Islamization of Knowledge (book)

The "Islamization of Knowledge" refers to a 20th-century movement and the title of a book (or series of books) that advocates for the restructuring of modern academic disciplines from an Islamic perspective. It posits that contemporary knowledge is often tainted by secular, Western biases that conflict with Islamic values and principles. Proponents of Islamization of Knowledge argue for a critical re-evaluation of existing fields of study – such as economics, sociology, psychology, and history – through the lens of the Quran and Sunnah (the teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad). This involves identifying and removing elements considered to be incompatible with Islamic beliefs, and incorporating Islamic ethical and moral frameworks into the development and application of knowledge. The movement aims to create a body of knowledge that is both academically rigorous and morally sound, serving the needs of Muslim societies while adhering to Islamic principles. The intellectual origins are often traced back to the work of scholars like Ismail Raji al-Faruqi, who played a key role in formulating the theoretical foundations of the movement. Critiques of the Islamization of Knowledge project include concerns about academic freedom, the potential for selective interpretation of religious texts, and the feasibility of creating distinct "Islamic" versions of universal scientific disciplines. The concept remains a subject of ongoing debate and discussion within academic and religious circles.