Revelation and Political Philosophy What Is Islamization of Knowledge?

Abstract

This is a "work in progress" presentation based on mearch I am now
conducting about the development of Islamic political philosophy during
the classical period of Islam. My contention is that a better understanding
of that tradition puts the current debate about Islamic fundamentalism or
resurgence into a new perspective. Behind the sensational, popular demands
for greater adherence to the strictures of the revealed law of Islam
lies an issue of fundamental importance: how divine revelation is to be
understd and interpreted for political guidance. Those who developed
Islamic political philosophy spoke directly to this issue and did so in a
manner that merits the attention of contemporary Muslim activists, scholars
interested in Islam, and thoughtful human beings in general. They
thought clearly about the relationship between religious belief and
political practice because they addressed the issue ditectly and without
preconceptions. Consequently, whatever our religious and cultural origins,
we can benefit greatly from their teaching.
One of my goals is to refocus current social science scholarship while
engaging Muslim scholars in debate on topics they deem urgent. Lately,
there have been many, perhaps too many, reports and prognostics concerning
the success of resurgent Islam as well as the challenges it poses
to Middle Eastern and western regimes. Such studies invariably talk
about, rather than with, those calling for greater attention to Islamic precepts
and practices; they presuppose and reinforce an attitude of "us" and
"our valued' vetSUS "them" and "their values." Such a posture not only
fosters antagonism and misunderstanding, it also ignores the way Muslims
are now addressing this complex phenomenon.
Indeed, for almost a decade, Muslims trained in the West have been
investigating how western learning, especially the social sciences, illuminates
traditional Islamic sciences and vice versa. This task addresses, at
the highest level, the issue behind the call for application of the Shari'ah
and offers the best Contemporary possibility of achieving some kind of
intercultural understanding. It offers those interested in western and Islamic
culture a unique opportunity to delve mare deeply into another culture
and thereby understand the other and their own culture better.
Another goal is to investigate how philosophers within the classical
period of Islam understood revelation and its outward manifestationprophecy-
to influence political life. While mast scholars recognize the ...