The Role of Universities towards Islamization of Knowledge: The IIUM as A Model

Abstract

This paper highlights the concept of Islamization of knowledge (IOK) and elaborates the role of universities toward achieving that particular goal. Islamization of Knowledge still needs to be understood and delved with a deeper insight. Therefore, it is necessary to elaborate this concept and develop its methodology if it is to serve its purpose in finding out the solution to the malaise facing the ummah. One of the most important malaises confronting the ummah is the existence of educational dualism (secularreligious) in the Muslim societies that has resulted in its economic backwardness, political regression and intellectual retardation. The theory of Islamization of knowledge has been developed having some significant goals, namely to produce skilled future leaders with knowledge in true Islamic sense. In this purpose, Islamizing the disciplines, producing text books and having the institutional support with the vision of Islam is of utmost import. The fact that the role and the contribution of the Universities toward developing this idea and achieving its goals are of special significance, International Islamic University Malaysia can be the model for the others to emulate. Even since its inception, this university has taken on this challenge and today it is one of the main and most important centres of Islamization of Knowledge project in the Islamic world. The current study also focuses on how IIUM contributes to this project and it could be the model for others. It concludes with some suggestions toward contributing to this project as a university in general and as an Islamic university in particular. The methodology applied in the study is critical and analytical.