WEEK 3: SUMMARY AND REFLECTION ON ISLAMIZATION OF KNOWLEDGE

Ilm (knowledge) is unquestionably an essential element in our life. That is why; seeking knowledge is made an obligation upon every Muslim. But, what does ‘Ilm (knowledge) truly mean? What is ‘Ilm (knowledge) all about? These are difficult questions to answer because every individual has different views and their own understanding about ‘Ilm (knowledge). It is a fact that most people only have a partial understanding about what is ‘Ilm (knowledge) is. What is ‘Ilm (knowledge) is not clearly explained yet. When it comes to the point of defining a single meaning of what is ‘Ilm (knowledge), we may find different voices and claims. The overlapping of meanings of ‘Ilm (knowledge) has been continuing for thousands of years and seem to continue in the future.

What, then, is ‘Ilm (knowledge)? According to Webster’s dictionary, knowledge is “the fact or condition of knowing something with familiarity gained through experience or association”. In Islam, the meaning of ‘Ilm (knowledge) covers much wider connotations. Anything that takes you closer to Allah is ‘Ilm (knowledge). ‘Ilm (knowledge) brings a great reward to human being. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever follows a path in the pursuit of knowledge, Allah will make a path to Paradise easy for him.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, Kitaab al-‘Ilm, 10).

                                                       "Recite in the name of your Lord who  created"

'Ilm (knowledge) is a very important aspect in Islam the first verse of Surah Al-Alaq commands Muslims to read which also shows the importance of knowledge. In Islam, there is a concept whereby everything that human beings undertake in life should be geared towards fulfilling the ultimate purpose of life which is to serve Allah. Islam teaches us the rules, principles, guidelines that we should follow, how we should behave in particular situations, how should we relate to the environment and to people, what is the best way to organize society and much more.

So far as Islam is concerned, Islamization of knowledge gives positive outcomes not just to Muslims, but all mankind. Islamization of knowledge prevents conjecture and falsehood. This is because the knowledge that we acquired was revealed by Allah hence is based on true knowledge that give a lot of benefits to the mankind. By exposing ourselves to this concept, directly or indirectly, we will be able to affect how people around us think and act. As the vicegerent of Allah, it is our responsibility to spread the true knowledge and bound to bring further development to each creation. Peace, prosperity, security and happiness are guaranteed if man as the Khalifah thinks and acts in accordance to the knowledge and guidance of Allah.  

By inserting the Islamic values in our daily activities, it is proven does help us to distinguish right from wrong. Not only that, as students, by exposing themselves to the Islamization concept does assist them to understand better about their self, the world and their relationship with others. Above all, Islamization helps to create generations that are always positive and ethical.

Reference

Webster Dictionary. (2013).  Knowledge. Retrieved February 23, 2013, from 
      http://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/knowledge