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2013. Norazmi Anas, Dr. Engku Ahmad Zaki Engku Alwi, Dr. Mohd. Hudzari Haji Razali, Roose Nilawati Subki & Nor Aini Abu
Bakar. This is a research/review paper, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0
Unported License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/), permitting all non-commercial use, distribution, and
reproduction inany medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
The Integration of Knowledge in Islam: Concept
and Challenges
Norazmi Anas , Dr. Engku Ahmad Zaki Engku Alwi , Dr. Mohd. Hudzari Haji Razali ,
Roose Nilawati Subki & Nor Aini Abu Bakar
Abstract - Integration is an approach/process which can be from the increase of demand in this field of studies each
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used in the educational sector to create a madani generation year from the school level to the higher institution of
of multidisciplinary knowledge. Integration is defined as a learning. This positive response from both parents and
merger between two or several races (factors, sectors etc) as
students is brought about by the acceptance of the
a union or consolidation. The Muslims are obligated to master
society towards the significance and the encouraging
various forms of knowledge beginning with the Islamic
traditional knowledge of faith (akidah), syariah and morals future prospects of this field of knowledge. The
establishments of administrative institutions and Islamic 20
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(akhlak). The understanding of the Islamic knowledge together
with that of the modern worlds can lead to the emergence of organizations have opened up employment
A
s history has it, the knowledge of Islamic Studies integration with the corpus of knowledge today by
was a traditional form of knowledge in Islamic highlighting that the integration of knowledge and
civilization and was taught at various levels of religion refers to the integration of knowledge and Islam
learning process, namely hut schools, madrasah and as a unit. Muhammad Muda (2008) cites examples from
religious schools. Meanwhile, the aristocrats, rulers and programs at Academy of Islamic Studies Universiti
the wealthy people underwent formal education in Malaya (APIUM) which currently integrate Islamic
Islamic Studies taught in the palace (Abdul Monir Studies and modern studies such as management,
Yaacob, 2003). Nowadays, the interest among students economics and computer science. In the past,
towards Islamic Studies is undeniable. This is evident researches conducted on the integration of Islamic
Studies focused on the history, the development of
Islamic-based public institution of higher learning and
Author : Academy of Contemporary Islamic Studies (ACIS) UiTM the current reality of Islamic Studies in the era of
Pahang, Kuantan Campus, Jalan Bukit Sekilau, Kuantan, Pahang,
Malaysia. E-mail : norazmianas@pahang.uitm.edu.my globalization.
Author : Associate Prof. Faculty of Islamic Contemporary Studies, Muhammad Muda (2008) states that Universiti
Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Gong Badak Campus, Kuala Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) through its Faculty of
Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia. E-mail : drkuzaki@unisza.edu.my Islamic Studies offers not only Islamic Studies programs
Author : Faculty of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Universiti Sultan
Zainal Abidin, Gong Badak Campus, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu,
but also integrate those programs with other fields of
Malaysia. E-mail : mohdhudzari@unisza.edu.my studies such as economics and ICT. These integrations
Author : Academy of Language Studies (ALS), UiTM Pahang, allow students to learn Islamic Studies and modern
Kuantan Campus, Jalan Bukit Sekilau, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia. studies collectively. Wan Suhaimi Wan Abdullah & Mohd
E-mail : roosensubki@pahang.uitm.edu.my
Author : Academy of Language Studies (ALS), UiTM Pahang,
Fauzi Hamat (2008) focus on the history and current
Kuantan Campus, Jalan Bukit Sekilau, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia. development of Islamic Studies at Academy of Islamic
E-mail : noraini_abakar@pahang.uitm.edu.my Studies Universiti Malaya (APIUM). At present, APIUM
offers programs that integrate Islamic Studies and the successfully produced graduates from the
sciences at foundation level at APIUM Nilam Puri, integration of the application of knowledge in
Kelantan. From here, the integration of Islamic Studies science and technology with Islamic knowledge in
and Bachelor degree in Applied Science leads to nine one educational program (Ajmain@Jimaain Safar &
programs of studies with majors in Science and Ramli Awang, 2008).
Environmental Management, Information Technology, Statements by Muhamad Muda (2008), Wan
Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Ecology & Biodiversity, Suhaimi & Mohd Fauzi Hamat (2008), Abdul Manam Bin
Genetic & Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biohealth Mohamad & Kamarudin Salleh (2008) and
Science and Bioinformatics. In 2007, APIUM produced Ajmain@Jamaain Safar & Ramli Awang (2008) are
its first graduates of 39 who completed their studies in strongly supported by Abdul Shukor Haji Husin (2008)
Bachelor degree in Applied Science and Islamic Studies and Marzuki Haji Mahmood (2003). They state that
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(UM, 2007). This proves that Universiti Malaya is Islamic Studies now need to be more open in the
committed in producing quality graduates who are exploration of knowledge not only concentrating solely
skilled in multidisciplinary knowledge. on the knowledge of Islamic Studies but need to also
Abdul Manam bin Mohamad & Kamarudin highlight new and modern knowledge such as
20
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52 Salleh (2008) debate on Islamic Studies at KUSZA (now biotechnology, space exploration, economics &
known as UniSZA) from the historical view and the muamalat, finance & social science, leadership &
programs offered since its establishment. One of the management, science & technology, information &
Global Journal of Human Social Science (G ) Volume XIII Issue X Version I
objectives of KUSZAs establishment is to create information technology, architecture & engineering etc.
Islamic-based professionals and semi-professionals. As such, Muslims need to grab this opportunity in order
Therefore, based on this objective, it is clear that KUSZA to develop the society and promote the socioeconomic
has set the integration of Islamic Studies and modern status and customs comparable to that of the western
studies as a target to be achieved in developing Islamic society.
society. Among the integration programs offered are Several researches have been carried out by
Diploma in Islamic Studies and Information Technology, overseas scholars pertaining to the integration of
Bachelor degree in Social Science (Anthropology and knowledge particularly Islamic Studies. Among them
Dakwah) and Bachelor degree in Islamic Studies are Huzni Thoyyar (t.t) and Mohamad Solikin (2008).
(Usuluddin and Counseling). These two scholars raise the concept of knowledge
Ajmain@Jimaain Safar & Ramli Awang (2008) integration in general and its relevance to Islamic
highlights the history of Islamic Studies at Universiti Studies. Huzni Thoyyar (t.t) highlights the knowledge
Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). UTM through its Centre of integration models and the capacity to develop Islamic
Islamic Studies and Social Development (PPIPS) has set knowledge on the right path. He further states that there
that one of the objectives of PPIPSs establishment is to are several factors that trigger the integration of
produce professional manpower who understands Islam knowledge particularly Islamic Studies. First, the history
in various sectors such as education, science of science and religion. Second, the strong pressure
management and technology. This objective is from scholars who oppose the freedom of science.
appropriate and consistent with the philosophy of the Third, the crisis that occurs from science and
university and the philosophy of education for the nation. technology. Fourth, Muslims fall behind in science and
Thus, to achieve the objective, UTM has offeredseveral technology. The abovementioned factors lead to the
integration programs between Islamic Studies and other emergence of several knowledge integration models:
fields such as diploma courses and Bachelor degree in
i. IFIAS Model
Science and Education (Islamic Studies). In these
ii. ASASI Model
programs, PPIPS and the Education Faculty of UTM
iii. Islamic Worldview Model
have set two major objectives, namely:
iv. Structure of Islamic Knowledge Model
i. Graduates are capable of completing tasks in
v. Bucaillisme Model
Islamic Studies and teaching profession, skillful in
vi. Knowledge Integration based on Classical
applying information technology as well as possess
Philosophy Model
generic skills to complement the role of a teacher
vii. Knowledge Integration based on Tasawuf Model
with good morals, creative, innovative and effective
viii. Knowledge Integration based on Fiqh Model
in education career.
ix. Ijmali Group Model
ii. Graduates are capable of disseminating and
x. Aligargh Group Model
integrating Islamic knowledge and ready to make
positive changes in the field of learning and Therefore, Huzni Thoyyar (t.t) in his research
teaching and pursue independent studies in deduces that there are only ten (10) knowledge
enhancing knowledge and acquiring new skills in integration models that merge Islamic Studies and
Islamic Studies. Therefore, UTM is seen to have general knowledge.
Mohamad Solikin (2008) discusses the concept of and wide within its purview. The Syariah knowledge is
knowledge integration and religion according to Ismail also associated with other names such as fikah or fiqh,
Raji Al-Faruqi dan Kuntowijoyo. In his study, he the statutory law, nas or basis of Syariah law and
compares the concept of knowledge integration and Syariah masadir or resources.The debate revolves
religion (Islamic Studies) involving the thoughts of two around the knowledge about maqasid Syariah or Islamic
prominent Islamic figures, Ismail Raji Al-Faruqi and Syariah purposes. Wan Mohd Nasir Wan Abd wahab
Indonesian intellectual Kuntowijoyo. The relationship (2011) divides maqasid Syariah into three types, namely
between knowledge and religion has created some dharuriyyat, hajiyat and tahsiniyat. AB. Latif (2003)
changes either in integration or secularism. Integration explains that some of the purposes of the Islamic
involves the process of reuniting knowledge and Islam. Syariah are to uphold justice, coordinate human life,
Separating these two elements may lead to secularism educate individuals, form the purposes and goals of the
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which can have disastrous effects on Islamic civilization. community, so that the moral rights, set rules and justice
The fundamental concept proposed by Mohamad can take care of the well-being of human beings.
Solikin (2008) is the integration of modern/general Rasid Muhamad (2010) states that moral
knowledge and religion referring to the union of debate usually focuses on two main issues, namely, the
knowledge and Islam that are never again separated. properties of praise (mahmudah) and reprehensible 20
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This general observation is based on the comparison properties (mazmumah). This description is supported
made on the thoughts of the two selected prominent by Mohd Asri Abdullah et al. (2009) stating that human
IV. Present Challenges of Knowledge iv. Provide adequate time for the process of
improvement of the Islamic Studies curriculum.
Integration
In this regard, the recommendations above are
According to Muhamad Muda (2008), Islamic likely to have a positive impact on graduates in facing
Education in Malaysia has to go through various challenges after graduating.
challenges in order to uphold Islam in the world arena. A The next challenge is to design a holistic
variety of accusations and ridicule about Islam have integrated curriculum encompassing Islamic studies as
caused many Muslims to be influenced by Western well as other fields of modern knowledge. Abdul Shukor
propaganda which leads them to slowly straying away Hj. Husin (2008) says that it is time for the Muslims to
from the teachings of Islam. His article focuses on the master not only knowledge of Islamic tradition but also
four key challenges and the realities of Islamic that of modern sciences. Its purpose is to help Muslims
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Education in Malaysia today. achieve success in life and rebuild the weak Muslim
The first challenge involves the Government or structure in order to create a new generation of
the Ministry of Education (MOE) to coordinate the knowledgeable and skilled Muslims. It is time for Islamic
existing school curriculum so that it is in line with the Studies courses be integrated with other professional
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54 requirements of the universities. Candidates with Islamic courses such as accounting, engineering, medicine,
Studies background have limited choices of programs counseling and others. This recommendation is in line
offered at the universities. This is because the subjects with the National Higher Education Strategic Planning
Global Journal of Human Social Science (G ) Volume XIII Issue X Version I
taken at school levels are incompatible with these (NHESP), launched by the Prime Minister on 27 August
programs. As a result, these students do not have the 2007. The concept of human capital embodied in the
opportunities to take up other disciplines such as PSPTN, is also in line with the philosophy of National
Science and Technology, only programs pertaining to Education in the Education Act 1996. This involves
Islamic Studies are opened to them. Therefore, those developing individuals potential in a holistic and
responsible in designing the school education system comprehensive manner to produce a balanced
need to look into this and take measures and initiatives population who is intellectually, spiritually, emotionally
to review the current syllabus so that it meets the needs and physically stable based on trust and adherence to
of the programs offered at the higher institution of God (Zaini Ujang, 2009).
learning. This recommendation is in line with Abdul The latest challengeis to putIslamic educationin
Shukor Hj. Husins (2008) statement that appreciation of parallel position with religion and industry. Islamic
knowledge should not be limited to mere Islamic studies educationis on eelement that can push Malaysiato
but also serious emphasis on modern sciences and achieve Vision 2020. One ofthe visions contained in the
technology. vision 2020 is to create alabor force that is not only
knowledge able and skillfulbut also with high morals and
The second challenge involves graduates
ethical standards. In today's world, the industrial sectors
competing for employment opportunities. In this era of
provide enough jobs for the population.
globalization, graduates are required to be well-versed
Industries play a very important rolein forming a
in a variety of disciplines and skills to attract employers
better, more comfortableand competitive society. To be
to offer them jobs. Islamic Studies graduates have been
really comfortable, religious factors must be in
seen to have basic ethics, values and integrity of Islamic
corporated in the daily work practices. At present, food
knowledge, but current employment sectors require
production is an important issue, particularly in Islamic
other additional skills such as interpersonal skills
countries in order to over come the problems of
(communication skills) and information and communi-
malnutrition and hunger. With out adequatenutrition, the
cation technology (ICT) in their job applications.
Muslim community cannotlead a healthy and
Therefore, there is a need to integrate all these
comfortable life.Technological applications such asbio-
additional skills at higher levels so that the skills needed
food techno-logy used to solve the problem of food
for employment are met. Muhamad Muda (2008) gives
shortages is seen to have a positive impact on society.
four suggestions to help overcome this challenge:
The technology used must however, be guided so as
i. Subjects which are professional in nature should be not to endanger the users. Thus, knowledge of the
incorporated into the existing curriculum. Islamic religion applied in industrial sectors leads to
ii. Graduates who are well-versed in both disciplines of cautious manipulation of technology.
Islamic Studies and professional knowledge must
be increased to meet the needs of the employment V. Conclusion
sector. The Integrationof Islamic knowledge and the
iii. Strong support should be given to those who strive Westhasa positive impact leading to a better life,in line
to seek improvement in the quality of Islamic with the rapid development of today's world. Muslim
Studies. community can apply the knowledge of science and
technology together with other foreign knowledge as Institusi Pengajian Tinggi articel fromMemahami Isu-
required by Islamic lawto attaina civilizedstandard of Isu Pendidikan Islam di Malaysia (2003) terbitan
livingin terms of morality, ethicsandhuman capital and in IKIM, Kuala Lumpur. Page 179 -198.
turnto achievemardhatillah. 15. Mohd Asri Abdullah et al. (2006). Prinsip-prinsip
Asas Islam : Islam dan Akidah. Shah Alam : UPENA.
References Rfrences Referencias 16. Mohd Asri Abdullah et al. (2009). Prinsip-prinsip
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(2008). KUSZA Sebuah Institusi Pengajian Tinggi pembangunan tamadun. Nilai : KUIM.
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Pengajian Tinggi Islam di Malaysia (2008) terbitan menurut Ismail Raji Al-Faruqi dan Kuntowijoyo.
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