An Islamic Approach to Humanities

Paper published as:

Plenary speech at 2nd International Congress on Islamic Humanities, organized by Center for Cultural and Social Research, Iran. Title of Talk: “An Islamic Approach to Humanities.” This paper is closely related to Deification of Science and Its Disastrous Consequences. Also, a version of this was delivered as a Distance Learning Lecture from IRTI Jeddah, under the title "A New Methodology for Islamic Economics." For more related works, see my page on Social Sciences.

This is the MAIN PAGE for METHODOLOGY, especially of Islamic Economics

Zaman,Asad "An Islamic Approach to Humanities," Journal of King Abdul Aziz University, v. 27 #2, p3-27, 2014/1435

Abstract: The methodology of science is suitable for material substances subject to laws, but not for humans with free will. “Social science” was born from the misconception that application of the scientific method to human beings and societies would lead to remarkable progress. However, this approach has failed in many different ways, documented below. Islam provides us with a radically different approach to the study of human beings and societies, predicated on human freedom to choose between good and evil. This approach is delineated below.

One of the consequence of excluding the normative from knowledge has been the decline of morality in the west.

Paper is attached at bottom of page

Please be informed that Volume 27 -02 (2014) of Journal of Islamic Economics (officially known as ‘Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Islamic Economics’) has been uploaded. Please visit http://iei.kau.edu.sa/Pages-VOL-27-02.aspx and if there is any feedback please feel free to contact me (kmalam@kau.edu.sa ) or Editor in Chief miqbal@kau.edu.sa , Thank you..

Western Social Science - Some articles on Western Social Science

The Emergence of Science - WEA Post related to Islamic origins of science, and its deification in the West. Also contains many links to relevant materials

Spirituality and Development - Link to Video lectures on this topic, delivered via videoconferencing to Students at Cambridge

Spirituality & Development - Lecture to Cambridge University Students. part 1

Scientific Method: Islamic Origins - This lecture explains how the Scientific Method originated in the Islamic Civilization, and was borrowed by the West, but NEVER correctly understood.

Origins of Western Social Science - Lecture 2 in course on Islamic Economics, with related materials

Directions for Muslim Scholars in the Social Sciences - Three Myths fostered by a Western Education

Countering Western Myths about Knowledge - Before discussion methodology for acquiring knowledge, it is essential to be clear on WHAT IS KNOWLEDGE (epistemology). In this area, Western philosophy is seriously in error, and generates huge misconceptions about the nature of knowledge. These are explained here