Integration of knowledge in theory and practice: the contribution of Bediuzzaman Said Nuri
Integration of knowledge in Islam is an intellectual and epistemological challenge. Indeed the first revelation of the Qur‟an is “to read and write”1 and the Prophet Muhammad continued its process until the revelation of the whole Qur‟an was completed. Muslim scholars and thinkers espoused to de...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Bangladesh Institute of Islamic Thought (BIIT)
2011
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| Online Access: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/4178/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/4178/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/4178/3/4178.pdf |
| Summary: | Integration of knowledge in Islam is an intellectual and epistemological
challenge. Indeed the first revelation of the Qur‟an is “to read and write”1
and
the Prophet Muhammad continued its process until the revelation of the whole
Qur‟an was completed. Muslim scholars and thinkers espoused to develop
man‟s intellectual efforts in the various ages.2 The integration process of
knowledge was revived in the twentieth century by several scholars and
thinkers, Bediuzzaman Said Nursi (1877-1960) being one of them. This
approach argues that without integration of knowledge between religious
sciences and modern sciences in accordance with the need of time, progress
and development in the Muslim world is not possible. Such an approach is
particularly compelling because it can eschew the accusation that Western values are being imposed upon Islam. Muslim scholars who proposed the
process of integration have faced resistance from traditionalists. The
accusation is that they are not loyal to Islam and deny its heritage.
However, one of the highly influential intellectuals and reformers,
Bediuzzaman Said Nursi greatly contributed to understanding the reformation
of society and the necessity of the integration of knowledge. Many Islamic
thinkers and activists were influenced all over the world by his intellectual
effort. His ideas took shape in Turkey in influencing contemporary
intellectuals. However, although he is well known for his scholarship and
reformist work, his efforts at integration of knowledge3
have not received the
scholarly attention they deserved.
This article focuses on how Bediuzzaman Said Nuri employed the process of
integration of knowledge to combine the religious sciences and modern
sciences in a way that does not condone the contradiction. It examines the
theoretical dimensions and practical application of the process of integration of
knowledge. It also explores whether this approach can implement in reality or
whether the only option for scholars who proposed this project is to discuss its
theoretical dimension. |
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