporters of this concept argue that it allows Muslims to maintain their religious identity in a secular world while simultaneously benefiting from modern scientific and technological advancements.[8][9] Critics, however, express concerns over the potential conflation of religion and science and its impact on free inquiry, as well as the risk of imposing a single interpretation of Islam on diverse Muslim societies.[10][11]

The concept of the Islamization of Knowledge has significantly influenced the establishment of various academic institutions, leading to the establishment of institutions such as the International Institute of Islamic Thought, which focus on intellectual development and research inspired by the principles of the Islamization of Knowledge.[12][13]

• Islamization
• Islamic advice literature
• Islamic revival
• Early Islamic philosophy
• Islamic philosophy
• Torah Umadda, a philosophy concerning the interrelationship of secular knowledge and Jewish knowledge

• Ibrahim Ragab, The Islamization of Social Sciences
• Alan Godlas, Liberal and progressive Islam, University of Georgia
• Imtiyaz Yusuf (ed.), Islam and Knowledge: Al Faruqi's Concept of Religion in Islamic Thought (2012)