Islamization of Knowledge: A Focus on Theory and 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 Reform 2-3 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, and on 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 nonWestern 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 sub disciplines, namely, curriculum, counseling, management, instruction, and evaluation. Curriculum is so important that it has been named the queen of educational sciences. Curriculum is a reflection of the educational philosophy of the institution 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, cooperation, 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 understanding the variables of governance. Kholapha-e-Rashedin in

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 adhered after 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 Corporation,Lahore.

Holy

Quran,

Text

Translation

and

Commentary,

Amana

Alam, S. (1976) (eds). Hazrat Ali (R ), A Classic Administrative Policy Letter To Malik Ibn Haris 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 Paul International 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 Science Review. 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 Islamic Perspective 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 Islamic and Mainstream Approaches, Islamic Foundation Bangladesh, Dhaka. Sharfuddin, I.M. (1995) Toward An Islamic Administrative Theory, in Journal of Islamic Administration, Department of Public Administration, University of Chittagong, Vol. I, 49-67. Seddique, M.E.M. (1994), Rasul Muhammad (sm) aer Saker Kathamo, Islamic Foundation Bangladesh, Dhaka. Siddiqi, A. H. and Shad, A. R.(1981), Selections from the Holy Quran and Ahadith, Kazi Publications, Lahore. Siddiqi, J.U.M.B.H. and Noor, A.(1995), Mahanabi (sm) aer Proshasion Babastha,in Journal of 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 Islamic Administation, 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), Oxford. Muhammad At Medina, Oxfrod University Press, Second Impression,

Existing course outlines: Course No-102 Public Administration: Concept and Theories Course 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 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. Organization Theory: Classical, Neo-Classical and Modern Behavioral Management Theory, The Human Relations Movement. The Hawthorne Studies. Integrating Perspective for Management: Systems Theory/ Contingency Theory. Concepts and process of Public Administration: Western and Islamic perspective Administrative Discretion and Ethics in Administration Course No-105

2.

3. 4.

5. 6. 7.

Political Theory and Organization Course Outline 1. Political Theory: Political Science, Definition, Scope and Methods, Fundamental Concepts: Society, Community, State and Association, Sovereignty, Law, Liberty and Equality, Leadership, Nation, Nationalism, Islamic Concepts of Society: State, Government, Law, Liberty and Equality. Political Organization: Classification of Constitution, The Methods of Establishing Constitution, 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 and parliamentary Organs of Government, Legislature, Executive, Judiciary, Theory of Separation of Powers, Rule of Law, Electorate, Political Party, Pressure Groups and Elite, Bureaucracy, The Military. Political Party and Public Opinion.

2.

3.

Course No-206 Public Administration in Bangladesh Course Outline 1. 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, Constitutional bodies. 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 Uddin Associate 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 Public Administration. Still our department has some courses on Islamic attachment. In future for more Islamization of curriculum her opinion will be given importance. And Inshallah Members of the Committee of Courses will extend their co-operation for smooth implementation of Islamic guidelines in the curriculum.

By Prof. Dr. Md. Mosharraf Hossain Dept of Management, I.U Thanks the paper presenter for nice and thought provoking paper. She did a very good job by giving hard labor. As it is the new philosophy especially in Bangladesh. She has given some 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 Islamic views 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. Generally Bangladesh Public Administration is containing the practice of public administration in Bangladesh. Here could incorporate prospered Islamic view with each content. One thing we should keep it in mind that for complementing any non conventional idea. First cultures should 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 thank Islamic University should play the pivotal role in Islamizing knowledge at the higher education of Bangladesh. Thank you all.

Source: www.i-epistemology.net

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