Classification of knowledge in the Islamic civilization: from al-Ghazālī to al-Faṭānī

Muhammad Khatib Johari, and Roziah Sidik @ Mat Sidek, and Norshariani Abd Rahman, and Abdul Latif Samian, and Mohd Yusof Hj Othman, (2021) Classification of knowledge in the Islamic civilization: from al-Ghazālī to al-Faṭānī. Jurnal Hadhari, 13 (1). pp. 69-91. ISSN 1985-6830

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Official URL: https://ejournal.ukm.my/jhadhari/issue/view/1408

Abstract

Intellectual discourse on classification of knowledge is a sub-topic in epistemology. In Islamic tradition, the philosophy of epistemology has its own uniqueness, besides being a distinguishing landmark in historical perspective between the Islamic and other civilizations. This study attempts to understand the concept of knowledge classification based on the perspectives of Abu Ḥāmid Muḥammad (hereafter mentioned as al-Ghazālī) (d. 1111CE) and Aḥmad bin Muḥammad Zayn (hereafter mentioned as al-Faṭānī) (d. 1908CE). In order to relate the purpose and objectives of knowledge to the Islamic Civilization, this study will identify the continuation of the idea on classification of knowledge in historical perspective. In addition, the comparison is to understand the connection between the classical knowledge classification in the Middle East to contemporary classification in the Malay World. Understanding al-Ghazālī’s perspective based on primary and secondary resources found that the general classification divided knowledge into two major categories, namely, ʿilm muʿāmalah (knowledge/science of transactions/proper conduct) and ʿilm mukāshafah (knowledge/science of unveiling). al-Faṭānī’s concept of classification was understood through his work entitled Fatāwā al-Faṭāniyyah which discussed 107 fatwas. Early content analysis of al-Faṭānī’s works showed that he indirectly followed the classification of knowledge conceived by al-Ghazali. This study is important to understand the role of knowledge as an essential foundation of the Islamic Civilization and its relevance to Islamization of contemporary knowledge.

Item Type:Article
Keywords:ʿIlm; Classification of knowledge; Islamic civilization; al-Ghazālī; al-Faṭānī; Education
Journal:Jurnal Hadhari
ID Code:17284
Deposited By: ms aida -
Deposited On:06 Aug 2021 00:48
Last Modified:11 Aug 2021 03:23

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