ISLAMIZATION OF KNOWLEDGE

INTRODUCTION:
The term ‘Islamization of Knowledge’ represents a connection between the modern thought and the ethics of Islam. According to this approach, social reforms and sustainable economic development ought to be attained in such a way that it does not violiate the principles of Islamic ideology. The process of ‘Islamization of Knowledge’ demands for ‘ijma’.
The phrase "Islamization of knowledge" was first used and proposed by the Malaysian scholar Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas in his book "Islam and Secularism" .It was also proposed by the Palestinian philosopher Ismail Al-Faruqi, in 1982, in response to what he called "the malaise of the ummah" (faithful). He argued that by using tools, categories, concepts and modes of analysis that originated wholly in the secular West (like Marxism).[1]
NEED:
The West is the leader of the economic platform of the world, which is the ‘master platform’. The sub platforms consist of scientific research, social, environmental and ethical categories. There is a wide range of differences among the west and the rest of the world in all these categories. Many of the strategies of west can not be opted due to geographical, social and ethical differences. So there’s the need of such economic and social reforms on the part of Muslim world. For instance ‘use of alcohol’, which is prohibited for Muslims, but for the non-Muslims, its not so, in this case there comes social difference with reference to the use of such commodity while economic difference with reference to the production, sales and marketing of the same. Should we start producing alcohol in order to increase our national output or is there any other alternative? Similarly interest is prohibited in Islam, but the modern economic systems cannot risk their growth without interest. So should we opt modern economic systems or should we have some amendment in our own system? To find the answers of such questions there rises the need of ‘ijma’ in order to attain equilibrium at master platform without abandoning from our ideology. As the present day demands for the balance on the screen of international arena, there is a dire need of ‘planning’, by keeping the basis of ‘islamic ideology’ in mind. Such planning should aim at eminence, by organizing the resources in an appropriate manner, with reference to social, religious and economic concerns.
CRITICISM:
There is a list of debates on “Islamic economics’ and ‘Islamic science’. According to western school of thought, the ‘islamic economic system’ woks on zero-interest, participatory labour capital and community control of land so it hindrances the process of growth. Secondly for them it restricts the volume of production. As far as ‘islamic science’ is concerned, it has also been under criticism. Al-faruqi’s proposal to restrict the course of science within the strong limits of ethics and curtailment of curiosity or “knowledge for knowledge’s sake” has also been criticized by such school of thought.
More over ‘islamic feminism’, ‘ethics of technology’ and ‘consumerism’ are also in the hit list of west.

REALITY:
Islamic concept of ‘sustainable economic development’ has been criticized widely, but the present circumstances of the effects of ‘global warming’ and depletion of environment and probability of scarcity of resources in future demands for such ‘sustainable economic development’. Secondly the Islamic concept of abstaining from interest leads towards a just distribution of wealth, which further aids to attain the social equality.
The ‘islamization of knowledge’ with reference to science and technology also aims to maintain the ethical values. Ethical values are not so important for the west, but for the muslim ummah abandoning from such values is unhealthy practice, as we believe on the life hereafter. Further in science the concept of ‘halal’ and ‘haram’ (which has been criticized widely) has strong scientific justifications. For instance for a muslim, the meat of ‘cat’, ‘dog’ or ‘pig’ is ‘haram’. Modern Science reveals that the components of such meat are harmful for humans. If islam demands to wash your hands (in such a way that the fingers should be rubbed) before eating something, science proves that by such method germs are killed. Secondly to say that Islam constraints the way to explore is totally wrong, because Quran says, “Allah has created this universe for you to explore the secrets of it”.
With reference to Islamic feminism, its Islam which gave the rights to women, which stopped the ‘live burial’ of daughters, which gave her share in the property. Islam does not restrict the participation of women in the economic or social activities, but demands for the distribution of opportunities on the basis of equality and equity. (*)

CONCLUSION:
The term ‘islamiization of knowledge’ has wrongly been interpreted by the west, so there’s the need of the spread of actual essence of the theme. In this regard work in writings is not sufficient, but we also need the pragmatic demonstration of the same.

REFERENCES:
[1] answers.com
Understanding Islam by Maulana Abul Ala Maududi

NOTE:
(*) here I expect a bombastic disagreement from Khuram