INFO 6211 KOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES

Prof Dr Mohammad Fauzan Noordin

Islamic View on the Knowledge Sharing: The Existence of Religious Boarding

School (Pesantren)

Ichsanudin Fukky Winasis

G1710308

International Islamic University Malaysia

Table of Contents
Abstract ............................................................................................................................................. 1

Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1

Literature Review

Knowledge ................................................................................................................................ 2

Types of Knowledge ..................................................................................................... 3

Knowledge Management .................................................................................................... 3

Knowledge Sharing ............................................................................................................... 6

The Existence of Pesantren ................................................................................................ 7

Knowledge Sharing in Pesantren ............................................................................ 8

Conclusion ........................................................................................................................................ 9

Limitations ..................................................................................................................................... 10

References ...................................................................................................................................... 10
Abstract

With the advancement of technology, the spreading of information is expanding

rapidly. Technology provides new and faster ways of creating, delivering,
disseminating, storing, managing and accessing information, innovative ways for
real time communication and to do business. In spite of the benefits of
technology, it gives the adverse impact on the religion, society and environment.
Some people share an incomplete information to other people without
considering the negative impact of their action. Moreover, they share the
information (or knowledge) that is not based on the Qur’an, As Sunnah (authentic
hadith), Ijma (juridicial consensus) and Qiyas (analogical reasoning) as a
guidance of Muslims to stay in the right path. In this paper, we will explain how
Islam talks about the practice of sharing knowledge through the existence of
pesantren.

Introduction

Knowledge is fundamentally important for a man. Allah SWT through Al Qur’an

promised will raise the rank for those who gifted with knowledge as mentioned
in surah AlMujadalah:11, “… .Allah will raise those who have believed among you
and those who were given knowledge by degrees. …”. In addition, a man should
spread the knowledge in order to give benefits for others. Otherwise, he will be
bridled with bridle of fire if he conceals for knowledge that he knows. As
mentioned in a hadith that The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Convey from me even an
Ayah of the Qur’an, …” (reported by ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr bin Al-’As. Sahih
Al-Bukhari), and The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said “Whoever is asked about
some knowledge that he knows, then he conceals it, he will be bridled with bridle of
fire” (narrated by Abu Hurairah. Jami’ At-Tirmidzi).

At present, many people get knowledge from unreliable sources. In this case, a
man disseminates information and knowledge where the sources is not trusted.
According to Noordin (2017), The types of knowledge that can be shared are a
crucial concern since a person is required to identify which knowledge is worth

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sharing. Wisdom is required in selecting the best knowledge that benefits the
individual, society and environment.

Knowledge

In Islam, knowledge is known as ‘ilm. Al Quran mentioned ‘alim in 140 places,

while al-’ilm in 27 places. In all, the total number of verses in which ‘ilm or its
derivatives and associated words are used in 704 places. The aids of knowledge
such as book, pen, ink etc. amount to almost the same number. Qalam occurs in
two places, al-kitab in 230 verses, among which al-kitab for al-Quran occurs in
81 verses. Other words associated with writing occur in 319 verses (9).
According to Yakuub and Othman (2014), the definition of knowledge is not
confined to only epistemological concerns but also includes ethical truthfulness
and other dimensions of objectivities. Muslim regards knowledge as God-given to
Mankind and as guidance for every theoretical endeavor to elaborate an Islamic
paradigm, and intrinsically related to the fundamental concept of taklif
(obligation) as drafted by the Qur’an and the Prophetic traditions. Yakuub (2011)
explained that knowledge aims to guide the human intellectual endeavour to
elaborate and understand the ultimate questions of life. Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH) encouraged the acquisition of knowledge by saying: “Verily, the men of
knowledge are the inheritors of the prophets” (Abu Daud, haidth no.3641). On the
other hand, according to Noordin (2017), knowledge can be acquired through
Al-Qur’an, especially for Muslims. It can be related with spiritual, religious,
ethical, social and legal matters of Muslims. Thus, all Muslims must study and
teach Al-Qur’an in order to learn and spread the knowledge from Allah SWT. The
best acts of worship to Allah SWT are studying and understanding Al-Qur’an and
spreading its knowledge by teaching it to others with sincerity. Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH) said:”The best among you are those who learn the Qur’an and
teach it to others” (Al-Wahidi,2008). Al-Qur’an is a book of inspiration for
Muslims. It reminds Muslims to perform prayer, follow Islamic teachings and to
believe in Allah, as mentioned in surah Al-’Ankabut:45,

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 “Recite, [O Muhammad], what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish
prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the
remembrance of Allah is greater. And Allah knows that which you do”
Muslims judge hadith and sunnah in the light of Al-Qur’an. Both can be accepted
only when they are in accordance with Al-Qur’an. Al-Qur’an and sunnah are not
only the basic textual sources of Islamic knowledge but also its principal
religious texts. It is important to appreciate the divine origins both of the Qur’an
and sunnah in order to know why and how Islamic knowledge has developed
sophisticated methods of interpretation. Both can guide Muslims to learn and
arrive at concrete rules that are capable of solving life’s problems (Noordin,
2017).

Types of Knowledge
Nonaka and Takeuchi (1995) categorized knowledge into explicit and tacit
knowledge. Explicit knowledge refers to knowledge that is transmittable in
formal, systematic language which is more precisely and formally articulated,
and removed from the original context of its creation or use. Tacit knowledge has
a personal quality, which makes it hard to formalize and communicate and is
subconsciously understood and applied, developed from direct experience and
action, and usually communicated through informal conversation and shared
experience. From the islamic perspective, Quranic text are the verses that can be
categorized as explicit knowledge, while the understanding of Quranic verses
based on an individual’s experience can be called tacit knowledge (Noordin,
2017).

Knowledge Management
Becerra (2010) mentioned that knowledge management can be defined as
performing the activities involved in discovering, capturing, sharing and
applying knowledge so as to enhance the impact of knowledge on the unit’s goal
achievement. Knowledge management depends on two broad aspects: KM
solutions (which are specific in nature) and KM foundations (which are broader
and more long-term). KM solutions include KM processes and KM systems. KM
foundations include KM infrastructure, KM mechanism and KM technologies.

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Thus, KM solutions depend on KM foundations. KM infrastructure reflects the
long-term foundation for knowledge management, KM mechanisms are
organizational or structural means used to promote knowledge management and
KM technologies are information technologies that can be used to facilitate
knowledge management. KM processes are the broad processes that help in
discovering, capturing, sharing and applying knowledge. These four KM
processes are supported by KM systems that integrate the technologies and
mechanism that are developed to support four KM processes.

Overview of Knowledge Management Solutions and Foundation (Becerra, 2010)

The concept of knowledge management which (Yakuub, 2011) starts from the
broad process of locating, organizing and transferring, up to the information
usage in sharing and networking, mentioned in the Qur’an in surah Al-’Alaq:1-5:
“Recite in the name of your Lord who created. Created man from a clinging
substance. Recite, and your Lord is the most Generous. Who taught by the pen.
Taught man that which he knew not”.
It can be understood through above verses, that ‘the pen’ or ‘Al-qalam’ as a tool
that writes, stores, disseminates and share knowledge. The first word ‘read’ is
the first task assigned to humans instead of eat, walk or work. This statement
shows the importance of reading for acquiring knowledge. The phrase ‘the pen’
is not limited only for the pen, it is certainly beyond that. It is the means which
writing, storing, disseminating and sharing of knowledge can be done (Noordin,
2017). Moreover, the command from these verse are not just to collect
knowledge and information, but also direct man to organize, plan and manage
properly the knowledge given to him (Yakuub, 2011). Islam considers the

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acquisition of knowledge as an act of worship (‘ibadah). This is because when
knowledge is properly package, it leads one to the point where not only one’s
fear of God (taqwa) increases, but one is also rightly positioned to distinguish
between the right and the wrong, which for all intens and purposes, from the
theological bedrock of Islamic beliefs. The pursuit of quality knowledge is
expected to be done simultaneously with the suppression of one’s immoral
carnal desires for the pleasure of God and in order to render the desired service
to humanity in one’s chosen field. The knowledge acquired ultimately transforms
the person into one with a good worldview as the knowledge is acquired with
pure, selfless and Godly intention. A good character that promotes virtuous
actions is manifest or embodied in knowledgeable people (Huda, Miftachul., et.,
al., 2016). Another verses from surah Al-Qalam:1-5, discuss about the concept of
‘the record’ as a means to disseminate knowledge. Those who possess
knowledge must teach and nurture others with their knowledge.
“Nun. By the pen and by the (record) which (men) write. Thou art not, by the grace
of the Lord, mad or possessed. Nay, verily for thee is a reward unfailing: And thou
(standest) on an exalted standard of character”
The task of ‘the pen’ and ‘the record’ have been decided by Allah SWT to
disseminate knowledge globally to people based on faith and human life.
Additionally, Noordin (2017) regarded peopleware and heartware as two vital
component towards knowledge management.

Knowledge Management Component (Noordin, 2017)

Without these two components, implementing knowledge management could be
very challenging. Otherwise, it will be successful once two of them are
implemented in knowledge management. As Allah SWT stated in surah Qaaf:37,

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 “Indeed in that is a reminder for whoever has a heart or who listens while he is
present [in mind]”
The verse above interprets that the heart is the source of life and as the
controller of human activities in navigating human life. With this function, the
heart can capture the secrets, lessons and wisdom of the stories of the previous
people in the Qur’an. It also becomes a mirror of life now and in the future.

Knowledge Sharing
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said; “The most superior among you (Muslims)
are those who learn the Qur’an and teaches it” (Narrated by Uthman bin ‘Affan,
reported by Al-Bukhari, in Shahih al-Bukhari, Hadith no.994). It can be seen
through the hadith that sharing knowledge is highly regarded by our Prophet
(PBUH) and even though it is related to sharing knowledge form the Qur’an, the
lessons that can be derived from the Holy Book is also applicable in the daily
lives of the individuals. Hence, sharing knowledge is awarded in the Hereafter.
Knowledge sharing is the process through which explicit or tacit knowledge is
communicated to others individuals. Three important clarifications are in order.
First, knowledge sharing means effective transfer, so that the recipient of
knowledge can understand it well enough to act on it. Second, what is shared is
knowledge rather than recommendations based on the knowledge; the former
involves the recipient acquiring the shared knowledge as well as being able to
take action based on it, whereas the latter simply involves utilization of
knowledge without the recipient internalizing the shared knowledge. Third,
knowledge sharing may take place across individuals as well as across groups,
departments, or organizations. Two process that used in knowledge sharing;
socialization and exchange. In the case of tacit knowledge, the integration of
multiple streams of the creation of new knowledge occurs through the
mechanism of socialization. Socialization is the synthesis of tacit knowledge
across individuals, usually through joint activities rather than written or verbal
instructions. For example, by transferring ideas and images, apprenticeships
help newcomers to see how others think. In contrast to socialization, exchange
focuses on the sharing of explicit knowledge. It is used to communicate or
transfer explicit knowledge among individuals, groups and organizations. In its

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basic nature, the process of exchange of explicit knowledge does not differ from
the process through which information is communicated. For example, product
design manual being transferred by one employee to another, who can then use
the explicit knowledge contained in the manual, exchanging a document could
also be used to transfer information (Becerra, 2010).

In Islam, sharing knowledge with others is necessary (Noordin, 2017). Islam

encourages its followers to share experienced knowledge due to the belief that
the more one knows about this world and its contents, the closer it can take them
to their Creator as mentioned in surah An-Nahl:78,
“And Allah has brought you out from the wombs of your mothers while you know
nothing. And He gave you hearing, sight, and hearts that you might give thanks (to
Allah)”

The verse above shows that Allah created man and provided him with the tools
for acquiring knowledge namely hearing, sight and heart (wisdom). Moreover,
the main tools that work on material objects are the eyes and ears, while the
mind and heart are tools that work on something that is immaterial. In this
universe, according to the Qur'an there is something that does not appear no
matter how sharp the eyes or thoughts are. Many things cannot be reached by
the five senses even by human reason. From here, the Qur'an guides and directs
hearing and sight and it also instructs humans to sharpen their minds and
nurture their hearts, in order to be closer to Allah SWT. Moreover, knowledge
sharing discourages people to reinvent the wheel. Knowledge is rewarding. The
person who shows the way to something good is like the one who does it. When
the knowledgeable person dies, his/her prize from Allah SWT will not end but it
continues to increase, as mentioned hadith from Abu Hurairah (May Allah be
pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (‫ )ﷺ‬said, "When a man dies,
his deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah Jariyah (ceaseless
charity); a knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for
him (for the deceased)." [Muslim]. According to Husyman & Dirk (2002) there
are three types or purposes of knowledge sharing. They are knowledge
acquisition, with an aim to acquire knowledge for the purpose of using it in

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operational day to day work processes; knowledge reuse, the aim is to let people
learn from one another. ; and knowledge development.

The Existence of Pesantren

Pedagogically, pesantren is better known as an Islamic educational institution, an
institution in where process of learning to teach Islamic religious knowledge and
institutions used for the spread of Islam. In the process of teaching and learning
taught that Islam is a regulating religion, not only deeds associated with worship,
but also behavior in relationships with humans in the world. So it is not
surprising that pesantren institution will remain persistent and consistent in
carrying out its functions until now (Zulmuqim, 2017). The purpose of pesantren
education to emphasize the importance of the establishment of Islam in the
midst of life as the main source of morality which is the key to the success of life
in the community (Thaha, 1996), and to emphasize core values of sincerity,
simplicity, individual autonomy, solidarity and self-control (10). Young men and
women are separated from their families, which contributes to a sense of
individual commitment to the faith and close bonding to a teacher, in order to
draw knowledge. By looking at various forms of nature, seeing the impressions
of the former, getting to know nation through the pesantren. After all, the aim is
to increase human knowledge about life and deepen knowledge about the
Creator. Allah SWT stated in surah Al-’Ankabut:20,
“Say, [O Muhammad], Travel through the land and observe how He began creation.
Then Allah will produce the final creation. Indeed Allah, over all things, is
competent”
This verse explains about humans is not just told to travel on earth without any
direction and purpose. Because in that verse, besides the command "travel",
there is also another command "observe". Thus, the trip could be an
encouragement for Muslims to take a scientific journey to conduct research that
will further strengthen their beliefs, as well as tangible evidence for those who
reject the teachings of the Qur'an. Masqon(2011) mentioned the basic elements
of pesantrn are: Kiai as a central figure, santri as a student who persues

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knowledge, pondok as dormitory where santri lives, and mosque which
constitutes at the centre of educational activities

Knowledge Sharing in Pesantren

Knowledge sharing with the individual as the knowledge provider, known as
knowledge reuse. The aim is to let people learn from one another. To avoid
situations where people are constantly reinventing the wheel is better to record
the knowledge of in-house experts and disseminate it further. This way can solve
problems much more quickly and pass this information on their clients. Reusing
information and not reinventing the wheel are frequently heard arguments.
Hence, in this knowledge reuse, it create both social and technical network in
order to stimulate knowledge exchange. Reuse is a matter of knowledge flowing
from knowledge holder to the knowledge recipient. During this process,
individuals learn from each other. In this situation, individuals do not learn from
each other but with each other. Reusing knowledge is a learning process that
boils down to adjusting and adapting knowledge (Husyman & Dirk, 2002). In
many years, pesantren has adapted sorogan as a learning method. The method in
which a student comes to the teacher who will read books in Arabic and translate
them into the mother's language (eg Java). Then the students repeated and
translated the words as much as possible with what was revealed by his teacher.
The translation system is made in such a way that students easily know both the
meaning and function of words in a series of Arabic sentences. The system
requires students to master reading and translation methods appropriately and
may only receive additional lessons if they have repeatedly studied the previous
lesson.
With the advancement of learning method, pesantren develops the learning
model into guided learning method and peer teaching method, which both of
them are apply the concept of knowledge sharing where tacit and explicit
knowledge between kyai and santri are communicated. First, Guided Learning
Method. In this technique, the teacher asks one or more questions to open the
subject's knowledge or get the student’s hypotheses or conclusions and then sort
them into categories. Guided learning method is a change from the lecture
directly and allows students to learn what has been known and understood

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before making teaching points. Second, Peer Teaching Method. Some experts
believe that one subject is truly mastered only if a student is able to teach other
participants. Teaching peers gives students the opportunity to learn something
well at the same time, he becomes a resource for others (Hasan).

Conclusion
Islam places the Qur'an, Assunnah, Ijma 'and Qiyas as a guidance for Muslims to
lead and live their life. A human is encouraged to search, process, manage, store,
disseminate and practice the knowledge based on the guidelines above.
Otherwise, a human will give a negative impact on the environment, even into
themselves. The knowledge that possessed by a man must be shared with others.
The knowledge must has a reliable sources in order to prevent the spreading of
false information. The concept of sharing knowledge in pesantren can be used as
a reference to maintain the sustainability so that knowledge can still be spread
wisely.

Limitations
1. The types of knowledge from Islamic perspective should be formulate in order
to complete the writing
2. The explanation further about the concept barakah of sharing the knowledge
for distinguishing between Islamic and western knowledge management concept

References
[1] Abdul-Rahman, Muhammad Saed (2003). Islam: Questions and Answers:
Volume 11. MSA Publication Limited:United Kingdom
[2] Al-Wahidi A. A. (2008). Asbab al-Nuzul, Royal Aal al-Bayt Institute for Islamic
Thought: Aman, Jordan
[3] Becerra-Fernandez, Irma and Sabherwal (2010). Knowledge Management System
and Processes. New York: M.E. Sharpe
[4] Hasan. Model Pembelajaran Pesantren.

[5] Huda, Miftachul., Jibrail Bin Yusuf, Kamarul Azmi Jasmi & Gamal Nasir
Zakaria (2016). Al-Zarnuji’s Concept of Knowledge (‘Ilm).SAGE OPEN

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[6] Huysman, Marleen and Dirk De Wit (2002). Knowledge Sharing in Practice. The
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Education Centre In Indonesia.Gontor Ponorogo
[8] Mulyaningsih, Indrya. Metode Sorogan untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan
Berbicara.FKIP UNS
[9] Noordin, Mohammad Fauzan (2017). ICT and Islam. Malaysia: IIUM Press
[10] Noordin, Mohammad Fauzan and Othman, Roslina (2017). Knowledge
Management from Islamic Perspective. Malaysia: IIIT
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[12] Yaakub, Muhamadul Bakir & Othman, Khatijah (2014). The Foundation of
Knowledge Management: A Review from Conventional and Islamic Perspective.
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[13] Zulmuqim (2017). The Existence of Pesantren, Kiai and Kitab Kuning Learning
as the Main Element of Islamic Education in Indonesia. Indonesia: Khalifa
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[14] The Holy Qur’an
[15] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilm_(Arabic)
[16] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pesantren#cite_note-9
[17] https://sunnah.com

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