Contents

Abstract Preface Acknowledgement I. II. III. IV. Introduction Muhammad Abduhs Environment and Works Muhammad Abduhs Contributions to Modernity The Idea of Science and Technology: an Exposition of Muhammad Abduhs Worldview V. VI. Muhammad Abduhs Scientific Views in the Quran Conclusion

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References Glossary Index

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Preface

This work offers an extensive and detailed analysis of Muhammad Abduhs contributions to science and technology. It brings into focus his ideas on modernity, his dynamic philosophy and enormous contribution to science and technology, and his undisputed and authoritative scientific commentary of the Quran, i.e. TafsirJuz Amma and Tafsir al-Manar (The Manar Commentary). The Tafsir reflects a scientific methodology of Quranic exegesis, in projecting and crafting an innovative and rational explanation of the text, which illustrates Abduhs aspiration and passion for reform anda powerful scientific approach to the Quran. The preparation of this work is closely monitored and supervised by two senior professors of the International Islamic University Malaysia. Associate Professor Dr. Abdi Omar Shuriye and Professor Dr. Ahmad Faris Ismail have consistently work with the present author from the very beginning of the project and substantively contributing their ideas and committing their critical views to reevaluate the ideas and restructure the drafts. Much of the ideas presented in this work have been thoroughly revised and amended by the learned professors, who have furnished and espoused sophisticated views and outline prcised method to be employed in this work, especially the need to substantiate arguments with proof. This special interest and continuous support have been instrumental in the development and realization of this work in its final form. This work form an important part of my research project at the Department of Science, Kulliyyah of Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia to produce an original piece of research on Abduhs contribution to science and technology. It is an important initiative and dynamic project of the University to encourage the drive of research among Post Doctoral
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Researcher and realized its aspiration and dream of becoming a renowned centre for learning and research. Pursuing this dynamic vision, the University aspire to become a leading international centre of educational excellence which seeks to restore the dynamic and progressive role of the Muslim Ummah in all branches of knowledge, and endeavors to inspire intellectual dynamism and restore a leading and progressive role of the Muslim Ummah in all branches of knowledge and inculcate a worldview of tawhid and the Islamic philosophy of the unity of knowledge as well as its concept of holistic education. The significant ideas of Muhammad Abduhs scientific thought was backed by a concise and authoritative tafsir (Tafsir Juz Amma and al-Manar) which offers fresh interpretation and reinterpretation of Islamic ideals and have consistently been the foundation of his chief ideas on science and technology. This work attempts to highlight this significant ideas and his achievement to revitalize Islamic science and technology, and his role to restore scientific spirit and revive technological practice, contributing to the flowering of ideas and promising growth and making better future for tomorrows science and technology.

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Acknowledgement

I would like to take this opportunity to record my gratitude to many people who have been instrumental in the realization of this project. First and foremost, I would like to record special thanks to my supervisor, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdi Omar Shuriye for the precision of ideas and practical style in supervising and directing this work, and whose interest in the subject was reassuring and stimulating in my undertaking of such a daunting and formidable task. Exceptional thanks goes to Prof. Dr. Ahmad Faris Ismail for his generosity and kindness and resolve to pursue this project, offering his inspiring ideas and challenging advice throughout and sharing his drive to extend research and innovative work and discover new ideas and groundbreaking thoughts. Last but not least, I would like to extend my utmost thanks to dedicated staffs at the Department of Science Kulliyyah of Engineering, Brother Ridhwan and Sister Nora at the Centre for Postgraduate Studies, Sister Asyikin and Sister Rohaida at Research Management Centre and Librarians at Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attass Library International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC), International Islamic University Malaysia for their magnanimous support and encouragement.

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