UNGS 2040 ISLAM: KNOWLEDGE & CIVILISATION

SAMPLE Q & A

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Answer:
Al- Ghazzali divided knowledge into 4 sections as follows:

o Theoretical and practical

o Presential and attained
o Religious and intellectual
o Fard al Ayen and Fard al Kifayah

Theoretical and practical: The theoretical part makes known the states or beings
as they are. The practical part deals with man’s actions. It aims at finding out the
human activities conducive to man’s well-being in this life as well as in the next.
The above division is based on the corresponding distinction between theoretical
and practical intellect.

Presential and attained: Presential knowledge is direct, immediate, supra-

rational, intuitive and contemplative. It is also called “Illm al Laduni” and “Illm al
Mukashafa”.
Attained or acquired knowledge is indirect, rational, logical and discursive.
Presential knowledge is superior to attained knowledge because it is free from error
and doubt and it confers the heights certitude concerning spiritual truths. It
comprises Wahy and Ilham, and transcends the faith-reason dichotomy.

Religious and intellectual: religious knowledge (Ulum al Shariah) which is

acquired from prophet, not by reason and experimentation. The intellectual
knowledge (Ulum al Aqliyah) means that knowledge which is attained by the human
intellect alone. The source of religious knowledge is revelation. Reason alone cannot
attain that knowledge. Whereas, the source of the intellectual knowledge is
intellect. According to Al Ghazzali, both classes are complement each other and
never contradictory.

Fard al Ayen and Fard al Kifayah:

Fard al Ayen: It refers to religious obligation that is binding on every Muslim, like
the full understanding of the articles of Iman (faith), the pillars of Islam and the
main principle of shari’ah. If a Muslim does not know and does not want to gain this
knowledge, he will be sinful position because his faith and worship will not be
accordance with Allah’s will.

Fard al Kifayah: It refers to what is divinely bound on a Muslim community as a

whole. But, it is not binding for each member of the community. When it is
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performed by a sufficient number of Muslims, then the remaining Muslim who do not
perform it are not sinful. Such as specialized religious knowledge, the salat of Al-
Janazah(funeral prayer), or scientific knowledge like medicine, engineering,
mathematic, laws etc.

The best types of knowledge: He considers the presential is superior to the

acquired.

Reason: It is free from errors & doubt, certainty on spiritual truths. This is true with
the revelation and intuition received by the prophets.
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2.

Answer:

Islamic Perspective of knowledge: From an Islamic perspective, knowledge is a

system of learning which is to be developed and disseminated in a manner that
recognizes Allah as lord, the creator of the universe and man and his servant as well
as vicegerent on the earth. The main purposes of knowledge as follows-

 The idea of one living, omnipotent, merciful and just God. The Quran says- ‫ق لل‬
‫د‬-‫صههومق‬ ‫ اللقهه ال ل‬-‫د‬-‫( ٌ قهههوو اللقهه أووحهه‬Say: He is Allah, the One and Only; Allah, the Eternal,
Absolute);
 The idea of man as the servant of God on the earth. The Quran says- ‫ووإإلذ وقلاول‬
‫ض وخإلفيوفةة‬ ‫للر إ‬ ‫لإئوكإة إإننج ي وجلاإعٌل إفج ي ا و‬
‫( وربوك إلللوم و‬Behold, thy Lord said to the angels: "I will create
a vicegerent on earth.")
 The idea of Prophethood for the guidance of man. ‫صقح لوقكلم ووأولعلوقم‬ ‫أقوبلنقغقكلم إروسلا و‬
‫لإت ورنبج ي وووأن و‬
‫ل وتلعولقموون‬ ‫" إمون اللإ وملا و‬I but fulfil towards you the duties of my Lord's mission: Sincere
is my advice to you, and I know from Allah something that ye know not.

 The idea of judgment in the hereafter followed by reward or punishment.

Western perspective of Knowledge: From the western perspective, knowledge is

information gained by human effort in order to control nature and society. The
western concept of knowledge, therefore, is limited to their scope of empirical or
scientific observation, and that is we call as acquired knowledge in contrast to
absolute knowledge which is the divine knowledge. The western perspective of
knowledge is limited only to what can be accepted and proved by the senses. What
cannot be accepted and proved by the senses is not consider as knowledge.

The salient feature of which are:

 The material world is all the reality is there.
 No purpose or plan governs the universe. It is governed only by the laws of
nature.
 Man is self-created with faculties of reason and sense perception.
 He is a rational being and master of his own destiny.
 Revelation is the source of knowledge is rejected.

The sources of knowledge from Islamic perspective: There are four sources
for knowledge. Which are as follows-

1. Revelation: The Holy Quran as well as the Sunnah of the Prophet is the main
sources of knowledge. Allah said- ‫ول حبة فج ي طلملات الرض ول رطب ول يلابس ال فج ي كتلاب مبفين‬
there is not a grain in the darkness of the earth there is not a day but all in a
written book
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2. Intellectual: Human intellectuals are also considered as sources of

knowledge.
3. Senses: The senses of Man are also sources of knowledge. Allah said- ‫شلاورهم فج ي‬
‫ المر‬and consult them in the affairs. Such as touching, smelling, testing etc.
4. Natural phenomena: It is one of the most indispensible sources of
knowledge. For example- water, air, fire, animals. There are many things to
learn.
5. Intuition.

The sources of knowledge form Western perspective: The main sources of

knowledge is-
1. Natural phenomena: Natural phenomena are the main sources of
knowledge according to western scholars.
2. Human intellect: Human intellect is another important source of knowledge
in the western worldview.
3. Experience: Experience is the main source of knowledge.
4. Experiment & observation:
5. Reason:
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3.

Answer:

Magic:
It is defined as “seeking the help of demons to perform something harmful against
somebody” or “showing something to an audience, which is contrary to reality.

Reasons why magic is prohibited in Islam:

1) It is an act of blasphemy (kufr). Allah says in the Holy Qur‟an-
‫دٌق نلوملا وموعقهلم ونوبوذ وفإريٌق نمون اللإذيون قأوقتولا اللإكوتلاوب إكوتلاوب اللإ وووراء قظقهوإرإهلم وكوألنقهلم و‬-‫صن‬
‫ل ويلعولقموون‬ ‫د اللإ قم و‬-‫وووللملا وجلاءقهلم ورقسوٌل نملن إعدنإ‬

And when there came to them a Messenger from Allah confirming what was with
them, a party of those who were given the scripture threw away the book of Allah
behind their backs as if they did not know 2:102.

2) According to the following authentic hadith, magic is a deadly act:

The Prophet (s.a.w) said: “Avoid the seven deadly acts which are: ascribing partners
to God, magic, killing the human self which Allah prohibited except with right, eating
usury (riba), devouring the orphan’s wealth, defecting from the battle-field (without
a justified reason) and slandering chaste, unwary believing women.

3) Magic being harmful and evil act, Allah has told us to seek His protection against
it:
‫د‬-‫د إإوذا وحوسو‬-‫ ووإمن وشنر وحلاإسق‬- ‫د‬-‫ ووإمن وشنر اللدنلفلاوثلاإت إفج ي اللقعوقإ‬- ‫ ووإمن وشنر وغلاإسقق إإوذا وووقب‬- ‫ إمن وشنر وملا وخلووق‬-‫ق لل أوقعوقذ إبورنب اللوفلوإق‬

Say I seek refuge in the Lord of daybreak From the evil of that which he created;
From the evil of the darkness when it is intense, and from the evil of malignant
witchcraft, And from the evil of the envious when he envies.” (Surah al-Falaq)

Differences between magic and miracles (mu„jizat):

magic miracles (mu„jizat)

Magic is from devils (see the above Miracles are from Allah.
Qur‟anic verse: 2:101-102)
Magic is deceptive; it is covering the truth Miracles are real
with falsehood).

Magic, which is from devils, can be Miracles are from Allah, they could only be
performed by anyone who associates performed by Prophets
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himself with the devil.

 Magic is from devils (see the above Qur‟anic verse: 2:101-102) while miracles
are from Allah.
 On the other hand, miracles are real while magic is deceptive; it is covering
the truth with falsehood).
 Because miracles are from Allah, they could only be performed by Prophets
while magic, which is from devils, can be performed by anyone who
associates himself with the devil.
 Not only magic is prohibited in Islam but also horoscope or reading one‟s
palm to foretell the future.
 The Holy Qur‟an affirms that no one knows the future or the unseen except
Allah: ‫“ وعلاإلقم اللوغلفيإب وواللشوهلاودإة ووقهوو اللوحإكفيقم اللوخإبفيقر‬He knoweth the Unseen as well as that which
is Open.” (6:73) And ‫ل قهوو ووويلعلوقم وملا إفج ي اللوبنر وواللوبلحإر‬ ‫دقه وموفلاإتقح اللوغلفيإب و‬-‫“ ووإعدنو‬With Him are
‫ل ويلعلوقموهلا إإ ل‬
the keys of the Unseen, the treasures that none knoweth but He...” (6:59).

Example: Horoscope
Capricorn: (Dec 23 -Jan 20) Today’s stars encourage you to be more diplomatic and
inclusive in your relations with others.
Aquarius: (Jan 21 ”Feb 19)
On the Zodiac’s Day of Metamorphosis, you need to transform ideals into reality,
and turn dreams into concrete plans. If you work patiently towards your goals, you
can achieve the long-term success you are looking for.
Astrology. Etc.
 UNGS 2040 ISLAM: KNOWLEDGE & CIVILISATION

4.
What is scientific methodology? What are the differences between the
Islamic and Western methodological approaches to knowledge?

Introduction: At the beginning of my answer regarding methodology I would like to

express my all gratitude to Allah SWT the eternal Guardian of the heavens and
earth, Ruler of all creatures who has given me the ability to gain the knowledge of
methodology. Peace and blessings be to the master and the seal of the Prophet,
Muhammad (pbuh) who has laid down the most powerful method to acquire
knowledge as well as to be grateful to the Almighty Allah SWT. The scientific
methodology is one of the most important discussions of Islam knowledge &
civilization. Allah SWT said in the Quran about the Methodology-
"‫"ادعوا الج ي سبفيل ربك بلالحكمة والموعطة الحسدنة‬
“Invite people to the path of Allah with wisdom and advise them to a good manner”
Now, the scientific methodology and the some important difference between the
Islamic and Western methodological approaches to knowledge are discussed as
follows –

The scientific methodology

Literal meaning of Methodology: The word Methodology comes from root word
Method, It means---,
 The Technique,
 The Way,
 The System,
 The Rules,
 The Policy,
 The Style,
 The Practice Etc.
However, Methodology is the way to acquire knowledge and an approach to reality.

Technical meaning of scientific methodology: There are many technical

meanings of scientific methodology some important meanings are given below-
1. Dr. Louay Safi: Methodology is the field of scientific inquiry into the justification,
description, and explanation of the rules and procedures which constitute
scientific methods.

2. Identify a problem. This could be something unknown in terms of its nature; or

it could be one or more unexplained, or insufficiently explained, relationship
between things, events etc.
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3. Set up a frame work experiment and observation based: If the problem is

genuine in the sense that there is something new and apparently not
understandable, then devise a framework of observations or experiments that
may yield new significant clues.

4. Formulating a logical hypotheses: When sufficient clues for the formulation

of logical hypotheses have been obtained, select what appears to be the most
simple and satisfying hypothesis.

5. Testing the validity of hypotheses, observation and experiment: Deduce

the various implications which follow from the chosen hypothesis and devise
observations or experiments to test its validity.

6. Conforming outcomes of the test: Even if a series of confirmations is

obtained, but one or more exceptions remain unexplained, the hypothesis is
suspect and other hypotheses need to be formulated and tested.

7. Making a law for the benefits: If a hypothesis is successful to the point that
there are no apparent exceptions, it is elevated to the status of a law.

The difference between the Islamic and Western methodological

approaches to knowledge.

Islamic Methodology Western methodology

Islamic Methodology for studying Laws of
the Shari’ah and other Islamic
disciplines.
Natural and physical sciences. The main
purpose of Islamic Methodology is
Islamization and integration of empirical
and revealed knowledge.
Western Methodology for studying
human and social sciences.
Western methodology is based on its
own worldviews, which have a link with
the Greek thought of culture and
civilization.

To prepare Muslim intellectuals for
accepting the idea of Islamization and
integration of empirical and revealed
knowledge.
To be able to do this, we need to solve
the purported/ fabricated contradiction
between revelation and sciences
Revelation is the main source of
knowledge.
Divine revelation sees empirical reality
as the manifestation of a transcendental
reality.
The laws governing natural order are
rational, and hence discoverable by
human rationality.
Knowledge is an important human value,
superior to ignorance.
It based on human thinking.
Spiritual, unseen, metaphysical and
moral perceptions are disappeared from
the western methodology.
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Principles of Islamic methodology, Western methodology has three

expressed in terms of five unities: successive forms as follow-
 Unity of God; a. Man is the measure of all things”
 Unity of creation; b. “Reason is the measure of all things.”
 Unity of truth; c. “Rational scientism is the measure of
all things.”
 Unity of life; and
 Unity of humanity.
Acceptance of all reliable source of The natural world is governed by laws
knowledge which endow the behavior of natural
objects with order and regularity.

Conclusion:
In a nut-shell, it can be said that, scientific methodology is a limited methodology
which is based on human thinking. The Islamic methodology is more reliable than
scientific methodology because it based on revelation, intellect and reason. So we
should acquire knowledge of methodology and make new Islamic methodology to
protect destructive methodology made by western society. Allah SWT Said:
‫لنقفإسقكلم ووإإلن أووسلأقتلم وفولوهلا‬
‫إإلن أولحوسدنقتلم أولحوسدنقتلم إ و‬

“If ye do well, ye do well for your own souls, and if ye do evil, it is for them”

5.

Answer:

1. Collection of Data: Collection of data of the Qur’an and Sunnah.

2. Verifications: Verified techniques used by the narrators in order to ensure the

authenticity of narrations.

3. Reliable Narrators: Compilation of the Qur’an and Sunnah. Considering the

reliable narrators with specific criteria.

4. Chain of Transformation: Chain of transformation, no gap between two

generations and not less than 40 forty narrators. Memorizations of the Qur’an
and Sunnah.

5. Consultation & Consensus: Consultation among the scholars and consensus

based on majority opinions.

6. `Urf (a particular Custom): Urf (custom of a particular society or a nation),

supporting for adjustment from avoiding the contradictions and social division
and disunity for the public interest.
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7. Masalih Mursalah (public interest): Maslahah or Masalih Mursalah (public

interest), supplementary methods, if the texts of the Qur’an and Hadith or
consensus or analogy were not available.

8. Istihsan (Juristic Preference): Istihsan (juristic preference), supplementary

methods in order to make up for the growing number of new situations that was
difficult with the textual and the analogical arguments.

9. Ijtihad (wahy, `aql and Hawas:) Ijtihad (rational arguments, explanation,

interpretation and adjustment with the local culture and custom).

6.

And Characteristics:

Answer:
Islamic Civilization Western Civilization
Based on the Unity of God Utilitarian materialism:
This civilization may not deny the
existence of God strongly and openly, or
deny the existence of the spirit.
But it does not recognize the value of
“God” in its ideological system.

Universality Secularism/ atheism

- Muslim civilization was the first – religion as a personal matter limited to
civilization which embraces the entire individual practice without any
humanity interference in social, economic or
- It declared equality of all human beings political activities
of all descents, races, colours - religious practice limited to dead
‫ويلا أوبيوهلا اللدنلاقس إإلنلا وخلولقودنلاقكم نمن وذوكقر ووقأنوث ى وووجوعللودنلاقكلم قشقعوةبلا وووقوبلاإئول‬ rituals
‫د اللإ أولتوقلاقكلم إإلن اللو وعإلفيٌم وخإبفيٌر‬-‫إلوتوعلاورقفوا إإلن أولكورومقكلم إعدنو‬
Verily the most honoured of you in the
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sight of Allah is he who is the most

righteous of you
Moderate Rationalism Destruction of moral values =
- It gives human reason a high position utilitarianism/ pragmatism
- Its faith is based on reasoning and
conviction
- It rejects superstitious and unfounded
beliefs
Tolerance Destruction of family (abortion, neglect
This characteristic is peculiar for a of the elderly…)
civilization based on religious
foundations. Tolerance towards people of
different religions (especially Christians
and Jews)

Integrated and balanced civilization Created an atmosphere of fear, anxiety

Integrates the faith with the state/ and distraction
rejection of secularism, with the spirit  Suicides
(material vs. spiritual), the worldly life  drug addiction
with the last life  crimes
Integrates empirical sciences with
revelation.

7.
Discuss how a Muslim should respond to the challenges of Modern western
civilization?.

Answer:
 To develop an Islamic methodology of scientific research.
 To Islamize the existing science and put them in an Islamic context.
 To produce Muslim minds who will be able to produce sciences and
technology which may serve Islamic values and Muslim interests.
 Brain drain in the Muslim world
-Political instability
-Lack of incentives and facilities
-Bad living conditions
 Sponsorship/Government sponsorship:
-lack of funds,
-unconvinced of the merit of scientific research
 Joint ventures (OIC, Arab league, regional groups …etc.)