Transformative Inquiry and Production of Islamic Knowledge

Abstract

Transformative inquiry is proposed in this paper as an alternative
research method that emerges from the Islamic paradigm and leads
to the creation of Islamic knowledge on one hand and inner self
transformation on the other. The emphasis, however, will be
on transformative research methods based on this union of inner
experiences of awakening of the soul from inside and unfolding of
research experiences and knowledge from outside. Before doing that,
I will shed some light on related issues of conventional and alternative
paradigms such as positivism and constructivism. Also related issues
to transformation, such as wholeness and relationships, are discussed.
Finally, four methods of inquiry, are proposed as transformative
methods that have the potential for producing Islamic knowledge.