MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA—Secretary of the Muhammadiyah Council for Tarjih and Tajdid Muhamad Rofiq Muzakkir mentioned four reasons for integrating Islamic teachings with science.
First, al-Qur’an and sunnah command the integration. “Ilm” in al-Qur’an and hadith refers to science. It implies that “’ilm” encompasses a broad spectrum of science, spanning physics, history, natural science, social science, and beyond. The Quran and Hadith advocate for a holistic approach to science without confinement to specific domains.
Second, integration is an intrinsic characteristic of Islam. An orientalist, Franz Rosenthal, acknowledges Islam’s profound reverence for science. No civilization prioritizes knowledge as much as Islam. The Quran and Sunnah emphasize the significance of grasping multidiscipline, including natural and social science. Many notable figures in Islamic history were polymaths, excelling in diverse fields.
Third, the Islamic world is dealing with an “epistemic crisis,” a result of Western societies embracing secularization. This has led to an overemphasis on science as the sole avenue for explaining existence and purpose, often regarding it as the only valid source of knowledge.
Fourth, contemporary global challenges are complex and multifaceted. Rofiq highlighted the intricate nature of issues across environments, economics, education, sociology, and health. The complexity requires a holistic and multidisciplinary approach since relying solely on one field is inadequate.
By embracing a holistic understanding of science, the Islamic world is poised to draw upon its abundant intellectual heritage and navigate the evolving era astutely. The fusion of deep Islamic values with modern science emerges as a pivotal strategy to adeptly tackle increasingly intricate societal issues. Interdisciplinary collaboration empowers Muslims to devise sustainable solutions for a brighter global future.
