Islamization of Knowledge (IOK)

Islamization of Knowledge (IoK)

"And He found you lost and guided [you]"  93:7

The significance of knowledge in Islam is salient. The first Revelation bestowed upon the Prophet SAW was on knowledge where he was asked to read by the Angel Jibril A.S.. Being students of English before coming to IIUM, we never imagined that learning all the western knowledge of English like Literature and even Linguistics would actually bring us to value and realize the greatness of Allah the Almighty and knowledge as a whole.

Studying in International Islamic University Malaysia, we are glad that we had the opportunity to know about the Islamization of Knowledge which is also one of the postgraduate courses offered by the university. There are a few arguments on the term itself where it is seen as forcing Islam on knowledge studies and so on. Instead of forcing, it is more of an integration of Islam with knowledge studies and in our case, English studies particularly. Guided by the Islamization of Knowledge in our studies, we were taught to not only study for instance, a western piece of poetry on its own, but also think about it from the perspectives of Islam. Initially, we thought that it was not conceivable; to be able to look at English Literature of Shakespeare for instance, from an Islamic perspective. However, as we go along, we tend to understand what IIUM and Islam has been emphasizing about. Not only that, we also came to know a lot of great Muslim scholars and writers who produced impressive works but unfortunately they are not recognized by the world. Instead of using only Western authors or philosophers’ pieces as references, it is our job as Muslim students to elevate great Muslim scholars’ works as well and make them renowned as not only just reliable but also impressive source of knowledge.

Besides that, the Islamization of Knowledge will also lead us to the purification of oneself. By integrating Islam into knowledge, we will be amazed by how everything is actually relevant to Islam and studying English language and literature will not hinder us from practicing the Islamic way of life. Not only that, we also came to know a lot of great Muslim scholars and writers who produced impressive works but unfortunately they are not recognized by the world. Instead of using only Western authors or philosophers’ pieces as references, it is our job as Muslim students to elevate great Muslim scholars’ works as well and make them renowned as not only just reliable but also impressive source of literary knowledge. 

As for Linguistics, we have learnt how beautiful languages are, be it in English or Arabic. Besides, the language can be in terms of metaphorical, allegorical and can be represented in various distinct ways to express different feelings. After learning all the linguistics elements, we can infer that, the language of the holy Quran; the style of language, the choice of vocabulary, metaphors and rhyme are perfectly in sync. This perfection seen in the Quran shows that the Creator is Absolute and Perfect; that no one could have ever created a masterpiece like that.

The Islamization of Knowledge is also relevant to the Computer Applications in Language Learning subject that we are taking. In the course, we learn that there are so many applications and softwares with the advancement of technology made to our convenience. This advantage can be used to ease the spread of knowledge and greatly help in language learning. As we are free to post anything online, we should set a good example of how good Muslims should be while promoting knowledge relevant to our studies. For example, publishing articles or works on the internet, setting up a website or blogs which aid students of various levels to learn language, and more. While doing those, we should adhere to the etiquettes in academics like not violating any copyrights, no plagiarizing, and such. The most important thing is that to ensure that everything we do to help the community or even the world with the help of technology is with the intention of making us better Muslims to please Allah.