Topic:- Similarities and differences between Ismail Faruqi , AlAwani and Shehu concept of Islamization of Knowledge and the

concept of Islamization of Education by Dr. Bilal Philips.

BY AYSHA MOHD SHARIF

Similarities and differences between Ismail

Faruqi, Al-Awani and Shehu concept of
Islamization of knowledge
All the three scholars have the same concept of Islamization of
knowledge but have different styles and ways of implementing
them which are different but somewhere similar to each other.
The 12 step work plan of Al Faruqi is formulated by himself like
Shehu who formulated his four tasks But Al Awani modified Al
Faruqis plan work plan.
The six discourses of Al Awani are brought by modifying and
combining two books which are The Quran and the book of
creation which is the natural universe whereas Al Faruqis twelve
step plan was formulated by himself.
Unlike Al Faruqis plan, Al Awani has three major shortcomings in
his model.
Shehus four tasks do not involve the entire process and
procedures which the two scholars put forward.
Shehu third task and Al Awanis point concerned with plans and
strategies do not complement each other.
Identification of priorities, setting time frame for projects of
Islamization of knowledge program are identified in his book
unlike the other two plans.
Critical examinations are faced by all including Al Faruqi, Al
Awani and Shehu which are done by the Ijmalis majorly.
Al Faruqis 12 step plan is not only an explanation but also a
model for implementing the Islamization of knowledge program

which is dissimilar to Al Awani purpose for modification which

does not contain any strategies for implementing the tasks.
First five discourses of Al Awani focus on western intellectual
heritage which is very far away from Al Faruqis model and also
he left out many principles of Al Faruqi to mention in his seven
step work plan.
Interestingly all the steps of the work plan by Al Faruqi, modified
discourses by Al Awani and Shehus four tasks are different from
each other but contains one thing similar which is ISLAMIZATION
OF KNOWLEDGE.

ISLAMIZATION

OF

EDUCATION:

PRACTICAL APPROACH
Islamization of knowledge and Islamization of education are two
different

areas

which

may

be

interlinked

or

overlapped.

Islamization of knowledge was first propounded by Al Faruqi in

the 80s where he proposed that various areas of knowledge
outside Islam should be redeveloped Islamically in which
Islamization of education was included as an element .This
theory cant be seen anywhere because it was a philosophical
approach but a practical approach i.e. Islamization of education
can be seen which we can see in a teacher. The practical
approach is obviously built on what they have done. I.e. acquired
knowledge.
Islamization of education can effectively function
when the schools are Islamic and have our own textbooks which
will contain all the knowledge which west have to give but in the
Islamic context which has unfortunately became the biggest
hurdle.

The

textbooks

are

the

products

of

the

western

indoctrination. Their cultural bias is woven in every text in the

textbook. They have subtle subliminal messages of western
civilization

and

values.

The

students

because

of

these

westernized textbooks are becoming academically good and

islamically damaged and we are not achieving the goals we want

them to be achieved.
There are three main Es (elements) of Islamization of education:1. Educator
2. Education
3. Educated
The basic philosophy is that a Muslim teacher should be a
Muslim teacher, a Muslim who happens to be a teacher and
not a teacher who happens who happens to be a Muslim. They
should have knowledge, faith, patience, sincerity and geared
to do righteous thing. Teacher should teach from the heart,
should be just, be pre-pared before his/her class, be a good
example and do the righteous deed with knowledge because
without knowledge it may not be rewarded. Education is the
process in which the society conveys the cultural values to the
next generation. We are just not teaching the bits and facts of
the subjects but also the cultural values which have bits and
facts in their package. We should convey knowledge in Islamic
cultural package because culture defines right and wrong. If
we teach cultural package, the values can be firmly rooted in
their psyche, their deeds because west has removed morality
from education. The essential message is always the moral
message of Islam which we should impart in our students.
Education has three aspects which are Material required for
teaching, teaching environment and teaching methodology. If
we can bring changes in these two main areas the educated
will automatically be good in academics a well as Islam. We
can make our classes Islamic by using Islamic terminology,
developing historical relevances, Quranic references and by
giving moral message at the end of the class. These few steps
will make a large difference in the education imparted to the
students so that they can become morally solid which is very

important for todays world to keep their iman strong and

unshakeable which starts from the initial step. This should be
infused them in the process of their building as a human
being which ultimately will make them a good Muslim.
Therefore, by using the acquired the
knowledge i.e. Islamization of knowledge by well-known
scholars and making it a practical approach which is
Islamization of education, Insha Allah we can achieve our
goals of Islamizing the knowledge for the benefit of mankind
in this world and preparing them simultaneously for after this
world also.