islamization of knowledge - a focus on theory and practice of islamizing governance of polity -...

7/28/2019 Islamization of Knowledge - A Focus on Theory and Practice of Islamizing Governance of Polity - Rokshana Mili

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Islamization of Knowledge: A Focus on Theoryand Practice of Islamizing Governance of Polity

Dr. Begum Rokshana Mili Associate Professor, Depatment of Politics and Public Administration

Islamic University, Kushtia, Bangladesh

Paper presented at a Workshop on Islamic Epistemology & Curriculum Reform2-3 May, 2008 at Islamic University Kustia, Bangladeshadesh

Abstract: This paper discusses the contents important for Islamizing knowledge in the field

of governance of polity and presents also the outlines by altering, editing the existing

syllabus of Politics and Public Administration under the respective curriculum for action. The

focuses of this paper aims at exploring the nature of the classical Islamic doctrines in this

regard and the circumstances which qualified their development. Emphasis is laid on the

pivotal position of the Quran and Sunnah in the study of Islamic governance of polity, andon the need for developing new methodologies to understand and interpret them. The

syllabus developed under that type of curriculum which focuses on developing an Ijtihad

orientation that is capable of overcoming the drawbacks of the classical legacy, while

benefiting in a positive manner from its contributions.

Rationale of the Study: The Islamization of knowledge is a huge, multi-generation, global

program to synthesize classical ethical traditions in Islam with the best of modern thought.

Its end product would be entirely new Ijma ("consensus") among the learned on an

appropriate Fiqh ("jurisprudence") and a scientific method that did not violate Islamic

ethical norms. The phrase "Islamization of knowledge" was first used and proposed by the

Malaysian scholar Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas in his book "Islam and Secularism"

ISBN 983-99628-6-8 (first published in 1978).It was also proposed by the Palestinian

philosopher Ismail Al-Faruqi , in 1982 , in response to what he called "the malaise of the

Ummah " (faithful).

One area of knowledge that has been deeply neglected by Muslims is the arena of social

sciences. There has been the consciousness that the Western cultural roots of the social

sciences and humanities pose a problem for the development of social sciences in non-

Western societies. So, people have been thinking about developing new epistemological,

metaphysical and cultural bases focusing on indigenous and Islamic constructions of social

sciences. Now, the question is being raised that how come we are producing this kind of

thinking?


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Some scholars have reasoned that as a discipline education consists of five subdisciplines, namely, curriculum, counseling, management, instruction, andevaluation. Curriculum is so important that it has been named the queen of educational sciences. Curriculum is a reflection of the educational philosophy of theinstitution concerned, in fact, the mechanism by which its goals are attained (L.Hasan,1998).

As regards to produce that kind of thinking, curriculum- a component of educational

discipline need to be devised newly focusing on Islamic epistemological fundamentals that

aim at exploring the nature of the classical Islamic disciplines and the circumstances which

qualified their development. Developing such type of curriculum regarding disciplines of

social sciences emphasis is to be laid on the pivotal position of the Quran and Sunnah in the

study of Islam, and on the need for developing new methodologies to understand and

interpret them. The curriculum is focused on developing an Ijtihad orientation that is

capable of overcoming the drawbacks of the classical legacy, while benefiting in a positive

manner from its contributions.

Objectives of the study: The objective of this present review is to focus on the prevailing

syllabus of the Department of Politics and Public Administration at graduation level and to

explore the spaces to incorporate outlines in the context of governance of polity from the

view point of theory and practice of Islamic Shariah considering in developing curricula of

the respective field .

Methodology: Reviewing the existing syllabus of the Department of Politics and Public

Administration at graduation level, I extract and study the contents of the courses related to

theory and practice of Politics and Public Administration for providing Islamic oriented inputs

and there by making it Islamize in respect of concept and practice. There are 34 courses

including non-credit course. Among them, course no.102, 105, 206 as core courses in this

regard are selected and study to develop the out lines under the umbrella concept

Islamizing Governance of Polity . (The referred courses are attached with it at last) Addition

and alteration to some extent are incorporated in these selected courses from Islamic point

of view. It is needed to clarify why such title that is governance of polity is selected to edit

or extent the syllabus in the light of Islamic Shariah? In Islamic perspective, the politics

administration dichotomy is totally absent. The prophet (saw) was not only the religious and

political leader but also he was chief executive, the administrator of justice and so forth. So,

Willsonians approach separating administration from politics is not applicable in Islamic


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doctrine and as because of that very different approach to policy and administration is being

evolved than that of prevailing secular models of politics and administration.

Reconciliation of Islamic focus with existing selected contents of syllabus:

In course no .202 (Public Administration: Concept and Theories) inputs from Islamic

pertspective in this regard might be incorporated into the following manner:

1. Replacing the course title, the course may be renamed Public Administration and

Administrative Development: Concept and Theories. The course may be divided into two

sections/parts: Part A and Part B

Part A include these: 2. Under the course outline i), ii)of 1., the following concepts in the

light of Islamic perspective can be assembled. The Islamic roots, origin and concepts of

administration and its administrative development a) Evolution and features of early

Islamic Administration, Politics-Administration Dichotomy b) Concept of Administration or

yudabbiru, b) Core principles and scope of political and Administrative systems in the Holy

Quran and sunnah as the primary sources of Islamic Administration, c) Islamic view in the

process of public Administration: planning, organizing, leading, and evaluation: Special

focus on moral and ethical judgment, d) Participative decision making process in Islam:

Special emphasis on bottom-up approach and shuratic view.

3. Islamic focus on the major concepts: Hierarchy, Specialization, Decentralization,

Planning, Motivation, Authority, Power.

4. Islamic focus on Control: a) Basic control process for quality management of

administration, b) Control process in Islamic administration: special focus on Omar(R).

5. Leadership in Islam: a) Conceptual elaboration, b) qualifications of leader, c) objectives,

d) leadership styles, e) conduct of leader, f) responsibilities, g) impartiality, h) expectations

of the group.

6. In course outline 4 the followings are to be incorporated: An Islamic view of human

behaviour and Society; as a broad perspective of human Organization: Human nature and

Behaviour, Islamic assumption about Man and Society, The Responsibilities and

Accountabilities of Man, The Social Behaviour of Man, Is there a Psychological Theory of


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Islam? The 14 principles of Social Management as compared to the Fayols Principles of

Administrative Management.

7. In course outline 5 the followings are to be incorporated: The Dynamics of an Islamic

Administrative Model: a) Islamic World View, b) Challenge Threats to Islamic Model, c) The

Open System Approach, d) The Islamic Administrative Model, e) Some Prerequisites and

unique aspects of Islamic Administrative Model; Islamic valuethical standards, non-usurious

financial institutions, effective control of administrative corruption, balance between

material and spiritual well-being, divine origin, endogeneity, prevention of injustice, concept

of Shura, emphasis of cooperation. f) Basic Elements and relationships with environment, g)

Islamic model and other public administration models: a comparison.

8. Concepts and Process of Public Administration: Western and Islamic perspectives.

1. Development of administrative system in Islam: a) The administrative system under the

Holy Prophet (saw); Prophet as the head of the state, his executive, judicial, and the

military power and functions, political and social reorganization introduced by prophet

(saw), reconstruction of economic system. b) The administration under the pious Caliphs

and provincial governors; position, power, duties & responsibilities, relation among Caliph,

governor and people

2. Administrative development in the Muslim countries: a) Informal/personal methods;

penetration, penetration of bureaucracy, penetration of the institutions, integration, co-

operation, opposition. b) Formal/Institutional methods, implications, problems and

prospects. c) Contemporary administration in Islam; special reference to Iran.

In course no. 206 (Public Administration in Bangladesh) inputs from Islamic

perspective in this regard might be incorporated into following manner:

1. Shariah philosophy in developing constitution: No state sovereignty, The Government as

a trustee, Ummah based nationalism. Polity and constitutionalism in Islam. Related

constitutional institutions on public affairs. For example, Institution of Shura, Hisbah,

Majalim.

2. In course outline 4, framework of Public Administration from Islamic context innovated

and practiced in caliphate system may be adhered by the following : i) The set up of


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Diwans, Al-Qada, Shuratic Council, ii) The set up of provincial government, iii) District or

regional administration.

3. Shariah rulings practicing mechanisms of Kholapha-e-Rashedin to governance

(punishment of administrative corruption) corruption may be incorporated into the course

out line 4.

4. Public Accountability in Islam: Conceptual framework, The system of accountability,

Answerability of subordinate towards superior hierarchically, System of answerability of

government to mass people directly, Answerability of government to sovereign power.

Different institutions to control: Hisba, Majalim. The institution of Shura and its control,

Judiciary and its control of executive.

5. Governance and Islamic focus: The variables of Islamic governance, Rule of law,

Transparency, Responsiveness, Equity, Participation, accountability, Effectiveness and

Efficiency. High light the practices of prophet (saw) and Kholapha-e-Rashedin in

understanding the variables of governance.

6. Administrative law in Islam: modesty and simplicity, conditions for feasibility.

7. In the course outline Role of Bureaucracy in policy making, Shariah tenets of ethical

values for administrator and practicing reference of Kholapha-e-Rashedin may be integrated

here.

In course no . 102 (Political Theory and Organization) inputs from Islamic perspective in

this regard might be incorporated into following manner:

1. A new outline entitled Political development: An Islamic perspective may be adheredafter the course outline1. The topics under this title are; a) The divine Shariah, sources of

Shariah, b) The Islamic political system and its elements: Sovereignty general and

sovereignty Allah alone, Trusteeship, sources of Islamic law; The Quran, Sunnah and

others, freedom, justice, equality, enforcement of morality, shura, fundamental rights, c)

Relationship between politics and religion, d) Is Islam a theocracy?, e) Objections to


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secularism, f) Principles of caliphate, g) Path to Islamic political development and the role of

Islamist. h) Nationalism and humanism ------ only one element to unify nation states.

2. In course outline 2. the following fields to study from Islamic perspective are to be

integrated: a) On Islamic democracy, b) Doctrines of separation of power in Islam, c) Rule

of law, d) Electoral process and forms of government, e) Principle of judicial review of

administration,

Concluding Remarks: Islamization of knowledge in present intellectual world is developed

as a new paradigm of study as exploring and reconciling the epistemological perspective

based on Islamic spirit with the western secular studies. Islam is so broad and dynamic that

it can encompass a variety of perspectives within the social sciences. So inventing space

and methods to effectualize the material and metaphysical perspectives of Islam with the

existing non spiritual modern thought is the demand of time.

Reading Materials:

Ali,Y. A.(1983), The Holy Quran, Text Translation and Commentary, AmanaCorporation,Lahore.

Alam, S. (1976) (eds). Hazrat Ali (R ), A Classic Administrative Policy Letter To Malik IbnHaris Ahster, Islamic Foundation Bangladesh, Dhaka.

At-Tamawi (1970), quoted from Administrative Development: An Islamic Perspective,Muhammad Al- Bureay, (1885), Kegan Paul Intenational Limited, London and New York.

Bureay, A. M. (1885), Administrative Development: An Islamic Perspective, Kegan PaulInternational Limited, London and New York.

Hasan, M. U. (1982), Hadrat Umar Farooq, Islamic Publications Ltd. Lahore, Pakistan.

Jabnoun, N. (1994), Islam and Management, Jalan Telawi, Bangsar Baru, Kuala Lumpur.

Kader, A. A. (1991), Khalaphat: Mulniti O Baisistha, Thintadara Prakashani, Dhaka.

Kreitner, R.(2000), Total Quality Management: Management Organization and Strategy.Second Editiion. South Western, Thomson Learner,

Murtuza, A., Islamic Antecedents for Financial Accountabilityin International Journal of Islamic Financial Services, VoI. 4, No. 1.

Mustofa, I.M. (1995) Accountability: Meaning Dimension and Mechanism in Social ScienceReview. A Journal of Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Dhaka Vol. XII, 141-160.


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Nusair, N. (1995) The External Critics of Public Administration: A comparative Perspective in Journal of Islamic Administration, Department of Public Administration, University of Chittagong, Vol. 1, 80-90.

Noor, A. (1999), Loke Prasasone Loke Jababdihita: Adunic o Islami Paddati, in Journal of

Islamic Administation, Islamic Administration Study Centre (IASC), University of Chittagong,Vol. 4-5, No. 1,76-88.

Rahman, A.R.A. (1998), Issues in Corporate Accountability and Governance: An IslamicPerspective in The American Journal of Islamic Social Science, Vol.15,55-69.

Sadeq, A.H.M. and Ahmad, A.K. eds. (2004), Quality Management: Islamic Perspective,Islamic Foundation Bangladesh, First Edition, Dhaka.

Sadeq, A.H.M. and Ahmad, A.K. eds. (2004). Ethics in Business and Management Islamicand Mainstream Approaches, Islamic Foundation Bangladesh, Dhaka.

Sharfuddin, I.M. (1995) Toward An Islamic Administrative Theory, in Journal of IslamicAdministration, Department of Public Administration, University of Chittagong, Vol. I, 49-67.

Seddique, M.E.M. (1994), Rasul Muhammad (sm) aer Saker Kathamo, Islamic FoundationBangladesh, Dhaka.

Siddiqi, A. H. and Shad, A. R.(1981), Selections from the Holy Quran and Ahadith, KaziPublications, Lahore.

Siddiqi, J.U.M.B.H. and Noor, A.(1995), Mahanabi (sm) aer Proshasion Babastha,in Journalof Islamic Administation, Islamic Administration Study Centre (IASC), University of Chittagong, Vol. I, No. 1,92-112.

Sahidullah, M.(1995), Kholapha-e-Rashadin aer Proshasion Babastha, in Journal of IslamicAdministation, Islamic Administration Study Centre (IASC), University of Chittagong, Vol. I,No. 1,113-129.

Seddique, M.A.J. (1980), Translated. Khalaphat aer Etihas, Islamic Foundation Bangladesh,Dhaka.

Taimiah, I.I. (1987), Shariathi State System, Islamic Foundation Bangladesh, Dhaka.

Thompson, V. A. etc.,(1964), Public Administration, New York: Alfred A. Knopf.

Watt, W.M. (1988), Muhammad At Medina, Oxfrod University Press, Second Impression,Oxford.

Existing course outlines:

Course No-102

Public Administration: Concept and TheoriesCourse Outline


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1. (i) Public Administration: Definition, Nature, Scope.(ii) Paradigm, Theories and Approaches.(iii) The content of Public Administration, Public Administration and Society, Public

Administration and Political Systems, Public Administration and Policy Making

2. Major Concepts in Public Administration: Hierarchy, Span of Control, Specialization,

Centralization, Decentralization, Co-ordination, Planning, Motivation, Communication,Authority, Power, Control, Leadership, Bureaucracy and Decision-Making.

3. Organization Theory: Classical, Neo-Classical and Modern

4. Behavioral Management Theory, The Human Relations Movement. The HawthorneStudies.

5. Integrating Perspective for Management: Systems Theory/ Contingency Theory.

6. Concepts and process of Public Administration: Western and Islamic perspective7. Administrative Discretion and Ethics in Administration

Course No-105Political Theory and OrganizationCourse Outline

1. Political Theory: Political Science, Definition, Scope and Methods, FundamentalConcepts: Society, Community, State and Association, Sovereignty, Law, Liberty andEquality, Leadership, Nation, Nationalism, Islamic Concepts of Society: State,Government, Law, Liberty and Equality.

2. Political Organization: Classification of Constitution, The Methods of EstablishingConstitution, The Methods of Establishing Constitution, Constitutional Government,The Concept of Constitution and Constitutionalism in Islam, Forms of Government,

Democracy and Dictatorship, Unitary and Federal System, Presidential andparliamentary Organs of Government, Legislature, Executive, Judiciary, Theory of Separation of Powers, Rule of Law, Electorate, Political Party, Pressure Groups andElite, Bureaucracy, The Military.

3. Political Party and Public Opinion.

Course No-206Public Administration in BangladeshCourse Outline1. The Philosophy of the constitution of Bangladesh and its provisions on Public

Administration System.2. The Administrative history of Bangladesh.3. Ecology of Public Administration in Bangladesh.4. Framework of Public Administration in Bangladesh:

a) The Secretariat Set up and the Attached Departments/ Directorate, Constitutionalbodies.b) Field Administration and Local Government Agencies.

5. Administrative Corruption: Its Nature and meaning, Maintenance of Discipline.6. Public Accountability, Ombudsman.7. Role of Bureaucracy in Policy Making.8. Administrative Reforms in Bangladesh.


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9. Problems and Issue of Public Administration in Bangladesh.

Comments on the paper Presented by Dr. Begum Rokshana Mili

Md. Gias UddinAssociate professor

Dept. of Politics Public Administration, IU, Kustia

The curriculum paper, designed and presented by Dr. Rokshana Milli is a cumbersome job.She has rightly down the things as suitable for the department of Polities and PublicAdministration. Still our department has some courses on Islamic attachment. In future formore Islamization of curriculum her opinion will be given importance. And InshallahMembers of the Committee of Courses will extend their co-operation for smoothimplementation of Islamic guidelines in the curriculum.

By Prof. Dr. Md. Mosharraf HossainDept of Management, I.U

Thanks the paper presenter for nice and thought provoking paper. She did a very good jobby giving hard labor. As it is the new philosophy especially in Bangladesh. She has givensome guidelines for Islamizing the curriculum of syllabus of Politics and Public

administration under Islamic University. On my opinion, her effort could be more effective,if she could provide learning objectives for each course. She could also incorporate Islamicviews with conventional views with each course. I have some observation regarding title of the course Bangladesh Public Administration. There is no congruence the title and context of the course. So either the little a context of the course can be modified. GenerallyBangladesh Public Administration is containing the practice of public administration inBangladesh. Here could incorporate prospered Islamic view with each content. One thing weshould keep it in mind that for complementing any non conventional idea. First culturesshould be developed and it should prove that new concept is better then that of conventional kinds. We should have more expertise Knowledge on the subject matter of developing the literature before introduction/or changing/ preferring curriculum. I thankIslamic University should play the pivotal role in Islamizing knowledge at the highereducation of Bangladesh. Thank you all.

Source: www.i-epistemology.net

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