Ismail Raji al-Faruqi

Islamization of Knowledge: General Principles and Work Plan presents a systematic framework for addressing the intellectual crisis facing the Muslim Ummah and offers a comprehensive blueprint for educational reform. Authored by distinguished scholars Dr. Ismail Rājī al-Fārūqī and Dr. Abdul Hamid Abū Sulayman, this foundational work emerged from decades of scholarly dialogue and represents the core vision of the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT).

The authors diagnose the contemporary malaise of Muslim societies as fundamentally intellectual rather than merely political or economic. They argue that the bifurcation of education into "Islamic" and "secular" systems has produced generations alienated from their heritage while remaining unable to transcend Western models. This dualism has left Muslim youth intellectually disarmed, unable to engage creatively with either their Islamic legacy or contemporary challenges.

The book articulates first principles of Islamic methodology grounded in Qur'anic revelation: the unity of Allah, the unity of creation, the unity of truth and knowledge, the unity of life, and the unity of humanity. These principles form the foundation for an integrated approach to knowledge that harmonizes revelation and reason, bridges thought and action, and reconnects the Ummah with its intellectual heritage while engaging contemporary sciences.

The authors present a detailed work plan for Islamizing the disciplines, particularly the social sciences and humanities. This involves mastering both the Islamic legacy and contemporary knowledge, critically examining Western philosophical foundations, and recasting disciplines within Islamic frameworks. The agenda addresses methodology, behavioral sciences, education, political science, economics, and other fields essential to Muslim societies.

This second edition reflects the Institute's evolving understanding based on practical experience in implementing Islamization projects. It emphasizes that Islamization is an ongoing process requiring sustained scholarly effort across generations. The work clarifies distinctions between Islamization, Westernization, and modernization, positioning Islamic reform as inherently contemporary while rooted in revealed guidance.

Written for scholars, educators, students, and Muslim leaders, this work offers both theoretical foundations and practical steps for educational reform. It addresses creating awareness, crystallizing Islamic thought, mastering the legacy through classification projects, mastering contemporary knowledge through critical surveys, producing textbooks, and preparing academic cadres equipped for creative contributions.

The manuscript explores how Islamic civilization can resume its role as a transformative force for humanity by developing knowledge systems that address contemporary challenges while maintaining fidelity to revelation. It examines the historical factors that led to intellectual stagnation, including the closing of ijtihad, the separation of thought from action, and the dichotomy between revelation and reason.

This foundational text remains essential reading for understanding contemporary Islamic educational reform movements and the intellectual foundations of institutions working toward knowledge integration. It demonstrates how Islamic principles can inform rigorous academic inquiry while offering alternatives to secular paradigms that dominate modern universities.

Qadeem Press

Islamization of Knowledge - General principles and work plan

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